After a rather successful 1989 season at McLaren, a year that saw Alain Prost capture yet another Formula One Drivers Championship, the Frenchman decided that for 1990, he would team up with Nigel Mansell and take on his former teammate, Ayrton Senna, with the help of Ferrari.
By the penultimate round in Japan however, all Senna needed was for Prost to DNF and the championship would be his. When the lights went green, the pair sprung from the starting line, jockeying for position as they headed into the first corner. Senna was able to capture the lead, however his maneuver resulted in a collision between the two, ending both of their races. The DNF for Prost handed Senna the championship. A rather controversial way to conclude the season that resulted in both parties insisting the other was at fault.
That said, featured above is the car Alain Prost was driving in Japan at the end of the 1990 F1 season, and we just learned it is for sale... [read more]
The Ferrari 641/2 (chassis #121) that Prost drove in 1990 is expected to fetch €300.000-€400.000 when it goes up for auction at the Leggenda e Passione later this month. 
Also for sale will be the 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 that we reported on earlier this week, as well as a 1957 250 Testa Rossa.
4.29.2009
FOR SALE // ALAIN PROST'S FERRARI 641/2
A PRODUCT OF THE '80'S // IMSA'S GTP CLASS
The 1980's produced a bit of everything. Good music, well, some good music... interesting cars, eccentric styles, big hair and plenty of good racing. That said, the video featured above highlights one of the most important things to come out of the'80's, IMSA's GTP class.
Not to be confused with the International Mind Sports Association, IMSA was formed in 1969 by John Bishop and offered an additional venue for sports car racers across the United States. Now in its 30th year, IMSA operates a number of racing classes to include the ALMS, Formula BMW, GT3 Cup and the Star Mazda Championship.
A brief warning, the video you are about to enjoy features some serious 80's music! // [comment]
A CHAMPION'S TIMEPIECE // TAG HEUER - FORMULA 1 GRANDE DATE
This season, F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s watch is directly inspired by the superlative Monte Carlo dashboard chronograph produced by Heuer in the 1960’s. Dubbed the Formula 1 Grande Date, Hamilton’s new timepiece features legendary TAG Heuer features such as an “Easy Grip” screw-in crown, scratch-resistant titanium carbide-coated unidirectional turning steel bezel, water-resistance to 200 meters, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, bracelet with double safety clasp and extension, all in an oversized 44mm case.
Two versions of the Grande Date will be made available, one with a black dial and superluminova white indexes and numbers, the other with a full superluminova white dial with black indexes and numerals. Click here for additional information on the latest TAG Heuer timepiece inspired by Formula One // [comment]
A LOOK BACK // 1970 FORMULA ONE SEASON REVIEW
A season that was dominated by Jochen Rindt and his Ford powered Lola, 1970 saw a number of changes to Formula One, to include the introduction of slick tires by Goodyear, as well as continued aerodynamic improvements. 1970 was also the only season to see the Driver's Championship awarded posthumously, as Rindt was killed during practice for the Italian Grand Prix. Another great bit of video from Vimeo user Juha, sit back and re-live the 1970 Formula One season from start to finish! // [read more]
4.28.2009
BTCC @ THRUXTON // CONSISTENT NEAL RETAINS SERIES LEAD
If you went back to last season and told Matt Neal that after the first six races of 2009 he would have had five podium finishes, he probably would have laughed at you. But that is exactly how he has begun this years British Touring Car Championship.
After the second meeting of the year at Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire, Matt came away from rounds four, five and six with a very healthy haul of points and retains the lead in the series.
As at Brands Hatch at the beginning of the month, Thruxton saw three different race winners in each of the rounds, Colin Turkington grabbed a great victory in race two while series returnee Matt Jackson took another race three success for RML... [read more]
After the tight confines of the Brands Indy circuit three weeks ago, the BTCC moved on to the flat out sweeps of Thruxton. Certainly not a circuit for the faint hearted and one that not only tests the bravery of the driver but also provides a stern examination of their ability to nurse their tyres even in a short 18 lap sprint.
