Thank you for looking and to all the contributing photographers. They’ve shared with us so we can now continue to relive the weekends vibe through their work. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to share the moments they’ve captured. Thank you to all involved in the event for making it great. Next on the cards is a gallery of driving pictures. Stay tuned for that.
After successfully organising two drift days at Driftland under the Don’t Fucking Crash banner Sam was at it again. This time the venue would be our home track in the North East of Scotland NEDC. Sam with the Help of Ross who shoots under the alias LuckyCat schemed up a weekender to be held on the 3rd & 4th of May. Posters were made and the word was spread.
Photo by @Steffonsson
Let’s start a couple weeks prior. After sustaining a scuffed wing and cracked bumper from the last DFC drift day I set about fixing and painting the damage for the upcoming event. A list was made and I slowly chipped away at it after work when I could. The list contained some obvious prep like changing tyres along with fresh engine and gearbox oil. I also did another upgrade again. This time it was fresh handbrake cables to allow me to make use of my new rear calipers. This gives me the option to pull a handbrake that actually locks when needed on track.
Photo by @lrm.photography
The event group chat was full of chatter with progress. Some people like Ethan were ready well in advance. He had no choice being offshore in the run up to the event. Others like Ewan were prepping body work and painting the night before they were due to leave. The man with the longest and most extensive prep list was however Kev. He had been in the shed relentlessly for weeks trying to get his rotary engine swap finished for the event. He would be stuck working in the shed on Saturday chasing gremlins. He would however be able to make it out on Sunday afternoon for some test laps. More on that later.
Photo by @gogilles27
On Friday I took the day off to get finished up with prep and loaded up for the weekend. Looking to camp at the track I had to take enough wheels and tyres for two days of drifting. Thanks to Sam for sourcing me four new tyres during the week. By my estimations I now had enough to last me the weekend. mx5 loaded, Truck bed full of wheels, truck stuffed with tools and camping gear. Now I was set for the weekend.
Photo by @rossluckycat
Saturday kicked off with a 5a.m. wake up. Shortly after downing a coffee or two I hit the road. A quick stop at the shop for some burgers and sausages for the bbq and we were on our way again. Last stop before the track was Banff petrol station for some Vpower. After already putting in 20L since the mx5 came back from the last DFC drift day it took another 19L. That meant I finished the last day with 6L to spare in the tank, that was after topping it up during that day so I burnt more than a full tank that day! That must mean some serious fun was had at the last DFC event.
Photo by @steffonsson
Upon my arrival at NEDC I was greeted by some happy campers who had spent Friday night at the track to cut out a long drive and make sure to be on site for drivers briefing at 9.30a.m. If I had to get up at 5a.m. to make it from the other end of the shire I’d hate to think what time you’d have to get up if leaving from The Kingdom of Fife to make it. I set about unloading and getting the mx5 ready to warm up after briefing. With time to walk the pits and catch up with everyone I think I planned my departure time well.
Photo by @lrm.photography
With briefing out of the way and DFC branded drivers wristband on I set about warming my engine and running gear in anticipation for the track to go live at 10a.m. Beaten to first in the queue by an eager Ethan, I lined up to get the day’s action under way. Once out I found the track to be very grippy. I now have a full set of stiffer anti roll bars since last driving NEDC, aiding my mx5 to stay planted. I came to the conclusion that to help balance the mx5s grip bias I should swap to a less worn pair of front tyres. This did indeed help the mx5s balance along with airing up the rears to around 60/65psi to help keep the little mazda sideways.
Photo by @gogilles27
The entire day was spent on full outer clockwise broken up in the afternoon by some drivers who went out solo and were making up their own course. Ethan was battling settings with his tune after turbocharging his leftrightauto NB over winter. Sam was having minor cooling issues. Grant had boost dilemmas or lack of boost at times. Jack was learning his (mega power) turbo set up on the track. By the sound of things he got comfortable with it in no time. Ewan was getting used to the track with this being his first visit to NEDC. Ailsa was out for her second outing in her NB mx5 at NEDC. This was cut short due to breakages. Thankfully boyfriend Jos was there to very kindly lend her his super clean BMW to practice in. Speaking of ropy NB mx5s, Archie & Fraser had brought one for their first event at NEDC. They weren’t having much luck keeping the exhaust on the NB though with multiple attempts at re fitting through out the day. They later retired in the afternoon leaving us wondering if they’d return on Sunday with it fixed or an alternative. Other drivers like Rory, Ryan and Rikki were getting used to the track having not driven much at NEDC lately. Danny was learning a new chassis on the track having switched from a NB mx5 to a Nissan skyline R34 GT. Speaking of skylines, Euan of NEDC admin fame would bring down his R32 GT for a few fun sessions to brush the cobwebs off. Later on in the day Kamil appeared with his bmw estate. Showing that it does take a while to trailer up the road from down South on the day. To add to the roster of non mx5s present Ciaran was piloting his gutless, freshly painted Is200. All this led to not many laps chasing each other’s doors and more just getting comfortable with the tracks grip levels and our cars.
