South Australian driver Leighton Fine is the new Australian Drift Champion, after finishing second in the final round of the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series at Oran Park Raceway today.

Beau Yates (Toyota Racing Developments AE86) won the season finale, with second place enough for Fine (Commercial Truck Sales Nissan 180SX) to secure his first championship.

Fine entered the weekend with a 70-point championship lead over Luke Fink (Holford Motors Nissan Silvia), but suffered a setback with a practice crash on Friday.

Once back on track, he and Fink progressed through their preliminary battles with ease, before meeting in the semi finals.

In a championship-defining battle, Fink needed to win the semi final and the event, and hope Fine lost the third-place battle in order to take the title.

However a spin by Fink in the first pass saw the battle and the championship go to Fine.

“It’s a great feeling, I’m ecstatic,” Fine said.

“It was a tense weekend, we just tried to focus on the individual battles rather than worry about the championship picture and it’s gone our way.

“We’ve had a fantastic season, we’ve been competitive everywhere which is a credit to Team CTS and the work they’ve done all year.”

Fine went on to face Yates in the final, where the Sydneysider and 2006 Australian Drift Champion was successful to take his first win of the year.

“Throughout the year we’ve been consistent but a win has eluded us,” Yates said.

“We had a great run all weekend; getting the win at home and wrapping up third in the championship is a good way to end the season.”

After losing to Fine in their Top Four battle, Fink went on to take third place for the weekend and second in the championship.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t quite get the championship, but for a small team we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this year,” Fink said.

“We won an event, finished on the podium at three other rounds and ended up second in the championship, which is a good year in anyone’s book.

“Full credit to Leighton and Team CTS, they’ve done a great job all year and it’s been a lot of fun battling with them.”

As a result of their championship positions, Fine and Fink will each receive an invitation to compete in the new Red Bull Formula Drift World Championship event, taking place in America in November.

With his second-consecutive fourth-place finish, Khudar Elhaouli (JDS Auto Imports Nissan Silvia) moved up to take fourth in the championship.

Christian Pickering (Senwill Civil Nissan Silvia), Nathan Weissel (Federal Tyres Nissan Skyline), Eugene Arendsen (Mercury Motorsport Nissan 180SX) and Robbie Bolger (VIP Petfoods Holden Monaro) all ended their seasons with a Top Eight result.

Stewart Furze took out the Toyo Tires Super Drift Series season finale, while Josh Coote wrapped up the crown.

Telecasts of the 2008 Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series finale will commence on Sunday 19 October, on Speedweek, SBS.

For more information about the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series, head to www.driftaustralia.com.au.

Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series Oran Park Top Eight
1. Beau Yates (NSW, Toyota Racing Developments Toyota AE86 Sprinter)
2. Leighton Fine (SA, Toyo Tires Nissan 180SX)
3. Luke Fink (VIC, Holford Motors Nissan Silvia)
4. Khudar Elhaouli (VIC, JDS Auto Imports Nissan Silvia)
5. Christian Pickering (SA, Senwill Civil Nissan Silvia
6. Nathan Weissel (NSW, Federal Tyres Nissan Skyline)
7. Eugene Arendsen (QLD, Mercury Motorsport Nissan 180SX)
8. Robbie Bolger (QLD, VIP Petfoods Holden Monaro)

Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series Standings
1. Leighton Fine (SA, Commercial Truck Sales Nissan 180SX) - 2299
2. Luke Fink (VIC, Holford Motors Nissan Silvia) - 2201
3. Beau Yates (NSW, Toyota Racing Developments Toyota AE86 Sprinter) - 2104
4. Khudar Elhaouli (VIC, JDS Auto Imports Nissan Silvia) - 1797
5. Christian Pickering (SA, Senwill Civil Nissan Silvia) - 1767
6. Robbie Bolger (QLD, VIP Petfoods Holden Monaro) - 1758
7. Adam May (SA, WheelWorx Nissan Skyline) - 1755
8. Tom Monkhouse (SA, Japanese Motorsport Nissan Silvia) - 1720

The 2008 Australian Drift Champion will be crowned at Sydney's Oran Park Raceway this weekend, in the final round of the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series.

While 30 drivers will tackle the historic Sydney circuit, all eyes will be on the three fighting for the championship; Leighton Fine, Luke Fink and Beau Yates.

After three wins from four rounds, Fine holds a 70-point lead over Fink, with 2006 Australian Drift Champion Yates the outsider, a further 159 in arrears.

Fine (Commercial Truck Sales Nissan 180SX) was in a similar position in 2006, entering the season finale with a 126-point advantage, only to suffer an engine failure in practice.

Unable to source a replacement, he jumped aboard a rival's spare car, but was knocked out in the Top 16 round of battles and fell just short of the crown.

"Losing the championship at the last round in 2006 was incredibly disappointing," Fine said.

"Hopefully this year will be different, we've had a fantastic season to get us to this point and we're going to Oran Park determined to wrap up the title.

"A lot can happen over the weekend, so we're not going to get ahead of ourselves - we know what we are capable of, so we'll just take it one battle at a time."

If Fine finishes first or second - or third after qualifying inside the Top Six - this weekend, he will become the 2008 Australian Drift Champion regardless of Fink's results.

For his part, Fink (Holford Motors Nissan Silvia) is set to continue with the same aggressive style which has taken him to a win and two second-place finishes.

"It's good to be second in the championship, but we're after first place," Fink said.

"Giving it everything all year is what's put us in this position; we're going to do the same this weekend.

"We've worked hard all year and scored some great results, winning the championship would a great reward for the guys."

With 500 points on offer, third-placed Yates (Toyota Racing Developments AE86 Sprinter) is 229 behind Fine and an outside chance of snaring the title if Fine and Fink are eliminated in the opening round of battles.

"The pressure is on Leighton and Luke, really," he said.

"We've got nothing to lose, so we're going to get out there and try to win the event and see how everything else works out."

The 2008 Toyo Tires Super Drift Series champion will also be crowned this weekend at Oran Park.

Josh Coote currently leads the feeder class, by a commanding 276 points, over South Australians Stewart Furze and Ben Monkhouse.

The two full days of action will also include expression sessions, team drifting, an Extreme Entry competition and off-track entertainment including a Show 'n' Shine.

Tickets are $20 on Saturday and $30 on Sunday, with a $40 weekend pass also available, while kids under 12 are free all weekend.

For more information about the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series, head to www.driftaustralia.com.au.

Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series Standings
1. Leighton Fine (SA, Commercial Truck Sales Nissan 180SX) - 1836
2. Luke Fink (VIC, Holford Motors Nissan Silvia) - 1766 - 2266
3. Beau Yates (NSW, Toyota Racing Developments Toyota AE86 Sprinter) - 1607
4. Adam May (SA, WheelWorx Nissan Skyline) - 1424
5. Khudar Elhaouli (VIC, JDS Auto Imports Nissan Silvia) - 1401
6. Christian Pickering (SA, Senwill Civil Nissan Silvia) - 1395
7. Robbie Bolger (QLD, VIP Petfoods Holden Monaro) - 1395
8. Tom Monkhouse (SA, Japanese Motorsport Nissan Silvia) - 1382

The top two drivers from this year’s Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series will be invited to compete in the brand-new Red Bull Formula Drift World Championship in November, putting even more up for grabs in the season finale at Sydney’s Oran Park Raceway on 20-21 September.

To be held on a top-secret street circuit in Long Beach, California, on 15 November, the new World Championship is joint initiative by the energy drinks giant and Formula Drift, North America’s professional drifting championship.

Australia’s top two drivers will join the world’s best, with leading competitors from the United States, Japan, Europe, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia and Singapore all set to do battle.

“We’re thrilled to receive invitations for the top two Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series drivers to compete in the Red Bull Formula Drift World Championship,” Drift Australia director Wayne Boatwright said.

“It shows that the growth of drifting in Australia isn’t going unnoticed and how highly our domestic championship is regarded internationally.

“Last year, Robbie Bolger, Christian Pickering and Fernando Wiehrl all did a great job in a similar international event, I’m sure whoever represents Drift Australia on the world stage this year will do us proud.”

Battling it out to become Australian Drift Champion, Leighton Fine (Commercial Truck Sales Nissan 180SX) and Luke Fink (Holford Motors Nissan Silvia) are in the box seat to receive invitations.

With three wins from four starts this year, Fine holds a 70-point lead over Fink, while third-placed Beau Yates (Toyota Racing Developments AE86 Sprinter) is a further 159 points behind.

