For those of you that missed the event here is a recap from S1DC.ca
The CSCS season officially opened this weekend at TMP in Cayuga. The morning was a little on the chilly side, but still provided some good conditions for drifting. From last weeks top 16 qualifying event, 2 drivers were unable to make it this week due to mechanical issues. So to start the day, those that made it, put down a few practice runs. This is where a few fell in to some issues. S1DC’s Jesse Wilks, entering turn 1 blew out his brake line. Luckily for Jesse, the repair was made by team mechanic Eric LeBlanc in time for round one, but he would be without the use of his e-brake. Also in need of repair were Chase and GB Tires’ Samson Sam who both broke tie-rods. S1DC’s Bobby Hebert lent his time in helping out his fellow drifters to get them both ready for round 1.
Round 1 - Top 16
This saw S1DC’s Chris St. John and Theo Koudys both getting a by in to the second round as their competitors Jason Satharow and Justin Forsyth were unable to attend. This round also provided a first for S1DC’s Jesse “JJ” Wilks. With the loss of his e-brake, Jesse spun out on his fist run coming in to turn 3 versus Jacky Houng. Despite a great second run, Jacky Houng managed to keep from spinning out just long enough to make it out of the judged area to give him the edge and knock off last seasons champion.
Round 2 - Top 8
One of the best battles in recent CSCS history as GB Tires Samson Sam battled S1DC’s Chris St. John. The first run saw Samson lead with Chris following. Both drivers each put down nice runs making it tough on the judges. Their second pass with Chris now the lead car saw another even battle with Chris keeping the race line though the whole circuit and Samson getting some great angles. With the judges unable to decide a “1 More Time” was in order. Chris again led for the first 1 more time and displayed one of his finest runs. Chris had great entry speed in to turn one and two linked it to three and “manji’ed” the back straight in to turns four and five with a perfect link in to turns 6 and 7. Despite Samson having a good run himself, the “manji” by Chris put him over the top and in to round 3. The round also saw S1DC’s Theo Koudys knock off Jacky Huong in a unanimous decision by the judges. Both drivers put on good runs, but with Theo linking turns one and two perfectly and a great transition in to turn three it was enough to give him the edge and advance in to round 3.
Round 3 - Final 4
The action was sensational with another great battle, this time between Drift Ops driver Wayne Lee and one of the most improved drifter from the 2007 season Lucas Johnson. After 2 great runs by both drivers the judges were unable to pick a winner and the crowd saw the days second “1 More Time”. After their runs, and a close battle, Wayne took top honors advancing trough to the finals to battle for first place.
Lucas said at the start of the day that he would be happy making it in to the top 8, well Lucas, you did yourself one better and made it to the Final 4 and took a veteran driver to a “1 More Time”.
After the great driving by Wayne and Lucas it was time for S1DC versus S1DC as Chris St. John took on Theo Koudys. With both drivers entering and exiting turns one and two extremely close it was almost a disastrous day as Theo spun exiting turn three with Chris not far behind him, but already committed to a drift. They came within inches of having their fronts clip one another. Thankfully there was no contact and both cars came out untouched. Chris took the victory in this battle and put himself in the position to battle it out for first place against Drift Ops driver Wayne Lee.
Round 4 - FINALS
The first battle saw S1DC’s Theo Koudys take on Lucas Johnson. Both drivers put down some nice drifts and showed some amazing angles. In the end Theo was consistent for both his runs with Lucas spinning out on the second pass, knocking him out and giving third place to Theo.
The battle for first was between two veteran drivers, Wayne Lee from Drift Ops and S1DC’s Chris St. John. 20 points separated these two driver in 2007 with them finishing fourth and third respectfully.
Their first passes were very equal with both drivers staying tight to the race line and executing big angles. The second pass made it easy on the judges with Chris spinning off coming in to turn four eliminating his run and giving Wayne Lee the CSCS Season Opener victory.
Great battles all day long on the track and great times between rounds in the pits. Even though the drivers battle it out behind the wheel, off the track it’s all good times. Drift teams are a culture of their own that are as much in competition as they are friends willing to help each other out. If one car brakes down, everyone gathers to get it up and running again for the next round no matter what team they belong too.
Final Standings
1st Place - Wayne Lee
2nd Place - Chris St. John
3rd Place - Theo Koudys