2022 DRIFTCON SEASON OPENER
Photo courtesy of Christian Buenaventura.
An Exciting Drifting Event Full Of Surprises.
It’s never a dull moment at Evergreen Speedway during a DriftCon event, and this year’s season opener was no exception. From the minute all 60 competitors hit the track for their first practice runs, the throttles were down, and all eyes were on the prize.
Photo courtesy of Christian Buenaventura.
New Skids.
The track layout - designed by DriftCon judge Lucas Dourado, along with Kevin Guthrie from Evergreen Speedway and Brandon Schmidt - didn’t spare any fluff. Vastly different from the Formula DRIFT pro track layout at Evergreen Speedway, the fast, cageless infield layout of the DriftCon track boasted a super swift initiation point with very little time to accelerate before going sideways.
‘Outer Zone One’ presented its own set of challenges, requiring drivers to, “hit it perfectly and really hard,” announcer Ben Whyte surmised early in the day.
The full, 360 loop, and quick exit added a little more spice; in total, creating a track none of the registered drivers had ever experienced before.
Jared Bradfield, driver of a Lexus 1UZ powered Subaru hatchback, gave the track two thumbs up and lauded how its design, “put every driver at the same level.”
Event organizer Matt Haugness confirmed the track was fresh, and how during the early practice runs, he’d noticed many drivers had needed a break-in period to reach the point of feeling comfortable with it.
“I think a lot of them were struggling to get the hang of the layout, since it was so different, but I think by the middle of the day Saturday, they were enjoying it,” Haugness stated.
Photo courtesy of Drift Enthusiast Magazine.
Indeed, despite early reservations, the new track proved to be a favorite as the event wore on. “It’s a lot more fun than I thought it would be,” driver Mitchell McGarvey told us with a wide grin, as he prepared his 350z for the Top 16.
A New Rule.
Another change introduced to this year’s DriftCon opening lineup was the implementation of the ‘Six-Tire Rule’. The competitors learned about the rule during the mandatory driver’s meeting held early Saturday morning.
Haugness indicated several drivers had initially expressed concerns, but soon realized it was a non-issue. “I don't think anyone even got to their third set of tires,” he said.
As a result, the drivers never held back. They laid down plenty of rubber on the freshly paved and painted track, all in anticipation of earning a place on the podium.
Photo courtesy of Drift Enthusiast Magazine.
Better Chances At Earnings.
The sun peaked out of the clouds just as the competition started, keeping the track (and the spectators) warm and dry during most of the event.
The initial lineup was divided into Single Elimination Jaeger Style Brackets, with odd-ranked competitors filling one bracket, and even-ranked drivers filling the other. The two brackets battled side-by-side to determine which drivers would progress to the Top 16 round, which would begin a new bracket to be judged with single-elimination, NCAA-style fights.
The top three podium drivers received the highest payouts, with first place earning $3,000, second bringing in $1,500, and third place drawing $1,000. Additionally, every Top 16 driver was awarded a separate take, based on which battles were won, and their final placement.
“The drivers really liked the bounties and winning money after each battle,” Haugness said, also indicating he thought a similar competition style could be incorporated into the DriftCon Afterdark event in September. “It will be called something different, but the small reward after advancing is important, and great mementos to keep after the event.”
Haugness also noted the larger podium payouts were, “really popular with all the drivers.”
Fireworks In The First Round.
Just before the break leading into the Top 16, the crowd (and Spencer Bolte) had the biggest surprise of the day. In one of the final battles, Bolte’s black Sileighty caught fire in the engine compartment. The car barely crossed the finish line, before Bolte had to bail due to flames engulfing the hood area of his S13.
Photo courtesy of Drift Enthusiast Magazine.
Photo courtesy of Christian Buenaventura.
We talked to one of Bolte’s crew following the battle to see if they had any idea what might have happened. The general belief of Bolte’s team was the fire had been caused by a loose bolt on the fuel rail that had allowed fuel to spray on the exterior of the motor where everything was extremely hot.
Fortunately, Bolte made it out of his car safely, the fire was extinguished, and he still carried hope the damage wasn’t significant enough to force scrapping the car. “With any luck, I’ll get it back together,” he said with a hopeful shrug.
Photo courtesy of Drift Enthusiast Magazine.
Upon reflection, Haugness said he could only recall a few small fires in the history of DriftCon, but he was surprised by, “how long this fire lasted and how much it took to put it out.”
“[It was] really sad to witness it, especially with it being the first event of the season,” Haugness added. “I was glad he was able to get out quickly and nobody else was at risk due to a ride-along or something like that. We don't allow ride-alongs in competition for this reason.”
Photo courtesy of Drift Enthusiast Magazine.
Show Cars Galore.
In one of their first events since the onset of the pandemic, StanceWars proudly presented the DriftCon season opener car show. The event drew in a large number of show vehicles and enthusiasts alike and the inbound waiting line of show cars stretched on for what seemed like miles.
Inside the gate, cars bespoke with each owner’s personality and design cues, were expertly positioned in the viewing area as everyone prepared for DriftCon’s 32-car opening act.
Photo courtesy of Louis Sierra.
Even before all contestants were inside and parked, fans were busy musing which rides they liked best, and car owners were proudly answering questions about their personal builds and modifications. Owner Louis Sierra and his red 350z won Best Stance at the show.
We had a fun chat with Tara Scamehorn, owner of the R32 Nissan Skyline GTS-T (aka Driift Kitty). She told us cars are a huge part of her life, even though this StanceWars was her first real car show with the Skyline. “I love meeting people who feel the same, and seeing their builds, and getting appreciation for cars I wouldn't normally see day to day,” she shared.
Photo courtesy of Drift Enthusiast Magazine.
Delightful Battles Beginning-To-End.
In the final 16 tandem battles, it was Frank Mirabelli, Brennan Walstrom, and Tyler Mayer that kept fans at the edge of their seats.
Mirabelli drove his Jungle Gym M3 BMW (fondly nicknamed the Deathcart by fans) like a champ. He easily progressed through the Top 16 (including a tough OMT battle against Chad Wilson’s 350z). Mirabelli ultimately took third place, after losing to Brennan Walstrom, who finished second behind Tyler Mayer.
Photo courtesy of Drift Enthusiast Magazine.
It was an admirable feat for Mirabelli, considering Mayer and Walstrom are licensed FD PROSPEC drivers.
And, after seven hours of qualifying and competition, another DriftCon season opener was over, but not without the battle upsets and surprises everyone expects from a competitive drifting event.
Haugness admitted he was most surprised by the ‘on-time’ ending, and despite all the other surprises of the day, he felt the staff, drivers, and crew members, “put on a good show, with steady action for the crowd from 2pm to 8pm.”
Drift Enthusiast Magazine agrees and we’re excited to be proud sponsors of this year’s DriftCon season. We hope you’ll stay on the watch for more action here as this season progresses, and be sure to give DriftCon some love on the Gram next time you’re out there!
