The Energy Social gathering Continues: Gatebil Rudskogen Half 2

Present Saturday

Is there such a factor as a sleepless hangover? There have to be, as a result of after Friday’s shenanigans at Gatebil Rudskogen 2022, I was utterly wrecked after I awoke on Saturday morning after just some damaged hours of shut-eye.

However there was no time to dwell on that; this was the busiest day of the occasion and the monitor was already sizzling. First up although, there have been present automobiles I wanted to take a look at.

Earlier than heading there although, I assumed I’d drop by the tattoo sales space to see if anybody was getting inked. To my shock, not solely was somebody beneath the tattoo machine, however there have been individuals ready in line to get a everlasting Gatebil memento on their pores and skin.

After I took a fast peek on the ‘Present Backyard’ setup on Friday, Rudskogen’s kart monitor was solely half full with individuals and automobiles. As anticipated although, Saturday was a very totally different story.

Proper off the bat, I gravitated in the direction of Joakim Nyberg’s 1983 Toyota Carina. A 4A-GE on carbs and Work Equip40 wheels – you need to love this factor. Beside the Carina have been two automobiles that maintain a particular place in my coronary heart…

The AE86 is one in every of my favourite automobiles from ’90s rallying in Iceland. Eager about it now, it’s cool that folks threw this stuff sideways on gravel with little fear again then, however seeing this mint pair on the present, I feel I want what persons are doing with them now.

JDM-style tuning would possibly nonetheless be creating in some components of Europe – particularly Scandinavia – however there have been some nice examples at this occasion. If I examine issues to Sweden although, the styling appears extra delicate right here in Norway.

Having mentioned that, there are at all times some expectations, like this wild supercharged Honda S2000 on RAYS Volk Racing TE37SLs. Simply have a look at that wing!

The present featured all kinds of automobiles, every little thing from wide-body Supras to E30s on basic BBS wheels.

Talking of BBS wheels, they have been in every single place.

BBS cut up wheels have been the commonest, which is smart, as a result of they appear good on just about each car. It was largely German automobiles at Rudskogen, although.

Air suspension isn’t neglected both, and each the Lamborghini-themed Audi R8 and Volvo V90 above run Air Elevate Efficiency setups.

One other Air Elevate-equipped construct on present was Jonas Fløttum’s BMW E30, sitting on customized Work VS wheels. Even the trunk has acquired a customized setup, with its Rockford Fosgate amplifiers and subwoofers, and twin Viair compressors displayed properly.

Amongst the anticipated makes and fashions, it’s at all times good to see to the sudden, which in my case was this super-clean Ford Escort RS Cosworth. I envy anybody who noticed these automobiles rallying in interval.

As I used to be making my method again to the media room to recharge myself and my digicam gear for the upcoming Breisladden competitors, I got here throughout a automotive that stopped me useless in my tracks. I had no concept what this was till I spoke to the older gentleman who owned it.

As I joined within the dialog, the proprietor talked about that the Maserati Bora was just lately bought from a vendor in New York. I can’t think about the anxiousness that may include delivery one thing of this worth throughout the Atlantic Ocean.

My Norwegian shouldn’t be one of the best, however from what I might collect the Bora will quickly be receiving a full restoration. To me, the automotive already appeared to be in pristine situation, so I wasn’t too positive what wanted restoring, so I’m guessing it is likely to be mechanical. Regardless of the case, it’s nice to see automobiles like this being preserved for years to return.

Rudskogen turning into quiet once more was my cue to move again to the monitor and put together myself for some extra motion.

As is custom, all of the automobiles competing in Gatebil’s Breisladden (energy slide) competitors do a parade lap across the monitor earlier than lining up. It felt like warriors being introduced to a cheering crowd earlier than they headed off to battle, a fairly cool scene for positive.

To those that are unfamiliar with the Breisladden competitors, it’s fairly easy: provoke as quick as you’ll be able to with most angle and minimal correction. Showboating is inspired for bonus factors.

Standing in entrance of 1000’s of screaming spectators whereas watching drivers pull off high-speed drifts was one thing I gained’t neglect. To me, that is Gatebil at its most interesting.

