Drifting is a funny thing. Once you find yourself into the scene and lifestyle, there’s no escaping. Not that there’s any reason for wanting to escape one of the most popular and arguably entertaining motorsports. Hugo Maclean has been involved in drifting for the majority of his automotive life — at the young age of 18, the Jr. Kiwi has already made a name for himself in the New Zealand drift scene.
“I have been drifting since I was 16,” Hugo tells us. “I went to my first real drift day when I was 17 and have been hooked for the last two years. I’m currently competing in D1NZ (completely self-funded) and I’m looking for sponsors!”
Hugo has made a wise choice for a beginning drifter with the AE85 Toyota Corolla. Its capable chassis and RWD layout are the perfect mould in which to pour one’s own personal flavor. “I have built the Corolla how I like it. It might not work perfectly at the height it’s at, but it stays that low while I compete,” Hugo says. “I’m trying to KEEP DRIFTING FUN and still be up there with the big guys.”
In order to do this, Hugo decided to go with a tried-and-true powerplant: the Honda F20C, sourced from a Honda S2000. This motor is well known for its fantastic factory performance, but many people (including Hugo) choose to add a bit more grunt in the form of a turbo setup. Fed by a GT3076R snail, this Corolla moves and gets sideways like no one’s business. Kept in line by a set of custom coilovers (the details of which Hugo is secretive), he’s able to ride low and in style while sliding around apexes.
On the outside, Hugo’s ’85 is classic and function-based. A full aero kit, courtesy of BN Sports, along with JBlood rear widebody fenders and a massive GT wing make up the race-inspired look. Hugo has several wheel choices for his Corolla, all of which look right at home on a grassroots drift car.
“[The car] produces 283kw, which is just under 400 hp at the wheels,” Hugo brags. “I also won NZ performance car of the year for 2010, and recently qualified ninth in D1NZ!”
Impressive showing from such a young driver — we love to see guys building their cars for fun and function. Keep your eyes peeled for Hugo and his Corolla as his young career hopefully blossoms into something big.