“The championship is our primary focus going to Oran Park, but to represent Australia in the World Championship would be fantastic,” Fine said.

“To compete against the world’s best on the streets of Long Beach would be an unreal experience, and a great opportunity to show how much the Australian drift scene has developed.”

A former World BMX Champion, Fink is no stranger to international competition.

The Melbourne resident has enjoyed a breakout season, with a win and two second-place finishes behind Fine.

“Competing in the World Championship will give Australian drivers a chance to show what we can do,” Fink said.

“We’ve had a great year, we’re going to be giving it everything to try and win the title, and getting the international invitation would be the icing on the cake.

“I’ve won events in America with two wheels and pedal power; hopefully we can go over there in November and have some fun with four wheels and plenty of horsepower.”

Fine, Fink and Yates will be part of a contingent of 30 drivers in action during Round Five of the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series at Oran Park Raceway on 20-21 September.

The two full days of action will also include the final round of the Toyo Tires Super Drift Series, expression sessions, team drifting, an Extreme Entry competition and off-track entertainment including a Show ‘n’ Shine.

Tickets are $20 on Saturday and $30 on Sunday, with a $40 weekend pass also available, while kids under 12 are free all weekend.

For more information about the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series, head to www.driftaustralia.com.au.

Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series Standings
1. Leighton Fine (SA, Commercial Truck Sales Nissan 180SX) - 1836
2. Luke Fink (VIC, Holford Motors Nissan Silvia) - 1766
3. Beau Yates (NSW, Toyota Racing Developments Toyota AE86 Sprinter) - 1607
4. Adam May (SA, WheelWorx Nissan Skyline) - 1424
5. Khudar Elhaouli (VIC, JDS Auto Imports Nissan Silvia) - 1401
6. Christian Pickering (SA, Senwill Civil Nissan Silvia) - 1395
7. Robbie Bolger (QLD, VIP Petfoods Holden Monaro) - 1395
8. Tom Monkhouse (SA, Japanese Motorsport Nissan Silvia) - 1382

The fight to become 2008 Australian Drift Champion is down to three drivers, after championship leader Leighton Fine took out a hotly-contested fourth round of the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series at Eastern Creek Raceway today.

First, second and third in the championship entering the weekend, Fine, Luke Fink and Beau Yates claimed the same positions at the Sydney circuit, setting up a showdown for championship glory in the season finale at Oran Park in September.

Today's win is Fine's third of the season in the Commercial Truck Sales Nissan 180SX; bouncing back in style from a mechanical problem at Mallala last month which slashed his points lead.

After topping qualifying and defeating Robbie Bolger, Adam Trewhella and Khudar Elhaouli, Fine lined up in the final against Fink, whose scalps included Darren Appleton and Yates.

A series-record three re-runs were required before the judges could split Fine and Fink (Holford Motors Nissan Silvia), with Fine eventually taking the win in-front of a strong Sydney crowd to extend his points lead to 70, with one round remaining.

"After the disappointment of Mallala we really wanted to come here and get things back on track," South Australian Fine said.

"This win is the perfect outcome and adds to our championship lead going to Oran Park.

"Luke and I were so evenly matched and it was tense with all of the re-runs, fortunately we did enough in the end to get the win."

While falling just short of victory to accompany his Mallala win, Fink remains well within reach of Fine after his third podium finish from four rounds.

"Full credit to Leighton, it was a great battle with him in the final," Fink said.

"We gave it everything we had today and our car was fantastic, the work we did between rounds paid off.

"It would have been great to win, but second is a good result for the championship - we can't wait until Oran Park to fight for the title."

At his home circuit, Yates (Toyota Racing Developments AE86 Sprinter) defeated Elhaouli (JDS Auto Imports Nissan Silvia) to take third and complete an all-Toyo podium.

Yates remains third in the standings - 229 points behind Fine - while Elhaouli jumps from ninth to fifth behind Adam May (WheelWorx Nissan Skyline), who is now fourth after a strong seventh-place finish today.

May was joined in the Top Eight by his WheelWorx team-mate Linden Reynolds (Nissan Silvia), Appleton (Peer Industries Nissan Silvia) and Trewhella (Miluc Civil Nissan Cefiro).

While Elhaouli and May move up the championship order, Christian Pickering (Senwill Civil Nissan Silvia) and Bolger (VIP Petfoods Holden Monaro) drop out of the Top Five after being eliminated early.

