Today I had a close call.

[rick3000]

This is why my dad made me take a defensive driving class when I got my license, and why I now recommend those kinds of classes (and autocross) to everyone who will listen. It sounds like that cyclist was very lucky he pulled in front of you in your drift car. The story would have a very different ending if it had been any other car or driver.

I had a similar experience last year, I was almost t-boned by a drunk Mercedes SLS driver that cut me off (running a red through an intersection) and proceeded to accelerate to 60+ in a 30 zone, and spin into a tree and retaining wall. He came within a foot of my passenger door, but I saw him with just enough time to brake and swerve away (luckily there was no oncoming traffic).

Being alert and aware of your surrounding, especially at night, is essential. It just sucks when a car/bicycle/whatever comes out of nowhere.

Stay alert out there!