September 5-7 is the Gatebil Season Finale at Mantorp Park – the last major Gatebil event of the year and the perfect end to the drifting and motorsport season. With a new date earlier in the fall, both warmer weather and an even better festival atmosphere are expected.
In addition to three days filled with track driving, shows, music and camping, one of the highlights of the weekend is the competition program: Gatebil Drift Battle – where the Nordic region’s sharpest drifting drivers compete for glory, the audience’s cheers and this year also a brand new special prize.
The Gatebil Season Finale will see the introduction of the 59°North Fighting Spirit – a prize that rewards a driver who distinguishes himself through exceptional driving, example and strong commitment both on and off the track. The award is backed by 59° North Wheels – and the winner will take home a drifting kit worth around SEK 22,000.
From start to 10 years in the service of drifting
Founded in 2016, 59°North Wheels has focused since its inception on developing and selling affordable products, primarily for drifting. Next year, the company will celebrate 10 years in the service of the sport, and their passion for the community is clear.
– “We want to offer stuff that works well in drifting at affordable prices, so that more people can practice the sport we all love,” says Markus from 59°North Wheels.
Why Best Fighting Spirit?
The 59°North Fighting Spirit is awarded to a driver who distinguishes themselves through exceptional driving, role modeling and a strong commitment – both on and off the track. For Markus and the team at 59°North Wheels, it’s about highlighting more than just the winner.
– “We wanted to contribute in a way where it’s not automatically the winner takes all. Supporting ‘up and coming’ drivers has been part of our DNA from the start” , he explains.
One example is the collaboration with Örjan Nilsen, whom they met at Gatebil 2016. Just months later, he was the winner at Mantorp Park – and today he competes in Drift Masters, still with 59°North Wheels products.
What does it take to win?
A 59°North Fighting Spirit driver never gives up, humbly fights through adversity and contributes to the community in the pit.
– “It can be about going from a difficult position in the Top 32 all the way to the top, or making an exceptional effort for a fellow competitor. On the track it’s 100% fight – but in the pits you support each other wholeheartedly” , says Markus.
More than just competition
For 59°North Wheels, Gatebil is an obvious platform.
– “Drifting is our market. Gatebil combines high class racing with a unique festival atmosphere, and it’s great to meet both drivers and customers in the same place” , says Markus.
An investment in the future
The hope is that 59°North Fighting Spirit will inspire drivers to keep fighting and contribute to a stronger community – regardless of their position in the results. And with a drifting kit worth around SEK 22,000 in the pot, the incentive is strong to say the least.
– “We want to give back to the community and show that we support the sport, both on and off the track,” concludes Markus.
