On a halfway serious and almost respectful note, didn't it start in rally racing? I mean, it seems like the rally types spend virtually the whole time with all 4 wheels in minimal contact with the road, which is pretty much the point of drifting, right? To transfer that same thing to dry pavement seems a bit odd to me, but what the heck. Look at it this way -- a sport which consumes massive amounts of tires becomes popular, thus lining the pockets of all of the various tire companies. The tire companies proceed to spend at least some portion of their newfound wealth on R&D for better tires. This research eventually produces a revolutionary upgrade in tire capability, which eventually becomes affordable for the average guy. Average guy named "djmcmath" can then purchase super-spiffy revolutionary tires for his Porsche, thanks to "drifters." I'm all for it.
Dan