It was all sideways action at the opening round of Drift Ruption held at the JamWest Speedway, Little London, Westmoreland, on Sunday, June 15, as the series delivered as promised with a thrilling win by Chris-John Addison.

“It was a long wait. We made preparations for this, and we knew that it was coming, because we went with a new platform. We did everything that we needed to do to win. And, it was Father’s Day, so big up to my father, Christopher,” Addison told the
Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

The popular Montegonian, known for his extreme angles in his Toyota Corolla AE86, has ditched the old car for a new platform in order to increase his competitiveness. The Honda K-swapped Toyota is now being driven by his younger brother Myles, another rising star in the sport.

“I’m now driving a 350Z, her name is Cammy,” joked Addison.

The 2006 Nissan 350Z has had its original engine removed for a stock LS3 from a Chevrolet Corvette. Around the world, the 350Z is recognised as a modern drift platform from which success can be derived. Its reputation sees it campaigned locally to much acclaim by fellow competitors Sheldon Johnson, otherwise called the ZBoss, and Alan Gordon.

“It wasn’t a big jump to go from the Corolla to the 350Z, because I know the AE86 inside out, but just that we needed a bit more top speed, some more angle, so we went with a new platform,” said Addison.

Regardless of the new car, Addison took advantage of the new-found power, making short work of each of his opponents in variable weather conditions that played with the available grip on the circuit. From puddles to drying lines, Addison hit every one of the metrics necessary to advance him through to the finals. More importantly, he had the crowd on his side to the very end, culminating in thunderous applause each time he took to the track against finals rival Sheldon Johnson. The sight of the two 350Zs following each other’s motions all while sitting door-to-door at very high speeds, displayed the high skill levels of both. However, there could be only one winner, and that was Addison.

“It’s been a long fight, as you know. We were driving the AE86, which was sleepless nights getting it ready, and parts weren’t readily available at the times we needed them, so now that we have this new platform we got what we needed and I knew that I wanted to win,” he said.

Addison confirmed his commitment to the Drift Ruption series as he seeks to be Jamaica’s next drift champion.

For event organiser Kingsley Scott, he was more than happy with the start to his five-event series.

“It was a good spectator and driver turnout, and shows that the genre is growing,” shared Scott.