I decided to switch things up and do things in reverse order this time around, editing my video first, and then giving you my round review right here on DriftPosse.com!!!
Round 3 of the Drift Mania Canadian Championships was held at ICAR Motorsports Complex at Mirabel Airport, and it was the first time ever for the series to hold a round at this venue. We had heard rumours and speculations before the event, but really didn’t know what to expect going into it. As the rigs all pulled in to the track in the morning the usual lineup formed at the opening gate and we were subjected to sitting and waiting to get let in to the venue. This time was different from usual, however, because just beside us was a small hill, and just over the hill was the race track. So, in all my little boy-ish giddyness I hopped out of the truck and up the hill to get a look. To be honest with you, it was actually a really radical Hollywood moment that would’ve best been captured with a crazy camera crane rig, but I somehow was too dumbfounded to lift up my camera and take a picture…
In front of me was one of the smoothest, nicest laid out race tracks that I’ve yet had the privilege to attend. Paved entirely with concrete, and with no grass or dirt to be seen, it was really something to behold, akin to going to a mythical F1 track or something. I felt more than any other place before that I was at a track that was made for fast paced racing, and that was exactly what I was about to see.
As we made our way into the pit area, things began getting underway, and it wasn’t long before the event was in full swing. The first day started off with ProAm practice, so we were able to get a chance to get stuff unpacked and get our pits in order. Shortly after ProAm practice ended it was time to get to work, with the Pro drivers all eagerly lining up to tackle what looked to be a difficult new course.
The course consisted of what was technically two turns (three, if you count the double apex corner at the end). Basically the cars would rip through the gears off the starting line, and initiate at full speed into the first corner, which was a nice little left hander with not a lot of room for error. The important part for the judges (as far as I know) was for the cars to be going as fast as possible through that particular clip, while staying on line/on track (which a lot of drivers found difficult throughout the weekend). This first corner probably saw the most havoc all weekend, with guys throwing themselves into the tirewall on several different occasions, splashing nasty tire water on unsuspecting photographers who stood on the other side of the wall. The next corner was a big double apex right hander, where the tandem got really tight on more than a couple occasions, but walls were far enough away that danger in a literal sense was fairly easily escapable.
As I mentioned before, the track is paved smooth with concrete, and I think smooth is almost an understatement in this situation. As opposed to the kind of car hopping that one would see at previous rounds at Downsview Airport in Toronto, this track had the cars practically gliding over the track, and apparently being really nice on the tires as well. Along with this smoothness, however, came the lack of grade changes or banked curves which everybody oh-so-loves to see, and which also makes for some pretty spectacular film. Still, though difficult the drivers were able to put on a damn good show and keep the crowds happy.
As for the Drift Posse boys, it was an interesting weekend to say the least, with car malfunctions preventing both Brad Carlton and Peter Chrisikopoulos from making the Top 16 battles. Pat Cyr, however, was on a tear all weekend, and proved it by winding up at the top of the podium at the end of the day.
With a 2nd place qualifying lap, Pat had confidence going into his battle with Damien Bagley in the Top 16. With his lead lap, Pat was able to gain a 2-car distance from Bagley right from the beginning, holding that distance throughout the course. Pat’s following lap went perfectly to plan, as he stayed nice and tight to Bagley and clinched the win.
Next up in the Great 8 was Dave Briggs, fellow Ontario drifter and the winner of XDC Round 1. Dave was looking good all weekend, and it made for an extremely exciting battle. Distance would again be the deciding factor however, as Pat gained a nice lead on his leading lap and made sure to get in nice and close on his following lap, gaining victory in the eyes of the judges. It was beginning to become clear that Pat was turning into “Mr. Consistency”, as his line was spot on for every single run in competition.
Feeling awful satisified with himself having taken out an S15, and then an S14, it was about time for Pat to try picking on someone his own size. The Top 4 battle saw Pat matched up against AE86 driver Greig Basdeo, who just recently switched his F20 powerplant over to turbo for a little extra punch. Needless to say, extra punch is what Greig got. With a great showing in practice, Greig was able to work his way up the ranks to the Final 4, and I think everyone was pretty pumped to see some AE86 carnage. It was a close battle, but Pat’s iron-like consistency proved to be the determining factor in this one. In the following lap Pat was able to stay nice and close. As Basdeo rounded the second corner on his way to the third clipping point he went really badly off line and was almost passed by Pat, but Pat stayed in behind totally sideways to leave no doubt in the judge’s minds who was running the proper line.
In the finals it would end up being a matchup that many are expecting to see again a few more times this year. Marc Landreville had a pretty rollercoaster-like weekend, with his engine blowing up on the practice day, he was unable to find himself replacement parts in time for the next day. Being a nice guy has its benefits however, as Marc was able to convince one of his friends (who also happened to be competing in the Pro Am comp) to let him use a beautiful Green S14 instead of the broken pink monster. Clearly being in a different vehicle is no obstacle to a top notch driver like Landreville, and he was able to make his way up the opposite side of the ladder to meet with Pat at the top. Like all of the battles that had gone before, Pat’s high speed and consistency that could challenge the will of a chess playing robot wowed the fans and judges. There was no doubt in anybody’s mind who was the winner, and in the end it had all gone down without a single “One More Time” battle.
So, although there were some mishaps for the Drift Posse team, it was indeed an overall success in the end, and the whole team is pumped for next round at Montmagny!! It should be really exciting this year, with a little surprise!! Mind you before that we’ll be attending XDC at Englishtown in the next couple weeks, so keep your eyes and ears peeled on DriftPosse.com for more coverage!!
>> Dan Cyr
