Trax 2014
Posted on: 23/10/2014The Trax Performance and modified car show is quickly becoming one of the nation's biggest car shows on the calendar, with people all over the country making the trip to Silverstone in September every year to be a part (or take part) in the show.
Focussed around the modified car culture and lifestyle, the show aims to bring together enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds who have at least one thing in common: the love of cars. And in particular the art of performing modifications and customisations to suit both their own unique style but also following popular trends.
In addition to the many car clubs attending who will have a dedicated parking area on the grounds of Silverstone racetrack, and will be aiming to display the best cars from their region or "scene", Trax 2014 promised to be another action-packed event with Round 5 of the British Drift Championship taking place, alongside the Time Attack series and public track time keeping punters happy with the circuit action. Off the track there would also be the Power & Style Awards and the obligatory Fast Car magazine stand too. To add to all of this there was also countless trade stands from popular manufacturers displaying their latest products with everything from sound systems to turbos for sale at show discounted prices.
Kicking off the action first thing in the morning, the drifters were out on full force. With top lads Shane O’Sullivan, Matt Carter and Phil Morrison, to name but a few, out to impress the judges as they negotiate the tricky Brooklands and Luffield corners at maximum drift angle. Top points would be awarded to the driver that has the best levels of precision, that is to say high entry speed, BIG drift angle and the ability to get as close as possible to certain markers on track - usually the apex of the corner. Additional points can also be scored where a lot of tyre smoke is generated too! Such a unique form of motorsport, but one that impresses the crowds and shows some amazing driving talent, especially in the twin drifts battles where the cars are literally millimetres away from each other!
Away from the tarmac there was also plenty to see. What is fantastic to see is the sheer number of car clubs that were in attendance, with an awesome variety of cars present. There were American Hotrods for fans of good 'ol fashioned V8 grunt to the track prepared Renault Clios and Meganes and everything in between. Particular highlights include the Fast Car stand showcasing some of their most unique feature cars and also the Vauxhall and VXR owners clubs for the sheer numbers they make up. In addition to all this there were numerous Japanese Car owner clubs present and also a number of high end tuning companies displaying their latest creations, with some cars exceeding 800bhp! The collection of style and performance tuning was impressive to say the least. There is certainly something to everyone's taste. Whether you are part of the "Low and Slow" car culture - where cars are generally unmodified apart from some staggering wheel choices and ridiculously low suspension and ultra clean paintwork and booming sound systems, or prefer the more performance orientated modification - everything from crazy carbon fibre spoilers to huge turbos and intercoolers, Trax 2014 had it all.
The Time Attack series is probably one of those motorsports that can relate to and inspire most people with a passion for modifying cars. This may be due to the generally relaxed entry rules or simply the choice of cars they use. These tuning companies both big and small from around the UK use everyday cars like Honda Civics and Mitsubishi Evos and transform them into track-ready monsters with one goal in mind and that is to set the fastest time possible. These are true petrol-headed engineers who are not afraid to experiment with new parts and substantial aero modifications, not to mention some fantastic drivers too. Companies like TDi North and Norris Designs were out all day showcasing their latest performance monsters with some lap records being set too!