‘Tazz’ Barnes hopes to repeat 2022 heroics
Published:Friday | June 30, 2023 | 1:18 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
REIGNING national Red Bull Car Park Drift champion Nicholas ‘Tazz’ Barnes is still beaming with joy from his 2022 heroics, which saw him not only being named the country’s first ‘Drift King’, but also having the distinction of representing Jamaica at the finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Barnes now has the 2023 title in his sights come July 1 in Montego Bay as he will put his title on the line against 19 other competitors across a nine-obstacle course field. He believes that this competition is somewhat different from the other drifting events that local drivers are used to.
“As many of us would know, we have an existing auto car racing culture here in Jamaica. Myself and fellow competitors have participated in multiple local competitions throughout the years. However, the Red Bull Car Park Drift is quite different,” he stated.
Barnes, who believes there’s no doubt that he will be crowned champion once again, added that having tasted international competition from last year’s experience now puts him in the ‘driver’s seat’ ahead of the highly anticipated event.
“It was an honour to be the first winner in not only Jamaica, but the Western Hemisphere. Now, having tasted first-hand experience I believe my knowledge, skills, and knowing what to expect will prepare me for overseas contests. I left Saudi Arabia with the mindset that I would be back, and that thought hasn’t drifted from my mind.
“Since that competition, I must admit it has made me a lot more vigilant when it comes to stepping out of my comfort zone. I didn’t have the opportunity for seat time to practise as the car I used for that competition was on a completely different level from what I was accustomed to,” Barnes said.
In terms of what has to be done differently this time around in order to replicate the same success, Barnes stated that there were only minor tweaks needed from him and his team.
“There is always work to be done, areas that we can adjust to gain competitive advantages, but we haven’t made major changes. I believe if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. So far, we have a winning formula, and we hope to keep it that way,” he said.
The 2022 champion said that having a solid support system allows him to handle the pressure that might come.
“My supporters, friends, family, and loved ones all have the utmost faith in me, and I have a very solid support that prevents me from being easily rattled. Therefore, I would say, the pressure and expectations further motivate me to execute my best work,” he concluded.