In fact, you’ve got all of the automobiles from the day before today’s Tremendous 3 crew drift competitors additionally collaborating. As lengthy as you’ll be able to slide it, you’ll be able to compete in it.

Whether or not it’s a four-wheel drive Celica sporting an iconic rally livery…

…or a Volkswagen Transporter with a turbo V8 swap. It doesn’t actually matter.

Somewhat than attempt to {photograph} each single automotive, I took a step again and have become one of many spectators. It’s arduous to benefit from the spectacle while you’re on the job, however generally you simply can’t assist your self. I selected the right second to place my eye again behind the viewfinder when Kevin Brunberg got here charging by in his Volvo 745 – an iconic construct in Sweden. I managed to snap this single photograph earlier than having fun with the remainder of his run.

There have been so many automobiles competing within the Breisladden, that the competitors needed to tip over to Sunday. Norway has strict noise rules, and individuals who stay near the tracks are fast to complain. A number of the homes are new and that has me questioning – why would individuals transfer near a race monitor after which complain when the noise will get too loud? I do know this occurs in different places all over the world too, but it surely defies logic.

Nonetheless, it was time for the individuals to occasion, and in true Gatebil style, occasion they did.

I assumed individuals had given it their all on Friday, however that was merely not the case. Saturday night was simply as wild within the campgrounds.

Whether or not it’s day or night time, there’s by no means a uninteresting second at Gatebil Rudskogen. Pleased individuals, bananas terrorizing the village, stunt exhibits and a live performance to complete all of it off – it doesn’t get higher than that after an extended day within the solar.

I actually didn’t need this to finish, however then I remembered that Sunday was nonetheless to return…

Sayonara Sunday

I used to be definitely prepared for an additional day, however I’d be mendacity if I didn’t say I used to be eager for my very own mattress, good meals and a bathe. That would want to attend a couple of extra hours although, because the Breisladden closing and Gatebil Xtreme competitions have been nonetheless to return.

Seeing what number of automobiles have been again on the monitor made me marvel what number of tires are used at this occasion. Additionally, as soon as the tires are accomplished, the place do they dispose of all of them? Is there a Gatebil tire graveyard someplace that I don’t learn about?

Simply earlier than the Breisladden closing kicked off, I took a fast peek on the paddocks to see if there was any signal of life nonetheless left. As you’ll be able to see, the reply was sure. The truth is, they have been nonetheless bustling.

You’d suppose by this level that I’d have uninterested in photographing the identical automobiles on the identical nook doing the very same factor – it had been three days in any case. Previous to the occasion I might have thought so, however that couldn’t be farther from the reality.

Drifting has woke up the identical feeling I received after I watched F1 for the primary time 20 years in the past. It has turn out to be my new favourite motorsport and seeing the insanity unfold at Gatebil solely made my love for it stronger.

Seeing all of the individuals again on Sunday to catch the motion leads me to imagine that this occasion is the spotlight of summer time for a lot of. After Saturday night time’s antics, you’d suppose most individuals could be wrecked – and fact beknown some most likely have been – however that didn’t cease them from absorbing the Gatebil ambiance one final time earlier than heading residence.

With good angles, insane pace and an enormous quantity of tire smoke, Øyvind Bogen deservedly took residence the Breisladden title in his Nissan Silvia S15.

Earlier than I headed again to the media room to pack my baggage, I caught the ultimate showdown of the Gatebil Xtreme class.

Sticking my head out onto the straight, it was fascinating to see these time assault monsters coming in the direction of me at full pace. Regardless of his main engine troubles on Friday, Kai Roger Bakken was the quickest, profitable the ultimate race whereas taking pictures flames crossing the end line.

Gatebil Rudskogen actually is a modified automotive fan’s dream come true. This isn’t only a monitor day, a automotive present, or a celebration – that is an automotive pageant celebrating the enjoyment of machine.

Keep tuned for extra from Norway, and don’t neglect to take a look at the bonus picture gallery beneath – and Gatebil’s newly-released official music video.

Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa