Buckle Up for Thrills: A Review of Our Passenger Drifting Experience

Looking for a gift idea that will leave the recipient talking for weeks? A passenger drifting experience could fit the bill perfectly. Not only is it packed with adrenaline-pumping excitement, but it’s also a unique way to step out of the mundane gift-giving loop and into something unforgettable.

Last year, We booked a drifting experience for my 18-year-old son. We’re always on the hunt for experience-based gifts, something to blow the socks off someone who seems to already have everything. I found the deal on Buyagift, though you’d probably be able to hunt it down on other platforms too. With visions of screeching tyres, roaring engines, and the sheer thrill of drifting precision, we were all set.

Here’s the truth about the highs—and the slight lows—of our drifting adventure.

What Is a Passenger Drifting Experience?

Drifting, in case you’re unfamiliar, is a high-octane motor racing technique where the driver deliberately oversteers, causing the car’s rear tyres to lose traction while maintaining total control. Sounds thrilling? It is.

A passenger drifting experience lets you ride with a professional driver who knows how to manipulate every curve and corner like a magician. These events are typically hosted at designated tracks, complete with safety briefings and professional equipment. Ours, however, was on an old airfield.

If you’ve been Googling “experience gift idea for thrill-seekers,” this definitely ticks the box.

Why It’s a Great Day Out (Mostly)

The Thrill Factor? 10/10

The actual ride? Absolutely electrifying. Ben still lights up when he talks about the experience, tyres squealing while he held on for dear life. It’s amazing to witness the skill of the drivers and to feel like you’re part of a real stunt car action sequence.

And it’s not just geared towards older teens and adults. We spotted children as young as seven or eight there, secured snugly in booster seats, of course, grinning from ear to ear after their rides. It’s an experience truly great for a range of ages.

Suitable for Any Vehicle Enthusiast

For anyone even mildly interested in cars or motorsports, this kind of experience makes a thrilling and memorable gift. Seeing up-close how professionals handle precision driving is an absolute treat. And even if you’re not a petrolhead, there’s something undeniably exhilarating about feeling those controlled drifts and sharp turns in action.

The Not-So-Great Parts

Blink and You’ll Miss It

Now, here’s the part to manage expectations about. The entire drifting experience was done in just five minutes. Yes, you read that right. From the moment my son got into the car to the moment he climbed out.

While the thrill itself is good, I wouldn’t recommend travelling long distances just for this experience alone due to the short time it takes unless you’re combining it with other nearby activities.

Waiting, Waiting… and More Waiting

Another downside worth mentioning was the waiting time. We arrived at the track as instructed and promptly faced quite a bit of standing around before it was his turn to ride. This part felt especially frustrating because, for a five-minute experience, you don’t expect to burn an hour beforehand just waiting. While this seemed to be the nature of a busy venue accommodating lots of participants, it’s something to keep in mind if patience isn’t your strongest point.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift that delivers a solid hit of adrenaline while also being a unique memory-maker, then yes, this gift is absolutely worth considering. The short duration might feel underwhelming, but the high-energy thrill of drifting more than makes up for it, especially for the recipient. Plus, the versatility means it’s suitable for a wide range of ages and comfort levels.

Would I Recommend It?

Ultimately, a passenger drifting experience makes for a fantastic gift idea, especially for adrenaline junkies, car lovers, and anyone open to trying something new. Just a word of advice, keep the travel time short, because for a five-minute thrill, it’s not worth a long-haul trek!

That said, the smiles make it a truly memorable gift. If you know someone who’d love a fast and furious adventure, you can find deals like the one I booked on Buyagift or explore other similar platforms.

Top Tip – if you sign up to Buyagift they have regular offers and also if you look at something and don’t buy it you often get sent a discount for it!