It’s safe to say Team Japspeed were well overdue some good luck after the June we had! For BDC Round 3 we headed over to Teesside Autodrome, and along with the three UK Japspeed cars of Paul Smith, Steve Biagioni and Shane Lynch the RB25-powered S15 of Shane O’Sullivan from Ireland was also along to compete bringing all four Japspeed cars together again.
As the weekend started it was cracking to have all the cars out running together, despite a few little gremlins in the form of a replacement clutch needed for Shane O’Sullivan trying to end his weekend early. With such a deddicated team Japspeed were able to source and fit a replacement just in time for qualifying, and it’s just as well with Shane O’Sullivan, Shane Lynch and Paul Smith all qualifying through to the Top 16. Baggsy faced some tough work in the Impreza but just to see this car drifting again was more than good enough for the team!
Into the Top 16 and all three Japspeed drivers were on form. Shane O’Sullivan went first, taking out Keith Hammond to reach the final 8. Next it was Shane Lynch’s turn storming the V8 S15 past Ashley Stevens. Finally Paul ‘Smokey’ Smith progressed past Gavin Cummings, all drivers performing spectacularly for the crowds with over 1500bhp between ’em! Into the Top 8 and unfortunately for Shane Lynch problems saw the V8 S15 retire, absolutely rotten luck for the whole team. It didn’t get any better for Shane O’Sullivan either, placed against Matt Carter who took the advantage past him. Just one Japspeed driver remains…
In Paul Smith’s top 8 battle he faced Simon Perry’s R33 – one of the best drivers in a very proven car. But Paul kept his nerve, really sticking it to Perry typically producing plenty of smoke to see him through to the semi-finals! In Paul’s semi-final battle he faced Steve Moore, a properly hard-fought battle which unfortunately put an end to Paul’s winning streak. But, in true Japspeed fashion, Paul wasn’t done yet! In the 3rd/4th playoff against David Waterworth Paul drove the S15 absolutely on it, taking the last podium spot and a truly deserved 3rd place for the team – awesome driving!
It was a welcome return for Team Japspeed to get back on the podium and the whole team put in a sterling effort, with yet again multiple drivers making it through to the Super Pro final 8. Round 4 takes place over the 20-21st of August right up north in Knockhill, one of the most-exciting drift venues on the calendar – make sure you’re there to support us!
