DRIFT BATTLE ATCM MAPUTO – 22 MAY
May 26, 2011 in Drifting, Reports and Results, Upcoming Events
This past weekend saw the much anticipated Drift Battle event take place at ATCM Maputo, Mozambique. After the success of the Drift Attack earlier this year, we were keen to see what this round had in store.
Practice was held on Friday and Saturday for the guys to get a little additional seat time for Sunday’s event. While we had most of the same competitors taking place in the weekend’s event there were some new faces joining the list and the youngest competitor only being 16 years old. Some of the drifters also joined in new toys that we haven’t seen them in before. For example, Tim Stevens rolling out the very sexy, almost completely finished Rock Raceway Nissan Skyline R34. Richat Khan competed in the Candy-Apple Red Nissan Skyline R33 and Faizal Remutula (a.k.a XuXu) in the Day-Glow-Orange Nissan Skyline R33. Only a few of some very exquisite cars that graced us with their presence this past weekend.
The same track layout was used as at Drift Attack in February with only the clipping points differing. This time around 2 rear clipping cones and 1 front clipping cone were set out. These were only set out on race day, making things very interesting. The drivers not getting a chance to practice these on Saturday.
The Sunday being hotter than expected also provided stunning clear weather for drifting. 17 competitors joined the list for qualifying. This time around we had some ploughers but I am glad to say that there were a lot less spin outs this time around. The more opportunity these drivers get to practice, the better the get.
Top 16 qualifying started and some interesting runs were presented. The highest qualifier for the event was Richat Khan with the rest following close behind him. According to the percentages, we had a fairly even field of drivers. A few drivers were given the dreaded zero on a run or two, the tight karting track making accuracy and control extremely important.
Round one eliminations were quick and swift and there were only a few upsets with unlikely candidates making the Top 8.
In the Top 8 elimination round, top qualifier Richat Khan beat SA’s Mathys “Blue Boy” Naude in his E36 318iM BMW. XuXu lost out to reigning champion, Zanil Satar in the Traction Control Nissan R34. Raja Kamisara and his Nissan S15 Silvia upset the standings when he beat The Rock Raceway’s Tim Stephens in his new Nissan R34. Tim is still finding his feet in the car after switching from the Soarer. Imtyaz Daly beat Zein Raiden in the Nissan R33 after Raiden forfeited with tyre issues.
This created an interesting semi-final between Khan and Satar and between Kamisara and Daly. It was to be Khan and Kamisara that progressed through. Kamisara fought hard but the combination of good form and a fresh set of Khumo red smoke tyres from Khan (which went down a treat with the crowd) saw him slice his way through the course and secure victory.
A big thanks goes out to all that attended, especially those that made the long trip from Johannesburg to be part of the festivities.
1. Richat Khan
2. Raja Kamisara
3. Zanil Satar
[...] R34 4-door is something special and it made its debut at the recent Drift Battle in Mozambique. While still very much in it’s development phase, it performed well and drove [...]