The British Drift Championship is no stranger north of the border with the infamous Knockhill Circuit a mainstay on the calendar in previous years however for the 2016 season the series instead headed to the newly created Driftland Circuit to host the second round of this year’s Championship.

Three drivers and cars ran on top form with each of the team pushing harder and harder on each consecutive run. The last minute dyno session only days before the event had clearly ensured Shane’s 370z was well prepared for this tight and technical layout. Everything was lining up for a fantastic weekend of drifting. With practice over and the Pro event taking place the following day, the drivers could take some down time in the pits and cheer on fellow drifters in the Pro-Am class competition.

An early start on the Sunday morning and the two hours of practice brought to light a few minor technical issues with each of the cars. A faulty crank sensor on the 370z gave fuel-cut issues which were soon swapped out to bring the car back on form. Meanwhile an electrical issue with ‘Smokey’s S15 unfortunately hindered his performance throughout the day. The final issue the team faced was with Matt Carter’s rear quarter which was repeatedly taking abuse from the walled section of the circuit due to Matt’s consistently aggressive and entertaining driving style; loved by the judges and crowds alike.

Heading into qualifying, all Japspeed drivers put down committed and precise performances, placing all three drivers in the top 20. With the arrival of the rain…just in time for the battles, the track conditions became extreme.

Meanwhile Matt Carter faced a series of opponents who fell victim to his aggressive battle driving style…a style which has longed earned him the name ‘doorhunter’ and took him all the way through to the final against Jack Shanahan.

With the persistent rain having only gotten worse throughout the day, the conditions on track made for a very exciting and unpredictable final battle. Both drivers performed exceptionally with equally impressive commitment, aggression, and precision. A very closely matched final called for a tough decision from the judges…a decision which ultimately handed Matt Carter 2nd place and secured Team Japspeed 1st place in the Team Constructors Championship for Round 2.