Tours Speedway would play host to the opening round of the 2017 Series – the French Drift GP. This half mile oval, famous for its Nascar Whelan Series events since 2012, would really test the drivers with a demanding layout and treacherous walls to keep all the top drivers in check.

With temperatures rising to 35C during the day it would be a true physical test of both man and machine. With a huge turnout of drivers being showcased, this would be the biggest international French event to date. Could the French drivers defend against the International invasion?

 
In qualifying the top 10 drivers would be separated by a just few points, showing how much work everyone had put in to raise their performance in the off season. Jerome Vassia would lead through most of Q1 before the International drivers would make their mark in the Q2. Two-time British Drift Champion Jack Shanahan would send out early signs he was not there to make up numbers and took P3.

 
The top two spots where duked out between Triace Tyre teammates – Nigel Colfer and Fredrik Oksnevad. In Q2 the Norwegian driver Fredrik Oksnevad would push that little bit harder, with a savagely precise run, stealing P1 in qualifying and in doing so became the first person to show he has his sights set on the 2017 championship.
 
Once into the battles the upset would come thick and fast, Nigel Colfer got caught out by local hero Axel Francois who was putting on the drive of his life. Fredrik Oksnevad would also push too hard against Juha Poytalaakso after charging hard into turn1, making heavy contact with the wall and handing the win to Juha. Continue reading →