Photo by @gogilles27
Photo by @rossluckycat
Photo by @steffonsson
Photo by @rossluckycat
Photo by @rossluckycat
Photo by @lrm.photography
Photo by @rossluckycat
Photo by @lrm.photography
Photo by @gogilles27
Photo by @rossluckycat
Photo by @rossluckycat
Photo by @rossluckycat
Photo by @lrm.photography
Photo by @rossluckycat
3p.m. soon rolled round and the track action stopped for the day. A quick trip into the seaside town of Banff to grab some refreshments for the night and we were back at the track. It was time to BBQ and Danny “King of the Grill” had us sorted with trays of food to go on his BBQ. With the charcoal lit eventually. The wind not helping. Ironically after a lot of action with the blow torch starting the coals it was a leaf blower that had them really take hold. Food on the go Rory set about sawing up a tree he brought up for a bonfire. Much fun was spent sawing and splitting logs while we consumed the large quantities of burgers, sausages and lamb kebab sticks.
Photo by @rossluckycat
Eventually forced to take shelter in the briefing room from the wind and rain our food had the chance to settle. You’d be forgiven for thinking this was a Winter Matsuri and not Spring with how cold, wet and windy it was. Once dried off I left the cabin to see what track marshals Stuart and Craig were up to in Stuart’s lorry. They had been watching drift league from that day held down at Three Sisters Racetrack in England. The Lorry soon filled up with drivers and friends for an evening of banter. As the dark set in and everyone went home or off to set up camp it was just the three of us again. Craig suggested we play a game using the alphabet and youtube. We’d take it in turns to suggest an artist to play a song from and worked our way through the alphabet. Some classic tunes were played from the likes of meatloaf, bloodhound gang and the darkness. 2a.m. rolled around and we decided it was time for some shut eye. I rolled my sleeping bag out on the bench and grabbed 40 winks.
Photo by @rossluckycat
After not much sleep I woke up and got the camping stove on to boil some water for a coffee. After a liquid breakfast in the lorry discussing the best/next go to drift chassis with Craig and Stuart we heard the rumble of Euan’s Chevy truck pull up.
Photo by @lrm.photography
Speaking of pulling up Archie and Fraser who had bad luck with a NB the day prior rocked up with a NA mx5 for the day’s antics.
Photo by @rossluckycat
Also out on Sunday was local and frequent NEDC driver Tank. Driving his BMW to get some practice in. Always keen for some seat time He was out as much as his car would allow throughout the day.
Photo by @rossluckycat
After the drivers were herded into the cabin for briefing we got an expert run down of the day’s layout thanks to Ethan. We would be running a personal favorite layout of Ethan and myself. Ethan would show on the board with the aid of an umbrella the direction to go and add notes of when to really step on it. I added the safety zone/reshuffle lane to the equation and everyone was clued up.
Photo by @lrm.photography
With everyone feeling warmed up and comfortable from yesterday’s practice we were all itching to get straight into driving together. First though, tyres were chosen for the decidedly wintry conditions. A feels like temperature of -1 in the wind made spectating a brave sport. Seeing as rain showers would wet the track I opted for old scrubs that would get me many outings on a wet track vs a few if it was dry. Haven chosen my wheels. I jacked up the mx5 to warm the engine and running gear again for the first session.
Photo by @rossluckycat
Seeing as Ethan and myself so confidently explained what to do in the briefing we set about showing the others where to go and what line to take. You start by entering the track and turning right through the first Crossover to go anticlockwise up the right hand side Straight. At the tyre stack wall you flick left across the bigger Crossover and fly into the Boat corner clockwise. Coming out of the Boat corner you carry on clockwise down the Straight into the Cabin corner. Coming round and out of the Cabin corner your back to the start and repeat the process.The wet track was no problem for us, it only aided the ability to get loose and stack up together. I enjoy driving in the rain with my under powered mx5 as it doesn’t bog down in mid to corner exit as much.