Victorian driver Leigh Pidwell (Toyota KE70 Corolla) took out the Toyo Tires Super Drift Series proceedings, while Josh Coote (Nissan 180SX) maintains his points lead.

Broadcasts of the Eastern Creek round commence on Sunday 13 July on SBS' Speedweek at 1pm, check local guides for details.

The 2008 Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series will conclude at Oran Park Raceway, NSW, on 20-21 September.

For more information about the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series, head to www.driftaustralia.com.au.

Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series Eastern Creek Top Eight
1. Leighton Fine (SA, Toyo Tires Nissan 180SX)
2. Luke Fink (VIC, Holford Motors Nissan Silvia)
3. Beau Yates (NSW, Toyota Racing Developments Toyota AE86 Sprinter)
4. Khudar Elhaouli (VIC, JDS Auto Imports Nissan Silvia)
5. Linden Reynolds (SA, WheelWorx Nissan Silvia)
6. Darren Appleton (QLD, Peer Industries Nissan Silvia)
7. Adam May (SA, WheelWorx Nissan Skyline)
8. Adam Trewhella (WA, Miluc Civil Nissan Cefiro)

Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series Standings
1. Leighton Fine (SA, Commercial Truck Sales Nissan 180SX) - 1836
2. Luke Fink (VIC, Holford Motors Nissan Silvia) - 1766
3. Beau Yates (NSW, Toyota Racing Developments Toyota AE86 Sprinter) - 1607
4. Adam May (SA, WheelWorx Nissan Skyline) - 1424
5. Khudar Elhaouli (VIC, JDS Auto Imports Nissan Silvia) - 1401
6. Christian Pickering (SA, Senwill Civil Nissan Silvia) - 1395
7. Robbie Bolger (QLD, VIP Petfoods Holden Monaro) - 1395
8. Tom Monkhouse (SA, Japanese Motorsport Nissan Silvia) - 1382

A number of pre-season championship favourites will be looking to get their 2008 Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series campaigns back on track this weekend, 12-13 April, when the series heads to Queensland Raceway.

Robbie Bolger, Beau Yates and Fernando Wiehrl are eyeing big results at the Ipswich circuit, while current Australian Drift Championship leader Leighton Fine will be looking to pick up where he left off in last month’s season opener in Tasmania.

South Australian resident Fine (Commercial Truck Sales Nissan 180SX) beat former World BMX Champion Luke Fink (Holford Motors Nissan Silvia) to win round one and heads to Queensland intent on maintaining his points advantage.

"Our car performed really well in Tasmania, so I see no reason why we won’t be strong again this weekend at Queensland Raceway," Fine - championship runner-up in 2006 - said.

"That said, there are a number of really strong car and driver combinations in the field, and the level of competition keeps on rising, so it will be interesting to see what happens."

Last year’s championship runner-up Christian Pickering (Senwill Racing Nissan Silvia) was another driver to enjoy a strong start at Symmons Plains, finishing third.

However the man who beat him to the 2007 title has work to do.

Defending series champion Bolger (VIP Petfoods Holden Monaro) could only manage 14th in his 800hp Holden V8.

The Queensland-based Irishman is looking for much better at his home circuit, where he won in 2006 and was second in 2007.

"We under-performed at Symmons Plains," he admits.

"But the V8 Monaro is well-suited to Queensland Raceway and it’s a circuit we’ve done well at in the past, so we’re confident of getting a good result this weekend."

Also looking for more this weekend is 2006 Champion Yates (Toyota Racing Developments AE86 Sprinter), defending Queensland Raceway winner Wiehrl (Auto Salon Nissan Silvia), who are currently ninth and 11th respectively, and 2005 series Champion Darren Appleton.

Wiehrl won two events and finished third in 2007, while Appleton will debut a recently-purchased Peer Industries Nissan Silvia after a disastrous Symmons Plains weekend.

Appleton and Bolger are part of a seven-strong contingent of Queensland-based competitors, joined by Matt Mingay (CAPA Holden Commodore), Eugene Arendsen (Mercury Motorsport Nissan 180SX), Trent Whyte (Federal Tyres Nissan Skyline), Chris Nutley (Nissan Skyline) and Danny Kenneally (Hogs Breath Cafe Nissan Skyvia Ute).

