After attending Picket’s 21st, I had no second thought about returning for his next day. The cars that show up, the atmosphere, the laid back feel – the day’s great. I gradually woke up after a whiskey fuelled night and headed down to the track, slightly under the weather. Luckily the smell of burning petrol and rubber is a lovely wake up in the morning. As soon as I stepped through the gates, I was happy.

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Walking around and seeing the line up of cars, one would expect we flew to Japan. The central North Island seems to have a much different car culture to Auckland. You see a lot of ‘hellaflush’ and stance cars roaming – Something we love to see.

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Heading out on the track, the cars were already started. As you can see, angle’s not a problem for this S14.

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I remembered after the first day that a girl called Mel was out driving this JZX100. I love how she gets out there and shows up all the boys. Seriously, girl’s got talent.

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With many bumpers being shredded and a sad casualty, the cars had to stop.

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Not that that matters though. Within a minute the group was back out. Matt Sellers can be seen here creating a smoke screen for the crowd. Matt never fails to put on a great show. Love it.

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Troy was out in his freshly painted S15. Something about it makes it look like a Time Attack car…

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Max’s S13 was also freshly painted. The new kit and wheels make the car look awesome.

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Sadly, back at the pits we saw Max’s car out for the count after a blown turbo. Ouch.
Is it just me or does this look ever so slightly like a til shift photo..?

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Jacob’s camo R32 was looking good out on the track!

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Even with a bag of Macca’s on top, Luke’s MX5 was looking staunch!

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Xris’s S13 is a personal favourite of mine. The simple white, Star wheels and the awesome red tints. Fresh.

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Classic sedans drifting? Oh hell yes!

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Here’s the man himself getting some lock around the first corner! With the car only recently back in shape, it’s great to see him giving it some hell.

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Andrew Redward’s S14 looks amazing with smoke pouring off it. 

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Never underestimate the little guy. Especially when he makes your Silvia look like a Barbie doll.

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Gettin’ dirty on track leads to this… 

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The face of Burger Fuel Taupo, too much Wong’s Kitchen oh and RB20E drifting yo!

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Still not sure how Royce gets so much lock out of it.. But I want it.

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I came to Taupo expecting a bit of dodgy weather. Luckily the day was mostly dry! Grouse! 

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Now that, is a set of Watanabes. Max knows how to build his cars..

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I think I’ll add to my bucket list ‘Go drifting with Mel.’ 

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And lastly, another shot of Picket. I think he was having fun at this point.

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Cheers for the laps Mitch, and cheers to ZeroClass for running the day. That made my birthday weekend epic. 

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More photos on our Facebook page.

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–Chris