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
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