VIDEO // GROUP B MAZDA RX7 ON TARMAC (W/PURE ENGINE SOUNDS)

Courtesy of our friends at The Rally Channel, check out this three minute clip highlighting the illustrious career of a few first-gen Mazda RX7s. Running in the Group B class, watch as these rotary powered coupes scream through the countryside as they compete in a number of national European rally events during the 1980s and 1990s // [comment]

DESKTOPS // MAD MIKE @ FORMULA DRIFT MALAYSIA

Formula DRIFT Malaysia is underway and ColdTrackDays correspondent, Anas Zakaria, will be at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang all weekend to capture the action.

The photo featured above, which Anas took earlier today, features New Zealand's 'Mad' Mike Whiddett and his Mazda RX7, and is available as a downloadable desktop.

Download: 1640 x 1093

Nothing more than a preview of what we can expect from Anas following this weekends festivities, be sure and stay tuned for additional coverage of Formula DRIFT Malaysia! // [comment]

EAR CANDY // DYNO TESTED - MOTHER APPROVED

Enjoy a bit of Ear Candy as this Nelson tuned, 547hp, NASA spec, FC3S Mazda RX7 makes a pull on the dynometer // [comment]

ONBOARD // RX7 @ 2003 IPRA NATIONALS - ORAN PARK

I know, I know, it's not Mazda Monday, but I couldn't help but share this great bit of onboard footage featuring John Stein's Series II RX7. Paul McKinnon is at the wheel and from the looks of things is an accomplished driver, especially considering the amount of power, or should we say lack thereof, Mazda's 12A Rotary was known for. Shot during the 2003 IPRA Nationals in Sydney, Australia, the film is a bit antiquated, but certainly worth three minutes of your afternoon // [comment]

MAZDA MONDAY // TEAM TAPPED RACING'S RX-7 @ THUNDERHILL

Thought we'd share this video of Brian Lock in the Team Tapped Racing Mazda RX-7 as he sets the TTU record with a 1:51.7 lap at Thunderhill Raceway Park. Stay tuned for more Mazda Monday features! // [comment]

EUROPEAN DRIFT CHAMPIONSHIP // ROUND 5 - SANTA POD RACEWAY

Oh the joys of the British summer! It’s the middle of July and we are greeted with overcast skies, patchy rain and overall very miserable weather conditions. If you didn’t look at the calendar you’d think it’s any other time of the year. Come wind or rain however, it didn’t stop the drivers of the Need for Speed European Drift Championship from doing their thing as we move from Brands Hatch to Santa Pod Raceway... [read more]

Round Five at Santa Pod Raceway is the only round on the EDC calendar which takes place on a much smaller course. Instead of navigating a select number of turns on a racing circuit, the drivers compete on a cleverly constructed course in the tarmac area of one of the UK’s most renowned drag strips. Needless to say there aren’t many run-off areas for this round. If it’s not the cones, then it’s the plastic barriers the drivers would be ploughing into. Or even worse, the concrete ones. 

Fortunately, the rain only stayed for the morning practice session, and by the time of the Top 16 battles the course was dry albeit a few spots of standing water. Unfortunately for Stewart Hansford, he was the only driver of the day to plough into the plastic barriers during his battle with Martin French in the bright pink Mazda RX7. 

As the battle for the Top 8 continued there were more displays of excellent drifting from Round 2 winner Alan McCord. McCord, who suffered a blown engine during last round at Brands Hatch, used a borrowed white Nissan Silvia S13 to take Steve Will in his BMW M3. After two close runs it went to One More Time, with McCord taking the win due to Will spinning out. Mark Luney, Round 4 winner also showed his might in his Nissan 350Z as he won against Paul Cheshire, and 2007 EDC Champion Brett Castle and his SVS Nissan Silvia S14 also moved into the Top 8 after a close battle with Keith Hammond. 

A familiar sight from Round 4 from Brands Hatch was the Driftworks Nissan R32 Skyline. Back then it was Phil Morrison borrowing the car because his Nissan Silvia S15 still had engine problems. This time however, its real driver was here – 2008 EDC Champion Ben ‘BonBon’ Broke-Smith. BonBon isn’t participating in the full EDC this year, with his attention placed on the JDM Allstars drift series. But with the next round of that series a few weeks away, there’s no harm in BonBon getting a bit more practice in preparation for it! 

