A drift event is not just about on-track burning tyres action and engine noises. A variety of in and out of track moments, summarize the event’s story and gathering of enthusiasts. Imagine these diverse moments captured by still images, you can stop now and go ahead reading and watching DriftWars of Greece 2012′s 1st round as captured by various… angles !
Louka’s Kostaras crew during a last minute check up. Loukas was really anxious to re-introduce himself to the other competitors with his car in full race trim since last June was the last time he entered a race.
Takis Konstandaras’ ammunitions…
…All the above tyres are provided to Takis Konstandaras by his sponsor Biliris, who set this fancy booth next to Takis’ car.
More rubber is waiting to be executed. I have to admit that sometimes I get curious of how many tyres are burnt during a drift race.. Who knows maybe one day i’ll be brave enough to count them…
The stanced driftwarrior came all the way from Zakynthos.
Lambros Koltoukis, the driftwarrior’s driver, detected my invasion into his truck while he was unloading its cargo, and he took a moment to show me his…
…Drift charm. “I love Zante (Zakynthos)” that says.
Lambros brand new Infinity tyres, given by Zelits tyres, his sponsor . Their life expectancy is way too short I m afraid…
At Christos Hatzaras’ pit you can see both the car and its driver drink their “Beverages”.
There was an awesome participation by the “northern” guys: Tsilimbonis and Harkas were both driving around this track for the first time.
Two other first timers for this track came from the island of Chios: Spanogiannis Markos with an E36 BMW…
…And Maris Stelios with an awesome E3o BMW.
People found some time during the break to take a closer look at their favourite cars while they were resting quiet in the pit area.
A google search won’t reveal a car brand called “drift”. Loukas Kostaras’ is a real drift maniac and likes his support vehicle to be properly badged.
A walk around the pit area revealed two inspiring automotive muses. A couple of Italian beauties stood proud in the first corner…
…While a company of Hachiroku punked on the other side.. Both sights thrilled me, I must confess. Of course for different reasons but isn’t this a great feeling or what ?
I should be telling you a bit of a story on what this bimmer was doing. How fast it was, its angle, etc etc. But then again I won’t, i’m not going to focus on the ride here, but the rider…
… Which is not your average (seasoned) drifter…
Meet -once again- Stavros Grillis. The 9 and a half years old boy who smokes his father’s tyres.
Stavros had his moment of glory during the event as DriftWars’ anchorman MTS interviewed him…
Earlier that day Stavros attended the briefing like the rest of the drivers…
…He also showed what he can do while using the “racing” line.
And of course he entertained the spectators with a huge burnout at the end of his demonstration.
When Grilis junior finished his set of tyres, the driver, and driver seat were swapped out: Grilis senior raced the green BMW for the rest of the day.
A drivers parade was on the day’s menu once the practice rounds were over. The parade’s “pace car” was this hayabusa powered Caterham, driven by Alex Lychnaras.
During the parade, each car stopped in front of the audience while MTS was taking a short interview to better introduce the drivers and their teams to the people.
Every single one was questioned, of course with a bit of the infamous MT’S signature teasing.
Right after the parade, teams got to their battle stations as the war was about to begin.
The track quickly turned into a large battlefield…
…And all the crews were working at full speed to get the cars ready. After all the race is not demanding for the drivers and their cars only. A fast and effective crew is a strong asset for each team.
As the first tyre screams were heard, some drivers were anxiously focuced on the opponent’s performance and the jovial environment felt just moments before turned quiet…
…Some drivers went back to their cars to get ready for their turn…
These northern drifters, Tsilimbonis (shown here) and Harkas, were driving here for the first time.
An outsider’s point of view is always significant. Team’s post battle comments contain useful data and inputs for the driver.
Drivers teasing each other before and after the battles kept the fun factor at sky high levels once the initial tensions wore off.
As the final duel came to an end MTS gathered the top drivers and their teams to acclaim the winners.
Judges came along to inform us on their decision for the round’s winner. Battles were so close that people had a hard time determining who was ahead.
First judges announced the third place, a close battle between Tassos Harkas and George Tsilimbonis who finally took the podium’s lowest place.
Christos Hatzaras took the first place, with Stathis Papargiropoulos filling up the podium in the second place for the first DriftWars round of the year.
Sotiris Tountas has a Mona Lisa look on his face. I can’t understand whether he is smiling or angry…
Well I guess he is indeed smiling. The Escort has been through harder times, this is just the kind of thing that comes with this sport !
DriftWars next round is taking place on May, 20th in Thessaloniki. It will be a great event for the “North” series to show off its true potential after the main one entertained many spectators.
Urbanslider.
