Adam it's just alot of practice. No idea on that gear change. Could be where i'm used to my skyline and that makes power right up to the limiter

The key is to drive very smoothly with gentle inputs. I very rarely use full lock and progressivly turn. Duncan is right about the power by feeding it on. The same for the brakes. Try drifting a big power rwd car. You soon learn to be gentle with the controls

For me my better times are when i don't try as hard. If i really try i overdrive the car and end up going slower.