When drifting a car you want equal weight placement if at all possible. So for drifting having the battery so it runs parallel with the motor, electronic contoller, and reciever is crucial for proper weight distribution. Now as far as how the batteries are placed in their pack eigther side by side or top to bottom is really just a preference, and by having them in a certain order it can sometimes allow for you to an extra battery ie: a seven cell pack instead of your standard six cell pack. Have fun!