Go Drifting with an Automatic Transmission Mustang

It’s not easy, ideal, or recommended. But with a little knowledge and skill, you can drift with an automatic transmission Mustang.

Chelsea DeNofa has made a career out of precision driving. Whether it’s road racing, drifting, or stunt driving, his technique and aggressive style mark him as someone to watch. He’s also excellent at communicating what he’s doing, which makes the videos on his YouTube channel essential viewing.

In this particular video, DeNofa takes an automatic transmission Mustang and shows us exactly how to make it drift.

First, the rear wheel speed sensors and the ABS relays need to be disconnected. Assuming that’s done, DeNofa then shows us how to make the smart choices in brakes and tires before getting into actually shredding that rubber.

Burnouts and donuts ease us into the techniques and balance needed to get the back tires loose. There’s no clutch to kick, so drifting an automatic requires a dextrous touch on the wheel and a heavy, yet deft, foot on the throttle. And, of course, liberal use of the handbrake.

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It’s nice to know that being stuck with a rental-spec Mustang doesn’t mean all is lost. There’s way more fun to be had than just looking for somewhere to get it airborne.

Ian Wright

Ian Wright has been a professional writer for two years and is a regular contributor to Corvette Forum, Jaguar Forum, and 6SpeedOnline, among other auto sites.

His obsession with cars started young and has left him stranded miles off-road in Land Rovers, being lost far from home in hot hatches, going sideways in rallycross cars, being propelled forward in supercars and, more sensibly, standing in fields staring at classic cars. His first job was as a mechanic and then trained as a driving instructor before going into media production.

The automotive itch never left though, and he realized writing about cars is his true calling. However, that doesn’t stop him from also hosting the Both Hand Drive podcast.

Ian can be reached at bothhanddrive@gmail.com