We don't mean to alarm anybody, but Christmas will soon be upon us, which means two weeks off work (for many), presents and gorging ourselves on left-over turkey and selection boxes. All this before the inevitable boredom sets in four days after old Saint Nic has paid a visit. Thankfully Mondello Park has something in mind to cheer us up in the form of the first ever Drift-Jam Matsuri.
No that isn't a weird Japanese fruit-based preserve; Matsuri is the Japanese word for Festival and Drift-Jam Matsuri promises to be just that, as there will be more simultaneous drifting action to watch than at any previous Irish event.
It's all taking place on Sunday December 29 and will feature Pro and Street Drift Cars running on Mondello's National and International loop along with and a drifting demonstration by some of the best drivers from the Irish Drift Championship. As the climax of the afternoon, Ireland's top Drifters will be invited to Drift past the Grandstand and through Ford corner, with the driver getting the biggest cheer of the day receiving a special award.
Entries to Drift-Jam Matsuri are open to Amateur and Pro Drifters, with both competition and non-competition cars accepted. Spaces are limited and pre-booking is advised. Booking in advance will ensure that drivers secure a space in their preferred session and will also save them money. Spaces booked in advance will be charged at €99 and this will include admission for the driver and two spectators; those booking on the day will be charged €119. Spectator admission will be €10, with no additional charge for grandstand seating.
On a completely unrelated note, I wonder if Nissan Ireland still has that 370Z press car lying around...