More than 60 drifters divided between the Pro and Pro-Am classes are set to take on the tight, technical street course in Whangarei during the second round of the national drifting championship (D1NZ), including three podium hungry drivers; Carl Ruiterman, Cole Armstrong and youngster Cam Vernon.
Former D1NZ champion, Carl Ruiterman, gets behind the wheel of his Motul Backed GT Radial Nissan S14 Silvia this weekend for only the second time competitively since competing in China at the World Drifting Series but says the car is faultless. “We know we can get the car to do what we want at this round, it’s just a matter of working out the finer details,” explained a relaxed Carl. Carl, based out of Pukekohe, is keen to move further up the championship standings after the first round in Manfield which saw him finish eighth equal overall.
Sixth placed Cole Armstrong from Tauranga, is just as determined to impress at Whangarei in his V Energy Skyline this weekend. “The track at Whangarei will be a real test for drivers because of the layout and complexity of it, but we’re really looking forward to the challenge,” enthused Cole. The V Energy team will be pushing hard for a podium in Whangarei after a small mistake against ‘Mad’ Mike Whiddett cost Cole at the first round in Manfield.
Youngster of the trio, Cam Vernon, is looking to improve after Round 1 after he took the leap from D1NZ’s Pro-Am (rookie) class last year. The Skinny Mobile Skyline encountered a few problems at the first round after an off season overhaul but Cam is confident they are all sorted. “We can’t wait to get stuck in at Whangarei, the issues with the car are sorted and the circuit is going to be great,” an excitable Cam said. Cam is constantly looking to improve but said the biggest challenge in the step up from Pro-Am to the Pro class where he is currently competing, is the big increase in both speed and professionalism. “It means you just have to push yourself further and further, despite the experience difference to beat your opponents,” explained Cam (22) from Ramarama.
The trio all agree the circuit is going to be the biggest challenge, with the combination of the technical layout, potentially devastating concrete barriers and the new temporary track, which no driver has competed on before. While the new track is a challenge, the driver’s admit it creates a level playing field and will see some tough battles between the teams who will all be aiming for the top spot.
Curt Whittaker of Auckland currently leads the championship on 102 points ahead of Whangarei local ‘Fanga’ Dan Woolhouse and ‘Mad’ Mike Whiddett.
Credit.
Text; www.MPBmamangement.co.nz
Photo; Chris Smith
