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    drifting

    Dec 04 2013

    Drifting at Sydney Motorsport Park in 2014

    Drifting at Sydney Motorsport Park in 2014

    Background

    At the close of 2012 it was decided that the ARDC would trial several forms of drifting at Sydney Motorsport Park in 2013. It was communicated clearly to the drift clubs hiring SMSP facilities and to the drifting community, that 2013 would be a year of trials to see what would be viable – both for SMSP, and for the progress the sport of Drifting in NSW. During the year drifting has occurred on the Wet Skidpan, the Figure 8 (Skid Circuit), and the South Circuit.

    The South Circuit

    The process to licence drift on the South Circuit was formed to encourage people learning to drift to start with the with Wet Skidpan and Figure 8 drift days and nights (run by both the ARDC and customer drift clubs), and progress to the South Circuit for private practice and future competition. Three of Sydney‘s largest drift clubs were invited to develop both private practice and a three-strong drift series on the South Circuit. However the need for more time and organisation for this event saw the latter postponed. Only one club signed up and came on board with the ARDC, and Driftmob have proved to be a fantastic organisation, working tirelessly to provide support and help run the South Circuit Private Practice. Every attempt was made to make South Circuit Private Practice drifting affordable and accessible, from $60 introductory evening sessions, to extended drift evenings under lights and full Saturday drift days. Unfortunately, every single event was undersubscribed, and as the year progressed, the numbers did not increase – instead, they dwindled. Only two of the drift Private Practice events had sufficient numbers, with every other event incurring a loss and, more importantly, not enough support (attendance) from drivers. The trials on the South Circuit also uncovered problems for other users of the track. The amount of rubber put down made the track unsafe the following day, for motorcycles in particular, but also for cars, particularly in the wet. The time required to clean the track for the next day’s use meant many maintenance hours overnight, which also proved to be financially unsustainable.

    Figure 8 Competitions

    In contrast, the Wet Skidpan and Figure 8, along with a new Hi-Tec Oils Figure 8 Drift Series by Motive DVD and ARDC, proved to be an overwhelming success. The Skidpan and Figure 8 are always well subscribed events, and the new series showed the Figure 8 circuit’s amphitheatre setup was perfect for spectators, not as expensive to light and maintain, and drift battles could loop and continue around its configuration easily. Crowd numbers were strong and continued to grow. The other advantage the Figure 8 has is that drifting on it doesn’t impede any other users, and the circuit itself doesn’t suffer any damage or need extensive maintenance following drift sessions.

    2014 – The future

    The 2013 trial has without a doubt proved that Drifting is alive and well in NSW and is a sport that is well subscribed and has a great fan base. However, its success at SMSP has been on the Figure 8, not on the South Circuit. The Skidpan and Figure Eight will be the dedicated facilities for drifting in 2014 at SMSP. The South Circuit will only be used for drifting for large scale events such as Top Gear Festival Sydney and the ADGP. A new major sponsor, Hi-Tec Oils, has also come on board for 2014, leading a three-strong Drift Experience at SMSP in 2014 encompassing Drift tuition, hot laps and an eight-round expansion of the popular Friday night Figure 8 Drift Series (up from three rounds in 2013). The ARDC is very excited about this venture, and what it will do for the sport.

    Written by Samantha Stevens · Categorized: ARDC News, Blog, Major Events, News Archive, SMSP News · Tagged: drifting, motorsport, race

    Jun 18 2013

    Drifting under lights at SMSP

    Drifting under lights at SMSP

    In case you haven’t heard… Drifting is back under lights at SMSP! We have two exciting new drift events to brighten up the dark winter months:

    SYDNEY MOTORSPORT DRFT NIGHTS – UNDER LIGHTS!

    The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) and Driftmob Drift Club present Sydney Motorsport Park Drift Nights Under Lights! These special events will be run on turns 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the SMSP South Circuit on June 20, July 25 and August 22. The track action starts at 5pm and runs until 10:30pm, and includes tandem and trainee runs. Gates open to the public from 3:30pm and spectator entry is only $5 per person. Passenger rides are also available! Click here for all the details.

    Prepay now and save: ARDC and Driftmob Members, Prepaid: $150 Non-members, Prepaid: $200 On the night: $250 all comers Spectator entry: $5 at the gate To reserve your place and receive your discounted entry, call Angela on 0406 669 635 from 5pm-9pm, Monday – Friday.

    FIGURE 8 DRIFT SERIES

    The Figure-8 Drift Series presented by Motive DVD and powered by ARDC is a fun, casual and relaxed night of drifting. Round 1 kicks off on Friday July 19, then Round 2 is Friday August 16 and the final decider on Friday November 1. Action on track begins at 5:30pm and goes until 10:30pm, with Top 16 battles commencing at 8pm. The Figure-8 LAYOUT ensures close door-to-door action as NSW’s best drifters battle it out, while entertainment includes a rooftop bar and DJ, car show and trade stands.

    Enter the full series and save: $150 per round, includes 2 pit crew, or save and pre-enter all three rounds for $400. Spectator entry: $15 at the gate, or prepay online now and save $5!

    See you at the track!

    Written by Samantha Stevens · Categorized: Major Events, News Archive, SMSP News · Tagged: drifting, SMSP

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