Barbican Turbo event powers into town

The three-day show, which is sponsored by Barbican, the leading malt drink, is expected to attract thousands of spectators keen to revel in the spectacular sights and sounds that are central features of the custom car and bike scene.

"Last year's Barbican Turbo was a fantastic success, attracting 20,000 people, so there was no question about whether or not we would repeat it,"

said Adham Badr, Brand Manager for Barbican, headline sponsor of the show.

"The custom car scene reflects what our brand is all about; self expression. Barbican Turbo 2009 will have everything for the enthusiastic car modifier - it is the biggest event of its kind in the region," he continued.

The major draw card this year is a demonstration of high speed drifting by the 'Need for Speed' European Drift Championship team, who are masters of the exhilarating art of twin car, side-by-side, full power sliding, as seen in the likes of the cult film series 'The Fast and the Furious'.

Those visitors daring enough to try the sport out for themselves can hitch a ride in one of the 'drift taxis' that will be on the circuit in between the demos - they just need to remember that they will be travelling sideways and not in the direction the vehicle is pointing.

Barbican Turbo 2009 isn't just about appreciating other people's performance cars and bikes. Anyone attending the show who thinks that their own mode of transport can cut it in the power stakes will get the chance to see just how many horses drive their wheels in the Dyno Shoot-Out. This contest will pit owners in a head-to-head to see whose ride pumps out the most bhp, with one challenger ultimately emerging as Mr. (or Ms.) Max Power, with a top prize to accelerate away with.

As well as brute force being displayed by muscle cars; custom car and bike bodywork will also be celebrated throughout the show. Visitors can expect to be dazzled by the reflection of light from the acres of chrome on display and awed by the high quality murals artistically applied to their owners' pride and joy. Prizes and trophies will be given out for the best vehicles, with this year's winner of the Top 100 Amateur Car of the Festival also receiving an all expenses-paid holiday to Switzerland.

No auto-fest would be complete without a musical element and Barbican Turbo 2009 is no exception. The second UAE National Sound-Off competition will dish out prizes for the loudest vehicle stereo and the best installation, while a separate audio stage will keep music lovers occupied.

To complete the urban feel to the show, an urban street art contest will take place close to the track and demonstrations of Parkour freeform running will take place in the hall. Professional flarers from the UK will be showcasing their bottle juggling skills and mixing up non-alcoholic beverages as they go.

"We can promise anybody attending Barbican Turbo 2009 they will not be disappointed," said Badr. "It will be an energetic celebration of car and bike modification and the atmosphere throughout will be one that acknowledges the power of self expression," he added.