Raymond Terrace is a long way from the hills of Japan where drifting was born but the Ibanez family has quickly taken the sport to heart.
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Team Ibanez was hatched a little more than a year ago when David Ibanez bought his son Beau a wrecked Holden ute to fix and customise for the purpose of going sideways, fast.
More than just spinning the tyres, drifting sees drivers do battle over a set course with two drivers in opposing cars taking turns to lead and chase, as a test of car control.
Judges score the drivers on style and deduct lose points if they straighten up at any point.
“Anyone can dump the clutch and sit on the brakes but this is a sport for people to challenge themselves,” Beau said.
“It’s something I’d love to do professionally in the future.”
His debut came in the last round of 2016 in what was then very much a standard road car but it has since undergone much development.
His mother-in-law Louise Wilkie and her dad ‘Morrie’ rebuilt the V8 engine for more power. Where possible they’ve had help from Raymond Terrace businesses.
They travel to the Raleigh circuit south of Coffs Harbour every two months to compete in the Speedflow Drift Series. Having finished 2017 in the top three of the amateur competition Beau has started 2018 in the pro-series.
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They compete against what are mostly smaller and more nimble Nissans and Toyotas, which puts Beau at somewhat of a disadvantage. But he’s happy.
“It’s whole reason we chose to do it this way, because we are different,” Beau said.
“You don’t see too many SS utes out there drifting at events. We’ve sorted the steering issues, giving it more lock, now we just need a bit more traction, it needs more squat.”
The road trip to Raleigh involves all of the family including Ebony, 10, and three-year-old twins Alex and Ricky.
“Ebony just loves it, we all do,” Louise said.
“Dad’s retired but he’s enjoyed building the engine.”
The 2018 season is already underway. On debut their debut in the pro-series Beau made the top eight and finished fifth.
“I’m aiming for a top eight finish this season but I really want us to be in the top four,” he said.
David, a confessed Ford fan, said the family was right behind Beau. Given the desire of some young males to replicate this type of driving on the road David said it was an easy decision to back Beau in doing it responsibly.
“I do understand what it’s like, ‘dad’ wishes he could have done it when he was younger,” David said, speaking about himself.
“This is the right way to do it, off the street where they can’t get in trouble.
“But it’s not cheap so if anyone would like to sponsor us it would be great to hear from them.”
Anyone who wishes to support Team Ibanez can call Louise on 0481 761 671.
To see updates on the team follow them @111ibanezdrift on Facebook.
