Name: Adam Shefer
Date of Birth: 13/10/1981
Car Specifications:
1991 Nissan 200 SX S13
Nissan SR20DET
Garrett ball-bearing GT-28-76R
Tein Super Drift coil-overs
Tein front and rear strut braces
Tein extended steering angle kit
TNT roll cage
Perfect Power engine management
Sponsors: ASM drifting, TSR Wheels, Achilles Tyres.
When did you start drifting?
Started drifting in 2008
It seems as if it’s second nature to you. Did drifting come naturally or did you have to work at it?
No, I had to work at it. In fact, I had to work at it very hard. When I first started I put a lot of effort into getting on the track and practicing, I tried to be at the track at least once a week. Like any other sport its all about seat time, the more you practice the better you get.
Where did you start drifting?
I started drifting at Tim Stevens’ track, The Rock Raceway in Brakpan and of course we still do, as you know Tim has done a lot of work on the track and it’s a great venue.
Why did you choose the S13 for drifting?
I chose the S13 because of its popularity overseas within the drifting scene and it is one of the more readily available Japanese imports in South Africa.
Also, the S13 platform suits drifting so it’s a lot easier to set up then other models.
You still run a small capacity, four-cylinder motor where others have switched to six-cylinder power plants. Why haven’t you made the switch? Why do you still use the four cylinder?
We are always trying to make the car as light as possible and small engine allows us to save weight. It also allows us to keep the weight distribution behind the suspension line.
A small engine allows for better airflow around the engine compartment keeping everything nice and cool.
In fact we have just completed our second car, another S13 and for now, that’s running the even smaller CA18. So look out for that one early in 2011.
Does running the SR20 restrict you in any way? Do you battle in competition?
Before we were running a smaller turbo and on the faster tracks that require 3rd gear drifting we struggled a bit with power, but with the new turbo and set-up we don’t have any problems.
What’s one of your scarier moments behind the wheel?
It’s always quite scary going farming sideways, but the really scary stuff is being in the car when one of your crew is behind the wheel!
Who inspires you?
Let’s face it, Drifting like any other motor sport, or sport, for that matter, requires a great deal of time, money and sheer dedication, so any driver that wants to win and puts in the effort that’s required to be at the top of their game inspires me, local or international.
Which driver, do you most like doing tandem runs with?
Lately I’ve enjoyed doing tandems with David “2 Bar Boost” Nell, we often practice tandems together so I know his driving style.
What goals have you set yourself for 2011?
Well, I’d like to be the best drifter out there in 2011, that means lots of practice, more track time and as many events as possible. Keeping my fan base interested is obviously very important and we plan some upgrades for the website and hope to put out a lot more on Facebook.
Bringing the second Achilles car into the mix is exiting and hopefully that will also afford other potential sponsors the opportunity to look at Drifting, and in particular, ASM Drifting as a new and dynamic platform to carry their corporate message. With all the planned TV coverage and the massive events calendar this year, it’s all pretty exciting!
I guess in a nutshell it’s:
1. Win.
2. Impress more sponsors.
3. Put on a great show.
4. Win some more!
