Time Attack - Round 1 Oulton Park - 16th April 2011

This weekend sees the 2011 Time Attack Series and Pirelli European Drift Championship blast off at Oulton Park, the season opener promising to be a spectacular prelude to this year's seven-round calendar. The event also hosts the first of the hugely popular Modified Live shows, which gives visitors a chance to see a varied collection of static displays, trade stands and special attractions - all focussed on the tuning scene. Time Attack Originating in Japan, Time Attack was established to take cars and drivers off the street and on to the track without the stresses and strains of out-and-out racing. Results are decided by the fastest lap time rather than who crosses the line first - hence the series' strap-line: It's not racing... It's Time Attack. Straight away, the sport was embraced by the performance aftermarket, many of the professional tuners entering and driving their own cars. It was perhaps inevitable that events would become more competitive and, as speeds increased, cars became more modified. The popularity of the sport grew and, in short space of time, the concept of Time Attack spread all around the world.  2011 represents the sixth season of the series in Britain and its second year of accreditation by the MSA, the governing body for motorsport in the UK. It will again see some of the most highly-tuned cars in the country taking part, each competing against the clock for supremacy in their particular class: * Pro Classes: Pro, Pro Tuner, Club Pro, Pro Rwd, Prototype * Club Challenge Classes: Four-wheel-drive, Front-wheel-drive, Rear-wheel-drive, Normally aspirated 3000cc and under (2wd only), Normally aspirated 3001 cc and over (2wd only) Changes for 2011 include the introduction of controlled Pirelli tyres, with all competitors having to run the same type - whatever the make and horsepower of their car. The Pirelli P-Zero specified for this season is 100% road legal and, just like most of the cars taking part, the tyres can be used on the street and the track - plus it helps create a level-playing field between the teams.  Now the exclusive supplier to F1, Pirelli's increased association with Time Attack this year shows that the company is not only interested in promoting its products at top international-level, but at grass-roots national level too. The change of tyre manufacturer also presents a fresh challenge to competitors. Pirelli European Drift Championship Drifting is another four-wheeled sport that has its origins in Japan. It features two specially prepared cars negotiating a series of curves at speed, one trying to out-do the other. Instead of competing against the clock drivers are out to impress a panel of judges, who are looking for the best car control, track position, style and speed.  The Pirelli European Drift Championship represents the UK's top-level in the sport and this weekend at Oulton Park eight of the best British drivers have been invited to compete against each other in the now familiar shoot-out format.  Modified Live Labelled as a celebration of modifying culture, each of this year's six Modified Live events brings together a mega-mix of cars, trade stands, displays, attractions - including the girls - and, as always, a few surprises. Each show attracts exhibitors from all over the country, including: tuning companies, component manufacturers, accessory and parts retailers, car clubs and the appearance of some of the UK's most inspirational and exceptional cars.  There's also the show-and-shine competition and a chance for the public to ride in 'Drift Taxis' around the short circuits inside the main Oulton Park track. Organisers therefore predict that this weekend's event will live up to true Modifying Live culture by appealing to all those who find 'the norm' unacceptable. The event Gates open at 09.30, the track action commencing with warm-up sessions for both Time Attack and Drift Championship competitors. The rest of the morning is taken up with practice sessions, before the competitive elements of the day kick off at 13.30.  The programme is punctuated by live action demonstrations at 09.55, 12.45 and 15.45, with a new addition of a Mighty Mini race that is scheduled to get the green light at 16.50. Admission tickets are available from the event website at an advance price of £17.00 per adult, or alternatively, they can be purchased at the gate for £22.00. This year's sponsors are: Pirelli, Sumo Power, NISMO Competition.com Kleers, Cosworth, K-Sport, SuperPro, BC Suspension, HKS, Samco Sport, Blitz and Santa Pod Raceway. 2011 Time Attack Calendar Round 1: 16 April Oulton Park Round 2: 15 May Knockhill Round 3: 25 June Brands Hatch Round 4: 26 June Brands Hatch Round 5: 31 July: Cadwell Park Round 6: 28 August Anglesey Round 7: 25 September Snetterton