Photography Credit – Dan Fegent/Fueltopia & SAJT Foto

With an impressive line-up of immensely talented drifters from both the UK and Europe, Team Japspeed drivers Paul ‘Smokey’ Smith and Shane Lynch headed to Lydden Hill last weekend to compete in Round 3 of the Monster Energy King of Europe Championship.

Day 1 saw qualifying runs for all 47 drivers. True to form Paul put in an impressive performance throughout, proving to the competing array of drivers just why they call him Smokey Smith. The 2012 Maxxis British Drift Championship winner has always traditionally gone well at Lydden Hill in the past and it’s fair to say both Paul and his 1.5JZ powered S15 wowed the crowds and the judges earning him a very respectful 2nd place in qualifying.

After running without issue during his recent trip to the Top Gear Festival Barbados; Shane Lynch was eager to be back behind the wheel of the Japspeed V8 powered S15 at a competitive drifting event. Drawing on his previous experience of the track Shane impressed during his qualifying runs; ending the day overall qualified in 10th out of 47!

Late into the day Shane unfortunately suffered transmission issues and with the team working throughout the night to get him back in the running the next day; ultimately the decision was made to prevent further risk and rest the car for the weekend. This put a halt to an otherwise impressive performance from Shane who watched on from the side-line supporting his teammate.

Building on his superb performance the day before Paul Smith continued to show the drifters of Europe exactly what he is capable of. With the typically mixed British weather conditions during practice the day could go either way.

Throughout the day Paul Smith faced off against a number of fellow drifters from the Maxxis British Drift Championship including Ryan Cooper, Ricky Emery and Mike Marshall as well as a diverse mix of highly talented drivers from across Europe.

Despite the weather Smokey stayed true to his style proving more than competent throughout the battles Smokey found himself on the podium with fellow Maxxis British Drift Championship driver, Mike Marshall not far behind. After a consistently incredible performance Paul Smith ended the weekend with a trophy in hand as well as a place in the finals.