There’s a big difference between reading about a tyre and actually trying to behave like a responsible adult while it’s actively encouraging you not to. So when Bridgestone dropped us into Norwell Motorplex to sample the new Potenza Adrenalin RE005, the plan was simple: test the product.

That plan lasted about five minutes. I was on double duty camera in one hand, camera in the other, basically running a one-man documentary operation while our special guest Kumar was handed the far more dangerous assignment of driving the cars properly.

A job he accepted with the kind of enthusiasm that should probably be monitored. From there, the day moved into a more structured rhythm, but the underlying theme stayed the same: the more you pushed the RE005, the more it seemed to settle into its work. One of the first things you notice is how quickly it comes online.

There’s no real sense of waiting for it to wake up. You roll out, turn in, and the grip is already there. It doesn’t build confidence gradually it just gives you enough immediately that you start trusting it almost straight away. The steering response is particularly direct. Not nervous, not twitchy just immediate.

You make an input and the car reacts without delay, which makes everything feel more precise than you expect from a road-focused tyre. What’s more interesting is what happens after a few laps. Instead of dropping off or feeling like it’s reached its limit, the RE005 actually feels more consistent as it warms up.

The behaviour becomes more settled, especially through longer corners where stability starts to matter more than initial bite. There’s a calmness to it under load. You’re not constantly managing the tyre or waiting for it to break away it just holds a line and does its job, even when the pace builds.

The wet skid pan in a single shared BMW M240i was basically controlled chaos big circles, low grip, and that familiar moment where everyone pretends they’re testing stability systems while actually just seeing how sideways they can get before lunch. This is where tyres usually reveal their true personality.

Some panic. Some give up entirely. Some just seem to make things up as they go along. The RE005 just hangs in there. Calm, progressive, and surprisingly composed. You can lean on it, slide it, catch it mid-correction, and it stays with you without ever feeling like it s about to step out of line.

It’s predictable in a way that actually encourages you to explore the limit a bit more each lap. Next up was a half-track slalom in the Toyota 86. Hard braking at the end. Quick direction changes. The kind of exercise that doesn’t really leave much room for excuses.

And then because someone clearly enjoys adding pressure we ran the exact same setup back-to-back against a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 5. Same cars. Same cones. Same slightly questionable decision-making process. The RE005 felt tight through the slalom, almost eager like it was anticipating your next input and cleaning things up before they ever became a problem.

Under braking it stayed composed, with none of that vague I hope this works out feeling. Just firm, straight-down stopping and no real drama. After lunch, which mostly involved sitting quietly and reflecting on the fact we’d already done enough to void several warranties, we went back out.

Full track. Proper laps. Real pace. This is where tyres usually start telling the truth about themselves. The first lap is a handshake. The fifth lap is a confession. And the RE005 didn’t really flinch. No sudden drop-off, no greasy slide into disappointment.

Just consistent, repeatable grip lap after lap. It didn’t feel like it was hanging on it felt like it was in it’s working window and perfectly happy to stay there. Then came the point where everyone stops pretending this is testing and admits it’s just racing. A full grid of Toyota 86s lined up for a mock race at Norwell Motorplex.

It was less controlled experiment and more lightly supervised chaos with tyres attached. And while I was back on the sidelines trying to capture something coherent out of the madness, Kumar managed to secure the ultimate position: passenger seat in the middle of a rolling battle royale.

Honestly, the man didn’t deserve it—but there he was, grinning like he’d hacked the system.
Also worth pointing out, the RE005 isn’t some niche fitment experiment either. It runs from 195/55R15 all the way through to 275/30R20, so it covers everything from hot hatch territory to proper performance machinery—and yes, it even fits those damn EVs too.

Across its 50 available sizes (15-inch to 20-inch fitments), the intent is clearly broad application without losing its performance focus. By the end of it all, the RE005 had made its point. It doesn’t ease you in.

It doesn’t politely ask for commitment. It just delivers grip from the first metre, builds more as things heat up, and then sits there in this slightly composed state while you try your best to unsettle it. Which, at Norwell Motorplex, is really saying something.

It was 2019 last time we saw Drift Cadet put on a drift demo at Meguires MotorEx. So why has it been so long between events? Well we all know the answer to this one…COVID. That’s right I said the C word! regardless it was great to see Drift Cadet bringing drift to the uninitiated crowd.

