Drifting stars return to break the speed of sound
The Red Bull Drift Shifters are returning to Auckland.
On December 6 they will be transforming the city’s downtown into a giant pinball inspired drift track.
The brainchild of worldrenowned New Zealand drift driver ‘‘Mad Mike’’ Whiddett, Red Bull Drift Shifters will bring together top international drift drivers from Australia, United States and Japan to battle it out with this country’s finest motorsport talent.
Spectators will witness drifting precision and high speeds, in a format that relies on a fully automated points scoring system. This year’s course is both wider and twice the length of the 2012 event.
‘ ‘ This time around I wanted to build a bigger, faster and more exciting course that would really showcase the drivers’ precision driving skills and reward their commitment,’’ Whiddett says. ‘‘We should be seeing cars hitting higher speeds than last time and flicked sideways with huge angle on the initial entry – it’s going to be insane.’’
The new course is automated with drift-angle sensors, digital proximity sensors and speed radars, all used in place of a judging panel to ensure accuracy and consistency. Drivers score points from their speed and proximity to obstacles, unlocking bonus points and creating new high scores, all displayed on giant live screens.
‘‘Along with local drivers, we’ve got guys coming in from the US, Japan and Australia with their cars,’’ Whiddett says. ‘‘Matt Powers will be back to defend his title and the other guys are all champions and legends of drifting too. It’s going to be epic to have them here in New Zealand.’’