As the 2016 approaches fast we take a look back at the highlights of 2015, this time it’s a trip high in to the French Alps.
This region is popular amongst skiers for the winter months but falls quiet throughout the summer with the exception of one weekend when the drifters take over.
We had experienced the event in 2014 and felt that we had to return to see it again, it didn’t disappoint with multiple drivers from the King Of Europe Pro Series staying on to compete on the mountain.
Early in the practice sessions it was easy to see that the KOE Pro Series drivers would be a challenge to beat, Szilveszter Gyorgy in his S13.4 was laying down the smoke and pushing the limits of the track on every run.
Another driver doing well in their S-Chassis was Karolina Pilarcyzk, the sounds of the 6.2L supercharged LS3 echoing off the mountain with each pass.
If you saw our coverage of this event from last year then you will recognise Nic Cerdan’s S13, he was back again with a darker, meaner looking car this year.
Last year we Nic took us out in the car for a chance to see the track from inside the car, this year we jumped into Joran Tixier’s V8 E30.
It suprised me how much grip the car had as Joran flicked the car around and joined the queue for the startline.
I always get a bit nervous sitting in a driftcar, its not something I get a chance to do very often. This track is one that really needs to be experienced from inside a car. The track started with a fast run toward the hairpin before running out to the wall and climbing the hill.
Once you crest the hill its a fast right then left before slowing for the final hairpin.
A huge thanks to Joran for the opportunity to experience this track again.
Late in the day Karolina Pilarczyk found the wall whilst coming into the faster top section of the track, thankfully she walked away from the accident unscathed but her weekend was over.
The car would need to be rebuilt before she could re-join the King Of Europe Pro Series later in the season.
Sunday came around and it was time for final practice session, this morning was wet so the drivers had to get to grips with the conditions as fast as possible before qualifying.
One issue with being 1550m high on the mountain is that the weather can change in an instant from bright sunshine to thick cloud and back again.
This makes it challenging for us and the drivers but the event doesn’t stop, they just deal with it and carry on.
Qualifying came next and the track was still wet although it had stopped raining so it would start to dry quickly.
After the session was over the drivers lined up infront of the crowds for the Top 16 presentations, Marin Morier had qualified first in his Panzer E36 ahead of much more powerful cars.
When it got down to the battles Marin had mechanical issues and he wouldn’t advance further than the Top 8 against the PS13 of Ludovic Clini.
Ludovic Clini would go on to take third place on the podium.
Mike Kauffman drove the Freegun PS13 well all weekend to make it into second on the podium.
The King Of Touge Round 1 winner was Szilveszter Gyorgy.
We are already looking forward to the 2016 edition of the King Of Touge, until then enjoy the rest of the photos!
