The cream of Australia’s drifting talent will form part of the entertainment package for the Sydney Motorsport Park V8 Supercars meeting from August 21-23.

The Hi-Tec Drifting Australia series, which is sanctioned by CAMS, has been added to the support bill, joining the Carrera Cup, Australian GT, Aussie Racing Cars and Formula 4.

While drifting demonstrations have been run at previous V8 Supercars meetings, Sydney will mark the first time that the alternative form of motorsport has run competitively at an event.

The drift action will take place under lights on the Friday and Saturday evenings, with 32 cars set to compete.

“Drifting is known for its action, theatre and drama,” enthused V8 Supercars James Warburton in a statement announcing the move.

“The drivers are highly skilled as pairs of cars race in close proximity to each other to ensure they receive maximum points from the judges.

“It will be racing that fans will not want to miss.”

Tekno Autosports’ V8 Supercars star Shane van Gisbergen has competed in drifting on both sides of the Tasman and says the category will add to the spectacle for fans.

“Drifting is awesome fun from a drivers’ perspective, and fantastic to watch for fans. All those who come along to the Sydney Motorsport Park Super Sprint will be in for a treat,” Van Gisbergen said.

“Some might be unfamiliar with drifting, but they will leave asking for more once they see the cars, hear the engines and smell the tyre smoke.”