Driftcup Finals 2016

Driftcup drivers concluded their 2016 season last weekend at Driftland, with many local drivers looking to place well at the Scottish track…

The championship had already been won by former BMX ace Mark Webb in the penultimate round meaning the new champ could relax and enjoy a weekend of competitive driving with the title in the bag. There was a new circuit layout in play levelling the field ensuring locals did not have an unfair advantage – this formation ensured drivers had it pinned from the start.

Practice enabled drivers to get into gear for quail, split into two groups ensuring each had two laps to make an impression on the judges. Mark Gemmell, who has just won the Scottish drift championship (last weekend at the Driftland track) topped the table with a massive 90 points.

The finals were sensational from the very start, William Hanna could not believe he had made the finals and was overjoyed to go on to beat Taylor Bloomfield in the first battle. Championship contender Mark Illand got knocked out by Kev Kay and Stuart Maclachan beat Barry Stevenson. Surprisingly top qualifier, Mark Gemmell, went out in the first round, seen off by rookie Jack Wooton.

The biggest battle in the top 32 was the bust up between new champ Mark Webb and girl racer Michelle Westby. Contact as Mark misjudged his chase run and and was pushed off the track when when Michelle transitioned. As it continued swopping places, Michelle made a mistake with her corner speed heading towards clip three ultimately taking them both off and onto the banking. Judges called a “one more time” and back to it they pair went, Mark span and Michelle made contact then on the return run, Michelle span meaning so judges again granted “one more time”. Third time out both battles were won by Mark Webb securing a place in the top 16. Also in the top 16, William Hanna again beat Kev Kay, Driftland boss Jeek was knocked out by Kriss Darling. Rookie Jack Wooton was beaten by Ron Johnston who was on the charge.

Hard peddalers could be found everywhere as there was a big push for a step on the podium this included Charles Funnel who was utterly on the limit in his well underpowered E36 touring beating William Hanna who had had a fine meeting, making the top 8 but Charles was beaten in the end by local sideways king Callum Marshall in the semis. In the semi finals Martin AMK and his ace Toyota Supra took on Rob Johnston taking the win and then went onto face Callum Marshall.

Battling for 3rd and 4th place Rob Johnston and Charles Funnel went at it, ‘horses’ under the bonnet gave Rob the advantage and victory came his way. Ace drive by Charles Funnel though.

In the final Toyota power went head to head with the super Supra of Martin and the 1jz engined BMW of Callum Marshall, door to door stuff all the way, Martin ultimately taking victor…just.

The meetings ‘Aford Awards Hard Charger Trophy’ went to Michelle Westby and Mark Webb also joined in the celebrations as ‘King’ of the championship.

This weekend sees the final British Drift Championship which takes place at the cracking Trac Mon Anglesey Circuit and both Rob Johnston and Charles Funnel can be found on the grid in the Pro Am’s.