Adding a live action event to Meguires MotoEX has made the event so much more than just a car show! Bringing Drifting to those who have never seen it before really blows peoples minds.

The speed and action of drifting really gets the crowd going! Even though some die hard burnout fans think that drift is just like doing a fishy up the street! Its more than that!

If your a fan of GSS you will know 90% of our content is drift! Why? because its our favorite form of motorsport. Although we love Rally, Time Attack and Circuit Racing.

Daniel Prior is a gun behind the wheel, his 370z is so loud and angry! not to mention grippy, the car really gets down and booggies!

Big car show means big crowd, Drift Cadet did a great job selecting some of the best, most consistent safe drivers for this event.

Mr Engineered to Slide, AKA Nigel Petrie. A name that is well know around the internet for a good reason, not only can he build and engineer a car from scratch but he is also one hell of a drifter!

We all know that JDM prices are soaring! And seeing Dean Newcomb throw his S15 around like a toy scares me! Although we love to see these cars in action they are now becoming rare and the parts to fix them even more rare.

Motorsport is not dead! people love it but with the distractions of social media and life many people don’t get a chance to see live Motorsport anymore. This is also a reason why its hard for some drift event to pull a decent crowd.

Now to secure a big crowd at a Drift event you have to spend a big wad of cash to advertise. Social media is still king, to reach an audience these days you have to compete against all the other events. So to even let people know that there is an event on you have shell out more cash than ever.

In the future I think we will see more of these type combination events or pairings. Car show and big drift event together or Major car event plus smaller car event combined.

With the prices of all things on the rise it is a certainty that many events will join forces. More the merrier right? Whatever keeps drift alive is ok with us!

Justin Gruener’s newest addition to his fleet of performance vehicles is this super tough R32. This was the cars first event for Justin and it did not disappoint.

Everything was going great until the clutch started slipping, in true fashion Justin decided to drive around the issue and take it easy on the car to prevent more damage happening.

“Two hot boi’s” Well I think that’s what the kids say these days! What I’m trying to say is that these two boys are super popular online.

Its for a good reason, their S chassis are some of the nicest looking low Silvias in the Victorian drift scene. These boys can also steer! Their cars are not just trailer pony’s!

A historical figure of sorts the 180sx of Nigel Petrie has been in this form for at least ten years! The car still turns heads! The 180sx has been engineered to drive low, Nigel intentionally moved the rear sub-frame up so the rear wheels can tuck and have enough travel to drift well.

Ben Loft is a quiet achiever! Some call him the ladies man of the century.. I’ve herd many rumors that he has millions of fans on social media and has turned down offers to be on the Bachelor TV show.

But its not only the girls that find Ben hot! the boys find his car rather exciting as well. Ben is part of the infamous SR20 tribe and many people in the crowd lined up to hear its sweet sounds.

The smoke the noise and the battles are what was making these kids get rowdy! Im not sure if they had ever seen drift before but one thing is certain, they loved it.

Nigel’s fabrication online courses are a massive success and now he has started his own Youtube channel to document all his adventure’s! check it out here and be sure to subscribe!

The battles between Matt and Ben were intense! They really had some door on door action, the passengers who were lucky enough to get a ride along got the best seat in the house.

The owner of the worlds largest Hoshino racing wheel collection was in attendance at Meguiars MotorEX, otherwise known as Matt Russell.

Gavin having not as much power as the other car’s in the field was having to grip up to catch the faster cars, but once in front he dictated the pace.

Kumar a scholar of the drift game was putting on an absolute clinic for the unsuspecting MotorEx crowd. He kept pushing wide and getting as close as he could to the plastic barriers which was fun to watch.

The late Drift demo show had less of a crowd as the spectators tended to see drifts in the morning then looked at the car show. Because Melbourne Showgrounds is a big place it takes a long time to complete a full lap of the venue.

Top Chef Michael Greenhill cooked up a storm for the demo drivers, then put the Drift Cadet V8 ute through its paces around the car park kidney course.

This was a great event, good crowd great energy and a great bunch of people. Drift Cadet always do a superb job of organizing these Drift demo’s. We can’t wait to see more demos like this at other big events around Australia.
Thanks for reading,
Grant

Bonus Video

The celestial beings smiled upon us, unleashing perfect weather for the epic showdown. The drivers emerged with a fiery determination, pushing their vehicles to the brink. And lo and behold, records crumbled beneath their awe-inspiring performances.

After a two-year hiatus, the World Time Attack Challenge finally returned, igniting the fervor of teams from all corners of Australia. Over the course of Friday and Saturday, these fearless competitors battled relentlessly, all vying for their own slice of WTAC history.

In the lead-up to this eagerly anticipated event, an army of dedicated engineers and enthusiasts toiled tirelessly, pouring their heart and soul into crafting automotive marvels that defied conventional limits. With each passing day, the excitement mounted, fueled by the belief that these magnificent machines were poised to shatter records and redefine the boundaries of speed and precision. One record, in particular, had proven elusive to the ingenious minds at PRTech since 2019, intensifying the air of anticipation that hung thick in the atmosphere.

The drifting action kicked off with Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions at WTAC, allowing the drifters to experience the full-throttle layout for the first time. Despite the absence of rain, the track proved to be a formidable challenge, unforgiving to those who pushed a little too hard.

Notable drivers like Matt Mingay, who pulled double duty by competing in the drift competition while entertaining spectators with his Hot Wheels Stunt Team, showcased their skills alongside Eugene Arendson and Jason Ferron, who brought their unique drift machines, adding excitement to the mix of Silvias, Skylines, and 86s.

The Haltech Clubsprint class began as a grand clash of street cars from every corner of the globe, in all shapes and sizes imaginable. However, it soon transformed into a classic duel between the age-old rivals, Mitsubishi and Subaru.

In a jaw-dropping feat, Jamal ‘Jimmy’ Assaad, behind the wheel of the Evolution Racing Spares Lancer Evo VI, obliterated the five-year Clubsprint record. His blistering lap of 1:33.7 slashed more than two precious seconds off the previous benchmark.

Yet, as the whimsical nature of motorsport often dictates, plans seldom unfold according to script. In addition to the nerve-racking race against the clock on the treacherous track, the intrepid teams encountered unexpected off-track challenges that tested their mettle throughout the grueling two-day competition.

Drifter Matty Hill did not take top spot unfortunately he was beaten by Levi Clarke emerging as the top qualifier, closely followed by Matt Harvey and Brodie Maher in their respective S13s. Spectators were treated to a thrilling display of close battles throughout Saturday

The Melbournian maverick, Idin Ahangar, maneuvered his Subaru Impreza WRX STI to a dramatic performance during the Final Shootout, securing second place with a sensational lap time of 1:35.228 after an intense battle throughout the event.

The Tilton Evo and RP968, icons of mechanical ingenuity, were not spared from the cruel twists of fate. Both endured the misfortune of tire delamination, an affliction that not only shattered the front aerodynamic prowess of the Tilton Evo but also forced the team to retire their valiant contender. Meanwhile, the RP968, plagued by prior transmission woes and nursing the scars of accumulated damage from the preceding session, heartbreakingly withdrew from the relentless pursuit of victory mere moments before the climactic final shootout.

Many of the esteemed Pro teams encountered untimely tribulations amidst the heated battle, compelling several of them to concede defeat before the climactic final shootout on that eventful Saturday night. The revered MCA Hammerhead, a two-time WTAC champion, tragically succumbed to an engine failure on the fateful Friday, dashing their hopes of securing another triumph.

However, amidst the trials and tribulations that marred these two arduous days, RP Technology, Barton Mower, and their revolutionary Porsche 968 emerged as resilient victors, seizing their third consecutive WTAC title with a resounding time of 1:20.1. Furthermore, the formidable team at GotItRex demonstrated remarkable prowess by securing a commendable third place in the final shootout, inching ever so close to claiming the illustrious Subaru lap record at Sydney Motorsport Park—an astonishing achievement for their maiden voyage into the realm of WTAC.

Notable among the thrills and spills of this gripping competition was the astounding feat accomplished by Tim Slade, whose blistering lap behind the wheel of the Xtreme GTR shattered the existing Open Class record, registering an extraordinary time of 1:27.379.

However, fate dealt a cruel hand to the indomitable team as mechanical gremlins crept into their machine, relegating them to an anxious ten-hour wait, their hopes hanging precariously in the balance. In an electrifying climax to the final shootout, the event reached its zenith when Nathan Morcom, skillfully piloting the Insight Motorsports Mitsubishi Evo, snatched the record away with an awe-inspiring time of 1:27.247—an unforgettable moment etched in time attack history.

