Snetterton Circuit - Modified Live 2011 Round 7

It may be the last Modified Live for 2011 but it’s definitely going out with a bang. Taking over Snetterton Circuit in Norfolk for the big finale, Modified Live has once again brought scorching weather along despite being the end of September. By 7am the punters are out in force, the Time Attack cars are being prepped and Modified Live is already shaping up to be a cracking day, bringing so many aspects together from the automotive scene.

 From any single viewpoint at Snetterton you’re greeted with hundreds of high-quality show cars, smoke bellowing from the drift taxis, racing trucks, car clubs, huge amounts of traders and even the Police. No there’s not been any trouble, just the local constabulary showing their support for the modified scene along with their own stand – that’s the sort of Police presence we all want.

Every event Pro-R, a Subaru-endorsed dealer, has brought along a monstrous stand along with the latest Impreza models and modifications on display. They’ve gone all-out alongside the Impreza club Scoobycity for Modified Live Snetterton, and it’s definitely worth mentioning the effort these guys to go. Pro-R offer factory modifications alongside every new Impreza they sell, from big brake conversions to even more power without voiding your warranty – is this the future of car modifying? Alongside Pro-R and the ScoobyCity was the equally-impressive Mitsubishi Lancer Register – Darin and the crew work so hard with Evo owners to deliver a service second to none including expert advice, great deals and even a magazine.

Straight after the EDC practice the Modified Live crowds were introduced to an all-new series for the year, the Racing Pickup Trucks. These wild-looking machines feature a spaceframed chassis using either a Ford Duratec or Vauxhall Redtop engine along with RWD to make for some seriously-exciting racing. With over 200bhp on tap, minimal weight and slick tyres they’re surprisingly rapid, and listening to the glorious naturally aspirated engine notes echo through the whole paddock is a proper treat.

Into the lunchtime displays and first up were the two racing trucks of Terry Gibbons and Ricky Collins. We could honestly watch these two all day – five tonne, 1000bhp machines hammering down the straight at over 120mph before going fully sideways into the corner. The smoke you see pouring out of the wheels isn’t smoke at all, but instead steam. Each truck carries an on-board cooling system which sprays water onto the brakes ensuring they don’t overheat when trying to stop, excessive but definitely needed. Ricky and Terry have displayed at nearly every Modified Live this year and it’s safe to say they continue to wow every single event with their oversized drifting – anyone for trucks in the EDC next year?

Alongside the racing trucks an exclusive display took part in the paddock from the Police, Air Ambulance and Fire services. This is a key service out in Norfolk, and the demonstration showed exactly how much work went into freeing someone trapped from a crashed car safely. It’s something we all take for granted but these guys truly are life savours, and seeing the work involved first hand is definitely a humbling experience. Directly opposite was the hugely-busy trade area, easily one of the busiest of the year for Modified Live.

Once again the likes of Cosworth, Kleers, Kobe Performance and Super Pro were out in force, but there was one rather loud car on the Motul Oil stand which stole the show – John Bradshaw’s insane 6-second twin-turbo 350Z drag car. With nearly 2000bhp on tap it’s one of the wildest cars on display at Snetterton, and the detail involved in a build like this is simply ridiculous. Kevin Carmichael brought out his stunt bike display before the Time Attack finals, combining endos, wheelies, donuts and drifting on superbikes all while making it look like a piece of cake. Seeing a monster Harley wheelie past at over 80mph really is a sight to behold, and every single show Kevin’s developed an even more wild display along with all-new moves to keep the fans entertained.

Being a club show, Modified Live put on a range of team events throughout the day and one of the best is always the tug of way competition. With clubs including Fast n Modded, Street Elite and Scooby City copeting there’s plenty of pride at stake, not to mention the lottery-sized cash prize of £50. After the eliminations it all came down to two clubs, EAC vs. Jap Creations. EAC have won each round with ease thanks to a pretty giant-sized member holding the back of the rope, but they can’t fight off the team work of Jap Creations who, after 30 seconds, have pulled enough lead to take the win, trophy and a bit of cash. Not bad for a few minutes work eh?

If you’re a fan of the World Touring Car Championship, you should be well aware of Chevrolet driver Rob Huff who made a special appearance at Modified Live this round. First Rob found himself behind the wheel of Gareth Lloyds monster Evo 5, getting to grips with over 700bhp round the Snetterton track. If that wasn’t enough, Rob then found himself behind the wheel of Brett Castle’s Nismo S15, learning how to drift the EDC course in front of hundreds of spectators. No pressure then. Rob was on standby to offer quality advice and commentary throughout the whole day, really putting into perspective the sort of commitment and skill needed to master Snetterton.

With Kleers announcing their show and shine winners the Modified Live season finale was coming to an end. With this also being the end of the Time Attack series, there was one little bonus for punters who stuck round to the end, passenger rides in Time Attack cars all in aid of Help For Heroes. For a minimum of £20 donation you could be taken round Snetterton at blistering speeds in a huge range of competitor cars from all three classes. Over £1000 was raised for Help for Heroes, and it truly was a fitting end to an amazing year of Modified Live Shows. We hope you’ve enjoyed yourself whenever you’ve visited every round or just Snetterton, and we definitely look forward to coming back even bigger and better in 2012.