WIEHRL IS READY FOR DRIFT AUSTRALIA AT ORAN PARK
2009-09-18 17:47:08 Author: admin Source:
Fernando Wiehrl is ready to spearhead the local challenge when top drifters from around the country converge on Oran Park Raceway this Sunday, for the 2009 Drift Australia Championship. Leading drivers from around the country are also finalizing preparations for Sunday's main event.
Wiehrl is among a contingent of Sydney-based drivers competing in the event, vying with Drift Australia rivals from Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania to become the 2009 Australian Drift Champion in the one-off event.
A former Drift Australia event winner at Oran Park and a driver who has represented Australia internationally, Wiehrl will enter the weekend as one of the favourites.
When not competing, Wiehrl runs a drift school, giving enthusiasts opportunities to learn to drift in a controlled and safe environment.
After winning the Super Drift feeder class in 2005, Wiehrl stepped up to the Drift Australia Series in 2006, finishing eighth in animpressive rookie campaign.
The following year, he starred with two round wins en-route to third in the national championship, before a troubled campaign in 2008 which saw him finish 15th.
At this weekend's Drift Nationals, a one-off event before the multi-round Drift Australia Series resumes next year, Wiehrl will debut a new Nissan Skyline. Despite the absence of a full national series, Wiehrl has remained closely linked with the sport in 2009.
Earlier this year, he purchased the Sydney-based Project D Drift School, which gives budding drifters the opportunity to learn and drift under controlled conditions.
Wiehrl will be part of a strong field of Drift Australia drivers doing battle at Oran Park, while a further 32 will hit the track in Super Drift which include defending Champions, Team CTS from Adelaide will be out to defend their 2008 title with new driver Simon Podlewski.
Other contenders are; Tom Monkhouse, former Drift Australia round winner finished sixth in the 2008 championship, and Adam May.Also, former World BMX Champion Luke Fink who narrowly missed out on the 2008 title at Oran Park's thrilling season finale last year. Eventually, finishing second, Fink will be looking to go one better in 2009, while Khudar Elhaouli is a dark horse, after a strong run to fourth in last year's championship.
Another worthy challenger comes in the form of the 2009 Super Drift Champion Josh Coote who steps up to the Drift Australia level and will be joined on the grid by Eugene Arendsen, a proven Drift Australia competitor.
The event will feature a massive line-up of off-track automotive entertainment, including Remote Control Drifting, CarWars and a Pioneer Sound Off. And, a lucky winner is set to win a purpose-built Nissan Silvia S13 drift car, courtesy of SABER, and drfit lessons from Wiehrl himself.
