On prime of capturing all the most effective bits of Gatebil’s 2024 Major Occasion at Rudskogen Motorsenter in Norway, I had one other purpose this yr: Using in a pro-spec drift machine.
Asking a random stranger if I might be a passenger is one thing that I’m unhealthy at. However then I remembered – I’ve loads of buddies driving at Gatebil. I may ask anybody.
With Saturday’s drift periods in full swing, I stationed myself at that well-known drift initiation spot on Rudskogen’s primary 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 automobiles approaching at over 200km/h, is exhilarating. It didn’t take me lengthy to know which driver I needed to trip 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 satisfied to assist make my drift passenger dream a actuality. I mentioned 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 rapidly 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 working wild with the S-chassis trio, I started to grasp 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 route you’re not accustomed to.
Earlier than I may give it extra thought, we exited Paris Nook in tandem and headed for Rudskogen’s primary 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 may do was clench my digital camera between my legs and hope for the most effective.
Ludvik finally caught up with us, and we accomplished the remaining laps with extra of the identical.
Utterly dumbfounded by what I had simply skilled, all I may do as we headed for the pits was exclaim the phrase ‘insane’ in Swedish, again and again. After thanking Olav for the passenger trip 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 value trying out. Right here, present automobiles from all throughout Scandinavia fill the go-kart monitor beneath 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 automobiles, even when the entry costs for fashions like this inventory Euro-spec Mazda RX-7 are now stratospheric.
Fortunately although, there are nonetheless individuals keen to customise them, which I absolutely assist.
One in all Gatebil’s most iconic sub-events is the Breisladden, or power-slide competitors. This yr, over 130 drivers lined up for Saturday afternoon’s qualifying session, which you could be shocked to study was not a file 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 yr, the rain resulted in a considerably totally 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 automobiles 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 absolutely set in, and everybody had resigned themselves to the very fact the Breisladden closing can be contested within the moist.
Whereas I don’t need to sound overly unfavourable, it was a tragic sight. The stands had been practically empty and the hype had nearly gone. That was till I noticed the Norwegian madman Morten Lyngøy. You have got higher odds of profitable the lottery than seeing this man and not using a smile on his face.
Drivers had been lined up, tires considerably warmed up, and it was time for me to savor the ultimate moments at Gatebil’s 2024 Major 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 shocked when the 30-odd automobiles blew previous with water rooster tails behind them.
With this a lot water and horsepower mixed, off-track excursions had 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 baggage and head dwelling.
The six-hour drive again to Stockholm, Sweden gave me time to mirror on the most effective Scandinavian occasion on the summer time calendar. As at all times, Gatebil’s Major 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 yr, Gatebil will head to Germany, with a brand new occasion happening at Circuit Meppen in Decrease Saxony. I actually can’t wait to indicate the Germans how Scandinavians occasion, Gatebil model. Lass uns gehen!
Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa
