The Spring Matsuri

Since 2013 the Matsuri has taken place at Anglesey Circuit; the north Wales venue is perfect for such an event.

As the event has gained a reputation for being the end of season party before the off season, thoughts had been rushing around the organisers minds as to whether or not a Spring Matsuri would, or could, be possible.

The use of Anglesey at the beginning of the year is not an option for various reasons, so the hunt was on for a suitable venue that could cater for an event to surpass any other.

Rockingham fitted the bill perfectly! The first ever Spring Matsuri would be the biggest single drift event the country had ever seen!

The event would cater for every level of drifter, from first time drivers to former champions and everyone in between.

Added to the main event was round one of the Driftcup series. The feeder series to the British Drift Championship would feature in the outer paddock. The track was designed to get the drivers to show they could use proximity when the battles started.

As at all previous Matsuri, the mixture of cars would allow those with different tastes something to admire and take a look at. There was a host of different BMWs, the usual array of S and R bodied Nissans, Mazdas, a couple of Ford Escorts, plus a few Toyotas.

The infield track would be a very busy place. Plenty of drivers had heard of the high speed, technical nature of the track and wanted to make the most of it.

The outer oval, which was originally designed for Nascar and Indy cars, is HUGE. The area around turn three was transformed into a high speed section that would test the drivers’ ability to the max.

The circuit would, for only the second time in its history, remove a section of the concrete wall at the end of the pit lane. This would allow a track to be designed which would see drivers finish drifting in the pit lane. Not only that, but the outer wall would be the boundary – get this track wrong and your car would experience some serious damage.

Drivers coped with all three tracks with no problems. Clouds of smoke would fill the venue with drivers making the most of the track time available.

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We will leave you with a selection of pictures from various photographers, all of which we thank for catching the action.

A full gallery can be found on our facebook page

Keep checking back for details on the next #matsuri

The tracks

The venue at Rockingham Motor Speedway is the largest purpose built oval in the UK.

With its infamous 1 mile oval built for 200 mph NASCAR and INDY cars it has to be WIDE!

With that in mind, we will be constructing two tracks on the banked oval. Both tracks will be driven by drivers, one after the other in a lap of the outer track.

The first track will be at the back of the track. The chance to ‘Run the wall’ will be built in to test drivers who wish to push to the limit. The track will then tighten to make use of the 50 meter wide section of tarmac towards the infield.

There will be an undulation where the banked oval drops to the level of the infield, making the most of out the area available. Twinning and trains of cars through this section will be fantastic, drivers, this section is for you to have plenty of fun with your mates!

If you wish to show the crowd what you are made of, the second track will be made for you!

Set under the a grandstand, a track set up so you can ‘Run the wall’ in front of the crowd and head in to the pit lane! Rockingham have agreed to move the dividing wall in the pit lane to allow cars to finish their drift in the pit lane. Then its down the pit lane to go back to track one!

The infield has already been announced, the track is fantastic, fast flowing with a complete mix of corners for all to drift!

Will you ‘Run the wall’ or play it safe on the infield?

Calling all car clubs

This will be the first event for many car fans in 2016!

As announced earlier this week, we were delighted to announce yesterday that for the first time in in over ten years, Rockingham Motor Speedway will host a drift event. The Spring Matsuri and round one of the 2016 Driftcup series will mean this is a weekend of Drifting not be missed.

This allows us plenty of room for car clubs to join the event and show their cars to everyone present.

If you are the organiser of a club and would like to get involved, drop us a line at [email protected]

Spring Matsuri 2016 – Rockingham Motor Speedway

Its with great pleasure that we can announce that the 2016 Spring Matsuri will be held at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

The circuit which opened back in 2001, has witnessed drifting before when drivers from D1JP visited the venue for GT Battle in 2005. The following year 5th gear presenter, Tiff Needell, would pilot a Toyota Soarer which is still being used for drifting to this day.

The venue is the only purpose built large oval in the UK and offers a mix of ultra fast corners on the the main oval. The infield is a pleasure to drift, the track lends its self to drifting like no other.

Drivers can forget about second gear action, most of the lap is for those capable of using third gear and for those with the power and skill fourth gear is a must!

The Matsuri will use both layouts! Yes! The infield will run to full effect allowing drivers to experience this wonderful venue!

The oval will incorporate two sections to drift, two track in one lap! Will there be a chance to run the famous wall we hear you ask? YES! On both sections of the oval being used.

Chicanes will be used to enable those awesome wall rubs, the second section will be underneath one of the grandstands that will be open for spectators! So if you get it right you will be a hero, get it wrong and the crowd will more than likely let you know!

As at previous events, garages will be available for hire, drift trikes will be present along with a trade village.

Car clubs, if you are interested in having a stand, please get in touch via the contact page.

If you own a car which you think is worth displaying in a show and shine competition, get in touch!

Traders, we want YOU there! Get in touch, we have an awesome deal for you all!

Drift Matsuri 2015 – The timetable

Ladies and gents

With only a few days remaining before we head to Anglesey Circuit for THE drift social of the year, we thought we’d give you a run down of the timetable

All three tracks will open at 0930 on both days

There will be a lunch break at 1230 on both Saturday and Sunday.

Track will reopen at 1330 on both days

The tracks will close at 1700 on Saturday and 1630 on Sunday

The Night time demo will take place between 1900 and 2100. Expect a sight like no other, strobes, neons, and plenty more!

Not forgetting the drift trikes which will run till late!

Plus the ‘Party in the pits’

It’s going to be AWESOME!

Drift Matsuri 2015 – The Details

The Drift Matsuri now in its third year has become the most eagerly anticipated event on the UK calendar.

With no form of drift licence required, the event caters for drivers from grass roots to professional drifters, each one given the same opportunity to enjoy this event on a level playing field.

Due to the layout of the circuit there are three tracks in use on both days giving maximum seat time for all drivers.

The option to try some crazy entries on the hairpin which would see James Dean in the Low Brain Drifters PS13 having lots of fun last year!

The sight of a number of Corollas heading off onto the touge track was a sight and sound to witness. The up hill/down hill with tight corners, ideal for those wishing to show flamboyancy and flare.

The main track allows those wishing to stretch the legs of their ride to the max, the fast long sweeping right hand bend allows for some proximity before accelerating into the ultra fast right hand bend.

The tracks will open at 0930 on both days, Saturday will see the track close at 5pm. The track will close at 4pm on Sunday, last year there was only 4 cars remaining on track by the end of Sunday!

Saturday evening track action is to be announced.

As in any event there has to be some rules;

• Cars must be in a road worthy condition
• All cars must have brake lights
• No sharp panels will be allowed
• No leaks off any description
• All cars must have seat belts on both driver and passenger side
• Helmets must be warn
• Arm and legs must be covered – No polyester
• A 1kg (minimum)  fire extinguisher must be fitted in every car (available from your local car parts shop)
• Personal passengers will be allowed £25 per day
• Drivers can share cars £50 for each additional driver
• All driver must attend a drivers briefing
• All staff are to be greeted/treated with a smile and respect

We remain the right to add additional rules if required as we get closer to the event.

Car clubs, if you run a car club and want to get involved, drop us a line via the contact page.

Traders, we already have people coming to sell their wares, drop us a line via the contact page and we will get back to you!

The cost

A driver pass for a single day will be £159 This includes two weekend tickets worth £50 plus free entertainment on Saturday night and free camping!

A driver pass for both days will be £299 This includes four weekend tickets worth £100 plus free entertainment on Saturday night and free camping!

Driver tickets will be available to purchased here > Driver tickets

Spectator tickets

Saturday ticket will be £25 if purchased in advance, £30 on the day. This includes night time entertainment including the all important disco plus free entry to the event on Sunday.

Sunday tickets will be £10 if purchased in advance, £15 on the day.

Passengers £25 per day – To be purchased on the day

Public passenger rides – Details to be announced

Additional driver £50 per day – To be purchased on the day

If you wish to have the a garage to keep your car in over the weekend then we can offer that too. Each garage has space for 4 cars, Garage space will be sold at £50 per car space with a maximum of 4 spaces being sold in one order.

Saturday night entertainment and camping will be free.

Driver, spectator and garages slots will available to be purchased here > Driftmatsuri shop

All tickets will go on sale on Wednesday the 2nd of September at 8pm.

All purchases are none refundable or transferable

Please use the contact page for any inquiries > Contact us

2015 date confirmed