Published: 29/06/2009
Round 4 of the European Drift Championship was held at Brands Hatch, and it was an historic event as it was the first time a competitive drift event has been held there.

From the very first run, Mark looked on top form and put in some superb runs, clocking up speeds of 100mph+.

In the top 16, Mark was up against fellow countryman Andy Cooper in his Nissan S14A. In the first battle, Mark pulled a huge gap between him and Cooper, with the usual wall of smoke emanating from the SVA 350z. Mark took the first run 8-2. In the second run, Mark chased, and going into the final corner Cooper straightened slightly. Mark was awarded the run 7-3.

Going into the top 8 and Mark was up against championship contender James Russell. In his first run, Mark was chasing and just ate up the gap between him and Russell. In the second run, Mark got the smoke machine going and left, a still impressive, Russell in a cloud of smoke. Mark was through to the semis.

In the top 4, and Mark was up against another fellow countryman, Paul Conlan. Conlan had been performing well all day and gave Mark quite a challenge. The first run was quite nail-biting as Mark had spun in his practice lap due to new tyres being fitted. It didn't seem to put him off though as the first run, which Mark led, saw him pull a huge gap away from Conlan. In the second run, Conlan led his run, but Mark pushed hard, with plenty of angle and speed, and overtook just before the end of the track.

Into the final, and Mark was up against old nemesis Phil Morrison, and what a final it was to be. Their two runs were inseparable, both being awarded 5-5, so it had to run one more time. The penultimate run saw Mark take an early lead, following Morrison move for move, with Mark once again pulling some great angles. Mark got 6-4.

In the last run, both cars clocked in at 102mph at the first corner, and both cars were seamlessly smooth into their transitions. It was a close call, and as the cars pulled up to hear the result, everyone waited nervously for the announcement.

The final run was declared a draw, and with Mark's advantage, he took the win. It was a popular result with both the crowds and the other drivers.

The win catapults Mark to the top of the championship with two rounds to go.