The leading lights in the Maxxis British Drifting Championships will converge on Knockhill this weekend (29th / 30th September). This represents the final instalment of the 2012 season, dubbed ‘Judgement Day’ by the BDC organising committee. The BDC will feature alongside our Streetcar Scotland event which will see hundreds of modified and tuned cars gather to celebrate their favourite models.
Knockhill is seen as the ultimate drifting challenge with its blind crests, off camber corners and of course the ‘hot dog’ kerbs. Hitting one of these bad boys can jolt drifters a few feet in the air, never mind the countless bumpers they claimed from BDC competitors last year.
The Drifting circuit starts mid way up the main straight, cars line up before drag racing down towards the first corner (SEAT Curves) at speeds in excess of 100mph. Just as the car is about to turn in, the drifters slap on the handbrake, swing the car sideways and initiate into the first of a series of drifts.
Drivers have to transition their vehicle from side to side through Leslie’s and then Scotsman before finishing at Butcher’s corner. Add into the mix the battle element of the show, which pits two drifters on the track at the same time, literally side by side trying to outdo one another. It’s a real action-packed sight and a total attack on the senses. The scream of the cars can be heard even before they come into sight, then, as they fly past; your nostrils are consumed with the smell of burning rubber. Once the smoke and dust settles and you catch glimpse of the drifters ambling off into the distance, another pair come screeching past.
The weekend offers ample opportunity to see lots of drifting with qualifying, practice and heats. Before the best drifters compete in the final elimination showdown (Sunday). We’ll even have some Scottish interest this year from Team Scotdrift. The lads from Arbroath have kindly attended several Knockhill events this year and here’s hoping that the additional track-time will give them a slight advantage come Sunday afternoon.
This year sees the biggest number of entrants for a BDC round at Knockhill. Eighty competitors will take to the tarmac over Saturday and Sunday split between three class structures; Semi-Pro, Pro and Super-Pro. All three championships will be concluded on Sunday evening and the 2012 BDC Champions will be crowned. Star drifters include former champ Mark Luney, Stephen Biagioni, Matt Carter and of course, Boyzone’s Shane Lynch will be on hand with his mighty Nissan Silvia V8 S15.
See http://www.teamjapspeed.co.uk for more info on Shane
The Knockhill drift circuit is a favourite of all the drivers and requires 100% commitment and a nerve of steel to navigate its tight turns and harsh undulations. Make no mistake the boys and girls from the BDC will be looking to put on a great show. If the drifting action isn’t enough to get you hot tailing it to Knockhill, we’ll also have FREE Drag and Drift competitions during lunchtime, Club Stands, Trade Stands and some very impressive bits of kit lined up throughout the venue.
You can purchase tickets for both Saturday and Sunday for the BDC element of the show. However the main supporting show (Streetcar Scotland) and BDC finals will take place on Sunday 30th September.
Sat Tickets (1.30pm – 5pm): Adult £5, Concession £3, Kids under 12 go free.
Sun Tickets (9am – 5pm): Adults £15, Concession £8, Kids under 12 go free.