Photo by @lrm.photography
As the morning progressed I got laps in with Ethan, Grant, Jack, Rory and Sam. During one of these sessions I noticed my mx5 was hot. I investigated the problem and found the thermostat wire had jumped out so the fan wasn’t coming on. I taped it back in place and waited for the mx5 to cool down. I also discovered my back up fan on a switch was missing an earth wire from the switch so also wasn’t working. Despite my large radiator my engine isn’t a fan of no fans it would seem.
Photo by @gogilles27
With the afternoon approaching and the rain having stopped the track soon started to dry up. I headed out with Ethan on the same tyres I’d been using all morning. Only to find them weirdly grippy once the track had dried. Leading to very inconsistent grip levels and sloppy lead lines. Sorry Ethan. I would wash wide in the big Crossover and take out a four stack tyre bale with the rear corner of my car. The hit was big enough to throw the tyre stack several car lengths away and remove my rear bumper. My gundam wing was undamaged but smudged with rubber and my boot was pushed all the way to one side, AGAIN! The same thing happened on the last DFC Driftland day when I scuffed the wall. I hope to break this trend next time out.
Photo by @rossluckycat
Tyre bale all back in place and bumper on I set about changing my rear wheels for a pair with better tyres for the conditions. Once that was sorted I caught some great laps with Danny in his skyline. Swapping lead and chase position throughout the session.
Photo by @lrm.photography
On a roll I had a killer session chasing and leading for Jack in his turbo NA mx5 on semi slicks. It was a challenge to keep up at times but when Jack slowed up for me I could hang.
Photo by @lrm.photography
On our second or third session swapping between lead and chase Jack’s tyres hit the wear markers and lost all grip going into the Boat corner anticlockwise. Unfortunately I had transitioned and committed to a line to get beside him. Seeing as Jack had now spun and couldn’t get it to go backwards fast enough I collided with the front of his mx5 with my drivers door and side.
Photo by @lrm.photography
Back in the pits it was time to assess any damage. Jack had run over his front bumper returning to the pits so that was done for the day. Upon inspection Jack found his frame rails were both slightly pushed over. Nothing a little pull wouldn’t fix. My car gained another crinkle/dent in the door. Which still opened and closed thankfully, the window now only went down a third of the way so climbing out wouldn’t have been an option. A sizable dent was also now installed under my over fender for me to pull out before the next day. Nae danger then, back to the queue to get more laps in.
Photo by @lrm.photography
The highlight of the afternoon for me was several sessions with Ethan and Grant where we were switching places. Also present at times were Rory and Sam.
Photo by @steffonsson
More dents were sustained when Ethan ran deep into the Boat corner clockwise where there’s no grip so slowed. I also slowed knowing this however Grant did not slow down and I was swiftly smacked as if to say c’mon hurry up. We didn’t learn as a few laps later it happened again. All fun and games when pushing our driving limits together to level up.
Photo by @steffonsson
As 3p.m. approached Craig made the mistake of telling Grant it’d be the last session. This set Grant up for some maximum attack driving.
Photo by @steffonsson
No barrier was safe. Following Grant on a line full of Crossover sections I thought to myself those barriers are close in a couple of places. Next lap around Grant swiftly made space by running the outer line, the very outer line on three if not four separate outer zones. The last kicking up a spectacular dust cloud.
Photo by @steffonsson
To say he was raring to go after fixing his boost issues was an understatement. I followed tentatively for a few laps but eventually found out where I could jump in and hang.
Photo by @steffonsson
Before the day was over Kev was allowed out for a quick test of his new engine set up. After not having time to finish his exhaust fully and being told earlier it was a bit too loud this would be some bonus laps for Kev. The marshals were kind to him seeing as he’d made a big effort to get to the event. With a lot of setbacks sent to test him. This drew in the entire pit as a big crowd formed to watch as the rotary nb mx5 put out some impressive smoke clouds.
Photo by @emmalwyt
He would have been earlier on Sunday if his diff case hadn’t snapped on a test rip before loading up. Thankfully he found a strengthened case in the shed and got it sorted in the morning to make it up after lunch. The rotary sounds amazing and looked to work well for Kev. Keen to see more and catch some laps together soon.
Photo by @ghettofabhq
With the chaos over there was time for one more thing before we all packed up. Sam had organised four awards to recognise the drivers efforts over the weekend. These were some epic looking trophies consisting of a fine block of wood adorned with a rod and piston on top.
Photo by @steffonsson
First up was Big Entry of the Weekend, that went to Ethan. Ironically Ethan had a hand in the trophy making by 3d printing the award names and sponsoring the big entry trophy. That shouldn’t take away from the win at all as once Ethan had ironed out the issues with his tune he was out to thrash some laps.
Photo by @steffonsson
Next up was Best Car of the Weekend, going to Jack with his immaculate (pre crash) turbo NA mx5 street car. A lovely looking machine indeed and well deserved. I’m sure Jack will have it looking mint again in no time.
Photo by @steffonsson
We then had the Best Driver for the Weekend. This went to Ciaran in his is200. Very well deserved as Ciaran pilots like a man possessed when flying around NEDC. Hard charging and consistently not spinning unless throwing a 360 entry.
Photo by @steffonsson
Lastly there was Most Expensive Weekend (AKA Crash King or you fucked it up the most)
Photo by @steffonsson
This went to yours truly me, MrD. I can’t deny I did probably sustain the biggest dents. I thought I was doing so well only having clipped my back bumper off a small handful of times. Until things got spicy on Sunday afternoon with some close contact with Jack and Grant.
Photo by @steffonsson
A big thank you to all who made the weekend great. Sam & Ross for organising, NEDC marshals Craig, Dan, Euan, Steve and Stuart for running the track, Drivers for showing up to make an event happen and all the spectators that made such a great atmosphere over the weekend. I can’t wait until the next DFC event. I hope to see you there.
Friday the 28th of March 2025 saw the debut of my new colourway at the DFC drift day held at Driftland. Before we dive into the day’s happenings we should go over some of the run up to the event. The day was organised last Autumn by Sam who pilots a black v8 powered GundamAero clad na mx5.
Photo by @Chris06photos_
All winter I set myself the mission of finally getting my car painted so it’s not so miss matched. It was a challenge due to temps being a bit on the cold side. Low temps and spray cans don’t make for smooth running’s. They make lumpy running’s which need to be sanded and redone.
Photo by @Chris06photos_
Finally the temps climbed high enough as spring approached to get the job done (or 90%) I had yellow front wings, doors and a number plate panel I could just fit up. As you can see the last 10% was fitting said yellow doors. That’s a mission for another time. With less than two weeks to go I scunnered myself by painting in an old mask. My better half confirmed that my right tonsil looked to have tonsillitis. That would explain why my right sinus from ear to tonsil felt sore. Not to worry that cleared up with a week to go and the final push was under way. The rest of the prep consisted of fitting an upgraded front anti roll bar to compliment the rear fitted already. Can’t forget a tyre mounting sesh.
All loaded and ready I set off into a strong head wind at 6.30a.m. on Friday to make my way to Driftland. Arriving at 8.50a.m. I had time to set up before the driver briefing at 9.30a.m. Brief done I warmed the mechanical components and got out on track to test the conditions by 10a.m. The day started on “shiftlock clockwise” and after a few tentative laps to scrub the tyres in I set about learning the grip levels. Within a few more laps I found the “nikko style” drop section to be as grippy as black ice. Touching a rear tyre on it I was spun round 360degrees at speed and thrown off the track at the end of the drop section. This left me beached half on the track and half in the puddle. I required recovery from the helpful Stu who rocked up chuckling and commented “You can’t park there” I was swiftly pulled back on track thanks to Driftlands recovery truck by Stu and away I went.
Photo by @Chris06photos_
A quick check to see everything was ok with the car and I set back about learning the track and my new settings. This next outing saw more than 30minutes of laps with a hailstorm in the middle to help keep the track moist. This was great for getting a feel for the car and the conditions. I got a little too close to the wall and scuffed my GundamAero boot wing. Upon inspection it wasn’t as bad as it sounded. The wing and sealant used to mount it held up well with minor cracks however the boot was pushed to one side because of the hit. A fix for another day.
Photos by @rossluckycat
I managed to run all morning on part worn tyres, even getting a few dry laps in on them. By lunchtime Mint and Callum had turned up to see what was going on. I caught up with them while putting on some wheels with fresh tyres. Back out for some dry laps on “second in clockwise” with two puddles on entry and two wet patches in the mid section to help keep wheel speed up. It was interesting getting to grips with the conditions but I soon found I could keep the car in third through into the back section with the help of the wet patches. There is a lot more commitment needed off the wall to make this entry work.
