Pete Barber takes maiden victory in European Drift Championship

Drifting hot-shot Pete Barber has won his first event at the ultra-competitive 2009 ‘Need for Speed’ European Drift Championship (EDC).

His breakthrough came when he took top honours at Round Two of the EDC at the Knockhill circuit in Fife, Scotland.

Pete is sponsored by performance, modified and imported car insurance broker Swinton Specialist, and everyone there is thrilled at his victory.

Rob Asher, Head of Swinton Specialist, said: “We knew Pete has the talent and the car, and his Knockhill glory proves he’s got the winning mentality as well. We hope this is just the beginning for him. Congratulations Pete!”

The 23-year-old from Kiveton Park, South Yorks, beat off stiff competition from 21 championship rivals at the Scottish raceway. After winning several tense knock-out rounds, Pete was through to the final to face James Russell in a Nissan GT-R.

Held over two runs – with each driver taking a turn to lead and follow – the stage was set for a thrilling climax to an outstanding day of motorsport. Chasing first, Pete’s near-flawless run was enough for him to edge ahead in the points, and with a tied second run the victory was his.

“I’m still on cloud nine, I can’t quite believe it. It’s the first time I’ve finished in the top three, let alone won,” said Pete.

He competes in a 1994 Mazda RX-7 which has been modified to improve its sideways performance. The biggest upgrade is a new engine; the regular rotary unit has been ripped out and replaced by a turbocharged one pumping out a massive 440bhp. It’s set for a further upgrade very soon, taking it over the magic 500bhp mark.

After securing seventh place in Round One at Oulton Park, Cheshire, Pete is in a very promising second place for the championship. There’s still another four rounds to go, but Pete’s outstanding start to the season means this could well be his most successful year yet.

Pete added: “I’m still getting used to the car and we’ve more development work to do, but I’m confident I can finish in the top five at the end of the season.”

Want to see Pete Barber’s amazing drift talent live? He’ll be taking part in Round Three of the EDC at Silverstone on Sunday May 31 as part of the Japanese Tuning Show, sponsored by Swinton Specialist.

“It would be great to do well at Silverstone at the end of the month. I know Swinton Specialist are an event sponsor, so there will be lots of important people from the company there. It would be great to get back-to-back victories in front of them!”