They’re smoking it up at BMC Park
Ruining tyres, creating lots of smoke, burning out clutches – it’s all part of the fun and games at Drift Matsuri.
Drift Matsuri is back for a second time at Bruce McLaren’s Motorsport from today until Monday and organiser, Chris Howard, said it is going to be the biggest event they have held.
With the cost involved in this event, a question was sparked; Why do people do it? Howard was able to explain it.
‘‘People take part in Matsuri because it’s somewhat of a destination event, its the atmosphere that comes along with it,’’ he said.
Drifting used to be somewhat of a bogan sport and it was slowly crafted through these invitational events into something a bit more than a bunch of kids simply skidding around as it was 10 years ago.
‘‘There’s some serious money being pumped into these cars, some in the six figures,’’ Howard said.
With drifting comes a fair bit of skill and Howard said the most difficult part is hard to pick.
‘‘There’s heaps that contribute to doing a good run or lap,’’ he said. ‘‘The biggest one would be ‘‘battling’’ where two or more cars get as close as possible, without touching and mimic each other’s driving style.’’
Howard added that aside from having enough speed to make it to the next corner, choosing when to switch based on your speed and dealing with the amount of smoke that fills up in the cabin can be a bit of a hassle.
‘‘Some drivers will go through 30-40 tyres over the weekend,’’ he said.
Key components to drifting would definitely be speed, angle and proximity. Smoke is also a big one.
The event is the biggest they’ve held and Howard said it should not be missed.
‘‘I think people should come out and see Matsuri because it’s something different that everyone can enjoy, it’s an affordable activity for mates and families to do over the weekend,’’ he said.
Extended track hours means there will also be twilight racing.
‘‘Whether it’s sunshine or rain we’ll always drift, it just changes the driving style a bit, some of our drivers thrive in the wet and in the sun it’s just a completely different animal so it’s good viewing no matter what.’’
Track is open to spectators from 9:30 til 6:00pm, weekend passes at $30.