During the weekend of November 11th-13th Team Japspeed were honoured to perform at the Top Gear Live show taking over Birmingham’s NEC arena. This was a unique opportunity for the whole team to present professional drifting to an entirely new audience, and it’s safe to say we didn’t disappoint.
Picture credits: Simon Miskelly
With over ten individual displays and a 6000 person seating capacity, Japspeed performed faultlessly every time as well as being described as the highlight of the show. Drivers Shane Lynch, Steve Biagioni and Shane O’Sullivan performed twin drifting getting within several feet of one another, not to mention skilfully ‘riding the wall’ much to the amazement of everyone including presenters Jeremy Clarkson and Tiff Needell who judged the runs!
‘What an event, and what a privilege to perform in front of so many people!’ explains Japspeed team Principal Paul McCallum. ‘We were overwhelmed by just how well the drifting was received with fans wanting autographs, Japspeed merchandise and a close look at the cars. The whole team put in an amazing effort to ensure each car and show performed to its best ability, and it’s definitely a weekend we wont forget In a hurry.’
Japspeed would like to give an extra big thank you to tyre sponsors Maxxis for their continued support at every display. The NEC’s polished surface means grip is hugely limited, but thanks to the MA-Z1 Drift tyres all three drivers praised just how predictable the tyres performed along with their longevity which allowed them to last multiple shows on a single set. Top Gear Live was also the first outing for the Monster-livered S15, and its bright green design is already proving to be a huge hit.
In less than two weeks time Team Japspeed are back alongside Top Gear Live this time descending on London’s ExCel arena in East London. With just as many visitors expected and similar amounts of displays we cannot wait to get back out there – if you missed us in Birmingham make sure you don’t miss this one!