And the 2008 EDC Champion certainly showed his pedigree, moving into the Top 8 after a close run with Declan Hicks, winning because of a slight contact between the cars. Teammate Phil Morrison also had no problem moving forward, dispensing with Kieron Cameron after he’d gone wide in the first turn. The crowds at Santa Pod were also given a rare treat as Pete Barber went up against Martin French in an all Mazda RX7 battle. It was clear that both drivers were Rotary experts, but French took the win with a lead that Barber could not keep up with. 

As if an all Mazda RX7 battle wasn’t enough, James Russell and David Monaghan went up against each other in an all Nissan R32 Skyline battle! The DCY Skyline pilot took an easy win over the gold Skyline in the first run and winning the second run again after Monaghan span out. Rounding off the Top 8 was Paul Conlan who won against Alexis Drew with his green Santa Pod Skyline with a superior drift angle. 

The Top 8 battles were just as dramatic, with teammates Phil Morrison and Ben ‘BonBon’ Broke-Smith going head to head in an all Driftworks smoke off! Both cars are renowned for being absolute smoke monsters, so it was no surprise that the battles were very close with both drivers demonstrating excellent car control. However it was Morrison who took the win after BonBon’s mistake during One More Time. Alan McCord also took a win over James Russell’s mistake after he went in too deep in the second run, causing the DCY Skyline to kiss McCord’s S13 sideways netting zero points. 

2007 EDC Champion Brett Castle was pitted against newcomer Martin French. Castle certainly demonstrated his experience, but French held his ground and both runs came out even forcing a One More Time. However it was Castle who maintained his composure as French hit a barrier, handing Castle the win. Mark Luney was tasked with taking on fellow Irishman Paul Conlan. After a few close runs and another One More Time situation, Luney lost out to Conlan’s impressive angles, rounding off the Top 4. 

It was Paul Conlan against Phil Morrison in the first semi-final, with Conlan putting a fair fight in the first run resulting in even scores. But the Driftworks driver came out on top when leading in the second run, creating a sizable gap that Conlan couldn’t keep up with. Next it was Brett Castle against Alan McCord, with both drivers performing almost identically in the first two runs, forcing a One More Time. However, after a tyre change Castle thought they would be another practice run before the next battle and took it easy in the first run, not knowing it would be judged. But it was his mistake as it was a judged run, with McCord taking the win. Castle tried to make up for it in the second battle, but it was not enough, handing McCord entry into the finals. 

Castle’s efforts for recovery were not in vain though as he went on to face Conlan for the third spot. Castle was very quick in the first run, almost overtaking Conlan, and with Conlan having to slow down to avoid contact it compromised his run, handing Brett Castle third place. 
 
So for the final it was Phil Morrison versus Alan McCord. An all Nissan, S15 versus borrowed S13 battle. The first two runs showed that the finalists belonged where they were as their angle and speed netted even scores, meaning a One More Time. After another two close runs each driver had an advantage, resulting in even scores again with another One More Time needed. However at the end of the day there could be only one winner and it was Morrison who came up top as McCord straightened up at the first turn in the final run. 

With Phil Morrison winning Round Five it means he is back at the top of the standings, heading into the final round with a 40pt advantage over Mark Luney, with Alan McCord and Pete Barber following closely behind. The final round of the Need for Speed European Drift Championship now moves to Snetterton on October 11th. ColdTrackDays will be there, so be sure to check back then for our coverage! 

2009 European Drift Championship Standings: 
1. Phil Morrison (Nissan R32)…  335pts 
2. Mark Luney (Nissan 350Z)…  295pts 
3. Alan McCord (Nissan S15 V8)…  280pts 
4. Pete Barber (Mazda RX7)…  265pts 
5. Brett Castle (Nissan S15)…  220pts 
5. James Russell (Nissan R32)…  185pts 
7. Paul Conlan (Nissan S15 2JZ)…  175pts 
8. Declan Hicks (Toyota Soarer GZ20)… 150pts 
9. Kieron Cameron (Nissan S13)…  90pts 
10. Ian Harrisson (Nissan R32)…  80pts 
11. Stewart Hansford (Nissan S13)… 75pts 
11. Paul Cheshire (Nissan S14A)…  75pts 
13. Andrew Cooper (Nissan S14A)… 70pts 
14. David Monaghan (Nissan R32)… 65pts 
15. Gary Hughes (Nissan R32)…  60pts 
16. Keith Hammond (Nissan R32)… 55pts 
16. Steve Will (BMW M3)…   55pts 
18. Martin French (Mazda RX7)…  35pts 
19. Ben Broke Smith (Nissan R32)… 30pts 
19. Steve Evans (Lexus IS200)…  30pts 
19. Alexis Drew (Nissan R32)…   30pts 
23. Dwain McKeever (Nissan S13)… 25pts 
24. Richard Bradley (Nissan S14)…  15pts 
24. David Waterworth (Nissan S13)… 15pts 
24. Daniel Eyles (Nissan S13)…  15pts 
24. Kiyoshi Kawabata (Nissan PS13)… 15pts 
24. Anthony Scott (Nissan PS13)…  15pts 
29. Rennie Morrocco (BMW E36)…  10pts

Photo/Editorial: Calvin Chu

EUROPEAN DRIFT CHAMPIONSHIP // ROUND 3 - SILVERSTONE

Silverstone was bombarded with JDM fans, drifting powerhouses and scorching sun as it sees action from Round Three of the Need for Speed European Drift Championship. With current leader Phil Morrison out of this round due to mechanical problems, the top spot was all the play for as Round Two winner Pete Barber was keen to add another win to his belt. 
 
There was a fair amount of drama during the day. Whilst there were only a few spins, namely from Paul Conlan in his red Nissan Silvia S15 and Paul Cheshire in his Nissan S14, the gravel traps were hungry for drift victims... [read more]

Dave Monaghan and his gold Nissan R32 Skyline was one of the first to plough deep into the gravel when taking on Pete Barber. Barber’s usual Mazda RX7 unfortunately faced problems and had to borrow a Team Green Mazda FC. An unfamiliar car didn’t stop the Round 2 winner though, as he cruised into the top 8 as a result of Monaghan’s plight and beating Andrew Cooper by a small margin.

Ian Harrison in his blue Nissan R32 Skyline was another victim of the gravel trap as he ploughed into the same spot as Monaghan when up against Stewart Hansford in his black Nissan S13.

The drama didn’t end there with Harrison giving it his all in the second run, forcing an overtake on the inside leading to small contact between the two drivers. However, such moves are frowned upon the judges and Hansford progressed to the top 8.  

Drifting veterans Declan Hicks and Brett Castle performed very well during the top 16, with the two drivers eventually meeting each other in the top 8 battles. However, Hicks and his Toyota Soarer succumbed to the gravel trap, and went in deep at the first corner giving the 2006 Champion Castle the win. Alan McCord in his signature pink Nissan S15 V8 also saw very little resistance whilst progressing towards to the top 4 and even saw off the crazy Mark Luney in his Nissan 350Z.  

As the field thinned out, the cream of the crop showed their true colours with newcomer Hansford rubbing shoulders regulars McCord, Castle and Barber in the top 4. However, McCord’s experience shone through and dispatched with Hansford fairly swimmingly.

Barber, having done very well reaching this stage with a borrowed car also proved no match for 2006 Champion Brett Castle. This meant it was McCord vs. Castle for the final, and rookie Hansford vs. Barber for third place. 

Even in a borrowed car, Barber showed his true strength when up against Hansford and took both rounds with ease. Whether it was nerves or lack of experience, Hansford still put on a great debut performance finishing fourth for the day. 


It was in the final where the drama continued. All eyes were on the 2006 Champion Castle take on the V8 powered S15 of McCord. It was set to be an awesome battle, but unfortunately it did not happen. Castle’s entry speed into the first corner was too high and as a result became the final victim of the gravel trap on the day. This pretty much handed the win to McCord unless he made a mistake as well, but that did not happen as McCord kept his composure with both drivers putting on a great show for the second run. 

With Brett Castle returning to form taking second place after two lackluster rounds, the winner Alan McCord is now tied with third place Pete Barber for the top spot in the championship. No doubt Phil Morrison will be itching to get back into his Nissan Silvia and try to regain the top spot. Stay tuned for Round Four of the Need for Speed European Drift Championship as drifting heads to Brands Hatch on June 28th, here at ColdTrackDays! 