Mingay is the highest-placed Queensland competitor in the field, sitting 12th in the championship.

The field in this weekend’s Toyo Tires Super Drift development series is joined by European Drift champion Paul Vlasblom from Holland.

Vlasblom is a two-time King of Europe Drift Champion and the 2005 Belgian Champion and accepts an invitation to head down under from Bolger - the pair having met at last year’s D1 Grand Prix All-Star World Championship where Vlasblom was also competing.

The weekend will feature a feast of motorsport action for local enthusiasts.

Team Drifting, Racing Logic ’Extreme Entry’ competition, stunt bikes and Ben Bray’s Holden burnout drag ute will also be part of the on-track action.

Off-track, there’s a Show ’n’ Shine and fans can check out some of the country’s best drag cars on display, including Bray’s Datsun 1200, Tony Wedlock’s Toyota and Theo Woollett’s Nissan Skyline, the fastest GTR in Australia.

Tickets are $20 for Saturday and $30 for Sunday, or $40 for the weekend, with kids under 12 free all weekend.

Anyone who can’t make it to Queensland Raceway can tune into internet motorsport radio station SpeedFM.com.au which will stream commentary from the circuit.

For more information about the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series, head to www.driftaustralia.com.au

Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series Standings
1. Leighton Fine (SA, Toyo Tires Nissan 180SX) - 499
2. Luke Fink (VIC, Holford Motors Nissan Silvia) - 464
3. Christian Pickering (SA, Senwill Civil Nissan Silvia) - 434
4. Chris DeJager (VIC, Turtle Wax ICE Nissan Silvia) - 389
5. Adam Trewhella (WA, Miluc Civil Nissan Cefiro) - 367
6. Tom Monkhouse (SA, Japanese Motorsport Nissan Silvia) - 364
7. Paul Austin (SA, WheelWorx Nissan Silvia) - 353
8. Danny Vahoumis (SA, Miluc Civil Nissan Silvia) - 350

Australia's best drifters will return to the Apple Isle this weekend, when the 2008 Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series kicks off at Symmons Plains Raceway.

After a frenetic off-season filled with driver movements, team changes and new car builds, a strong field is ready to begin the battle to become the next Australian Drift Champion.

Defending series champion Robbie Bolger won't have it all his own way if he's to make it back-to-back titles in his 900hp Holden Monaro.

A group of his closest rivals from the last two seasons have beefed up their campaigns, but if Bolger is feeling the pressure, he isn't showing it.

"We won the championship last year, there's no reason why we can't win it again," he said.

"The Monaro is a strong and proven package, and we're ready to unleash it on Symmons Plains with the number one sticker on it."

Second in last year's championship, Christian Pickering has established his own team over the off-season, and will steer an immaculate new Nissan Silvia S15 with backing from Senwill Civil.

"I can't wait to get out there, we'll be stronger and better than ever," Pickering said.

"We finished second last year so our goal for 2008 is to win the championship; I'm really looking forward to working with Senwill Civil and making this year a huge success."

Pickering's 2007 seat with the Commercial Truck Sales outfit has been filled by fellow South Aussie Leighton Fine, who narrowly missed out on the 2006 championship.

The man who beat him to that honour, Beau Yates, means business in 2008.

With backing from Toyota Racing Developments, Yates' trusty Toyota AE86 Sprinter has received significant upgrades during the off-season.

Fernando Wiehrl is set to be another championship contender.

With wins in the final two rounds of 2007 - becoming the first driver to win two consecutive rounds in the series - Wiehrl and the Auto Salon team charged home to finish third in their debut season.

"Last year we had a slow start with a new car, but there's no room for excuses this year," Wiehrl said.

"I want to start this year with a win at Symmons Plains and become the first driver to win three rounds in a row."

The series previously visited Tasmania in 2006, where a big crowd was on-hand to witness a standout performance by Luke Fink, a former world champion freestyle BMX rider.

Fink was to have made his debut earlier in the season, but broke the tibia and fibula in his right leg in a BMX fall (ironically his first broken bones in seven years of riding) and had to wait until Symmons Plains to start.

Still requiring crutches to walk, Fink won in what he describes as a 'perfect day'.

"To win my first-ever Drift Australia event with broken bones in my leg was like a crazy dream," he said.

"It was a perfect day for us, everything went to plan."

Symmons Plains' event will be the first of five rounds in the 2008 championship.

