SATS Take First BDC Win at Donington
The fourth round of the British Drift Championship took place using a custom built track, somewhat emulating the old Teeside track, at the “Launch Pad” at
From the off, it quickly became apparent that Mark would be one to watch, showing great skill and flair in his practice runs. In qualifying, his near perfect runs gave him a high placing and entry into the top 16.
His first opponent was Gavin Cummings. Having never driven against his opponent, Mark was slightly defensive in his driving, and with Gavin capitalising on this, he was able to force both drivers to run again. In their second outing, and with Mark slightly more confident in reading his opponent, he went for it and took the advantage in both runs and secured his place in the top 8.
Up against Paul Smith from Team Japspeed, Luney threw away the slight advantage he had in his first run, to give Smith another chance and another opportunity to go through to the semi-final. But like his last opponent, Buff could now see how his opponent drove, and in his chasing run stuck to Paul like glue, and took the run 6-4 and his place in the next stage of the competition.
This was going to be a tough run, as it was against none other than Phil Morrison. After two perfect runs from both drivers, the judges couldn’t call it and so they had to run again. It was unfortunate that the smallest of mistakes from Morrison put Luney through to the final, as the spectacle on show was amazing to witness, but it was the only way the judges could call it.
Deprived the chance to drive in the final in the last round, due to mechanical issues, Mark made sure he was going to give it his all. If he didn’t win, then he was out of contention for the championship.
Sitting alongside him at the start line was Simon Perry, and as the tension mounted they were waved off, and sped down the straight, into one of the most exciting finals in years.
The nail biting runs saw each driver put in some of the best driving of their lives, with jaw dropping entries and amazing angles. With the crowd applauding, and the judges unable to call a winner, it was decided that both drivers run one more time.
The final run, with Luney leading, saw Perry straighten ever so slightly in the final corner. This gave Buff the win he had been chasing for so long in the BDC, and catapults him back into contention for the championship with a two point lead.
It’s all to play for in the final round at Knockhill, and Buff has a slight advantage; it’s his favourite technical track, and he has had plenty of track time on it. So will he be able to take the win, and the championship?
Mark Now leads both the British Drift Championship and the European Drift Championship.
Mark is proud to be sponsored by:
- Sandy Arthur Training Services – www.sandyarthur.co.uk
- Exedy Clutch – www.exedy.co.uk
- Universal Turbos – www.universal-turbos.co.uk
- MeisterR Suspension – www.meisterR.com
- RAYS/Work Wheels – www.rays-msc.com