Before the days events unfolded, CTD had the chance for a rare photo call, as with the return of James Thompson, this years series now contains four previous BTCC Champions (below) 
Sunday mornings race one provided a fairly predictable result with the ballast free car of 2009 Champion Fabrizio Giovanardi taking the win with a lights to flag victory. This was Giovanardi's first 2009 win and finally he felt like his defense of the championship had really started.
The Italian led away from pole and looked comfortable, keeping his team mate Matt Neal a safe distance behind without punishing his tyres. Neal did briefly latch onto his tail due to a mid race safety car period, but as they crossed the line the No 1 Vauxhall had never really been threatened although the gap between them was only half a second.
Making it a Vauxhall lockout on the podium was young Andrew Jordan who resisted race long pressure from Colin Turkington's BMW.
Paul O'Neill (below), who was sensational in qualifying, came home fifth in his first outing in the second Tech Speed Integra.
There was no race one joy for Jason Plato, with the RML Cheverolet driver having to pit for fresh rubber mid race after suffering from a heavy vibration.
Race One Result:
01 F Giovanardi Vauxhall Vectra
02 M Neal Vauxhall Vectra
03 A Jordan Vauxhall Vectra
04 C Turkington BMW 320si
05 P O'Neill Honda Integra
06 A Jones Seat Leon
07 S Jelley BMW 320si
08 M Jackson Cheverolet Lacetti
09 H Vaulkhard Cheverolet Lacetti
10 J Plato Cheverolet Lacetti
The conditions at the Hampshire venue were somewhat different for the second race of the day, as the track temperature had dropped considerably and cloud cover was more prominent much to the relief of the tyre technicians.
With Giovanardi now carrying ballast, Colin Turkington (below) pulled off a very classy win, making a great start from the third row and tagging onto the rear of the two Vectras, and then picking off Neal with five laps remaining, before, in a great piece of driving, taking Gio around the mega fast Goodwood on the last lap. Colin latter admitted that he thought the victory was one of the best of his career and with Thruxton being widely regarded as not a good hunting ground for BMW, no one could argue against that.
Stephen Jelley in the second Team RAC WSR BMW fought for fourth place with Andrew Jordan before it all ended in tears, as Jordan spun at Noble on lap eleven only to rejoin down in 18th place. Jelley went on to finish in fourth, his best result to date.
Rob Collard (below) in his 320si, put in a majestic drive to come all the way up from 17th to 5th place, even passing both James Thompson and Jason Plato in a single maneuver at Allard corner on the final lap. Plato himself battled his way up to sixth, dicing with his old adversary Thompson who finished a creditable 7th in his first outing in the Civic for Steve Neal's team.
Paul O'Neill was on for another solid points scoring finish but whilst jousting with Adam Jones and Plato, he suffered a spin and dropped to 10th, which we later learned would Pole for the "Reverse Grid" race three.
Race Two Result:
01 C Turkington BMW 320si
02 F Giovanardi Vauxhall Vectra
03 M Neal Vauxhall Vectra
04 S Jelley BMW 320si
05 R Collard BMW 320si
06 J Plato Cheverolet Lacetti
07 J Thompson Honda Civic
08 A Jones Seat Leon
09 M Jackson Cheverolet Lacetti
10 P O'Neill Honda Integra
So with Paul O'Neill on pole for race three and Matt Jackson in the Lacetti alongside him, the potential for another "Big" story was there.
At the start, Jackson got a flyer in contrast to O'Neill who bogged down somewhat allowing Adam Jones (below) through into second. The Honda driver however, was having none of it, soon passing Jones and setting off in pursuit of the Lacetti. O'Neill was reeling Jackson in by up to half a second a lap but the enthralling chase was soon interrupted by a safety car period for an accident that befell John George (below) at Noble.
With just four laps left after the track had been cleared, the restart would be crucial. Jackson got a better run through the chicane and over the line, and eased clear with O'Neill heading for second, however his great drive would come to nothing as his Integra suffered a front left blowout. This promoted Thompson to third, joining Jackson and Jones on the podium. Plato claimed good points in fourth ahead of the BMW's of Collard and Jelley.
