Published: 14/07/2009
Santa Pod is a unique course in the European Drift Championship. This year, it's the only round not on a proper race track which poses many problems for the drivers, and indeed the organisers.

The circuit comprised of a lengthy run into a long, arcing right-hander with 70mph entry speeds, which then sharpens into a tight right hairpin beneath the first grandstand of fans. Drivers have little time to flick for the next tight left hairpin, which slows them right down with another right to contend with almost immediately before the sprint for the finish line in front of the second grandstand. One of the issues with the track was the amount of bumps, which resulted in Mark and Team SVA deciding to remove the side skirts off the 350z so as to not damage them.

During morning practice the rain looked like it would never go away, but eventually it subsided and the smoke started to flow from the Maxxis tyres as the track dried out. Mark put in some fabulous runs after he had mastered which line he was going to use.

In Marks top 16 run, he was up against Team Green's Paul Cheshire. In the first run, Mark benefited from some straightening up by his opponent. Cheshire put in a strong display against the 350Z, but one moment of straightening in the first run handed Mark a 7-3 win. Cheshire was better in the second run but Luney stuck to his rear bumper and matched him drift for drift to score a triumphant 6-4.

In the top 8, Mark was up against fellow countryman Paul Conlan. Both drivers won both their leading runs 6-4, which meant they had to run again. In Marks second run chasing Conlan, he uncharacteristically wide heading into the course, letting his opponent stretch his lead even further. He did well to catch up but the judges scored it 7-3 in Conlan’s favour. Now chasing, Conlan had to keep up with the turbo-charged V6 of Luney to go through, which is always going to be a big ask. Mark did pull a bit of a lead, but Conlan still put in the angles behind him, which meant Luney could only manage a 6-4 win to send Conlan through.

Speaking afterwards, Mark admitted that it was the bumps that caused him to drive wide. As he drove over a big bump in the first corner his hands came off the wheel and he lost control.

At the end of proceedings, Mark came 5th overall, but that placing is currently provisional as EDC has announced that all results for the round are pending due to an enquiry being carried out regarding driver sporting rules. Check back to the website for updates to find out if Mark moves up any places.

Also, don't forget the final round at Snetterton on 11th October 2009, where Mark will be giving it all to try and clinch the EDC.