Team Member - Mark Luney
Name: Mark ' Sidewaysbuff' Luney
Nationality: Northern Ireland, UK
Car Driven: SVA Imports 350z
Driver Website: http://www.sidewaysbuff.com
Driver Biography:
Mark started to attend road rallies in 1989, entering in a Fiat Uno Turbo. The car had varying degrees of success, but unfortunately it was failing more often than succeeding.
A few local rallies and forest grouts in the early 90’s saw some success, but unfortunately for Mark rallying was getting pretty expensive.
The Modified Show Scene
Mark built various modified cars from a MI 16 engineered 205 to
a concourse BMW M6. Throughout the modified scene he owned
various top quality sports cars from a Lotus Carlton, TT Supra,
Sierra Cosworth and a MK2 Escort to name a few.
During this time, Mark has perform in several live action events, including the 2007 Autopsort Show Live Action Arena.
Drifting and Track Days
The first real track day was in 1997, attending the Ford RS
Owners Club meeting at Nutts Corner in his Ford Cosworth Sierra.
At these events, drivers would have to go as sideways as
possible around the track. The screeching of the tyres would
have the crowds going crazy for more.
After Mark realised how popular this could be, he and a few of his fellow drivers would privately hire tracks and practice at night time during the summer months. He would practise in many cars ranging from a GSI 24v Carlton to BMW M5, Subaru Legacy Turbo, Lexus Soarer and a 200 SX. These where great nights and taught everyone massive car control and commitment, and no danger to other road users.
Eventually, Mark thought the time was right and decided to enter his first competition in 2004. Several years later and he is currently No2 in Europe and now one of the most respected drifting competitors across the globe with invites to compete in USA, Mexico, Europe and Japan.
