I have been trying to get some interest in some sort of mid-winter skid pad event where we can have one part be instruction, and another be a skid pad challenge of sorts where we see who can make the most circuits in drift.
I have found skid pad practice invaluable in sensing available traction. My Z4 [still] has an open differential, which makes the pad difficult, but I would love to bring my 1994 Miata M out to an event and see what it'll do with its Torsen LSD.
Maybe with enough interest and some coaxing, we can get some winter "beat the rust off" events going.
This was last winter... don't laugh too hard... the surface wasn't consistent since it had ice, slush, and just wet spots. Also, my car isn't set up to drift.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isS-tNQixlk
Still though, it was super fun, and I learned a lot.