There’s just something right about seeing a sorted S15 being sent around Goodwood; classic motorsport heritage clashing head-on with modern drift aggression. And in the middle of all that smoke and style is Michael Marshall, a driver with championship credentials and a Silvia that’s all business.
This October, he’ll be shredding tyres and chasing podium angles at Classic Japfest, where retro JDM icons meet full-tilt modern drifting on the legendary Goodwood Circuit. If you’re into sideways action, this is one date you do not want to miss.
Michael’s journey into drifting didn’t follow the usual script. It was actually his partner who first nudged him toward the sport: an offhand suggestion that spiralled into a full-blown obsession. And while most might expect a Nissan or a BMW as their first drift car, Michael kicked things off in a Volvo 340. Unorthodox? Absolutely. But it ticked the right boxes; lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and just raw enough to learn the ropes properly.
Fast forward to now, and Michael’s behind the wheel of a tidy Nissan Silvia S15 that’s earned him silverware and serious street cred. Clean lines, bulletproof setup, and a balance that’s spot on, it’s built to win, and it delivers.
Ask Michael Marshall what advice he’d give to a beginner, and there’s no ego, no hype, just solid, honest wisdom: start at the bottom and work your way up. Learn the basics, respect the process, and earn every bit of progress.
His dream destination? Japan’s legendary Ebisu Circuit; an iconic drift battleground that’s become a rite of passage for serious drivers. And if money were no object? He’s got his eye on a wild Porsche 930 Turbo drift build. Classic curves, turbo grunt, and maximum attitude; sounds mad, but if anyone could make it work, it’s Michael.
This year’s Classic Japfest runs all weekend, but if it’s the smoke-filled, limiter-bashing action of Drift Kings you’re after, Saturday 4 October is the day to lock in. Michael will be debuting a new setup, still fine-tuning it, but don’t expect him to go easy. He’ll be attacking Goodwood with his trademark precision, hunting down angles and putting on a show for the crowd.
Want to see drifting at its finest, surrounded by retro metal and old-school Japanese icons? Then you need to be at Classic Japfest on the Saturday.
Whether you’re a die-hard drift fan, a classic JDM lover, or just looking for a day out with proper petrolhead energy, Classic Japfest is the event to hit this autumn. Expect rare builds, period-perfect style, and the unfiltered madness of Drift Kings lighting up Goodwood.
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