Dmitrij Sribnyj heads in to the Gymkhana GRiD Finals for the seventh time next month having taken part in every event since it started in 2012, looking to add to his tally of four wins.

His journey to Gymkhana GRiD started back in 2008 with handling sprints and drag racing at Santapod, in terms of the machinery driven, “Mostly JDM cars like Supra’s, 300zx, Skyline, RX7, GTO and then Subaru in late 2011” comments Sribnyj.

The 2018 Fueltopia Barrel Sprint season started with the SCR Subaru GC8 Impreza, then Sribnyj switched to his newly built, EJ powered, SCR Subaru BRZ – the first All Wheel Drive BRZ in the world, managing to secure yet another title.

“I started 2018 Barrel Sprint season with a win at the first round in my SCR GC8 Impreza, then in the second round my Impreza broke down in final battle with some electrical issues, so finished that event second.

“On the third round I entered with my SCR BRZ AWD, but broke the rear diff, meaning I barely took third place; In round 4 I had another issue on BRZ with alternator failing in wrong time, meaning another third place.

Despite the issues, Sribnyj pushed on, “Closer to the end of the season most of BRZ issues were ironing out well and I won two last rounds, this gave me enough points to win 2018 Championship for the sixth year”.

Alongside the Barrel Sprint’s, Sribnyj competed in GRiD European rounds from 2012 onwards, “I competed in Grid European rounds when Monster Energy was organising qualifying rounds back in 2012, 2013 and 2014 across Europe.

“I remember in 2013 I traveled as far as in middle of France and then Valencia in Spain, then Back to UK and then Back to Spain in Madrid for finals, that was most interesting year for me!”

As mentioned earlier, Sribnyj has driven both his Impreza and the BRZ this season, switching between the two cars have been an interesting journey, “I think I can adapt to anything, but the BRZ is a different story. It was designed on combined experience from my racing in Gymkhana, and Scoobyclinics technical side of knowledge in building race cars.

“In other words the base spec was very similar to my Impreza, I planned BRZ to be better car in every aspect compared to my GC8, but I think it still to early to judge this car.”

Having been part of the Gymkhana GRiD events since the start, there has been plenty of good and bad times for Sribnyj, but 2015 was possibly his biggest highlight.

“Every Gymkhana Grid was very special, with different emotions and outcomes, but I would say my most favourite was back in 2015, when I won in my AWD class and then defeated Ken Block in his Ford Mustang Hoonicorn, that was cool!”

Looking ahead to the competition this year, Sribnyj is bringing the Subaru BRZ, he know’s its going to be a tough year, “This year, I just hope to finish in one piece, it will be the first time the BRZ will be hitting Gymkhana Grid, so it be challenging in every way to keep car intact while producing good result. I will do my best and try not to push over the limit… well if I can…” he adds.

With Gymkhana GRiD rounding out the 2018 season, Sribnyj is already looking ahead to 2019, “2019 already being planned, and so far I am waiting on race calendars to be released by the organisers.

“I hope to get back in to Barrel Sprint and Formula G and of course to Gymkhana Grid. Apart from race events, the BRZ will go through further development.

“I also have new project starting to come off of the drawing board, but can not officially say yet of what it’s going to be…”

“A massive thank you to all my sponsors, especially to Scoobyclinic for keeping me on track and support my ideas”

SCR Subaru BRZ Spec

Engine built by Scoobyclinic, it’s 2.5 race spec engine boosted by Blouch SC range turbo and managed by Syvecs ECU. It produces 500bhp/540ft/lb torque.

Other supporting mods within engine bay include Samco hoses, Thermomet heat management system, Forge custom made radiator and intercooler, Antigravity battery (1.6kg), Multiplate competition clutch.

Oils are Synionic race spec, Samsonas 6 speed sequential All Wheel Drive transmission, Carbon prop and custom drive shafts.

PB 6 pot front brake calipers with 330mm discs and twin pot on rear.

Suspension is pick and mix from different generations of Subaru with street spec PB Coilovers and Whiteline products including bushes, antiroll bars and drop links.

Car wrapped in matt grey by Optimus Wrapping, then livery applied by Shy Tot Graphics. Livery design by Kevin Horsley from 142 creative. Recaro Pro Racer Spa custom kevlar seats.

Base fabrication and preparation of the chassis including roll cage by Roll Cage Designs.

Tires are Toyo R888R, size depend on track and weather condition.

Gymkhana GRiD takes place at Carnival City in Johannesburg on 1 December, the event will be streamed in full via the website at GymkahanaGRiD.com.