After a few rallycross incidents I finally beached myself in the middle of the main straight. Another rescue from Stu was needed. Again Stu pulls up grinning from ear to ear and laughing at my situation. This recovery required a bit of tact as I had to wind the wheel to lock once my rear wheels made it onto the track to avoid ripping my bumper off. No problem for the Driftland recovery truck and staff. Soon again I was off and set about checking the car over. All was good apart from needing to nip up a lower arm bolt that likes to slacken off. It didn’t loosen up throughout the rest of the day.
With two hours left in the day we ran “second in anticlockwise”. I spent almost the entire hour or what felt like it running this layout with Ethan in his nb (now turbo) and Danny in his new r34 skyline gt. Some great laps were had swapping lead and chase position every two laps. It was interesting chasing down two different people and cars that started the section at different points. One of my cameras held up long enough to catch some of this action. The footage may end up on my youtube at some point. Unfortunately the footage of the later half of these laps got corrupted when checking it. Pesky cheap card readers.
Photos by @rossluckycat
The day was in its last hour now and the layout was changed to “shiftlock anticlockwise” A fun layout in the wet conditions. I caught some laps with Ethan again and he was very fast at the start of the section coming out of the back. I soon caught up with him in the corners. Ethan went in to cool down and I continued to lap the track. That was until I went to shift into third coming up the wall and my shifter felt like I was stirring porridge. I stirred it some more and concluded, yes I had no gears to choose from. Thankfully I was in second gear so cruised back to the pits. I shouted out to Ethan and Danny to “please move my jack from in front of my trailer ramps”. I did a loop of the pits while they did this and parked it on the trailer.
photos by @rossluckycat
Upon inspection the bolt connecting the shifter selector to the shaft in the gearbox had backed out. As suspected by the way the shifter wobbled about so care free. I retrieved this from the shifter turret with the help of Ethan’s magnet tool. Happy to have made it to 3.30p.m. on track and after a 15minute mechanical diagnosis I then set about eating some grub and watching the last 15minutes of drifting.
Photos by @Chris06photos_
Flags up at 4p.m. and the days drifting was done. More than content with the amount I got to drive and using less than half the tyres I took down I set about packing up. All loaded and set for the drive home we rolled out at 4.45p.m. I chilled behind a lorry up to Dundee and was passed by Ethan and Danny just after Perth. With them in my sites through Dundee and the traffic clearing I set myself the mission to pass them after Dundee. The game was on as I accelerated up to the average camera speed limit out of Dundee. I soon had them in my sites again and made my move just after Forfars MaccyD’s. Home just as night fell and in the door for a much needed shower and chill.
Photos by @rossluckycat
What a great day of seat time and good company. I can’t wait until the next time I get to turn some laps with the boys. Thank you to all who made the day great and continue to remind us of it with photos and videos. Check out the contributing photographers on Instagram. @rossluckycat & @Chris06photos_ Big thank you for allow your photos to be used here.
Photos by @rossluckycat (including the last one below)
It’s been a while since I last posted here, but that’s about to change. The Minty.Fresh blog is officially back!
Between running the store, developing new aero kits, and keeping the cars in check, things have been hectic. But I realized there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that doesn’t always make it to Instagram or the website. So, moving forward, I’ll be using this space to showcase more of what goes into Minty.Fresh—whether it’s new product drops, progress updates on our project cars, or insights into the design and production process.
If you’ve been following Minty.Fresh for a while, you know we’re all about pushing aggressive aero styles and high-quality motorsport gear. Expect blog posts covering everything from prototype development and testing to real-world feedback from drivers rocking our kits. Plus, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes looks at my own builds, including the JZX100 and the fleet of MX-5s.
This blog is here to document the journey—both the wins and the struggles—so if you’re into cars, drifting, and all things Minty.Fresh, stick around. New posts coming soon!
Let me know what you want to see covered here. Drop a comment or hit me up on socials. Let’s bring this blog back properly!
I have always enjoyed reading about creation of jdm aero components for cars on the internet. Even if it gives a little bit of insight of how these parts, that each one of us appreciates and uses on their cars are created.
Since I owned my Altezza, I always found that it lacked something on the roof, and none of the alternatives were to my liking. What a perfect opportunity to give this aero mumbo jumbo a go. How hard can it be, right?
minty.fresh 