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Are you keenly aware of the current moment? It is time for all Nordic enthusiasts of high-performance vehicles to prepare their belongings and make their way to Gatebil – the primary summer celebration at Rudskogen Motorsenter in Norway is now less than a fortnight away.
Prior to that, however, is the subsequent significant Gatebil gathering at Mantorp Park in Sweden. The Gatebil Summer Fest – the second stop in the five-phase Gatebil 2024 campaign – is where I situated myself during the antecedent weekend.
In customary fashion, I arrived on Thursday from Stockholm and promptly mingled with the various teams in the paddock to explore the offerings of the gathering.
During the previous year, an incredibly intense heatwave persisted throughout the occasion. This time around, however, torrential rain fell down late Thursday afternoon and the forecast didn’t promise much improvement for the ensuing 72 hours of mayhem. Knowing the incompatibility of water and electronics, I decided to conclude activities for Thursday, stowed away my camera, and readied myself for the events ahead.
When the clock struck 8:00am on Friday, the fragrant aroma of sunny-side-up eggs mixed with the smell of burning tires and the resonant engines drowned any concerns of an impending storm front. The 2024 Gatebil Summer Fest was in full swing.
This year marked the comeback of Monster Energy, with the presence of the drift aficionado Dmitriy Illiyk and Gymkhana GRiD world titleholder Luke Woodham. Both individuals were behind the wheel of S-chassis vehicles, prepared to dazzle the audience.
As the cars streamed into the pit lane, there was a noticeable tranquility enveloping the environment compared to previous instances. True, it was only early on Friday morning, yet it seemed several spectators took note of the weather predictions and opted to save their energy for Saturday. Or perhaps the fervor for this Scandinavian vehicular phenomenon is beginning to wane?
Regarding the latter inquiry, I can confidently respond with a negative! Following the drying of the course and the departure of skilled professionals from the Gatebil Drift Series, Mantorp Park rapidly found itself shrouded in smoke.
Due to being a solo operative, I refrained from extended photo sessions at any single location. The act of navigating Mantorp turned out to be my first physical exertion in several months, and I must admit that none of it was pleasurable. My current endurance level is abysmal.
The arid track also brought joy to the Gatebil Extreme time attack contenders. They promptly pushed their vehicles to their limit – and sometimes even beyond.
Team KRB Racing Motorsport’s Kai Roger Bakken returned to Mantorp Park with his iconic Lotus Esprit. In the world of Gatebil, Kai’s outrageous creations are an undeniable hallmark.
The untamed action on the track and the wild festive vibe are the main draws for Gatebil enthusiasts, yet there’s a plethora of hidden treasures beyond these obvious attractions. Even the paddock unveils intriguing sights if you delve deep enough.
Moreover, Gatebil serves as a haven for car enthusiasts. The event’s setup spilled into Friday due to inclement weather. By Saturday, the Show Garden was teeming with impressive displays, prompting a return visit for closer inspection. Keep an eye out for the upcoming spotlight I captured here.
Remember those iconic Gatebil after movies? This year, the media crew promises something sensational. The image above captures the seasoned drifters, all set to deliver a performance worthy of an Oscar. Anticipation mounts for the unveiling of their work.
The highlight of Friday’s schedule (aside from the revelry, obviously) is the thrilling evening drift showdown between the talented drivers of Sweden and Norway in the epic Nordkampen Showdown (Clash of the North).
Although a friendly rivalry, some spectators treat it as fervently as a prestigious league derby match.
It’s delightful witnessing two countries going head-to-head, however, there can only be a sole victor. This season, Team Sweden emerged as the champions.
Following the conclusion of the event, both drivers and onlookers were eager to kick off the evening festivities. Stay tuned for my detailed coverage of Saturday and Sunday activities.
Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa
Additional narratives from Sweden on Speedhunters
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