Meet Ashley Goodlad: The Drifter Taking on Japfest's Drift Kings in 2025

For fans of high-speed, tyre-shredding action, Ashley Goodlad is a name destined to capture attention at the upcoming Japfest Drift Kings competition. The UK drifter will be piloting his Toyota Chaser JZX100 Mark II around the famous Silverstone circuit on April 13th, promising an aggressive display of driving skill. With a background that includes drifting on both sides of the Atlantic, Goodlad brings a wealth of experience and a clear passion for pushing mechanical limits to the 2025 showdown.

What Sparked the Drifting Passion?

For Ashley, the path to professional drifting began with a fundamental love for cars. This initial enthusiasm rapidly developed into a dedicated pursuit, transforming a hobby into a serious commitment to the precise art of controlling a car in a slide. It’s a journey familiar to many in the UK car scene, where a passion for Japanese performance cars often leads to the track.

The First Drift Car: A Legendary Nissan

Every drifter has to start somewhere, and Ashley's entry into the sport was through a true JDM icon: the Nissan Skyline R33. This car is renowned for its robust chassis and tuning potential, making it an ideal platform for a budding driver to learn the ropes and understand vehicle dynamics before moving to more specialised machinery.

Essential Advice for New Drifters

When asked what advice he would give to someone starting out, Ashley's answer was clear and practical: "Start with something cheap." He emphasises that drifting doesn't require a six-figure, competition-spec car from the outset. A modest, reliable vehicle with basic modifications provides the perfect foundation for learning the fundamentals. The key, he suggests, is to prioritise seat time, learn from more experienced drivers, and enjoy the process rather than rushing into major power upgrades.

The Dream Drift Venue: Laguna Seca

If given the choice of any circuit in the world, Ashley’s dream track is California's legendary Laguna Seca. Famous for its daunting Corkscrew section—a blind, downhill chicane with a severe elevation change—the circuit would provide a spectacular backdrop for drifting. One can only imagine the sight and sound of a sideways Toyota Chaser plunging through that iconic corner, tyres screaming and smoke filling the air.

The Ultimate Fantasy Drift Build

With an unlimited budget, Ashley would construct a drift machine from a C8 Corvette. Envisioning a mid-engined beast transformed for drifting, he pictures a fully locked differential, an extreme angle kit, and a high-revving V8 engine, potentially twin-turbocharged to produce four-digit power figures. The result would be a loud, fast, and visually aggressive car, complete with dramatic aero, perfectly suited for creating crowd-pleasing moments.

Career Highlights and International Experience

Ashley counts his opportunity to drift at several tracks across the United States as a major career highlight. Gaining experience on international circuits has allowed him to test his skills against a diverse field of talent, an invaluable experience that has sharpened his abilities. This international exposure makes him a formidable competitor heading into the Drift Kings event at Japfest 2025.

What to Expect at Japfest 2025

Spectators can expect exactly what Ashley promises: "Fast, smoky drifting." His driving style is not about caution but about high-speed, aggressive entries that are sure to keep the Silverstone crowd entertained. With the Drift Kings competition set to be a centrepiece of Japfest, the event is shaping up to be unmissable for motorsport enthusiasts. The question on everyone's mind will be whether Ashley Goodlad can pilot his distinctive JZX100 to a podium finish.

To witness the action firsthand, be sure to secure your tickets for Japfest at Silverstone on April 13th. Tickets are selling quickly, so early booking is recommended to guarantee your place at one of the UK's premier car culture events.