Codys D1NZ round 4 preview- Mt Smart

It feels like it’s been far too long since my last hit of door to door drift action but fear not, Round 4 of the Cody’s D1NZ national drifting championship is just around the corner! Once again Mt Smart stadium will come to life with the sound of rev limit smashing engines, squealing tires and fans cheering for their favourite drivers oh and did I remember to mention that its under lights?!

Mt Smart is a track the drivers love, it’s so close to the crowd that they can hear the cheering as they put rear bumpers right out on the concrete wall and try and see through tire smoke just how close to the lead car they are. It’s a real drivers challenge where control of your machine and lightening reflexes matters more than anything else

So I guess we better take a look at the track before we go much further…

Following largely the same shape as last year, the entry speed will max out at somewhere between the 105-110kmh mark, Mad Mike registering 106kmh as the fastest entry speed last year, from there it’s a case of sitting your cars rear out on the unforgiving concrete wall and trying to keep a smooth arc before slowing into a tightening corner , then a switch and back on the gas on hard lock to try and maintain motion out of the corner towards the finish line. This is a track where those who chase well excel due to limited space, where big power can only give you so much of an advantage, and the cars sitting in 2nd and 3rd gear for a majority of the course. Last year saw a fair amount of brake checking and racecraft coming into play, so it will be a real test of ability for those who are new to the top level. I can clearly recall at least 2 battles last year where contacting the lead car costs a driver a battle.

Who are likely to be the top contenders then, at this round which is going to really set up the run to the title finish? There seem to be a couple of names whom most are talking up as being strong chances based on previous performances and known fondness for sticking cars right out on the wall.

The first of those, is a man who perhaps has clocked more demo k’s than any other in NZ, Redbull Athlete Mad Mike Whiddett, who is currently sitting 2nd on the points table. Whiddett will have plenty of grip and has a super responsive car, so will be one most are watching for given his known love of grazing bumper to wall. Ever the showman, the police lights are likely to make a return again in 2012.

The other that many will be watching for is last years round winner Gaz Whiter in the Tectaloy S14. Whiter is known to excel in the chase and like Whiddett has plenty of traction and forward drive, and this year seems to have solved his engine gremlins. Last year he won on a stock block with less than 260kw and simply drove the wheels off his car, I can’t wait to see what happens when he unveils his new turbo combination at this event and has full power at his disposal.It would be unfair to leave current points leader Cole Armstrong out of the equation. Armstrong eliminated himself last season while still suffering semi -final nerves which he has now got over, and with a new alignment setup dialed into the car will be looking to cement his position at the top of the table in the V energy R34. Armstrong is known to be a crowd favourite and will have strong and vocal support behind him if he progresses to the late rounds. Also featuring in last seasons top 4 in what was only the second outing for the LS2 was Daniel “Fanga Dan” Woolhouse. Fanga is a driver who’s aggression is well known and he’s probably the guy who puts the most mental “whats he gonna do” pressure on his opponent. The Castrol Edge Commodore has had a diff ratio change to allow it to sit in lower gears longer, and will torque by the bucket load I don’t expect the GT Radial tires to last long.

Curt Whittaker is lurking on the points table and is dangerous on a small precise track. The former national carting champion has power to smoke tires at will, and is capable of hitting apex’s with mechanical precision. Like Whiter, Curt will be feeling like hes due for a win after last seasons success, and be wanting to move up the points table. Team Whittaker as always will come with an noise warning, as the megaphone cranks into action and shouts out the support phrases the team are famous for. I’m quite looking forward to an actual knight rider red bar on the car….although I’m not sure if Curt will go through with his threat to wear leather pants.

I expect the track will also suit the guy who knocked out Mad Mike at the last round, but I’m not allowed to mention him as he thinks I bring him back luck….so there you go Sason Jellers :p

Andrew Redward has shown strong qualifying form, and rumour has speculated that perhaps the RX7 may return for the event as it’s V8 heart and torque would produce a tonne of smoke. The Silvia has been temperamental meaning a great start at R1 has been undone a little and Redward too will be wanting to claw back some ground.

Daynom Templeman grabbed a maiden win at Taupo, and will be full of confidence. I am not sure that the small track will suit his style as he seems to excel more at higher speed, but you can never really count out someone tho with the level of experience Daynom has.

The great thing about this season is that we’ve had 3 different podiums in 3 events, and that’s produced a close season that no one can predict. I see no reason that this event will go any other way, although I expect Round 1 winner Mad Mike to be a major factor. For that reason I’ll add in a few other thoughts

Mac Kwok, best result ever at Taupo and is getting more and more comfortable with his car. Issue is reliability

Hugo Mclean- the little guy has the goods to surprise, just needs to let his driving talk for him. I would hope to see him go top 8 at this event.

Darren Benjamin- Beat up his car a little at this track last season, and is still learning battle craft. For that reason I see him perhaps making the 8 and perhaps just falling victim to veteran racecraft.

Steve Sole- can be hot and cold, if hes on, he can beat anyone and could be the darkhorse of the field.

Bruce Tannock- Has excelled in qualifying so far this season, but still seems a little scared of bending the beauty of the rocket bunny. Not sure that he’d be real keen on Fanga, Crazy Demitri or Nico right on his door with a barrier the other side.

Nico Reid- let’s just hope the car is now sorted. Team manager Dave told me he thinks all the new car gremlins are now gone, so I really hope the team can do well.

That’s gonna be it for now. Tickets are on sale and over 3/4 are already gone as Mt Smart has limited capacity. Get on line to grab yours and come be part of what many felt was the best round of last year!

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