When you caught my first submit from Gatebil Rudskogen 2023, you’ll already know that the occasion’s first two days have been distinctive. Saturday? Effectively, I might inform from the exhaust noise alarm that woke me, it was going to be one other wild one.

With Thursday being very moist, it was cool seeing Gatebil in several gentle. Friday was heat however acceptable, however Saturday was downright sizzling. Not within the traditional style with clear blue skies and searing-hot daylight, however excessive in humidity.

Given it was nonetheless early at this level, I used to be shocked to see so many individuals already up and about. Certain, not everybody cuts completely unfastened on the Friday night time afterparty, however that sub-event was packed and even I obtained a bit funky with two cameras in hand. So I simply must put it all the way down to Gatebil Rudskogen being attended by a lot extra folks this yr.

Final yr – which was my first time on the occasion – I ran round like an absolute madman attempting to doc something and every thing. This yr I knew the venue higher, which meant I might get to locations quicker. I additionally bothered to learn the schedule once in a while, which, belief me, actually helps.

Having stated that, testing the Showgarden was one of many very first issues on my checklist for Saturday.

Whereas the monitor motion is what most Gatebil attendees sit up for essentially the most, the automobile present is a good place to take a break from all of the insanity. That’s to not say it doesn’t get a bit rowdy at instances…

These guys made certain everybody knew they have been coming. Black exhaust smoke and loud rock music has that impact.

Whereas the Showgarden was principally made up of German automobiles, it was the Japanese stuff I used to be naturally drawn to. However let’s be actual – you’re not right here to have a look at present automobiles, are you?

You’re right here for the 2JZ-swapped Opel Ascona making a full-drift, full-noise overtake of a Supra.

Or one thing like this, maybe? OK, so Chevrolet Camaros fitted with 6.9L LS3 stroker engines good for 835 horsepower are distinctive at Gatebil, but it surely simply goes to point out that it’s best to all the time anticipate the sudden right here.

Each time the Professional Drift classes began, I hotfooted over it to that initiation spot. When you don’t know what I’m speaking about, I’ll let Fredric Aasbø and Mad Mike educate you on this clip from 9 years in the past.

With solely a metal barrier between you and sure dying, it’s laborious to place into phrases what it’s prefer to see a drift automobile coming at you, at over 200km/h sideways. Whereas Fredric did do some runs, it was inconceivable for me to get a clear image – he was simply too rattling quick!

If I needed to describe the folks of Gatebil in a single phrase, I’d borrow a line from the late, nice Tina Turner: merely the most effective. You don’t must look far to seize folks having a good time – you simply level your digicam in any route and it’ll discover them. Whereas most individuals headed trackside to the stands, others stored the Gatebil get together going within the campgrounds.

The final track-based exercise on Saturday’s schedule is the occasion’s largest, evident by simply how busy the paddock and pit lane get. I’m speaking in regards to the Breisladden.

With over 100 automobiles vying to take advantage of smoke via a high-speed energy drift, it felt prefer it went on perpetually – not that anybody within the crowd was complaining. Nonetheless, there was one explicit group of those that actually beloved what they have been seeing.

Meet the loudest, proudest and happiest folks at Gatebil Rudskogen 2023 – the Icelanders.

Every time any one of many six Icelandic drivers accomplished their run, the Icelandic crowd went completely nuts. Even Norway’s Morten Lyngøy joined within the enjoyable and rocked Iceland flags on the again of his Toyota Supra. I is perhaps biased since I’m from Iceland, however this was my absolute favourite factor about Gatebil this yr.

The Breisladden has been a Gatebil staple for a few years, and I’ll be taking a better take a look at the spectacle in an upcoming highlight.

As you’d anticipate, Saturday night time brings larger artists to the afterparty stage and much more folks to observe them carry out.

The beers have been flowing, however after they began flying it was my cue to get the hell out of the hazard zone. Gatebil Rudskogen 2023’s afterparty was a banger, and I’m certain for a lot of an evening to recollect. Or not keep in mind.

Till Subsequent Time, Rudskogen

The ultimate day at Gatebil is all the time bittersweet. You need the occasion to final perpetually, however on the identical time the considered collapsing onto your personal mattress turns into an increasing number of interesting. However the get together wasn’t over simply but.

The fervour proven by the folks within the stands is what makes Gatebil, Gatebil. To return trackside to watch yet one more drift run, yet one more time assault race, or keep till the very finish of the wildest lengthy weekend of the summer season is true dedication to the trigger. The electrical vitality by no means falters. That is the Gatebil means.

The Breisladden closing is what most individuals cling round to see.

After an ideal run in his S15 Nissan Silvia, Øyvind Bogen took residence the crown for the third yr working.

The occasion’s closing competitors is the Gatebil Excessive time assault race. Right here, 17 automobiles battle it out to see who can set the quickest lap, however with all automobiles on monitor on the identical time.

For long-time Speedhunters readers, Kai Roger Bakken wants no introduction. KRB’s builds are out of this world, and his newest – a Lotus Esprit on steroids – has been the Gatebil Excessive class automobile to beat for a number of years.

This yr it was overwhelmed, with Mads Siljehaug taking the win in his KTM GT2. It undoubtedly wasn’t a stroll within the park although; Mads beat Kai’s finest time of 1:23.398 by simply 0.098 seconds.

I don’t typically cling round for award ceremonies, however I made certain to take a look at the final one in all Gatebil Rudskogen 2023.

Earlier than I headed again to my trackside accomodation to pack for residence, I needed to say goodbye to my fellow Icelanders and seize a photograph. I might inform that nobody wished to depart for Iceland, however I’m certain they’ll be again subsequent yr. Will I be coming again to Rudskogen Motorsenter in summer season 2024? Like it’s for a lot of, Gatebil has develop into an annual custom, so sure I’ll.

The true query is, will you be there?

Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa

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