Euro Drift Series in Malta next month

The first ever European Drift Allstars Series in Malta will be staged at Ta’ Qali between June 10 and 12.

The launch of the third round of the 2011 championship was held a few days ago with organisers, FM Promotions Ltd, official representatives of JDM Allstars, and the Malta Drifting Association giving details of the three-day motor racing festival.

All activities will be held at the National Stadium parking area where a custom track and paddocks will be set up. The venue will also host a site for motor sport exhibitions with the help of the Malta Motorsport Federation.

The Allstars Series in Malta was made possible thanks to the good reputation FM Promotions Ltd have built in the past years, the organisers said, as well as the professional approach of the Malta Drifting Association towards this sport since its inception late last year.

Those attending the Malta show will have the opportunity to see the top 16 drift drivers in competition along with others from the continent. Among those gunning for the points in the Malta Series will be front-runners Dan Chapman and Jon Calvert, both of the UK.

Chapman, a two-time runner-up in the championship, is looking to break his duck this year while Calvert, the 2010 Rookie of the Year, is again ranking among the top drivers after working overtime in the off-season to re-develop his Nissan S13.

Furthermore, the top three Irish drivers from the 2010 season will be making the trip to Malta next month. James Deane, the current Irish champion, could be the one to watch at Ta’ Qali following his move to the LBD team.

Nigel Colfer is regarded among the most successful drivers in the Allstars Series, with two podiums and his recent UAE Drift win, while Christy Carpenter, in his new Yokohama-backed S15, is gaining in confidence with each race.

The Allstars championship started with the series in Teesside last month and continues (this weekend) with another round at the Nissan Factory in Sunderland.

The series is fast gaining in popularity with pro driver requests now also coming from Italy, Greece, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France, Hungary, Czech Republic and Norway, the organisers reported.

“With the print media being really receptive this year, JDM Drift Allstars European Series have established media partnerships with nearly 10 magazines in mainland Europe, just showing how fast we are growing,” JDM’s Niall Gunn was reported as saying.

“Our social awareness has never been busier and that shows we are the most followed series in Europe. Considering the extensive coverage we get on Motors TV Europe 2011, this is set to be a landmark year for our sport.”

After the series in Malta, the Allstars circus travels to Anneau du Rhin (France, June 24-25), Donington Park (England, July 16-17) and Wembley Stadium (England, September 16-17).

Meanwhile, Malta Drift Association head George Muscat said they will be holding a separate competition, Amateur Cup, during the three days of the Allstars Series at Ta’ Qali.

This event will see the participation of Maltese drift drivers along with guests from outside the country.

Tickets may be purchased from various outlets in Malta and Gozo. More information may be obtained by visiting www.jdmallstarsmalta.com.

Schedule
June 10: (18:00-21:30) Free practice, Amateur Cup and Drift Stunt Show Team.
June 11: (16:00-23:00) Qualifications, Amateur Cup and Drift Stunt Show and exhibition runs.
June 12: (12:00-21:30) Eliminations and finals, Amateur Cup, prize-giving ceremony.