GT Battle History

What was it?

In the summer of 2005, Rockingham Motor Speedway in the UK hosted the inaugural GT Battle event, a landmark occasion that brought Japanese drifting culture to European soil. Held on June 25th, the event featured prominent D1 Grand Prix drivers, including Yasuyuki Kazama in the Kei Office Nissan Silvia S15 and Ken Nomura in his ER34 Nissan Skyline. Their participation offered European fans a first-hand experience of professional Japanese drifting.

The event was a multifaceted celebration of motorsport, encompassing Time Attack sessions, a Drift Battle, and a “Run What You Brung” 0-60 mph challenge. Despite some organisational challenges and wet weather conditions, the spectacle of high-speed drifting on Rockingham’s banked circuits left a lasting impression on attendees. Enthusiasts from various car clubs, including the Lexus Owners Club and Toyota Owners Club, attended, highlighting the event’s broad appeal within the automotive community.

GT Battle 2005 stands as a significant moment in the history of European motorsport, marking the fusion of Japanese drifting culture with the UK’s automotive scene and paving the way for future drift events across the continent.

Rockingham

Rockingham Motor Speedway, once a beacon of motorsport innovation in the UK, was a state-of-the-art racing facility located in Corby, Northamptonshire. Officially opened in 2001, it was Europe’s first purpose-built oval circuit in over a century, drawing inspiration from the high-speed tracks of the United States. Despite its closure as a public racing venue in 2018, Rockingham remains an iconic part of British motorsport history.

Rockingham was renowned for its versatile track layout, offering multiple configurations that catered to different types of motorsport:

• 1.5-Mile Oval – The only high-speed oval track in the UK, designed to host IndyCar-style racing.
• National Circuit – A challenging infield course used for touring car and GT racing.
• Handling Circuits – Designed for testing and driver training.
• Drag Strip & Drift Arena – Popular with enthusiasts for events such as Time Attack and drifting competitions.

Despite its innovative design and thrilling racing history, Rockingham faced financial difficulties, and by 2018, the site was sold and repurposed for automotive logistics and industrial use. While competitive racing ceased, Rockingham continues to serve as a hub for vehicle testing, driver training, and private track days.

The Legacy of Rockingham

Rockingham’s impact on UK motorsport remains undeniable. It helped bring American-style oval racing to Britain, provided a home for grassroots and professional motorsport, and introduced European audiences to high-level drifting. Today, the circuit may no longer host public races, but it lives on in the memories of motorsport enthusiasts who experienced its high-speed thrills.

For those who remember the roar of engines echoing through the grandstands, Rockingham will always be more than just a circuit—it’s a piece of motorsport history.

Yasuyuki Kazama & Ken Nomura

Japanese Drifting Legends

GT Battle was the first time UK motorsport fans had the rare opportunity to witness two of Japan’s most iconic drifting figures—Yasuyuki Kazama and Ken Nomura—bringing their signature driving styles to British soil. These D1 Grand Prix superstars made history when they arrived at Rockingham Motor Speedway for GT Battle 2005, an event that introduced top-tier Japanese drifting to European audiences.

Piloting their legendary machines—Kazama in the Kei Office Nissan Silvia S15 and Nomura in his ER34 Nissan Skyline—they showcased world-class drifting skills that left a lasting impact on the UK drift scene.

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Yasuyuki Kazama & The Kei Office Nissan Silvia S15

Yasuyuki Kazama, known for his aggressive yet precise drifting style, was one of D1GP’s most dominant drivers in the early 2000s. His Kei Office Nissan Silvia S15, with its eye-catching green and white livery, became one of the most recognizable drift cars in the world.

Kazama’s UK Appearance at GT Battle 2005

At Rockingham, Kazama’s high-speed entries, precise angle control, and seamless transitions set a new standard for UK drifting. His 1000-horsepower Silvia S15, equipped with a highly tuned SR20DET engine, shredded the circuit with impeccable control.

During demonstrations and tandem runs, Kazama thrilled the crowd with:
Lightning-fast transitions through Rockingham’s technical corners.
High-speed initiations on the infield, showcasing his signature D1GP style.
Precise car control, effortlessly keeping the Silvia at extreme angles.

His visit to the UK was more than just a show—Kazama’s performance helped elevate drifting’s credibility in Europe, inspiring a new wave of competitive drivers.

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Ken Nomura & The Blitz ER34 Nissan Skyline

Ken Nomura, known as “Nomuken,” was one of D1GP’s most charismatic and entertaining drifters. His Blitz-tuned Nissan Skyline ER34, equipped with a 600+ HP RB25DET engine, was a fan favourite, often seen going full throttle with tire smoke pouring from all four wheels.

Nomuken’s Impact at GT Battle 2005

Nomura’s visit to the UK was nothing short of spectacular. While Kazama delivered technical perfection, Nomura brought the fun, engaging with fans and putting on a thrilling display of big-angle, high-smoke drifts.

Highlights of Nomura’s time at Rockingham included:
Unforgettable drift demonstrations with huge angle and style.
Tyre-destroying runs, leaving a trail of smoke across the circuit.
Crowd interaction, joking and hyping up UK fans throughout the event.

His playful, high-energy approach made drifting even more appealing to UK audiences, proving that motorsport could be both competitive and entertaining.

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The Legacy of Kazama & Nomura in the UK

The arrival of Kazama and Nomura at GT Battle 2005 was a defining moment for UK drifting. Their visit:
Inspired future drifters in the UK and Europe.
Boosted the popularity of Japanese drift culture outside Japan.

Even though Rockingham is no longer an active race venue, the memory of two D1GP legends lighting up the circuit remains a highlight in UK drifting history.

For those lucky enough to witness Kazama and Nomura in action at Rockingham, it was a moment of pure drifting magic. They didn’t just bring their cars—they brought the soul of Japanese drifting to the UK.