For those who’ve caught any of our Gatebil protection through the years, you’ll be conversant in the phrase Breisladden.
It’s straightforward to elucidate what it’s in a couple of phrases, however typically the main points are disregarded. At this time, I assumed we may take a more in-depth have a look at this distinctive sub-event.
The Breisladden – which merely interprets to energy slide – was first contested at Gatebil Rudskogen 2001. Again then, competitors drifting was in its infancy and a far cry from how we all know it at the moment. It was a distinct time, with totally different vehicles and totally different guidelines.
This video from Gatebil Rudskogen 2003 ought to offer you some thought of what the Breisladden was all about 20 years in the past.
Preparation differs from crew to crew. For some, it’s only a new set of tires required; for others, like FD driver Simen Olsen, last-minute repairs are wanted – in his case a clutch alternative.
However what are the principles? For the viewer it would look easy: slide your manner round a nook at excessive pace and maintain the road. That’s the Breisladden in a nutshell, however the judges have a pair extra packing containers to tick. Let’s take you thru a complete run at Gatebil Motorsenter…
First is a burnout to heat the tires, which is fairly customary at any drift-related occasion. Whereas there aren’t any factors rewarded right here, it’s nonetheless a pleasant little pre-show for the spectators.
From the beginning line, drivers instantly put pedal to the steel. Many like to make use of sheer horsepower to float their manner into the primary nook, whereas others go as quick as they’ll earlier than yanking the e-brake to provoke their slide.
It’s crucial to have each pace and angle at this level to attain excessive within the the rest of the run. Being aggressive can both offer you an edge, or shortly put you within the sand.
After flip one comes the lengthy second flip, nicknamed Storsvingen. Right here, drivers want to carry large angle and pace with as little steering and throttle correction as attainable. The quantity of smoke being generated can be essential. With out smoke, there isn’t any Gatebil. That’s a truth.
Being proper in the midst of it, perched excessive on a scissor raise, the judges have an unimpeded view over the judged part. It should look so cool to see the monitor fully engulfed in smoke; the followers actually find it irresistible.
If all the pieces has gone to plan, drivers method the end line with the rear of their vehicles proper on the clipping level marker. It’s throughout in a matter of seconds.
The judges rating every run, and the highest 20 go on to battle within the following day’s last. Greater than 100 vehicles took half this 12 months, however there could be just one winner.
The overwhelming majority of vehicles that tackle the Breisladden are rear-wheel drive drift machines, however it’s the four-wheel drive maniacs that steal the present. And once you hear the identify ‘Alm’ launched, you understand issues are about to get wild. Right here we now have Kenneth Alm‘s brother Fredrik doing Gatebil correctly – sideways with all 4 tires lit up.
4-wheel drifting has been part of the Breisladden for the reason that begin, and whereas it isn’t as common now because it was again within the day, it’s all the time nice to see. Watching an Audi Quattro go all-out is one thing particular.
For me, the Breisladden is the spotlight of the Gatebil Rudskogen weekend. It’s superior to see followers and rivals give their all. However what do the drivers suppose?
Simen Olsen: “For me, the Breisladden is extra of a enjoyable competitors, however most of us are rivals so I assume all of us wish to win! It’s not a lot about particular method, however it’s all about full throttle, going as broad as attainable, being clean, and getting as shut as attainable to the final cone. I usually to try to work out a great setup that offers me the grip I want, so I can simply management the automotive being on-throttle throughout the transitions as an alternative of utilizing the e-brake.”
Fannar Þór: “It’s one factor to participate in Gatebil and be amongst all of the heroes and have an opportunity to show your self, however the Breisladden offers you a sense you don’t get elsewhere on the monitor. It’s a little bit of a ‘one shot, one alternative’ factor with all of the spectators on the hill, the night solar and all the eye on you for 15 seconds. It’s like stepping on a large stage in comparison with Iceland, disturbing, however on the similar time an superior feeling.”
Per Erik Hovden: “The Breisladden actually reveals that you just don’t want one million greenback automotive to have enjoyable. I really feel like folks typically neglect what drifting is all about – that’s, exhibiting what you are able to do with what you’ve. I do know I can’t win the Breisladden with my grassroots BMW E46 Compact and its authentic 2.8L engine with 190hp, however I do know I can win a couple of smiles from the gang whereas I clutch kick across the nook a number of instances. I put 4bar of air stress within the oldest tires I can discover and see the way it goes. Low-cost vehicles are essentially the most enjoyable!”
Joachim Haugenes: The Breisladden is among the most enjoyable issues about Gatebil. You may have everybody from first-time drifters to skilled all in the identical competitors. But it surely’s not really easy to coach for and be 100% ready. You may have the entire monitor for your self and wish to start out drifting with out rolling pace, after which have simply 30 seconds to shine. The method is ‘by no means raise the gasoline’, and that’s what I like essentially the most about it. The Breisladden is nearly the identical as after I began six or seven years in the past, however the degree of driving simply retains getting larger yearly.”
It’s fascinating to listen to the totally different views of those that compete within the Breisladden. If there’s one factor that everybody can agree on, it’s that there aren’t actually any guidelines relating to what you may and might’t compete with – if it drifts, you’re good.
The Breisladden competitors has all the time introduced one of the best out of Gatebil, and I can’t wait to expertise it as soon as once more.
Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa
