The 2014 Maxxis British Drift Championship kicked off in style at Lydden Hill circuit in front of thousands of spectators eager for sideways action.

After a long off season three classes of entrants were chomping at the bit to get back out on track and burn some rubber with the hopes of getting their season off to a great start.

With the pits having been assembled on Friday the drivers arrived on Saturday to find a damp and greasy circuit. With the Semi Pro, Pro and Super Pro drivers each given two practice sessions the competitors spent the time getting acquainted with the track and getting their cars dialled in for the conditions.

Qualifying began on Saturday afternoon with the weather and the circuit’s grip levels having improved dramatically. In Semi Pro Gary Mills secured the top spot ahead of Jake Spickett and Richard McCourt. Martin Battye headed the Pro class in front of Oliver Silcock and Alan Green while Stephen Biagioni took the top qualifying spot in Super Pro ahead of Michael Marshall and Matt Carter.

Sunday dawned with the track damp and greasy once again but the drivers adapted their cars and driving styles to suit as the grip levels continued to rise throughout the day. The Semi Pro final saw Matt Stevenson in his 350Z take victory ahead of Ollie Elmore in his R33 while Jake Spickett secured third in his Cefiro.

The Pro class final pitted Martin Battye in his S15 against Dan Firmager in his Volvo. Martin emerged the eventual winner ahead of Dan while Pete Green took third in his BMW.

The Super Pro final saw Jack Shanahan in his S14 and Shane O’Sullivan in his S15 do battle in one of the best displays of close quarters drifting the BDC has seen in recent years. Both drivers fought tooth and nail and the battle went to One More Time as a result. Once the smoke had settled it was Jack that emerged the victor with Shane in second while last year’s champion Michael Marshall claimed third.