Race Three Result:
01 M Jackson
02 A Jones
03 J Thompson
04 J Plato
05 R Collard
06 S Jelley
07 M Neal
08 F Giovanardi
09 C Turkington
10 D Pinkney
So a RML Lacetti wins race three again, could this be a habit?!
Jackson's (below) drive was quality though. It had been over three years since he last raced a front wheel drive car and just like Plato at Brands, this was his first race meeting in the Lacetti. More wins to come? 
Championship Positions (after 6 Rounds):
1. Matt Neal 64
2. Colin Turkington 58
3. Fabrizio Giovanardi. 47
4. Robb Collard. 41
5. Jason Plato 36
The series now moves on to the Midlands and Donnington Park. Watch out for more BTCC coverage soon.
Photo/Editorial: Neil Tozer
TESTING // THE FALKEN TIRE GT2 PORSCHE 911 RSR
Following Robert Carrier's coverage of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, we came across this bit of video highlighting the recently released Falken Tire GT2 Porsche 911 RSR, as it prepared for its debut on the streets of Long Beach. Thoroughly entrenched in the motorsport community, Falken Tire hopes to garner interest from road race competitors, in addition to their drift clientele. Enjoy // [comment]
2009 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX // POST RACE REVIEW & RESULTS
What might have been the first proper race of the season, the 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix offered fans a bit of everything. From Trulli’s spectacular run to pole during Saturday’s knock out qualifying to Vettel’s continued success with the RedBull RB5, the sand and sunshine of Bahrain was a welcome change to the rather wet GP's we have become accustom to this year. Follow the link for additional photos and complete results... [read more] 
Button and Hamilton both had a strong start, getting off the line with plenty of momentum, propelling the pair into a battle for third.
Following his success at the Chinese Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel looked strong all afternoon, leading the race at one point. However Brawn GP's pit strategy proved unbeatable, allowing Button to reclaim the lead with only a few laps remaining.
Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo, made the trip to Bahrain to support his struggling team as they headed into the fourth race of the season pointless in both the constructor and driver fields...
Nelson Piquet Jr. had his best race of the year, fighting hard all afternoon and finishing a season high tenth overall, only a few hundredths off the pace of Renault teammate and 2006 World Champion, Fernando Alonso. 
The upstart Brawn GP team proved unbeatable yet again, as Jenson Button claimed his third victory of the season.
Complete Results // 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix:
1. Jenson Button, Britain, Brawn GP, 57, 1:31.48.182 (125.179 mph).
2. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Red Bull, 57, 1:31.55.369.
3. Jarno Trulli, Italy, Toyota, 57, 1:31.57.352.
4. Lewis Hamilton, Britain, McLaren, 57, 1:32.10.278.
5. Rubens Barrichello, Brazil, Brawn GP, 57, 1:32.25.961.
6. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Ferrari, 57, 1:32.30.239.
7. Timo Glock, Germany, Toyota, 57, 1:32.31.062.
8. Fernando Alonso, Spain, Renault, 57, 1:32.40.957.
9. Nico Rosberg, Germany, Williams, 57, 1:32.46.380.
10. Nelson Piquet Jr., Brazil, Renault, 57, 1:32.53.331.
11. Mark Webber, Australia, Red Bull, 57, 1:32.55.823.
12. Heikki Kovalainen, Finland, McLaren, 57, 1:33.06.006.
13. Sebastien Bourdais, France, Toro Rosso, 57, 1:33.06.987.
14. Felipe Massa, Brazil, Ferrari, 56, 1:31.55.017.
15. Giancarlo Fisichella, Italy, Force India, 56, 1:32.01.893.
16. Adrian Sutil, Germany, Force India, 56, 1:32.04.350.
17. Sebastien Buemi, Switzerland, Toro Rosso, 56, 1:32.05.906.
18. Robert Kubica, Poland, BMW Sauber, 56, 1:32.06.822.
19. Nick Heidfeld, Germany, BMW Sauber, 56, 1:32.12.682. Not Classified
20. Kazuki Nakajima, Japan, Williams.
Drivers Standings (after four races):
1. Jenson Button, Britain, Brawn GP, 31.
2. Rubens Barrichello, Brazil, Brawn GP, 19.
3. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Red Bull 18.
