On the announcement of China’s prestigious 2012 World Drift Series, three seasoned and talented and Kiwi drivers find themselves invited to battle some of the world’s best in just over three weeks time. The first of the four round series will take place in Tainjin’s Olympic Stadium.
Drift veteran Sean Falconer, three times New Zealand Drift Champion Carl Ruiterman, and stand-out rising New Zealand star Cole Armstrong will enter the competition placed against a strong international field vying for the exciting championship. The trio will compete for the title as a team as well as individuals, placed well in odds of delivering top-class results with the contending Asian, European and American nations regarding the New Zealand drivers as highly talented and skilled competitors.
For the team’s youngest member, 25 year old Cole Armstrong from Tauranga the invite has been a dream come true. “Representing your country is what every sportsperson aims for, and after working hard with three professional seasons behind us now it’s been amazing and rewarding to get the call up to China”. This is the second time representing New Zealand in Drifting for Armstrong, who competed internationally in his V-Energy Nissan R34 Skyline last September during the World Time Attack Trans Tasman Drift Challenge in Australia.
For Ruiterman it’s a return to the competition which saw him qualify in 6th place during 2011, and now the Pukekohe driver has more reason to perform than ever. “This time around, I’m fortunate enough to be driving my own car, the championship winning E&H Motors Nissan Silvia S14 which I know inside-out. I will be much more comfortable pushing it to the limit; it’s a world class vehicle which deserves a world class stage”.
Competing on the back of a request from series organisers who have followed and loved Sean Falconers determined style, the impressive and accomplished Drifter is looking forward to getting back in the battle-seat. “Although I haven’t competed in New Zealand for a while, the itch has always remained there and the invitation to compete in WDS is one I couldn’t turn down. We’ve rebuilt the car specifically for the series (a Nissan RB26 S13 Silvia) and we’re firing on all cylinders show the field what we’ve got.”
The vehicles leave for China on Friday thanks to Jenners Freight, with drivers following in two weeks time to join the competition. Two more rounds in the series will see the drivers travelling back and forth between New Zealand and Australia prior to the final battle for 2012, which takes place in Hangzhou on October 27.
