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June 26th 2011
Drift Allstars European Series 2011 – Round 4 Anneau Du Rhin, France
James Deane strikes again and takes the championship lead.
Anneau Du Rhin Circuit, France would play host to the fourth leg of the 2011 Drift Allstars European Series. After a busy two weeks – with round 3 in Malta followed by Wheelsfest in Switzerland – this would be the third event in a row for some drivers, testing mind and machine.
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Drift Allstars’ first visit to France boasted one of the biggest grids of the year, with 50 pro drivers entered from 10 countries across Europe. The Anneau du Rhin circuit ran a new drift layout featuring a 110+mph entry, making it the fastest drift circuit in Europe. Huge commitment was required from the drivers to carry big speed from the startline and transition into the main complex. The round also drew one of the biggest ever crowds for a French drift event, with over 5000 screaming fans in attendance.
The event was a great opportunity to see just how fast drivers throughout Europe are developing, with many drivers meeting for the first time and a wealth of new talent on display.
In qualifying Anthony Scott from the UK took P1 in the Skylinepart.com Nissan S13, with a great display of speed and angle. Dutchman Paul Vlasblom took second in the driftking.nl/Rialto BMW E36, his extensive experience showing on the tough track. In third was Irishman Walton Smith, once again displaying his raw talent in the Jap Performance Parts Subaru to back up his podium finish in Malta. Young German driver Patrick Ritzman in the UniRoyal Tyres BMW E46 made a big impression in fourth. Championship contenders Nigel Colfer and James Deane had difficult qualifying sessions, both struggling with car setup. Colfer placed ninth with Deane two places higher in seventh.
Top 16 Battles
With 8 different nationalities represented in the top 16 it was a truly international affair. The battles were close as ever, with some big surprises.
Jacob Hansen in the Jocks Blimport Nissan S15 beat championship leader Colfer after two strong drives, Colfer struggling with his Chambers Performance/Spec Clutch/Evicted Nissan S13 car after a big crash during Friday’s practice.
Progressing to the great 8 were Patrick Ritzman, Andrew Groupil, Walton Smith and James Deane.
Notable battles included Paul Vlasblom getting beaten by Beno Frieden from Switzerland. Vlasblom made a big mistake in the second run and was lucky to avoid a serious crash after leaving the track at high speed.
Top Swiss driver Philippe Guillod was making a huge impression after his top 6 qualifying run. He went up against Italian driver Fillipo Pirrini, who was doing well all weekend. In the end Guillord took the win, showing great speed and an experienced attitude.
Great 8
In the great 8 things got really interesting, with many new drivers to the series aiming for the top spot. In the first battle Jacob Hansen beat Andrew Groupil thanks to his sheer speed through the course.
This was followed by a tough battle between James Deane and Swiss driver Beno Frieden. Frieden struggled to stay with the pace of the LBD/Rockstar PS13 and Deane went through.
Philippe Guillod and Walton Smith’s first run against each other saw both drivers going off track after pushing hard. In the second run it was Guillod who took the advantage, putting another Drift Allstars regular out of the competition as Smith went off again due to the fading light on track.
In the final battle Patrick Ritzman faced Fredric Feira. Smooth fast runs by Feira earnt him a place in the top 4.
Semi Finals
Semi Finals
Jacob Hansen was up against Feira in the first semi final. Hansen rose to the occasion, outshining Feira in two close battles.
In the second semi James Deane faced the up and coming Philippe Guillod, who had already proved to be one of the biggest surprises of the event. In run 1 Guillord led and held a consistent line, but Deane was all over him. In run 2 the LBD S13’s pace enabled Deane to open a comfortable gap, pulling away through the course to secure a place in the final.
Final
The final was Ireland versus Denmark, with James Deane up against Jacob Hansen. In the first run Hansen led, carrying more speed then ever. A slight wheel drop into the dirt ended with his Nissan S15 hitting the wall hard. The 5 minute rule was brought in as he attempted to repair the car. Unfortunately for him time ran out, putting Deane in the number one spot.
James Deane said
“To win today after the issues we had with the car this week and setup on Friday was amazing. It’s been the toughest day of the championship so far but we’ve got back the points lead now, which was always the objective.”
For more information and full details check out the website at www.jdmallstars.com.
Drift Allstars European Professional Drifting Series 2011- Round 4 Event Results:
1. James Deane (IRL) Team LBD/Rockstar Energy Nissan PS13
2. Jacob Hansen (DK) Jocks Blimport Nissan S15
3. Philippe Guillod (CH) Swiss Drifteam Nissan S14
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