Events Archive

Round 1 of the inaugural 'Prodrift European series', the first pan-European drift series.

Drifting is the art of driving sideways and is unique in Motorsport as the winner is judged on their style and performance, rather than speed being the deciding factor.

The 2008 Prodrift European Series brings its opening round to Mondello with a truly International field including drivers from eleven nations and the first ever female drifter to compete in Ireland. The event takes place over two days with qualifying on Saturday and the main event on Sunday April 20th. Prodrift Ireland events attract huge numbers of highly enthusiastic spectators to Mondello so the arrival of the European series will see an even bigger influx of drift fanatics than usual.

More than forty drivers will attempt to qualify for the top sixteen knock out phase of the competition which will decide the overall winner. Drivers will initially take to the track alone, under the watchful eyes of the judges, in the hope of being chosen to progress to the two car battles which make up the final phase of the event. For the final knock out rounds the winners will be decided on not only by the judges but also by the crowd, who’s reaction will be considered when deciding who progresses.

Mondello Park’s MD John Morris said: We’re really looking forward to hosting the opening round of the Prodrift European Series. We’ve modified the track and widened the main straight where the cars come out of the last turn to allow them finish their drift in style and in front of both grandstands.

Prodrift’s Karl O’Sullivan said, “We are delighted to be launching the Prodrift European Series at Mondello Park. We are confident that the combination of Europe’s best international teams battling against the best Irish drivers will deliver the most exciting Irish motorsport event of 2008.”

Alongside the main event, Mondello’s new Time Attack series will stage the second round of its 2008 championship. The series got off to a flying start last weekend with thirteen cars taking part and more cars and drivers are expected to appear to perform in front of the huge crowd. Also on the programme will be the first ever appearance in Ireland of the latest Nissan GT-R (Skyline) courtesy of GT Culture, UK. This will be the first appearance of this highly anticipated vehicle in Ireland. GT Culture will also bring their latest Cyber Mitsubishi Evo Time Attack car which will join the Nissan GTR for a demonstration run.

Due to the small area of the Mondello Park circuit which drifting uses, spectator space can be at a premium, even for Irish championship rounds. To combat this for the visit of the European Series the circuit has installed an extra 2,500 grandstand seats overlooking Stena Line and Honda corners. These seats along with the ones in the permanent stand are currently on sale through ticket lord where drift fans can also avail of reduced price advanced booking offers.

TIMETABLE
Saturday
10.00 Pro Practise first 16
10.40 Pro Practise second 16
11.30 Top 32 Knockout
13.00 Lunch Break
14.00 Top 16 Run-Off
16.30 European Series practise

Sunday
09.00 Time attack Practise
09.35 Prodrift Practise (Group 1)
10.10 Prodrift Practise (Group 2)
11.00 Time attack qualifying
11.35 Prodrift Qualifying
13.00 Lunch Break
13.30 Driver Autograph Session
13.50 Time Attack Final
14.20 Motorsport Demo
15.00 Prodrift Top 16
17.30 European Series Round 1 Award Presentation

 

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