FYI: Gateville’s 2024 main event in Norway at Rudskogen Motorcenter showcased exhilarating drift battles, and my journey culminated in experiencing the raw power of a professional drift machine firsthand.
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In addition to capturing all the best moments from Gateville’s 2024 main event at Rudskogen Motorcenter in Norway, I had another goal this year: to get behind the wheel of a professional drift machine. Typically, I’m not comfortable asking strangers to be my passenger, but I realized that my friends who drive in Gateville would be the perfect companions.
As the drifting session on Saturday reached its peak, I positioned myself at the renowned drift start point on Rudskogen’s main straight to pick my car. Standing behind a mere thin metal barrier, as drift cars approached at speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, was an exhilarating experience. I instantly knew which driver I wanted to accompany.
### Joining Olaf Haugen Hasdal in a 700-HP Mercedes-Benz A-Class
I selected Olaf Haugen Hasdal’s Mercedes-Benz A-Class, boasting a 700-horsepower twin-turbo BMW V8 engine. Watching Olaf compete at Gateville events over the years, I knew he was the right choice. Olaf gladly agreed to make my Drift Passenger dreams come true, and soon we were off to the track.
It didn’t take long for Olaf to catch up with the pack. We quickly switched to full tandem mode, racing alongside driver Odd Helge Helstad leading in a 2JZ-powered S14.5, ex-D1 Grand Prix driver Max Vonka in a Nissan Silvia S15, and Max’s brother Ludwig Vonka in a Grassroots S15.
### The Thrill of High-Speed Drifting
Chasing and cornering with the S-chassis trio, it was easy to understand why people dedicate themselves to this sport. The G-forces pressing you into your seat as your car points in unfamiliar directions is indescribably thrilling. Racing out of Paris Corner in tandem and accelerating up the main straight with Olaf’s Mercedes hitting 210 km/h before launching into the first corner—these moments of controlled chaos solidified my appreciation for the sport.
Despite a hair-raising experience when Olaf launched the Mercedes into a steel barrier, we completed the lap unscathed. The adrenaline rush left me stunned, repeatedly exclaiming “madness” in Swedish. After thanking Olaf for the unforgettable ride, I changed out of my loaner racing suit and tried to process the incredible experience.
### Exploring Gateville’s Show Gardens
Calming down from the rush, a walk around the show gardens helped. The go-kart track below the main circuit was packed with show cars from all over Scandinavia, dominated by German brands, particularly BMWs. A standout for me was a BMW M240i with RAYS Volk Racing TE37s, although the love for Volvos was palpable as well. Japanese cars also drew attention, with models like a European-spec Mazda RX-7 standing out despite their steep entry prices.
### Thrilling Powerslide Competition: Braisladden
Gateville’s iconic Braisladden (powerslide competition) saw over 130 drivers competing in the qualifying rounds on Saturday afternoon. This was not a record, but still made for an extended and thrilling race. Unlike Super3, where three drivers team up to drift in close proximity to each other, Braisladden focuses on individual performance, maintaining slide angles and speeds. Rain during the competition added a new layer of challenge, emphasizing car control.
Some drivers turned the Braisladden into a spectacular show, executing impressive maneuvers such as one-handed drifting and steering wheel tricks. Despite the wet conditions and water pooling on the track, the drivers had immense fun.
### The Final Moments and Reflections
The final day greeted us with relentless rain, rendering the stands mostly empty and dampening excitement. However, the indomitable spirit of drivers like Morten Ringgay kept the energy alive. The final saw top performers like Morten Ringgay, Ole Morten Davanger, and Odd Helge Helstad handling the wet road surface impeccably.
The finale of Gateville Extreme featured over 30 cars navigating the soaked track. Miraculously, despite the anticipated chaos, no major accidents occurred. Mads Siljehaug took a well-deserved victory, edging out Kai Roger Bakken.
### Conclusion
The 2024 main event at Gateville was a wild ride, from the thrill of high-speed drifting to the awe-inspiring show gardens and intense competitions. While the inclement weather tested our spirits, the dedication and joy of everyone involved shone brightly. As I drove the six hours back to Stockholm, I reflected on what makes Gateville the top Scandinavian automotive event of the summer. Despite the rain, this year’s event lived up to expectations, and there’s still more to share. Stay tuned as we prepare for Gatebil’s next adventure at the Meppen circuit in Lower Saxony, Germany.
Donald Smith
Editor of Automotive.fyi
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