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Team Japspeed and Maxxis climb the podium at BDC Round 1

After a winter of big changes and new builds, Maxxis sponsored Team Japspeed headed to Lydden Hill Race Circuit in Kent for the opening round of the British Drift Championship once again.

With the new class structure of the Championship, drivers Shane Lynch, Shane O’Sullivan, Paul Smith and Danny Eyles would have to wait until Saturday morning to re-acquaint themselves and gain that all-important seat time ahead of the qualifying and finals later in the day.

Practise kicked off and with the Lydden Hill Circuit being a firm favourite with the Team Japspeed drivers – it wasn’t long before the air was filled with Maxxis Tyres smoke!

The drifting scene eagerly awaited the chance to finally see Shane Lynch’s supercharged V8 370z but unfortunately with limited practise time and first testing only conducted shortly before the event, Shane decided not to compete in the 470z and instead got behind the wheel of the Team Japspeed 2JZ Lexus IS200. Similarly, Paul ‘Smokey’ Smith also decided to begin his 2015 BDC campaign with his highly reliable 1.5JZ-powered Nissan S15.

Qualifying was a huge success as all four drivers secured a spot in top 32 battles. Shane O’Sullivan, Paul ‘Smokey’ Smith and Danny Eyles advanced through to the top 16 after some epic battles but unfortunately despite a fantastic chase from Shane, his run to the podium would end here.

Top 16 saw Danny go head to head with Driftworks own Richard Grindrod. With an incredibly consistent performance from Danny and a series of small errors from Richard; Danny progressed to the top 8.

In his top 16 battle against Wesley Keating; Paul Smith kept the gap small and with both drivers putting in an amazing performance, the judges had no option but to call for one more time! Both drivers put in a series of very close runs with slight corrections being made from both sides. Ultimately Wesley Keating put an end to Paul Smith’s day.

Shane O’Sullivan faced Louis Geldartin his top 16 battle. A spin by Louis in the first run hands Shane the win. Shane now joined Danny Eyles in the top 8!

With his top 8 battle against Mark Luney; Danny knew he’d have to charge hard to make it through. After a call for one more time from the judges and some fantastic driving from both Danny stuck to the judge’s line and made it through to the semi-finals.

Meanwhile Shane O’Sullivan faced off against Wesley Keating in his top 8 battle. With both drivers pushing hard and plenty of door-on-door action it would be Wesley to go through to the semi-finals after a tough decision from the judges.

An exhilarating weekend for Team Japspeed, saw Danny Eyles against Jack Shanahan fighting for a place in the final. Following a very close battle and awesome driving it was Jack who would go on into the final against Phil Morrison.

It was not over yet though as Danny had one last chance to make the podium and after an Impressive performance against Wesley Keating in his final battle – he claimed the last spot on the podium.

Team Japspeed now head to Knockhill for Round 2 of the British Drift Championship on 13-14th June.