Hj Birin, master of RC drift

HJ BIRIN was clearly the master of control and precision yesterday as he drifted his 1/10 scale radio control (RC) car to the top of the podium during Brunei's first counter-steer RC drift competition.

Competed at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium underground circuit in Berakas, the Decibel RC Team (DBRT) Drift Challenge 2011 introduced the counter-steer format of drifting which DBRT president, Ak Mohd Harmay Pg Omar, explained is a variation of the normal four-wheel-drive (4wd) RC drifting which ups the ante in terms of realism.

Normal drifting is drifting where the cars run on a full-time 4wd system. Both the front and rear tyres have the power distributed evenly but in counter-steer, one rotation of the front tyres is equal to two rotations at the rear. This makes the rear tyres spin faster making the drifting feel and look more realistic, said Ak Mohd Harmay.

"This is something that is new in Brunei and we are the first team to promote counter-steer drifting here. But counter-steer is already very popular in countries such as Japan, Thailand and Malaysia."

Asked what special equipment would be needed to convert a normal RC car into its counter-steer variation, the president replied that all one would have to do is modify the differentials of the car, as well as the steering and suspension settings.

A total of 28 racers, including three for nearby Miri, Malaysia, competed in yesterday's tournament.

Fadhil and Alvin finished best of the rest in the counter-steer category by wrapping up the silver and bronze medals respectively.

Meanwhile, Miris Iswandy took home top honours in the normal drift category, with Brunei's Hasree following closely in second.

There was more reason to celebrate for the second largest city in Sarawak as Miri's Hadi rounded up the last position on the podium.

The race was sponsored by Boustead Sdn Bhd, Kawanria Store and Lil M children shop.The Brunei Times