4. Jarno Trulli, Italy, Toyota, 14.5.
5. Timo Glock, Germany, Toyota 12.
6. Mark Webber, Australia, Red Bull 9.5.
7. Lewis Hamilton, Britain, McLaren 9.
8. Fernando Alonso, Spain, Renault 5.
9. Nick Heidfeld, Germany, BMW Sauber 4.
(tie) Heikki Kovalainen, Finland, McLaren 4.
11. Nico Rosberg, Germany, Williams 3.5.
12. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Ferrari 3.
(tie) Sebastien Buemi, Switzerland, Toro Rosso 3.
14. Sebastien Bourdais, France, Toro Rosso 1.
Constructors Standings (after four races):
1. Brawn GP, 50 points.
2. Red Bull, 27.5.
3. Toyota 26.5.
4. McLaren 13.
5. Renault 5.
6. BMW Sauber 4.
(tie) Toro Rosso 4.
8. Williams 3.5.
9. Ferrari 3.
4.26.2009
ARCH ENEMIES // EVO VS. STI TRACK DAY
Mitsubishi Evolution and the Subaru WRX STI have been fierce competitors since both models inception in the early 90’s, each redesign has seen the rivalry continue to blossom. Both cars were originally designed as a platform to compete in some of the toughest condition that the World Rally Championship could throw at it, but little did they know they would create such an allround package which has seen each model show potential in the tarmac world. It is apparent that the owners of each model are very passionate about their prides of joy and will never back down from a fight, so to speak, especially from their arch rival. This mentality is shared by the members of Evolutionoz.net and the WRX Club of NSW who jointly organise an annual Evo VS Sti track day at Eastern Creek International Raceway in Sydney, Australia. This year’s spectacle was held last weekend and I had the pleasure of being there to document all the action.
Once again the event copied the effective format of 35 WRX’s up against 35 Evo’ s and the fastest time from each driver would be used to work out an average lap time for the team. The concept is something you normally don’t see at a circuit and really emphasised the idea of team work rather than individual effort which created a great atmosphere in pit lane which is a vibe not normally seen... [read more]
Cameron Dyal continued on from his solid effort at Super lap to set the fastest time of the day with a 1.40.85 which would put to shame most Porches GT2 Race Cars.
The Tilton interiors Evo 9RS was out backing up after taking out first place at Super lap a few weeks back. Normally this car is piloted by a professional driver, but it was good to see the actual owner behind the wheel for this event and he was still relatively fast. Rumours around pitlane were that this car had no drive train in it last Wednesday so an amazing effort by Insight Motorsport to put it all back together in time for the event.
Martin Notaras also brought out his Evo 9 RS after a strong showing at Super Lap and was all business today setting the second fastest time of the day with a 1:42.2.
Jason Wright, National Supersprint champion was the fastest from the Subaru camp with a time of 1.44.29
Just JDM had their brand spanking new EVO X out with some nice JDM styling, I can’t wait for more people to unlock the potential of the EVO X.
The Subaru camp also had their latest model on display and was pulling some impressive times for a car straight of the factory floor.
The event really fostered a team spirit amongst the models with everyone helping out each other. Everyone in “TEAM WRX” was rocking the stickers on the top windscreen.
Eastern Creek Circuit has a very long straight with a fast sweeping first turn, I overheard some driving saying that they were hitting the anchors around the 250km/h mark before entering turn 1. It’s pretty scary when most of these cars are still street driven.
Not only were the newer models out circulating the circuit but some of the older models were out giving it a red hot go aswell.
One of my favourite shots from the day was of this WRX going over the Start/Finish line.
