I came to Drift School USA wanting more than just "go slide the car," and that's exactly what I got. Drift School USA is nestled inside Apple Valley Speedway. It's about a 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas and honestly a pretty easy trip overall, but it's worth noting that a good chunk of the road getting there is dirt. Just take it easy, go slow, and you'll be fine. I have a very analytical, step-by-step kind of mind, and the way Taka Aono teaches made everything click in a way that made sense. His approach is very theory-forward in the best way. Every exercise is tied directly to why you're doing it in the car, not just how. That made it incredibly easy to pinpoint where I was going wrong and, more importantly, how to fix it. Instead of guessing or repeating bad habits, I walked away with clear foundations that I still reference every time I practice and drive. The instruction itself was top tier. Taka is patient, kind, and genuinely invested in making sure you understand before moving on. There was zero pressure and zero ego. I never felt rushed, talked down to, or embarrassed for asking questions. He encouraged them and made sure everything was clear before progressing, which made the whole experience feel safe, confidence-building, and most importantly, enjoyable. The setup is also awesome. The Nissan 240SX I drove is the perfect car to learn in and was thoughtfully equipped with mounts for action cams, so you can get some really cool driving angles (bring your own cameras!). On top of that, his wife, Yukie, is the sweetest person and is present and captures great footage while you're on the track or skid pad, which is such a nice touch and something you don't realize you'll appreciate until you have it. One of the coolest moments was realizing I was being taught by a literal living drift legend. That feeling only got better when a pro drifter stopped by just to chat with Taka. It really puts into perspective how respected he is in the drifting community. If you're new to drifting or even if you've been sliding a bit and feel stuck, this school gives you real tools, real understanding, and a solid foundation you can build on long after the day is over. I left feeling empowered, excited, and genuinely better than when I arrived. Could not recommend Drift School USA more! read more

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