Turbo Dynamics keen to raise Drifting profile

Dorset based, turbocharging specialists, Turbo Dynamics plan to help put the motorsport, Drifting on the agenda this year.

The company, which is recognised as having the largest hybrid turbocharger range in the world, will be sponsoring upcoming British Drifting star, Steve Usher (Steveo) during 2008 to help him achieve his motorsport goals and to show the public how exciting Drifting really is.

26-year-old Usher from Newport Pagnell has been seriously competing as a Drifter for two years. During which he has won, amongst many accolades, a range of Best Entertainer awards. In 2007, Usher raised his profile further by achieving 2nd place in the prestigious Eurodrift Pro Class.

With Drifting competitions being judged on line, angle, speed and show factor, it is unsurprising that Usher is becoming more and more well known in the field. Show factor is based on how much smoke the car produces, how close it is to the wall and the crowd’s reaction, and with Usher’s skill and uniquely styled car, he is indeed a head-turner.

The car itself is a highly modified, monster Nissan 200SX S14 with a Toyota 3 litre 2JZ-GTE engine, which is able to produce 400-600 BHP; a new addition for 2008.

Under the bonnet is a Turbo Dynamics GT3082R specially modified and blueprinted turbo with a C.N.C. machined ‘ported shroud’ compressor cover, mated to a Tial 44mm remote wastegate. The turbo is blueprinted specifically for Usher’s race specs, which aids him to drift bends while reaching high speeds, with bigger angles and more smoke.

The professional competitor has had to master the different skills required for drifting in order to compete in competitions across Europe, including The British Drift Championship. A tricky manoeuvre to learn, drifting is when the rear slip angle is greater than the front slip angle, while the front wheels point in the opposite direction to the way the car’s turning.

Of the different techniques involved, Usher said while being interviewed, “My favoured ways to drift are to Feint and Clutch Kick, or both at the same time!”
He commented, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with a sponsor who are a professional, technical and customer orientated company. Using their products gives me reliability, response and the power to win in 2008!”

Drifting, which originated in the All Japan Touring Car Championship races came across to Europe in 2002 and since then has been growing in recognition and popularity slowly. However, TD Director, Peter Marsh feels that the sport needs more publicity to help increase awareness.

Marsh commented, “Drifting is a fun, fast-paced and very unique motorsport. Spectators cannot fail to be impressed as cars slide around corners at incredibly high speeds.”

Of Usher, he continued, “As with every motorsport, a lot of work is put into the cars competing and their drivers need immense skill. However, where it differs is the amount of entertainment that the race provides. Usher is a great driver and his car is unforgettable; his awards for Best Entertainer are well deserved and I feel that is largely what Drifting is all about.”

Turbo Dynamics are also sponsoring Rallye Sunseeker and the Toyota Sprint Series, among others, during 2008.

As Drifting begins to make a bigger impact thanks to companies like Turbo Dynamics and through inclusion in computer games and popular TV shows, such as Top Gear, who knows how big it could be by 2009.