Although it was a friendly event the lap times were hot topic with a pack of individuals swarming around the time sheets after each session.
Overall Team EVO took out the honours for the 3rd year running with an average lap time of 1.48.42 compared to 1.50.50. All and all a great day at the circuit!
The official lap times from the day can be found here
For additional photos from the Evo vs. STI Track Day, click here
Photo/Editorial: Matthew Mead
UK TIME ATTACK SERIES // SEASON OPENER AT OULTON PARK
Time Attack kicked off its 2009 season at Oulton Park as part of the Modified Live show. If you’re unfamiliar with Time Attack, it’s a series which focuses on racing against the clock rather than against other competitors on the track. After a few practice sessions for drivers to familiarise themselves with the track, drivers are then given 20 minutes to set the fastest lap in their class at the same time meaning drivers must take into account potential traffic on the track. With no performance restrictions on the cars, it’s all of nothing for these drivers to put their skills to the test with some of the best tuned performance cars out there... [read more]
The start of the day began with the practice sessions, and in a typical British weather fashion the heavens opened up and unleashed a torrent of rain leaving a fair share of standing water on the track. Whist each driver carefully followed the safety car around the track for a few laps, not even rain can stop these drivers from tearing around Oulton Park. Fortunately, the heavy clouds passed and the sun returned to shine, drying out the track in time for the last practice sessions and also the final timed sessions. 
The Pro Class also saw the brief appearance of Simon Norris’s new Mitsubishi Evolution IX GT. It’s eye catching green paintjob covered by many aerodynamic cues were nothing compared to its short wheelbase, making it essentially a 2-door Evo Coupe. However, it’s 950bhp engine couldn’t reach its full potential on the day and unfortunately spent most of its time in the garage. 2008 Time Attack Pro Class Champion Olly Clark was eager to keep his top spot, pulling out a 1.27.188 in his 850bhp Subaru Impreza. But even the mightiest of Subarus could not stop Chris Ward of RSE Motorsport who managed a 1.26.883 in his Mitsubishi Evolution VIII.
Pro Class Timings
1 – Chris Ward (Mitsubishi Evo VIII)…1:26.883
2 – Olly Clark (Subaru Impreza)…1:27.188
3 – Gareth Lloyd (Mitsubishi Evo VI)…1:29.320
4 – Russell Humphrey (Mitsubishi Evo V)…1:30.811
5 – James Nicholls (Mitsubishi Evo V)…1:31.802
6 – Steve Guglielmi (TVR)…1:32.338
7 – Duncan Cowper (Dax Rush)…1:32.489
8 – Mark Biggers (Nissan Skyline R32 GTR)…1:32.768
9 – Ollie Allen (Toyota Celica)…1:33.646
10 – Robin Duxbury (Mitsubishi Evo)…1:33.983
11 – Jonathan Faull (Mitsubishi Evo VIII)…1:34.685
12 – John Stevenson (Subaru Impreza)…1:36.153
13 – Jeff Mileham (Lotus Elise)…1:36.65
14 – Laurus Basinskas (Subaru Impreza GC8)…1:39.390 
In Club Class Shane Smith took top spot in his R32 Skyline with 1.35.115, with second placed filled by Marcus Webster with 1.36.115 in another R32 Skyline. However third place was taken by Duncan Graham in his Subaru Impreza with a time of 1.37.111, just beating Steve Linton overall in his Toyota Supra. Not that Linton lost out though, his time put him first in the RWD class with Paul Whiffen in his own Supra taking second place in under a second behind.
