Published: 25/05/2010
It’s taken a few years, but Mark has finally taken first place at a drift event at Knockhill racing circuit, near Dunfermline in Scotland.

The track was to play host to the second round of the European Drift Championship, which Mark was leading prior to the event thanks to the first win of the year at Oulton Park.

During practice it was obvious he was the man to beat, using the full potential of the SVA Imports Nissan 350z to pull some magnificent angles and drive a perfect line, linking each corner seamlessly.

In the top 8, competing against Pete Barber, Luney put in a perfect performance in the first run, with his opponent equally as good. However, Mark was handed the second run when Barber lost his cool, and as a result went off the track.

In the semi-final, Mark was up against local man Kieran Cameron. Again it was a mistake from his opponent that paved the way through to the final for Buff, but not before some skilful driving was needed as Cameron spun on the first run right in front of him. It would be safe to say that Kieran Cameron will be counting his blessings after the almost unavoidable near miss! The second run saw the Scot put in his best performance of the day, but it was not enough for him to progress to the next stage.

Into the final, and it was a re-run of last years decisive final round, with Mark up against Paul Conlan. His opponent pushed hard in the first run, with some excellent speeds and angles, but he overcooked it slightly and all four of his wheels were briefly in the gravel, enough to give Buff the advantage.

In the second run, and leading the pair, Mark had to avoid the pressure of Conlan to take the win. With his opponent tucking in behind the 350z, Luney just had to put in a run that would not see him in the gravel. Like every other lap he drove over the course of the weekend, it was a perfect drive, and so Buff took the second round.

Commenting on his win, Luney said,
“This is one of my favourite tracks, and to finally take a win here is a very satisfying feeling.”

So with two wins under his belt, and top of the EDC table, Buff seems to be unstoppable. The next round is at Brands Hatch, which he won last season. Will it be a repeat of last year, or will the pressure finally get to him?