Xtreme Promotions and Slick magazine organised the Heatwave ‘08 event, at the National Show Centre in Swords, Dublin. (Although it was really nowhere near Swords - Paul) (Even though it was right beside it – Andrew)

A massive crowd attended the show, leaving latecomers with no choice but to park on nearby fields.(Much to the cows amusement - Andrew)

The show’s organisers promised an action-packed show, with live drifting and rally sprints on a specially built track. However, it was only the drifting that took place. It did attract a large crowd, and, despite being choked to death with tyre smoke and being gored by flying rocks kicked up as the cars drifted past, the spectators enjoyed the show (although the announcer didn’t seem to notice that only he could hear what he was saying). Of course, the best bits were when the professional and champion drivers lost control of the car, and coming very close to colliding.

Inside the centre, there was a great variety of cars on display. (Yet no bikes – Andrew) Visitors were greeted with the welcome sight of Slick magazine girls wearing not a lot. Bloody fit.

The first group of cars at the show were from Japan. A number of very sleek Supras were there, with very neat bootbuilds. A heavily modified Evo was also there, with an…impressive interior. The usual mix of rear-wheel drive Nissans and Toyotas featured. The star Nissan was the brand new GT-R, the Skyline replacement. It was stunning to look at, but seemed to have just been abandoned outside, with no proper stand.

Also outside, a massive tent had been erected (lol) which houses a large collection of classic American muscle cars, like the General Lee Charger, Ford Mustangs and Pontiacs. Alongside, a huge Dodge Ram and an even bigger Ford F350 pick-up were on show.

Facing the main stage inside the centre, three famous cars were on display – the Shelby Mustang from Gone in 60 Seconds, a Ferrari F1 Car from sometime recent, and the Tokyo Drift Mazda RX-7. All very nice to look at.

There were lots of stands for cruising websites too, such as NCC, Midnightclub.ie and others which I can’t remember. And also many companies, like the EMMA sound people, Car Audio Centre with their Merc van, and Gumball 3000 merchandise.

Overall, the show was very good. The massive variety of cars was great, and although some of the promised events didn’t take place, it wasn’t disappointing. Well organised and executed. Plus, I now know ‘Amach’ means ‘Exit’ in Gaelic. The only crap bit was having to pay the toll twice. Fun trip.

Report by Ibiza08