Club Challenge Timings
1 – Shane Smith (Nissan Skyline R32 GTR)…1:35.115
2 – Marcus Webster (Nissan Skyline R32 GTR)…1:36.824
3 – Duncan Graham (Subaru Impreza)…1:37.111
4 – Steve Linton (Toyota Supra)…1:37.193
5 – Jonathan Beech (Subaru Impreza GDB)…1:37.259
6 – Walter Morris (Nissan Skyline R32 GTR)…1:37.651
7 – Paul Whiffen (Toyota Supra JZ80)…1:38.179
8 – Jamie Reynolds (Lotus Elise)…1:38.183
9 – Russ Paton (Mitsubishi Evo)…1:38.672
10 - Scott Robson (Subaru Impreza GC8)…1:39.097
11 – Warren Kelly (Ford Escort Cosworth)…1:40.203
12 – Tony Campbell (Porsche 968)…1:40.685
13 – Daniel Gannon (BMW E30 325)…1:41.709
14 – Mark Pollard (MG Metro 6R4)…1:41.875
15 – Fiona Kindness (Nissan Skyline R32 GTR)…1:42.497
16 – Andy Hughes (Subaru Impreza GC8)…1:42.637
17 – Lance Turner (Nissan Skyline R32 GTS)…1:43.190
18 – Neil Wrenn (Nissan Skyline R33 GTS)…1:43.802
19 – Gordon Wright (Nissan Skyline R33 GTS)…1:44.193
20 – Paul West (Honda Civic)…1:44.424
21 – David Thorpe (Honda Civic EP3)…1:48.571
So in a surprise turnout, Olly Clark is not top dog for Round One of the 2009 Time Attack. That place belongs to Chris Ward of RSE Motorsport and is keen on extending his lead in the next round, with Olly Clark determined to take that top spot as well. Time Attack Round 2 will take place at Knockhill in Scotland on May 17th. Be sure to check out full coverage of the event at ColdTrackDays.
Photo/Editorial: Calvin Chu
BTCC QUALIFYING // VAUXHALL'S FLY AT THRUXTON
Fabrizio Giovanardi fought back from his poor start to the season at Brands Hatch three weeks ago, taking Pole for Sundays 1st race in the British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton. Teamate Matt Neal (above) despite carrying maximum championship success ballast as series leader, will be alongside the Italian on the front row.
Thruxton always has suited the VXR Vectras and today was no different as all three filled spots in the top four with the only interloper being Jason Plato in his Silverline Racing Cheverolet Lacetti who lines up in third... [read more]
Giovanardi (below) took only his second BTCC career pole the hard way, after a fair sized collision with Stephen Jelley in the second free practice session and with his car hastily repaired, he managed pole with just one flying lap. Quite a performance but will the lost set-up time count against him tomorrow as Thruxton is always marginal on tyres and finding a balance between ultimate speed and tyre wear is always an issue.
Matt Neal was very buoyant after lining up alongside the Italian, knowing full well that he is running heavy and determined to carry on with his great start to the season.
Pleasing his legions of British fans, Jason Plato (Below) managed to secure the extra backing needed for the rest of the season this week and showed great pace once again, taking the third spot from Andrew Jordan late in the session to prevent a Vauxhall 1-2-3. Certainly the RML Cheverolet has a strong engine which round Thruxton's wide open spaces should be an advantage.
Performance of the day was Paul O'Neil (below), who on his return to the series after a long lay off period, placed his Tech Speed Honda Integra on the 3rd row. Paul, the brother of Spice Girl Mel C., was solidly in the top ten in the second free practice and carried over that form magnificently in the afternoon. The Integra, although three years old, suits Thruxton very well due to its aerodynamic shape, and is the only coupe in the field. Back in 2005 at Thruxton, Dan Eaves, driving a Team Dynamics Integra became the only man ever to win all three races in one day.
Series returnee and twice BTCC Champion, James Thompson (below) who has replaced Gordon Shedden at Team Dynamics, will start Sunday's race from the 4th row after a reasonable showing in the Honda Civic. Thompson, who raced both Alfa Romeo and Honda's for N-Tecnology in the World Touring Car Championship for the last few years, is a very welcome returnee to the series and should have the Civic towards the front within a few rounds.
Adam Jones (Below) in his Seat Leon enjoyed a better qualifying session than at the opening rounds lining up in seventh place only 4 tenths away from the third place Vauxhall.