The weekend will also feature the opening round of the Toyo Tires Super Drift development class, Team Drifting, the new Racing Logic 'Extreme Entry' competition and a Show 'n' Shine.

Tickets are $20 for Saturday and $30 for Sunday, or $40 for the weekend, with kids under 12 free all weekend.

For more information about the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series and this weekend's event at Symmons Plains, head to www.driftaustralia.com.au

Drift Australia has announced a five-round calendar for the 2008 Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series.

The fourth year of the national championship will see the series visit four states between March and September, as drivers battle to become the Australian Drift Champion.

After a successful event at the circuit in 2006, the championship returns to Tasmania's Symmons Plains Raceway, which will host the season opener on 1-2 March.

It will be followed by visits to Queensland Raceway, Mallala Motorsport Park and Eastern Creek Raceway, before Sydney's Oran Park Raceway again hosts the season finale in September.

A partnership entering its third season, Toyo Tires will remain as naming rights sponsor of the championship and extends its support to the Super Drift feeder class in 2008.

"Toyo is proud to be part of the continued development of Drifting in Australia, and we are committed to seeing the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series grow even more," Toyo National Marketing Coordinator Clinton Joyce said.

As part of the sport's growth, a bolstered commercial line-up for the series has been secured.

Famous Car Insurance and Drift Performance Products have come onboard as new commercial partners, while competitors will do battle for a $27,500 in contingency prize money with thanks to CI Performance, TurboXS, Iron Chef Imports and Racing Logic.

"We're really excited about the 2008 Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series," Drift Australia director Wayne Boatwright said.

"The championship and profile of Drifting is getting bigger every year, and we're delighted to continue our association with Toyo and welcome our new partners."

Competition is set to step up another notch in 2008, with a range of moves and changes at the pointy end of the field.

2007 Australian Drift Champion Robbie Bolger is building a Holden VE Ute to replace his title-winning V8 Monaro, while 2006 champion Beau Yates enters the new season with backing from Toyota Racing Developments and significant improvements to his Toyota Sprinter.

Yates will field his own entry while his former team-mate Leighton Fine also on the move; inking a deal to drive the Commercial Truck Sales entry.

He will replace Christian Pickering, who will run his own car in 2008 after finishing second with Team CTS in 2007.

"The '08 season is going to be a fantastic opportunity for me, working with some great people within, and supporting the team," Fine, who finished second in the 2006 championship, said.

"The Team CTS car is an acknowledged performer and a fantastic piece of machinery, and I hope to get the best out of it throughout the year."

South Australian brothers Jack and Tom Monkhouse will form a two-car entry from Adelaide, while the experienced Danny Vahoumis joins Slide-FX as their fourth driver.

A number of new drivers will join the series in 2008, including Trav Dunstan, Paul Austin, Chris Nutley, Jason Greenwood and Trent Whyte, who will all graduate from the Super Drift feeder class.

The championship will again be broadcast around the country on a comprehensive TV package, including airtime on Channel 9, SBS, Fox Sports and the series' own YouTube channel, DriftAustraliaTV.

For more information about the Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series, head to www.driftaustralia.com.au
 
2008 Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series;
Rd1 - Symmons Plains (Tasmania), March 1-2
Rd2 - Queensland Raceway (Queensland), April 12-13
Rd3 - Mallala Raceway (South Australia), May 24-25
Rd4 - Eastern Creek Raceway (New South Wales), June 28-29
Rd5 - Oran Park Raceway (New South Wales), September 20-21

The inaugural Toyo New South Wales Drift Series will draw to a conclusion this Saturday, 15 December, with an exciting day/night finale at Oran Park Raceway.

Oran Park's popular Driftland layout will host the final round, where some of Australia's best will do battle against a flock of rising stars.

After finishing eighth in the 2007 Australian Drift Championship, Nowra resident Nathan Weissel (Gatorz Nissan Skyline) currently leads the New South Wales series.

Weissel is looking to end a strong year at national and state level in style by taking out the championship.

"It's going to be a great finish to the year if I can clinch the series with a win at my home track," Weissel said.

"Driftland is fun to drive and great for spectators, and the day/night format will be an awesome spectacle."

Winner of the most recent Toyo New South Wales Drift Series round, held at Driftland in September, Queensland's Eugene Arendsen is currently second in his Saber Nissan 180SX.

