Published: 20/06/2010
Lydden Hill was the location for the 3rd round of the Maxxis Tyres British Drift Championship. On form, and looking for his first win of the championship, Mark was on fire from the off, putting in some fantastic, and consistent, practice laps that left the rest of the field playing catch up.

Into the qualifying session, and Mark played it safe. His 3 runs saw him come close to the clipping points, but not one to risk the Toyota Supra, at no point did he endanger the car by taking an insane line. The safe lines he drove were enough to see him placed fifth overall and through to the top 16.

His first opponent was Ashley Stephens. In the first run, Ashley spun and gave Mark a 10-0 advantage. In the second run, and with Buff chasing, Ashley pulled the smallest of gaps, but with Mark quickly gaining and putting the pressure on, Stephens makes a mistake and Buff takes the run 6-4.

In the top 8, Mark faced Julie Robinson in her Nissan Skyline R32, which coincidently is the car she also uses for everyday use!

In the first run, and with Mark chasing, he put all the pressure on Julie and was inches from the side of her car as the both came careering around the final sweeping corner. Several mistakes see Buff taking the advantage 7-3. In the second run, Buff easily pulled away from Robinsons less powered car, and once again took the run 7-3.

The semi-final saw Buff up against Danny O’Brien. The first run was a close call, with Mark just taking it 6-4, but a huge mistake from Danny, going into the final corner, handed Mark the run, and a place in the final against Shane Lynch.

Both drivers went out for a practice lap, with Mark pulling up afterwards to get some fresh tyres onto the car before their two competitive runs. However, the five minute rule was called into play when it became apparent that there was an issue. One of the bolts had become sheared on the wheel spacer and it is impossible to remove it in the time allotted. Therefore, Lynch took the win by default.

Not the best way to finish the day, but second place is still a good result, and catapults Mark back into contention for the championship. The next round at Donington Park is basically all or nothing. Anything but first place is not good enough, so Mark will be giving his all, and will be one to watch!