Here’s the coverage of the track at Gingerman during Gridlife, the most exciting part of the event. I wasn’t on the track, but I hope to start tracking the Mazda soon. First up, it’s the time attack cars.

The starting lineup. I’m not sure which class this was.

It’s great to see a Civic hatchback in the same category as a turbo Corvette.

Some Subies making fast laps.

Gingerman is a world-class track, but everything around it feels like the Michigan I’ve always known. The breeze coming off the lake could not have been more welcome.

Here’s one RX7.

Here’s another RX7 two generations younger. I’m taking some cues from this car for my own Mazda.

I’ve seen this car at a lot of events around Chicago.

S2000 out on turn 7.

This was one of 3 or 4 S14’s set up for grip. It seems like they’re almost always set up for drift.

BMW on turn 1.

I’ve never seen a more built up Civic with this chassis.

The Ecotec motor in the Datsun 510 is significantly more reliable than the old L-motor that used to motivate this classic.

The driver of this car had a great beard.

There aren’t many FF cars in the upper echelons of time attack. This EK hatch was running a big turbo and two wastegates.

One of my favorites.

The last round of photos are from the drift sessions on the course. There was a good mix of amateurs, longstanding local talent, and pro drivers.

Nothing drew the masses to the side of the track like the drift sessions.

The Corvolla. I’m not crazy about LS swaps in every rear drive import you see, but I have to admit that a Corvette engine in a Corolla from the 80’s makes for a pretty good power to weight ratio.

This E30 comes with an SR20.

Ryan Tuerck flying sideways through a light fog of tire smoke. There were a few times that cars would have to slow down after the one leading left so much tire smoke, there was no visibility.

Chairslayer

Team Proceed

Risky Devil

Team Breaking out of Fort Wayne

There more than a few cars off the track at turn 2.

This guy lost his rear bumper.

This guy picked up the bumper.

I’ve never seen such a large drift car. I think it’s powered by a 5.6L Nissan V8.

Hardly anybody in the US sticks with the rotary in their RX7 drift car. This one is powered by a 2JZ.

Here’s one powered by a turbo LS motor.

I’ll admit that I’ve never been a fan of domestic drift cars, but this guy knew how to do it. That angle is so much, the rear might be entering the turn ahead of the front.

All in all, it was a great time. It was hot, my face got sunburnt, I didn’t win any award in the show, but it was still fun. I talked to some cool people about our cars. I got to see a lot of great builds in the show, in the paddock, and on the track. Tyler came up and we hung out for a while. Good times! Now to get ready for the next show at Offset Kings in Joliet!