On high of capturing all the most effective bits of Gatebil’s 2024 Fundamental Occasion at Rudskogen Motorsenter in Norway, I had one other aim this 12 months: Driving in a pro-spec drift machine.
Asking a random stranger if I might be a passenger is one thing that I’m dangerous at. However then I remembered – I’ve loads of mates driving at Gatebil. I might ask anybody.
With Saturday’s drift periods in full swing, I stationed myself at that well-known drift initiation spot on Rudskogen’s major straight to select a automobile.
I say this yearly, however standing on this spot, with solely a skinny metallic barrier to guard you from drift vehicles approaching at over 200km/h, is exhilarating. It didn’t take me lengthy to know which driver I wished to experience with.
Behold Olav Haugen Hasdal‘s Mercedes-Benz A-Class, powered by a twin-turbo BMW V8 producing 700hp.
I’ve watched Olav compete at Gatebil occasions for just a few years, and he was completely happy to assist make my drift passenger dream a actuality. I stated goodbye to the life I as soon as knew, and we headed out on monitor.
It didn’t take lengthy for Olav to catch as much as the pack. We shortly transitioned into full tandem mode, with drivers Odd-Helge Helstad in his 2JZ S14.5 main, adopted by Max Vonka in his ex-D1 Grand Prix Nissan Silvia S15, and Max’s brother Ludvik Vonka in his grassroots S15.
After just a few corners operating wild with the S-chassis trio, I started to know why individuals dedicate their lives to this sport. Nothing compares to the feeling of g-forces pushing you into your seat because the entrance finish of the automobile takes a course you’re not accustomed to.
Earlier than I might give it extra thought, we exited Paris Nook in tandem and headed for Rudskogen’s major straight.
I attempted taking an image of the speedometer, which learn 210km/h earlier than Olav initiated towards the metal barrier and threw his Mercedes into the primary nook, backwards. All I might do was clench my digicam between my legs and hope for the most effective.
Ludvik ultimately caught up with us, and we accomplished the remaining laps with extra of the identical.
Fully dumbfounded by what I had simply skilled, all I might do as we headed for the pits was exclaim the phrase ‘insane’ in Swedish, again and again. After thanking Olav for the passenger experience of a lifetime, I took off the racing swimsuit that had been lent to me – which was surprisingly dry – and tried to make sense of the expertise.
It took me a second to calm my adrenaline-fueled physique. Strolling via the paddock and chatting with some fellow Icelanders helped.
As soon as the warmth dies down within the latter phases of the day, the Gatebil’s Present Backyard is at all times price trying out. Right here, present vehicles from all throughout Scandinavia fill the go-kart monitor under the primary circuit.
German automobile manufacturers appear to dominate this facet of the Gatebil, with one clear favourite amongst house owners: BMW. This M240i on RAYS Volk Racing TE37s was a standout for me.
After all, being Scandinavia, there’s at all times love for Volvo too.
The identical goes for Japanese vehicles, even when the entry costs for fashions like this inventory Euro-spec Mazda RX-7 are now stratospheric.
Fortunately although, there are nonetheless individuals prepared to customise them, which I totally help.
Considered one of Gatebil’s most iconic sub-events is the Breisladden, or power-slide competitors. This 12 months, over 130 drivers lined up for Saturday afternoon’s qualifying session, which you may be stunned to study was not a document quantity. Nevertheless, it ensured a prolonged and thrilling competitors.
Not like the Tremendous 3, the place groups of three drivers drift as shut to one another as doable, the Breisladden is about people reaching the most effective slide whereas sustaining angle and pace. However this 12 months, the rain resulted in a considerably completely different dynamic with automobile management turning into paramount.
Some drivers turned the Breisladden right into a spectacle. Slower speeds allowed for spectacular maneuvers, akin to one-handed drifts. I even witnessed one driver take away and wave his steering wheel whereas drifting.
The scenario grew to become much more dire as water pooled on the monitor. Even the Audis had a tough time doing their well-known all-wheel drive drifts.
It didn’t cease the drivers from having an absolute blast, although. As the ultimate vehicles began making their qualifying runs I referred to as it a day; the rain was bucketing down.
Once I woke the following morning for the ultimate day of the occasion, the climate had not improved. The rain had totally set in, and everybody had resigned themselves to the actual fact the Breisladden closing can be contested within the moist.
Whereas I don’t wish to sound overly damaging, it was a tragic sight. The stands have been practically empty and the hype had nearly gone. That was till I noticed the Norwegian madman Morten Lyngøy. You’ve got higher odds of successful the lottery than seeing this man and not using a smile on his face.
Drivers have been lined up, tires considerably warmed up, and it was time for me to savor the ultimate moments at Gatebil’s 2024 Fundamental Occasion.
The highest three – Morten Lyngøy in third, Ole Morten Davanger in 2nd, and Odd-Helge Helstad in 1st place had no issues tackling the moist monitor.
I had my doubts concerning the ultimate Gatebil Excessive race. However I wasn’t stunned when the 30-odd vehicles blew previous with water rooster tails behind them.
With this a lot water and horsepower mixed, off-track excursions have been anticipated. Luckily, there have been no main incidents.
Mads Siljehaug clinched victory as soon as once more, securing first place forward of Mr. Gatebil Excessive himself, Kai Roger Bakken.
It’s at all times a bizarre feeling seeing the final monitor group obtain their prizes. It’s nearly to pack your luggage and head house.
The six-hour drive again to Stockholm, Sweden gave me time to replicate on the most effective Scandinavian occasion on the summer season calendar. As at all times, Gatebil’s Fundamental Occasion delivered – even with atrocious climate this time round. I’ve nonetheless bought extra from the occasion to share with you too, so keep tuned for that.
Subsequent 12 months, Gatebil will head to Germany, with a brand new occasion going down at Circuit Meppen in Decrease Saxony. I actually can’t wait to indicate the Germans how Scandinavians get together, Gatebil model. Lass uns gehen!
Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa
