It’s amazing to see just how far the British Drift Championship has progressed in such a short period of time. Just a few years ago the series was almost sponsor-less, but in 2010 there’s no fewer than 72 drivers competing along with major sponsors Maxxis Tyres, Universal Turbos, Japspeed, Driftworks and Ultralite Wheels.

Round 1 took place at Silverstone’s Stowe Circuit, one of the oldest within the complex usually used for single seat race cars.

As per last year, BDC was divided into two classes – Pro and Semi-Pro with 32 Semi-Pro drivers and 40 Pros. The most impressive change for 2010 was the sheer quality and spec of the competing cars in both classes, with new team-ups including the Team Green/Falken Tyres collaboration of Paul Cheshire, Matt Carter and Alan Green. All three Nissans looked stunning in their Falken livery and furthers proved how the reputation of drifting in the UK is being taken more seriously as the sport progresses.

Onto the action and straight away BDC ‘newbie’ Phil Morrison’s Toyota-powered S15 took the top spot in the Pro class qualifying with a score of 95 out of 100. Simon Perry’s pink R33 GTS-T put in a stunning run taking the second qualifying spot with a score of 93 closely followed by the Japspeed S15 of Danny Eyles who scored 89.

Over in the Semi-Pro class, Mike Cooper’s R34-fronted, SR20-powered R32 qualified first in what turned out to be a sterling set of runs by all the Semi-Pro drivers on the day.

Another ‘new’ old face to the BDC was Irishman Mark Luney who’s massive-horsepower Supra took him to 4th place qualifying in the Pro class on his first outing. The sheer variety of car and engine setups made for a spectacular sight and sound during Round 1.

One of the most highly-anticipated cars for 2010 was the new Cosworth-powered Japspeed Impreza of Steve Biagioni. Sporting an EJ25 lump, Hawkeye conversion and Voltex aero Steve’s Subaru was easily one of the best-looking cars out there, but unfortunately gearbox trouble took the Impreza out at the very start of Saturday practice. A huge shame, but you can guarantee Team Japspeed will be back out and raring for the next round.

Onto the finals and 2010 introduced twin drifting to the Semi-Pro drivers, a brave move but all top 8 drivers stepped up to the plate and delivered some spectacular driving for non-Pro abilities! After a set of stunning runs the top spot went to Jordan Patton in his R32 Skyline while Matthew Peter-house’s awesome V8-powered RX7 took second closely followed by Mike Cooper in the SR20 Skyline.

Once again huge congratulations to all the Semi-Pro drivers over the weekend, it’s looking already like the 2010 season is going to be a close one.

Over at the Pro finals and Phil Morrison in the Driftworks S15 continued to dominate. Danny O’Brian pedaled his Competition Clutch-sponsored S14a put in a sterling performance after a dreadful problem-plagued qualifying, but unfortunately couldn’t match the speed and experience of Phil’s S15.

In the final Phil found himself against Simon Perry’s R33 GTS-T. Both drivers were on form all weekend, and after the first set of runs it was too close to call with a ‘One More Time’ being ordered. Phil absolutely nailed the next two runs, giving him the advantage and the top spot of the podium.

Second place Simon Pe