If there’s ever been something I want to make an annual occasion, it’s the Drift Union Invitational. There’s something about events like this that make them so much more appealing than full-on competitions. The stress-free environment and all-around good vibes left nothing to be desired.
I get that tandem battles in competitions can be extremely fun to watch and rivalries always keep you on the edge of your seat. But at every competition I’ve been to, there’s been a judgment the masses don’t agree with. It sucks to see those who deserve it the least get the shit end of the stick.
I’m not trying to bash any organization who puts on competitions because I realize what a hard job judging must be. Even in Formula Drift, where they have multiple camera angles along the entire track to review, there are some questionable judgments made here and there. There were a couple of competitions at DUI, but it just seemed so much more relaxed – as if the drivers couldn’t care less whether they won or not.
There were also no questionable judgments made. The team tandem competition was won by Platform Garage and watching them the whole weekend made it clear there was no one who deserved it more.
The last track layout of the event was my favorite to watch: off the bank, into the infield, then back up onto the bank. Here’s Kurtis in his 2JZ S13.4 doing what he does best.
It was also awesome to see Jon Fiorante take first in the big entry competition, where his days of drifting the oval at Regina’s Kings Park Speedway paid off. Now onto the pictures from day two…
I only got a few pics from the big entry competition, but here’s Carter leading the pack with his Street Junkee crew member Blair on his tail. Roy Teeter was close behind.
I had to post this one! I didn’t catch any of these guys names, but they were always really consistent on the track.
Jordan Hall and Adrian Ahmadi lined up to shred some tires. The Miata is powered by a built SR20 and the 180SX runs a SR22 under the hood.
Evan Gibson’s V8-powered S13 was one of my favorites on the track. I wish I would have got a closer look at this thing; it seems like a really high quality build.
Paul Harrison and his Mango holding crazy angle. Business as usual.
Dustin Brewster and his Zenki S14.
Two Street Junkee bros in action: Adrian up front with Blair following.
This run was hard to forget. Take a look at Carter, Jordan, Adrian and Nick Oldford in a tight group on the last corner.
Jordan really proved himself to be a spectacular chase runner that weekend. Every time he followed someone, he looked like a seasoned vet. He’s pictured here following Carter Jackson through the hair pin.
Here he is following Paul.
Jesse Exner entering the hairpin and throwing down some of his patented “huck turns.”
Team Blacksmith in their entirety.
Adrian Ahmadi powering through the bank.
Jordan exiting the hairpin.
This was another run that really stood out for me. Jordan is followed by Shawn Browne and Kurtis Goat in picture-perfect formation throughout the entire track.
Shawn only made a few runs the whole weekend, but every time it was perfect. Here he is up the bank.
Nathan Shewchuck followed by Jason Cowles.
Evan Gibson putting the power down.
I’ll have more pictures up on Facebook as soon as possible, but for now here’s one with Matt MacLeod leading the pack. He’s followed by Danny Cox, Dorian Reddn and Brayden Bulger. I hope you guys enjoyed the coverage and I hope to see everyone next year laying it down!
I also want to thank Shawn Browne and Drift Union for putting the coolest event in Canada on for yet another year.