The second driver we are working with this year to bring you content from the 2018 HEL Performance Driftcup is Chris Dawson.
So Round 1 of the 2018 HEL Performance Driftcup season was always set to be a round for me to test the car as I have recently swapped from an S13 to a Skyline R32.
This event was only the third time driving the car since picking it up over the winter, it’s a big upgrade over my previous car and the RB20 provides a good increase in power too!
Rockingham Motor Speedway is a great venue to drive at and I’m always happy to return there. This round was run on a custom track layout on the outer paddock, similar to Round 3 from the previous season.
It’s one of my favourite tracks, starting of fast with plenty of chances to get up close on the lead car throughout the run.
The morning practice session went well, the car was running perfect allowing me to dial in the line ready for qualifying.
As qualifying came around the nerves kicked in. The first run was going smoothly until I missed the timing on my clutch kick at the end of the track, spinning out and scoring a zero.
My second run was cautious as I just wanted to set a score and hope it would be high enough to get through to the afternoon’s battles. This time a mistake on the first corner almost cost me the run but I had a great second half of the run.
I missed out on the Top 32 battles this time but only 9 points shy of qualifying at an incredibly close round of Driftcup. I still walked away with a smile on my face, it had been a successful weekend with the new car.
Thank you to everyone that supports me including WDC Motorsport, Gloucester-Mini.co.uk & IRT Surveys.