Published: 29/04/2009
A new year and a new look European Drift Championship kicked off the year with some big changes. The biggest change came in the way points were awarded.

Round 1 took place at Oulton Park, a new addition to the EDC track list, and with none of the drivers having any experience of it, it was an open field for everyone.

The rain arrived bright and early during practice, but disappeared for the rest of the day, which ensured that there was going to be plenty of speed, and smoke, from Mark.

As there were only 17 drivers, there was only a need for one qualifying round. Luckily, Mark wasn't drawn and so automatically progressed through to the top 16, where he found himself up against Team Greens Paul Cheshire.

The first run was pretty even, with Mark leading and Paul following quite comfortably. However, in the second run, Paul spun out and narrowly missed the tyre wall as Mark charged past and into the next round.

In the top 8, Mark found himself up against good friend Declan Hicks. As they both know how each other drives, it was an amazing spectacle as both drivers give it their all. Only for Declans slight straightening of his car in the first run, it would have been a very difficult race to call, but Mark managed to narrowly win the heat.

Into the top 4 and Mark was up against Phil Morrison in his 2JZ powered S15. In the first run, Mark mirrored Morrisons every move perfectly. In the second run, with Mark leading, it was another even fight but Morrison just has a slight more angle and took the run 5.5 to 4.5.

Mark was out.

Due to time constraints, third place was decided on points. As Mark took more points than fellow countryman Paul Conlan in his top 4 run, Mark was awarded third place.

Round 2 takes everyone to Scotland, and Marks favourite track, Knockhill. Why not come along on the 17th of May and support your favourite driver!