Somehow I was told about Day of the 86 through the grapevine and didn’t have to decide if I was keen or not. 86’s are one of my favourite Japanese cars and seeing 20+ of them drifting? That’s something you just don’t see in NZ. 

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We start early at Freshly; 5am drive from Auckland down to Taupo for the day. Oh yeah.

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Mr organiser Keisuke was out in his recently arrived 86. For a little 86, he could surely get it moving! Gotta’ keep that tofu fresh!

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If you haven’t noticed yet, the weather was shocking. Rain, wind and cold temperatures… Not too fun.
The C’s Garage Corolla was out going nuts. I have a soft spot for this car; it’s just awesome.

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I think the number plate sums it up. 

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Although the day was based around 86’s, there was a selection of other cars there too. Our good friend Cam was out in his R32 pulling some crazy lines, as usual. Kid’s got talent.

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Another car I have quite the soft spot for. It may be a big car, but the driver knows how to lock it up sideways.

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One of my favourite shots of the day was this shot of these two coming in close at the first corner. Even in the wet these guys where getting up close.

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Standing where I probably shouldn’t have, I took this shot of this little MX5. The water would spray off the tyres and straight onto my camera with every run. I think it was worth the spray. There’s just something about little MX5’s locking up around a corner.

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What’s not to love. I don’t care that the weather was shocking. Seeing these cars go crazy around Taupo was beyond worth it. Top work to Keisuke and the other organisers.

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Rotary 86 anyone?

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Seriously love this car.

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Even when lining up..

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Jumping around the pits I saw this Kawasaki had some sticker slapping! Looks pretty darn cool.

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They’re everywhere!

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Off road tofu run. The bloke to the left seems pretty happy with his purchase.

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Back to the drifting we saw the track dry out in the afternoon as the weather got a tad better. This R33 was having a lot of fun!

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Nick seems to know his 86 like the back of his hand. He always puts on great runs from the start.

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I’m sure you’re in love with 86’s now, yes?

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3pm came around quick and I decided I better head off. This little beauty was sitting waiting to go out on the track as I left. Love the paint, it’s much different to the usual white 86’s.

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Dirty hands and a happy helmet smile? It was an awesome and successful day.
If this ever happens again, I would encourage you to make the trip. You will by no means be disappointed. 

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Thanks so much to Keisuke for setting up this day, I’m still buzzing from it. 

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Check out his blog 86 Fighters! 

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More photos on the Facebook page as usual.

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–Chris