Arendsen, a former world rowing champion, is another competitor doing double-duty in national and state competitions in 2007 and is eyeing the crown.

"I'm only 15 points behind Nathan, so I'm hoping that if the car is OK I should be in with a serious shot," he said.

"I won here at Round 2 and I like the layout so I'm ready to give it a go."
 
While Weissel and Arendsen are likely to battle it out for the title, they aren't the only national series competitors who'll be out to impress this weekend.

Sydney resident Chris Easton (JustJap.com Nissan Skyline) recently took home the Toyo Drift Australia Series 'Rookie of the Year' honours, after finishing ninth in the national championship.

Easton is currently fifth in the NSW series standings, just behind Bathurst's Josh James (SprayFX Nissan Silvia).

Driving a new Silvia for the first time, James shone in the Toyo Drift Australia Series finale at Oran Park in September, making the top eight in just his fourth event at the top level.

A highlight of the Toyo New South Wales Drift Series has been the emergence of new local talent, with drivers such as Matthew Porter, Jason Greenwood, Mick Laverick and Sam Pass bursting onto the scene.

Gates this Saturday open at 12:30pm, with on-track action starting at 2:30pm and going right through until 9:30pm under lights.

Tickets are $25, with kids under 12 free.

For more information about the Toyo New South Wales Drift Series, head to www.driftaustralia.com.au
 
Toyo New South Wales Drift Series standings
1. Nathan Weissel - 871
2. Eugene Arendsen - 856
3. Michael Truscott - 798
4. Josh James - 770
5. Chris Easton - 758
6. Anthony Bilic - 733
7. Matthew Porter - 662
8. Jason Greenwood - 661

As the year draws to a close, the big Drifting events just keep on coming.

This Saturday, Driftland at Oran Park will host the final round of the 2007 Toyo Drift NSW Series.

The day/night spectacular will feature a host of Toyo Drift Australia Series drivers, as they do battle for the inaugural NSW crown.

Gates open at 12:30pm, action from 2:50pm until 9:30pm.

Tickets are just $25 with kids under 12 free.

Head to www.driftaustralia.com.au for full details.

Australian Drifting was represented on the world stage for the first time last weekend, with three drivers taking part in the invitation-only D1 Grand Prix All-Star World Championship event in America.

2007 Toyo Drift Australia Series Champion Robbie Bolger and the men who finished second and third in the championship - Christian Pickering and Fernando Wiehrl - made the long trek to Irwindale Speedway in California to accept their invitation and compete.

The trio secured licences to compete in the event on Friday after impressing judges on the high-speed layout which incorporated the banking of an oval, joining a 26 car field with drivers from 14 countries.

All three progressed through the first round in flying colours, making it through to the Top 16.

Pickering and Bolger defeated representatives from Mexico and Canada respectively, while Wiehrl executed a stunning overtaking move on his Japanese rival to win their battle.

The next round of battles gave the Australians a much larger task, as they went up against some of the biggest names in the sport.
 
Wiehrl progressed to meet Swedish ace Samuel Hübinette, a dual-champion of the American Formula D Series, Bolger drew newly-crowned Japanese D1 Grand Prix Champion Masato Kawabata and Pickering would face Ken Nomura, a Japanese Drifting legend.

While the three were eliminated, they showed plenty of fight - Pickering losing to Nomura by the narrowest possible margin, 11-9.

American driver Vaughn Gittin went on to win the event in a Ford Mustang, defeating Kawabata in the final.

Highlighting the rapid development of Australian Drifting, Wiehrl and Pickering also exceeded expectations by qualifying for the final round of the US D1 Grand Prix Series, in a session where 40 drivers vied for 19 spots.

While they were eliminated in the first round of battles, it added to an invaluable experience.

"Robbie, Christian and Fernando excelled all weekend, they've done Australian Drifting proud," Drift Australia director Wayne Boatwright said from America.

"To come to the other side of the world and do what they have done at this level in an unknown environment was incredible.

"They stepped up and all broke through the first round of battles to make the Top 16 - each of them did a fantastic job against some of the best drifters in the world.

"It shows that the level of competition in Australia is getting stronger all the time as the sport continues to grow, and the experience and knowledge from this event will only aid that."

For more information about the Toyo Drift Australia Series, head to www.driftaustralia.com.au