Drifting to make V8 Supercars event debut in Sydney

Motor racing fans are in for a spectacular treat when Australia's top Drifters make their inaugural V8 Supercars event appearance at the Sydney Motorsport Park SuperSprint on August 21-23.

The sounds of Hi-Tec Drifting Australia's roaring engines, screeching tyres and plumes of burning rubber will add a new, exciting, adrenalin-charged dimension to the V8 Supercars event experience.

Drifting has exploded into a massively popular form of motor racing and the Hi-Tec Drifting Australia series is now officially sanctioned by the Confederation of Australian Motorsports (CAMS).

Conducted worldwide, Drifting competitions are judged according to the speed, angle, showmanship and line taken through a set of corners.

V8 Supercars Chief Executive, James Warburton, said the addition of Drifting to the event schedule is a bonus for motor racing fans.

"Drifting is known for its action, theatre and drama. The drivers are highly skilled as pairs of cars race in close proximity to each other to ensure they receive maximum points from the judges," said Mr Warburton.

"It will be racing that fans will not want to miss," he added.

Apart from the three rounds of the V8 Supercars, the Sydney Motorsport Park SuperSprint schedule will also feature Aussie Racing Cars, the Australian GT Series, Porsche Carrera Cup and the CAMS Jayco Australia Formula 4 Championship.

TEKNO Autosports' Shane Van Gisbergen will be one V8 Supercars driver looking at the Drifting with great interest.

Van Gisbergen often competes in Drifting in his native New Zealand when his V8 Supercars commitments allow.

"Drifting is awesome fun from a drivers' perspective, and fantastic to watch for fans. All those who come along to the Sydney Motorsport Park SuperSprint will be in for a treat," said Van Gisbergen.

"Some might be unfamiliar with Drifting, but they will leave asking for more once they see the cars, hear the engines and smell the tyre smoke," he added.

The Drifting events will be conducted on the Friday and Saturday evenings of the Sydney Motorsport Park SuperSprint.

Friday will see entrants practice and then qualify for Saturday night's 32-car shootout.

In addition to the wide ranging on-track action, fans will also be entertained off-track with the V8 Supercars driver autograph session, STIHL TIMBERSPORTS, Red Bull Stunt plane, True Colour Track Walk and the Disney Zone.

Tickets to the Sydney Motorsport Park SuperSprint are on sale at Ticketek at www.ticketek.com.au or by phoning 132 849.