The Final Shootout on Saturday evening, illuminated by the vibrant lights of Sydney Motorsport Park, served as the stage for intense battles and heart-stopping drama. The competition for class victories unfolded with nail-biting suspense, with triumph hanging in the balance until the very last seconds.

In the end, as the dust settled on another captivating edition of WTAC, one thing became abundantly clear: the magic of Time Attack lies not only in the awe-inspiring machines and the records they shatter but also in the humorous and cheeky moments that unfold, reminding us that amidst the pursuit of speed and glory, a little laughter and a touch of irreverence can elevate the entire experience to new heights of enjoyment.

A grand opening that has been a long time in the making! Why? because of Covid that’s why! Finally Pete and the Drift Cadet team were able to share their new headquarters with everyone.

HachiRoku Motorsports is another new venture for pete, not only will he be running Drift Cadet out of this premises but also HachiRoku Motorsports. A place where car groups hang out or get their Toyota 86 fixed!, Pete is an expert mechanic when it comes to the 86.

When you own more than 6 Toyota 86’s then you gather some serious knowledge over the years! Running Drift Cadet for many years has taught Pete so much about the 86, especially the performance side of them.

More than just a workshop and drift events company, they also sell tiny cars! yes that’s right. If your a fan of 1/64 cars or just collect Hotwheels Pete has you covered with a great selection of rare and collectible JDM favorites.

I’ve heard that our friends at onesix4garage even supply them with wheels and diorama goodies to spice up your diecast collection. Pete and Linh have a great amount of their own collectible on display within the HachiRoku Motorsports workshop.

It wasn’t just cars and humans invited to the grand opening! Four legged friends were also on the invite list.
The infamous YOYO from SaintSide even made a special appearance!

Dunlop Tyres Australia are a major supporting sponsor of Drift Cadet. They help the Drift Cadet team to run drift demos at big events like Summernats and MotorEx.

I found some other interesting things hiding in the back of the workshop, maybe this is for a future AE86 project?

More than just and AE86, the driver of this very tidy AE86 is by far one of the very fastest GoKart champ’s I’ve ever driven against.

In a world where JDM car prices are hitting all time high’s! it’s great to see owners out and about at special events like this.

Dont mistake this for a Honda Prelude! It’s actually a Nissan S15. A very unique body kit! One I have never seen in the wild before.

Pete is well respected in the motorsport industry, he has run drift demos in nearly every state in Australia! His business Drift Cadet is one of the best ways to learn to drift in Victoria.

What’s an english vehicle doing at a JDM style event? Well rumor has it that its is owned by well known street wear brand that is infamous around Melbourne!

Food, fireworks and simracing! what more could you want at a workshop opening event. Pete pulled out all the stops when organizing this small prestigious event.

The Advan Oni is one of those holy grail JDM wheels! I would bet the wheels are worth much more than the R31 Skyline wagon they sit on top of! We love it!

Having driven many Toyota 86’s, I can confirm they are a little slow but with a turbo kit or Harrop supercharger they become the car you would of thought they would be.

More creative number plates! The new GR Yarris is a weapon and I would kill to have one, being a big 3 cylinder fan!

A super tidy interior! or maybe the dash mat is hiding a nasty crack in the dash… we will never know!

The classic panda AE86 will never get old! Its timeless! with pop up lights and a hatch! Its the type of car that can do anything and that’s why they are so classic. But mainly it’s the pop up lights!

Time attack WRX or daily? I’m not sure but it does look the business! One thing is for sure, you need down force when doing your local run down to the shops.

Racing seats in general have been suffering from Covid tax not as much as cars but they are becoming more valuable with age. So make sure you hide all your cool racing seats then sell them ten years later or better 20 years later.

Its not just boy’s that love the R34, believe it or not this one is driven by a girl! Brian O’ Conner would be proud!

Its hard to find an IS200 that has not done 300,000k’s and cooked! A car I wish I had owned and still wish I could get my hands on. A great looking car that has lots of potential and some of the drift build’s of these getting around the internet are insane.

The HRM – Drift Cadet workshop grand opening was a great event, Pete is one of the hardest working drift advocates in Victoria. He has moved mountains to arrange and be part of some of the largest events within Australia helping to promote drifting to the general public while also teaching newcomers how to drift.

Thanks for Reading,
Grant

Friday night drifts are always full of good vibe’s and fun times. A mix of drivers turn up to the Keep It Reet Friday night event’s with pro drivers and beginners shredding tyre’s well into the night. Below is a selection of my favorite photos from the event