Driftcup returned to the popular Teesside Autodrome for Round 3 of the 2015 season. The west track was the layout chosen, this has previously been used for the British Drift Championship licensing days and a round of Driftcup last year.
The drivers briefing gave everyone a good idea of the line that the judges, Ryan Pothecary, Matt Stevenson & Adam Simmons, would be looking for.
The clipping points were arranged to make the track more challenging this time, running a wide line past clip 1, into the first right hander before transitioning into the left hairpin.
Clips 2 & 3 were placed around the outside of the hairpin before the cars crossed back to the left as they ascended the hill.
Clip 4 made the drivers push wide on entry to the final corner, a right hander that falls away on the outside.
Clip 5 was located a few feet into the track, this kept the cars on a mid-line through the corner to give the chase car room to close the gap.
The practice session kicked off under grey skies, light rain had been falling for a few hours and the track proved to be very slick with many drivers spinning early on.
The drivers soon got to grips with the track in the tough conditions, putting in some good runs on the wet track
The track started to dry about half way through the session and soon smoke filled the air.
Qualifying would soon follow, two non-consecutive runs would allow everyone the same chance of a dry run before the rain returned and luckily it stayed dry for the whole session.
There were some impressive runs by the drivers, Stuart Maclachlan put in two great runs to get a score of 86.3 and second place.
Richard Dalby-Smith made a return to form after some issues at Round 2 with a score of 85.7 and third place.
Top of the table was Shay Kavanagh with a score of 87.
As the Top 32 commenced the rain came down, making it difficult for all of the drivers. Top qualifier Shay Kavanagh would make an early exit from competition, getting knocked out by Dan Joyce.
Newcomer to Driftcup, Martin Flinn, would have a good day, beating both Stuart Jones and Dean Newport-Hall. He would be knocked out by Dan Joyce in the Top 8.
The Wizards of Lock team would battle each other in the Top 32, Oliver Lewis would knock out Oliver Booth on his way to the Top 4.
The other drivers joining him in the Top 4 were Andi Halkett, Richard Dalby-Smith and Dan Joyce.
Andi Halkett and Oliver Lewis would have a close battle with the judges unable to separate them.
Andi Halkett would go through to the final after they had run two One More Times.
On the other side of the tree Richard Dalby-Smith and Dan Joyce would battle for a spot in the final. Dan left a gap behind Richard on his chase run whilst Richard remained close, putting Richard through to the final against Andi Halkett.
Before the final it was time for Dan Joyce to battle Oliver Lewis for the third place spot on the podium. Oliver Lewis would run a smooth and fast line on his lead run gaining an advantage, Dan Joyce would also pull away on his lead run.
The judges decided in favour of Oliver Lewis, Dan would get another fourth place and some valuable points on the championship scoreboard.
The final battle would see Andi Halkett and Richard Dalby-Smith put in good lead and chase runs with close proximity. A small advantage would see Richard Dalby-Smith take the victory and with it the top spot on the podium.
The top four drivers parked their cars in front of the podium and took the opportunity to celebrate their results, all four have earned their chance to compete at the next round of the British Drift Championship at Lydden Hill on the 22nd & 23rd of August.
The next round of Driftcup returns to Driftland on the 12th of September, come and see what happens when we head north to Scotland.
Until then enjoy some more photos from the event.
