Shutterspeed at Gatebil 2011

Gatebil is always an exciting event, and this year even more so than usual. First of all the Rudskogen track has gotten a major overhaul over the winter, and is now a lot longer and looking great. On top of that, Shutterspeed photographer and webdesigner, Fredrik Sørlie, was lucky enough to borrow an awesome V8 + turbo powered Mazda RX7 FC for the event. Aleksander was armed with a camera as usual, and for once Shutterspeed was not only going to document the action, but be a part of it as well.

Fredrik’s weapon of choice for the Gatebil event.

Benjamin making sure the RX7 is ready to go.

Fredrik went out for a shakedown run early friday morning. Unfortunately, that was it. After only seven laps, the engine started to misfire, and after hours of searching for faults, the car was parked for the weekend.

A shame for Fredrik, as he really wanted to put on a good show with the event being covered by famous photographers such as speed hunters, Rod Chong and Larry Chen!

Nothing else to do then, besides grabbing the camera and head out to the track to forget about the disappointment and enjoy the action together with Aleks.

Gatebil is no longer street cars only. For the last couple of years, the Gatebil Extreme race has grown to become a big part of the event.

A nice view of the track and the crowd. Even though there was a record number of spectators, the event didn’t feel as crowded as earlier years, thanks to the new track being almost twice as big as the old one.

Ruud’s Skyline spitting flames!

This Porsche was flying – literally…

After the race it was back to basics with street cars in all shapes and sizes tearing up the track. Gatebil is all about fun, and what’s more fun than drifting cars that are not meant to be drifted?

This Volvo 360 came all the way from Holland to burn some rubber.

The new track layout is both photogenic and fun.

The Aasbø effect is evident. Supra’s are immensely popular drift cars in Norway.

Team Drift Monkey is one of the more visible teams at Gatebil. Tor-Anders Ringnes in the Supra is a local hero at Rudskogen.

The Rockstar team also stood out with their bright yellow and black cars. I especially love this Hachi driven by Fredrik Gustavsen.

With so many cars drifting at the same time, it was really hard to get a clear shot!

Flemming Alm was very much to blame for the local fog, as he drove like a maniac in his 4WD Audi!

4WD drifting is just sick to watch!

The crowds went wild as national drifting hero, Fredric Aasbø finally appeared on the track after some engine problems that nearly ruined his weekend.

The Team Need for Speed driver made up for everything with his insane entries and massive smoke!

These “Gatebil babes” also got a fair bit of cheers when they suddenly appeared in the back of a Nissan Figaro in between the drifting cars.

Fredrik gave the signal and they obeyed. Shame about the undergarments…

This gorgeous 4-rotor RX7 didn’t have to drift to put on a show. The sound was enough to make you cream your pants.

In between the track madness, it was time to enjoy these beauties.

Irish Speedhunters photographer, Paddy had never before seen a F40 in the flesh, thus risking his limbs to capture the moment.

After a long day in the sun it was nice to get back to the paddock for some bird watching, bbq and deep conversations over a glass of Chardonnay…

As the sun set, the music got louder.

Always working the camera!

After a good nights sleep, it was time for the final day of the event. The highlight of the day being the “breisladd” competition. Basically a very simplified drifting competition that takes place in a long right hander.

Thanks to female drifter, May-Helen Dahl, Fredrik was given the opportunity to enter in her car. Having never driven the car before, he spun on the entry and failed to qualify.

Fredric Aasbø finally won…

…with UK driver Walton Smith finishing second.

Previous winner and Formula Drift driver, Kenneth Moen, struggled with a lack of boost.

Local hero, Tor-Anders Ringnes didn’t quite make it, but was a crowd favorite.

So was this awesome BMW 1602 from Finland!

In the final hour of the event, Fredrik traded the camera for May-Helen’s S13 and closed the show by practising some seriously aggressive reverse entries.

All in all, the first Gatebil event at the new Rudskogen track was pretty awesome. We are already looking forward to the next one!