origin labo – S O U L 志向 F O K U S

Enter the second instalment of this three-part series covering the entire day of UKDC’s Round 4 at Teeside Autodrome.

Once I’d gotten an up-close look at most of – if not all – the cars in the inspection/staging zones, it was about time I’d go investigate all the smoke and squeal coming from the other end of Teeside Autodrome.

I chose not to jump from spot to spot whilst shooting the on-track action. I took my time and just fired away the shutter, not worrying about chasing that shot. Maybe I’m starting to understand how important it is to refrain from spraying off shots for the sake of it. IG doesn’t pay me. Facebook doesn’t put food on my table. So why should it matter whether or not I get every single shot of every single car from every possible vantage point? All I’m saying is, I’m starting to realise that I need to shoot for me, and make sure the photo transmutes from a still image to a sense of the experience from either my point of view, or the subject’s. That’s what makes “good” photography.

With competition drifting, the drivers are out to get the judges vote. I assume there is some objectivity with the scoring system, such as entry speed, angle, drifting line, proximity to lead car, etc etc. But, at what point is it the car that’s getting the points, and not the driver?

I’m fully aware that the human behind the wheel and on the pedals is what makes the car do what it does. But, when a car has so much torque to allow the factor of slide momentum (is that a term? Probably not, but you catch my drift) to not play as much of a role in the dance, its difficult not to think that may be the car is doing most of the work.

Then again, without higher torque/power, its not as easy to hold a long drift at higher speeds without clutch-kickin’, which can be an annoyance for some and also unnecessary wear on the drivetrain.

It’s a tricky debate and I think both “teams” have their rationale. Drifting isn’t just the brainless, self-indulging activity most normies might see it as. A honed technique is a requirement to be able to control the chaotic characteristics of a machine. And I think more so with low-powered cars, making those the ones I find most enjoyable to watch. I can’t help but root for the underdog, man.

Back in the pits, some driver’s caught themselves and their motors a break after practice.

Some were doing more maintenance than they’d have probably liked. That spare diff same in handy for this fella under his car.

The fans’ favourite rolling past his pit-spot. Maybe giving the S13 a cool-off.

Plenty of Nissans as always. I didn’t see that red S14 out on the field, hence the many photos seen above.

This blue one is probably, most definitely my fave S14 of the day.

Something with gold accents situated right at the back of the pit/camping area caught my eye.

I’d seen Aims Hill’s R34 online somewhere, and I’ve gotta say it looks just as sick IRL.

Whenever I see a car with a vented bonnet wearing racing stripes, I immediately think ‘Dodge Viper’. The slight misalignment of the lines when viewed from an angle makes for an aggressive demeanour.

The URAS D1 Spec 2 kit is hands-down the best way to make an R34 not-GTR look the dog’s bollocks.

Unfortunately, no tyres were slayed that day by Aims and her Skyline. Maybe next time…

ER34s do look bare without a wing on their bootlid though.

I’m sure after his technical glitch, Arek will get his own back on fate soon enough.

Matsuri is BACK for 2021! There’s space for another inspection sticker there, so I’m betting on this Soarer showing up next weekend.

I’m guessing the acoustic guitar is a bit of calm in contrast to the four-wheeled amusement.

Good to see a new challenger in a Roadster at a drift event.

Whilst some have been deserted.

Surprises come in all shapes and sizes. This lil Mazda probably gave Tom a not-so-happy surprise given that it was up in the air with its downpipe off in the pit.

From what I can recall, one of his injectors weren’t firing, which means spicy times for that combustion chamber. Luckily, the issue was rectified and the only thing being destroyed were the car’s tyres and a lot of egos.