Gatebil Rudskogen: The Energy Get together Rages On

When you caught my first put up from Gatebil Rudskogen 2023, you’ll already know that the occasion’s first two days had been distinctive. Saturday? Properly, I may inform from the exhaust noise alarm that woke me, it was going to be one other wild one.

With Thursday being very moist, it was cool seeing Gatebil in several mild. Friday was heat however acceptable, however Saturday was downright scorching. Not within the ordinary style with clear blue skies and searing-hot daylight, however excessive in humidity.

Given it was nonetheless early at this level, I used to be stunned to see so many individuals already up and about. Positive, not everybody cuts completely unfastened on the Friday evening afterparty, however that sub-event was packed and even I bought somewhat funky with two cameras in hand. So I simply need to put it right down to Gatebil Rudskogen being attended by a lot extra individuals this yr.

Final yr – which was my first time on the occasion – I ran round like an absolute madman making an attempt to doc something and every little thing. This yr I knew the venue higher, which meant I may get to locations quicker. I additionally bothered to learn the schedule from time to time, which, belief me, actually helps.

Having mentioned that, trying out the Showgarden was one of many very first issues on my listing for Saturday.

Whereas the observe motion is what most Gatebil attendees stay up for essentially the most, the automotive present is a superb place to take a break from all of the insanity. That’s to not say it doesn’t get a bit rowdy at occasions…

These guys made positive everybody knew they had been coming. Black exhaust smoke and loud rock music has that impact.

Whereas the Showgarden was principally made up of German automobiles, it was the Japanese stuff I used to be naturally drawn to. However let’s be actual – you’re not right here to have a look at present automobiles, are you?

You’re right here for the 2JZ-swapped Opel Ascona making a full-drift, full-noise overtake of a Supra.

Or one thing like this, maybe? OK, so Chevrolet Camaros fitted with 6.9L LS3 stroker engines good for 835 horsepower are distinctive at Gatebil, nevertheless it simply goes to point out that it is best to all the time anticipate the surprising right here.

At any time when the Professional Drift classes began, I hotfooted over it to that initiation spot. When you don’t know what I’m speaking about, I’ll let Fredric Aasbø and Mad Mike educate you in this clip from nine years ago.

With solely a metal barrier between you and sure demise, it’s laborious to place into phrases what it’s wish to see a drift automotive coming at you, at over 200km/h sideways. Whereas Fredric did do some runs, it was unattainable for me to get a clear image – he was simply too rattling quick!

If I needed to describe the individuals of Gatebil in a single phrase, I’d borrow a line from the late, nice Tina Turner: merely the very best. You don’t need to look far to seize individuals having a good time – you simply level your digicam in any path and it’ll discover them. Whereas most individuals headed trackside to the stands, others saved the Gatebil get together going within the campgrounds.

The final track-based exercise on Saturday’s schedule is the occasion’s largest, evident by simply how busy the paddock and pit lane get. I’m speaking in regards to the Breisladden.

With over 100 automobiles vying to take advantage of smoke via a high-speed energy drift, it felt prefer it went on ceaselessly – not that anybody within the crowd was complaining. Nevertheless, there was one specific group of folks that actually cherished what they had been seeing.

Meet the loudest, proudest and happiest individuals at Gatebil Rudskogen 2023 – the Icelanders.

Every time any one of many six Icelandic drivers accomplished their run, the Icelandic crowd went completely nuts. Even Norway’s Morten Lyngøy joined within the enjoyable and rocked Iceland flags on the again of his Toyota Supra. I could be biased since I’m from Iceland, however this was my absolute favourite factor about Gatebil this yr.

The Breisladden has been a Gatebil staple for a few years, and I’ll be taking a better take a look at the spectacle in an upcoming highlight.

As you’d anticipate, Saturday evening brings greater artists to the afterparty stage and much more individuals to observe them carry out.

The beers had been flowing, however once they began flying it was my cue to get the hell out of the hazard zone. Gatebil Rudskogen 2023’s afterparty was a banger, and I’m positive for a lot of an evening to recollect. Or not bear in mind.

Till Subsequent Time, Rudskogen

The ultimate day at Gatebil is all the time bittersweet. You need the occasion to final ceaselessly, however on the similar time the considered collapsing onto your personal mattress turns into increasingly more interesting. However the get together wasn’t over simply but.

The eagerness proven by the individuals within the stands is what makes Gatebil, Gatebil. To return trackside to watch another drift run, another time assault race, or keep till the very finish of the wildest lengthy weekend of the summer time is true dedication to the trigger. The electrical power by no means falters. That is the Gatebil manner.

The Breisladden closing is what most individuals grasp round to see.

After an ideal run in his S15 Nissan Silvia, Øyvind Bogen took house the crown for the third yr working.

The occasion’s closing competitors is the Gatebil Excessive time assault race. Right here, 17 automobiles battle it out to see who can set the quickest lap, however with all automobiles on observe on the similar time.

For long-time Speedhunters readers, Kai Roger Bakken wants no introduction. KRB’s builds are out of this world, and his newest – a Lotus Esprit on steroids – has been the Gatebil Excessive class automotive to beat for a number of years.

This yr it was crushed, with Mads Siljehaug taking the win in his KTM GT2. It undoubtedly wasn’t a stroll within the park although; Mads beat Kai’s greatest time of 1:23.398 by simply 0.098 seconds.

I don’t usually grasp round for award ceremonies, however I made positive to take a look at the final one in all Gatebil Rudskogen 2023.

Earlier than I headed again to my trackside accomodation to pack for house, I needed to say goodbye to my fellow Icelanders and seize a photograph. I may inform that nobody needed to go away for Iceland, however I’m positive they’ll be again subsequent yr. Will I be coming again to Rudskogen Motorsenter in summer time 2024? Like it’s for a lot of, Gatebil has change into an annual custom, so sure I’ll.

The true query is, will you be there?

Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa

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