Car Builder>> Driftworks

At this stage, anyone with an even passing interest in drifting will know the name Driftworks. Their 700+BHP 2JZ powered S15 is recognised around the world, their website is one of the most active drifting website’s on earth but none of this was achieved overnight.

I remember first joining the Driftworks forum back in 2004 when it was still in its relative infancy. I don’t think anyone at the time could have ever guessed just how big they would become.

What started as a backroom operation between a couple of friends has evolved into a huge business which employs ten people in the UK.

Located in a sleepy industrial area of Birmingham, the Driftworks team continue to evolve from strength to strength.

When I visited they had just take over the premises next door and were already in the process of expanding from their own workshop …

… and making room for some of the staff project cars.

The company has been built around the mantra of for drifters, by drifters. They’re not some faceless corporation trying to cash in on the next big thing, these guys have experience of what its like starting out in the drifting world. Everything they’ve learned has been through experiences both good and bad and they are always willing to pass this information and wealth of experience on to their customers.

I’m trying not make this story sound like a blatent plug for Driftworks but I know most of these guys personally and they really are some of the most genuine and passionate guys around.

The Driftworks forum is probably in itself responsible for the rapid evolution of drifting in the United Kingdom. It’s become the automatic go-to resource for anyone looking to learn about drifting and how to get involved.

Their workshop may be humble in comparison to some other tuners but this is a place of constant work and the quality of the work they produce is top drawer.

There are plenty of war trophies and souvenirs from past battles hanging around the area.

Driftworks have also recently expanded from drifting into the traditional trackday market with their new brand ‘Track Culture’. You’ll be hearing about their E60 V10 powered E46 M3 quite shortly along with a quick look at their 20 valve ’86.

Working closely with HSD, one of their biggest products would be their range of control system coilovers along with adjustable arms and their highly respected GeoMaster race hub knuckles (which our own Matt Powers runs on his Team NFS S14)

They’ve also recently become a distributor for Nardi wheels (unfortunately I couldn’t hide any under my jumper when I was leaving)

I quite liked the random graffiti which decorated the workshop.

The office as they say, is where the magic happens.

Phil has decorated his own desk with the door skins from his S14 and S15 …

… whilst Bon prefers trophies, champagne bottles and random pictures of monkeys decorating his.

The Driftworks family are living a dream. They’ve taken something they love doing and have created a succesful business around it.

The success has come about because it’s something they love doing.

What’s that they say about if you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life?

Paddy McGrath

Driftworks on Speedhunters

Car Builders on Speedhunters

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2

Excellent write up of one of the most legit race company's out there! <3

3

I will own a shop like this someday in the near future. These photos were how I pictured it all in my head. The part that sold me was "by drifters, for drifters."



-Currently a busy business student that's young, smart, and hungry.

4

I can still remember meeting them on the (horrible) AutoMaxx drift event back in 2004 held in the Netherlands. Back then they were already awesomely good with their almost bone stock S13 and S14s compared to the rest of the field. ;)

If I remember it correctly one of them also "borrowed" a H4 light bulb from a friend of mine for their 180SX.

It is great to see how big they grew in such a short period!

5

a workshop full of awesomeness

6

Driftworks!!! only a 15 min drive from where i live!!!

7

I was shocked when i found out these guy's were from birmingham a few years back, being so close to my home town i would love for them to have a open day so I can go speedhunting myself.

8

The comment about them being genuine and interested in helping you the best they can is very true.

9

Rad, love seeing hard working dudes, giving back, working hard, playing hard and seeing their business thrive! GET IT! ATTA BOYS!

10

Fantastic guys, I dont even drift my car or follow drifting, yet seem to always be getting my parts from them! - so they must be doing something right!

11

Great coverage!

12

Amazing write up, thank you Paddy. :)

13

Its the dude that bent the knock off steering wheel : )

Jokes aside, they have nice cars for sure and love orange : )

14

very good write up paddy, whats the craic with the white coupe ?? hope you got a spot light on it .

15

Brilliant write up Paddy :) plenty of love for all the DW crew from everyone here at MPH Customs, drifting wouldn't be anywhere close to what it is today in Europe, let alone UK if it wasn't for these guys hard work and passion!

16

Thanks for coming Paddy :) and thanks for the write-up :)

17

top quality write up my man.. would love to be going into work most days of the week if that was my base! - wicked.. in between driving on of those cool cars parked up outside.. Thanks

18

Great write up!



Shame about the Rotas.

19

You guys should watch the "Fat Guy Bends Fake Nardi Steering Wheel"



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMxB4RpCDzA

20

I like the video they did for their Nardi distribution, comparing the fakes to authentic... "Fat Guy brakes steering wheel" something like that. Great video - you get what you pay for.



DriftWorks kicks ass!

21

@Vraiu

Yes that is the video, it is funny to see the fake one bend.

Imagine trying to counter steer with the fake steering wheel lol.

22

Driftworks FTW! Awesome look in to the place where the magic happens.

23

We NEED a feature on the President

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