As the 2008 EDC is about to kick off, we get the low-down from one of the EDC's professional teams, SVA Imports and its team owner Raef Davis on what he thinks 2008 has in store….
EDC: You first entered drifting in 2006 with your 350Z, since
then it’s seen a few changes, what’s new for the car in 2008?
SVA: The Nissan 350z has been a great platform for SVA's
drifting, the car has been highly developed in-house over the
past 2 seasons and each year we add a little more to the
package. The key for us is ensuring high power outputs, whilst
maintaining the reliability of the car. We are proud that
we haven't yet had to retire from any event we have entered due
to a mechanical failure in the 350z. That's a testament to SVA's
build quality.
2008 sees some important changes, we have been working with our
driver and have been looking to shave some weight from the car,
adding carbon doors and some adjustments to the fuelling and
boost setup, we expect to see an improved spread of power,
improving mid-corner speed and possibly leading into a
sequential gearbox later in the season. Work is also under way
to get the car running on 85% bio-renewable ethanol
EDC: Mark Luney is highly
impressive in the car as seen in 2007, is Mark driving again for
2008?
SVA: We are pleased to be working with Mark again in 2008. He
really settled well with the car very quickly and that was shown
by the excellent performances he put in during 2007. We believe
we have built one of the very best drift cars outside of Japan
and with Mark at the helm we will be looking to be on the podium
during EDC 2008. As one of the top European drivers Mark has
invites to compete around the globe in 2008, exposing both
himself and SVA Imports to the very best drifters in the world!
EDC : In 2007 Luney and your team came so close to clinching the
EDC title, what expectation have you got for this year?
SVA: SVA finished on a high in 2007, we have to say it was a
very emotional last round for us and to come away with 2nd
overall we were really happy. We feel that we have proved the
car to be one of the best, and we know it is more than capable
of being right at the top during the 2008 season. It’s hard to
predict what will happen, but the one thing I can say for sure
is that I, Mark, Neil, Lewis and Dave will be working harder
than ever to support our push for the championship title.
EDC : Although its impossible to
miss your white/orange 350Z, some still may not know much about
the team, whats the story behind SVA Imports, you specialise in
car imports right?
SVA: SVA Imports is primarily a specialist importer in
performance Japanese cars based in Dover Kent. Our location
right on the doorstep of the Eurostar, has put us in an ideal
position to serve not only the UK market but also the mainland
European market especially in France, Belgium and Holland. We
have been in business for over 12 years and during that time
have imported in excess of 2000 vehicles. We are in a good
position to backup our cars quality with excellent facilities,
newly completed in mid-2007 we now have 6 bays, a dedicated
Motorsport workshop and of course our Mustang Chassis Dyno.
EDC: Who do you think the biggest
competition is for 2008 and if it isn’t yourselves, who do you
think has the best chance of winning?
SVA: The consistency demonstrated by the 2007 Champion Brett
Castle certainly placed him as a main competitor for 2008,
however with Weston Performance now being into the 2nd Year of
full competition with their Nissan Silvia PS13 they could also
be at the top of the table as we enter the final round in
Poland. Looking back at 2007 it's difficult to single out
individuals from so many good drivers, we will be expecting a
hard fought competition with the likes of Ben Broke-Smith, Alan
McCord and Phil Morrison all battling for the win!