Quickest BMW was Colin Turkington (below) in fifth place for WSR. Colin ended both free practice sessions in second place but couldn't quite replicate that in the hotter afternoon qualifying. The BMW as always will have the advantage off the line and the BMW will be aiming for any gaps on the run to Allard.
Qualifying Result Top Ten:
01. Fabrizio Giovanardi
02. Matt Neal
03. Jason Plato
04. Andrew Jordan
05. Colin Turkington
06. Paul O'Neil
07. Adam Jones
08. James Thompson
09. Dan Eaves
10. Matt Jackson
Stay Tuned to CTD for all the race action from Thruxton!
Photo/Editorial: Neil Tozer
EUROPEAN DRIFT CHAMPIONSHIP // ROUND 1 - OULTON PARK
Modified Live also saw the first round of the 2009 Need for Speed European Drift Championship at Oulton Park, alongside its sister series Time Attack UK. Even though morning practice was hampered by rain causing a few mishaps to happen amongst the drivers, the sun did return to dry up the track enough for some uninterrupted drifting action... [read more]
With 2008 EDC Champion Ben Broke-Smith nowhere in sight meant Round 1 was anyone’s game. Steve Evans in his Toyota Starlet was off the pace and saw his little hatchback run off track in both stages. Newcomer Steve Will and his BMW M3 Turbo shared the same fate when up against Pete Barber in his Mazda RX7 FD. Paul Chesire in his Nissan Silvia S14A also had a spot of trouble when leading against Mark Luney in his Nissan 350Z and almost caused a high speed crash after making a mistake on his entry. Fortunately Luney managed to sidestep the helpless Silvia and took the win.
In a first round upset, 2007 EDC Champion Brett Castle was knocked out by 13 year old newcomer Dwain McKeever from Northern Ireland. The young drifter took the advantage in both stages, all with an ARDS instructor in the passenger seat in compliance with regulations because of his age!
However McKeever’s good pace came to an abrupt end when paired with drift veteran Phil Morrison in his Nissan S15 2JZ wearing a black livery for the 2009 season. Morrison’s sheer presence sent the young newcomer off in the first stage, with another mistake in the second allowing Morrison to advance to the next tier. Alan McCord and Paul Conlan got their fair share of Silvia action, with the V8 engine of McCord against the SR20 engine of Conlan. Their first duel were equally matched, leaving the judges to award equal points. Going into the second stage on even grounds, McCord bested Conlan with a superior drift angle overall. 
The final saw Morrison and McCord up against each other. With Morrison leading, McCord held his ground and stayed glued to Morrison’s rear bumper. Both drivers were faultless, and earned equal points from the judges. However, Morrison proved to be the better drifter in the final stage, and just takes the win by a point on a 6:5 advantage to Morrison. 
With Phil Morrison and his Silvia smoke machine taking the first win at Oulton Park, the Need for Speed European Drift Championship now moves to Knockhill in Scotland on May 17th. Be sure to check back for full coverage of Round 2 of the European Drift Championship at ColdTrackDays.
2009 European Drift Championship Standings:
1) Phil Morrison (Nissan S15 2JZ) – 100
2) Alan McCord (Nissan S15 V8) – 75
3) Mark Luney (Nissan 350Z) – 60
4) Paul Conlan (Nisan S15 2JZ) – 50
5) Declan Hicks (Toyota Soarer GZ) – 40
6) James Russell (Nissan Skyline R32) – 35
7) Pete Barber (Mazda RX7 FD) – 30
8) Dwain McKeever (Nissan 180SX) – 25
9) Brett Castle (Nissan S14A) – 15
10) Steve Evans (Toyota Starlet) – 15
11) Kieron Cameron (Nissan S13) – 15
12) Steve Will (BMW M3 Turbo) – 15
13) Paul Chesire (Nissan S14A) – 15
14) Lex Drew (Nissan Skyline R32) – 15
15) Andrew Cooper (Nissan S14A) – 15
16) Ian Harrison (Nissan Skyline) – 15
17) Gary Hughes (Nissan Skyline R32) – 10
Photo/Editorial: Calvin Chu
