News

Jul 28, 2011

G1 Drift-Another Close Finish

The 2011 G1 Drift Series continued with Round 2 on Sunday 24th July. Round 1 in March delivered one of the best Rounds in G1 history and Round 2 didn't disappoint either. Just like Round 1 there was some incredibly close drifting.

All day the standard of drift on display was amazing and finished with one of the most entertaining Top 4 battles.

Qualifying had most of the Championship contenders qualifying well with Jake Jones showing he is back in town qualifying first.

2010 G1 Champion Simon Michelmore had gearbox troubles in morning practice, losing 3rd gear. This ruined his day, qualifying without 3rd gear in 16th place. He missed his wildcard battle trying to fix the gearbox, putting an end to his day. This will make winning back to back Championships for Simon very difficult, as now he will need a faultless Round 3 to be in contention.

The wildcard section of the day again gave lots of entertainment with Round 1 top qualifier Davey Clarke finding himself having to battle his way into the top 16. He progressed through with Colin Jacks.

The top 16 battles were close and action packed with nearly all the Championship contenders progressing into the Top 8. Battling their way into the Top 4 was current 2011 Championship leader and Round 1 winner James Mardle and 3 previous G1 Champions, Tom Monkhouse, Christian Pickering and Jake Jones.

Jones and Pickering had a close battle with 2 re-runs, Pickering just getting through to the Final. Mardle and Monkhouse also were incredibly close, Monkhouse making the Final.

In the battle for third Jones led out Mardle for a great first run. At the end of the run Jones had a small fire in the engine bay putting an end to his day, gifting Mardle third place.

The Final had it all with the two previous champs Pickering and Monkouse as close as can be. The two could not be separated in their first two battles. After two re-runs Monkhouse led out Pickering for a faultless run. Pickering was going to need something special when he led out Monkhouse, but unfortunately on the first corner a hose in Pickering's engine bay popped out and he couldn't continue. Monkhouse taking out a well deserved win.

Other winners on the day were, Chris Grinter taking home the Ben Simpson Memorial Trophy for best Rookie. Kelly Wong won the Ben Simpson Memorial Trophy for Most Improved. Twin Drift went to 'Team Corolla's' Jarrad Klingberg and Davey Clarke. Finally, Jake Jones won 'The Truck Factory Best Presented Car.

Round 3 is looking like being an epic, with so many now in contention to take out the 2011 Championship. Mardle still leads just ahead of Monkhouse. Pickering is sitting in third place ahead of Dale Campaign. Still in striking distance are Jakes Jones, Daniel Prior, Jarrod Ridgway, Simon Michelmore, Davey Clarke and Jay Duca. Round 3 will be on November 12th.

Return