2009 European Drift Championship Standings: 
1. Alan McCord (Nissan S15 V8)   190pts 
1. Pete Barber (Mazda RD RX-7)   190pts 
3. Phil Morrison (Nissan S15)   160pts 
4. Mark Luney (Nissan 350Z)   155pts 
5. Brett Castle (Nissan S14A)   130pts 
6. James Russell (Nissan Skyline R32)  125pts 
7. Declan Hicks (Toyota Soarer GZ)   95pts 
8. Paul Conlan (Nissan S15 2JZ)   75pts 
9. Ian Harrison (Nissan Skyline R32)  70pts 
10. Kieran Cameron (Nissan S13)   65pts 
11. Andrew Cooper (Nissan S14A)   55pts 
12. Stewart Hansford (Nissan S13)   50pts 
13. Paul Cheshire (Nissan S15 V8)   45pts 
14. David Monaghan (Nissan Skyline R32)  40pts 
14. Gary Hughes (Nissan Skyline R32)  40pts 
16. Steve Will (BMW M3 Turbo)   30pts 
16. Robin Neeson (Toyota Chaser)   30pts 
18. Dwain Mckeever (Nissan S13)   20pts 
19. Steve Evans (Toyota Starlet)   15pts 
19. Lex Drew (Nissan Skyline R32)   15pts 
19. Keith Hammond (Nissan Skyline R32)  15pts 
19. Richard Bradley (Nissan S14)   15pts 
20. David Waterworth (Nissan S13)  15pts 
22. Rennie Morrocco (BMW E36)   10pts 

Photo/Editorial: Calvin Chu

STATE SUPERSPRINT // ROUND 4 @ EASTERN CREEK

Radical...Radical...Radical... the one word that seemed to echo through pit lane at last weekend’s round 4 of the NSW State Supersprint. What’s 'Radical' you may ask? A “Radical” is a type of purpose built kit race car that is powered by a 1300cc Suzuki motorcycle motor. There were four present and they blitzed the field with some unbelievably quick lap times. Going on from my round 3 review, this event was held at Eastern Creek International Raceway about 40min drive from Sydney. In my usual morning pit lane walk it was interesting to see the slight modifications some competitors had made in-between rounds. Some as small as minimal aero mods to full resprays to fancy motec computers all in the hope of better lap times... [read more]


The radicals were all business taking the top spots on the time sheet. The radicals were lead by Garth Walden with a 1:33.19.

The big surprise of the event was Jason Naidoo in his relatively standard EVO 8 he pulled out a blinder of a lap with a 1:44.96 which made him fastest tin top for the day, beating his PB by 5 seconds and a lap record for his class


Clubman’s were out in force again out numbering the field with around 20 competitors.

Michelle Guyer was also present in her March 87B open wheeler who showed her inexperience at Eastern Creek and was not at the top of the time sheets at the end of the day. Give her a few more days and she will be seriously fast on this track. Unforutnely I think she lunched her engine at the end of the day.

This FC rx7 of Bradley Shiels was notorious for bellowing massive flames out under brakes.

Duncan Forrest was again out in his R35 putting in a solid effort with lap times around the 1:46 mark. This car has so much more potential.

Although State Supersprint is a 9 round series there were some new faces to the grid including Andrew Woodcock in his HSV Maloo Ute, which looked like it was fresh of the showroom floor.

Everyone takes this event quite seriously and wants to put down some solid lap times but you always see friendly chatter amongst drivers in the dummy grid.

With the sun setting in the early afternoon the track cooled down and was when most people pumped out their fastest lap times.

Benny Tran in his B20 powered EG Honda Civic took full advantage of the track temperature to clock a 1:47.58 which broke his class record. I spoke to Benny and he has recently picked up a sponsor so this car should get faster and faster.

Another impressive combo is Mark Sattlers Datsun 120y which was wearing some seriously wide steelies wrapped in full slicks.

My favourite car of the event was Steven Shipways old school Toyota Crown powered by a 1JZ with a big single turbo. The car looks like it was painted with a paint brush but has so much character. He was doing some really fast lap times around the 1:47 mark.

Once again the State Supersprint series didn’t disappoint, the next round will be at Wakefield Park in a few weeks time. If you would like to find out more about Superpsrint in NSW check out the newly created website for the series by clicking here

Official lap times can be found here

More photos from the day can be found here


Photo/Editorial: Matthew Mead