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Gymkana Grid 2016 Drift
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#TBT: 2016 Gymkhana GRiD in Greece

Oct 262017

The fans are waiting for it, the drivers are waiting for it, and we are waiting for it; it’s Gymkhana GRiD of course! Last time out, GRiD headed to the Hellenic shores of Greece, and while we are on the edge of our seat waiting for the action to drop the clutch on this year’s edition in South Africa, we take a look at what happened in 2016

In the spirit of the historic Marathon venue, it was truly a clash of titans and an unforgiving race to the finish. Head Hoonigan in Charge, and series boss, Ken Block faced-off against an elite group of athletes; which included Petter Solberg, Andreas Bakkerud, Shane Lynch, Steve Baggsy Biagioni, Buttsy Butler, Liam Doran, and Luke Woodham.

Saturday’s images of Gymkhana GRiD final in Greece
They weren’t alone though. An elite group of Greek national drivers joined the battle too; including Dimitris Papadopoulos, Panos Kirkos and Vassilis Velanis in the AWD category, and Christos Saitas, Christos Chatzaras, Apostolis Kyriakoudis, Athanasios Kharkas, Thanasis Xystras, Charalambos Chrysanthakopoulos and Leonti Vrakas in the RWD class.

In total 55 cars rolled into automotive combat to fight for the silverware. Once the dust had settled Petter Solberg and Luke Woodham emerged the overall victors in the all-wheel drive (AWD) and Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) classes.

Saturday’s images of Gymkhana GRiD final in Greece
Even for Petter – a three time FIA World Champion (WRC and World RX) the experience was nerve-wracking. "Really, I cannot recall the last time I was so nervous,” Petter told us of his GRiD debut.

“When the race begun and I saw the trophies, I desperately needed to win one! I cannot describe my feelings right now, I'm so happy! The crowd had swamped the stands and were very passionate. I feel like I won a World Championship! Gymkhana GRiD is a unique race and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone!" 

Sunday's images of Gymkhana GRiD final in Greece
For reigning RWD champion Luke Woodham, the victory was equally significant, marking his third consecutive year on the top step at Gymkhana GRiD. "I cannot describe my feelings! It is the third consecutive year and believe me is not easy. Adam [Elder] made my job even harder as he managed to beat everyone in qualifying and I was second.

I'm very pleased that I won! Gymkhana GRiD Greece is one of the best events I have raced in so far. The audience were just incredible, you really feel them right next to you!"

Sunday's images of Gymkhana GRiD final in Greece

Don’t forget you can re-live all of the mayhem in Marathon by checking out the replay of the world exclusive livestream hosted by Jarod DeAnda and Colby West. Grab your tickets for Gymkhana GRiD 2017, in the Carnival City Resort Johannesburg on November 18th & 19th, here.

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