The new drift champion Nikolass Bertans: We focus on small goals, the big ones will come by themselves
Nikolass Bertans is a determined young man who, at the age of 15, has already achieved great success in drifting - a motorsport discipline where the winner is determined by driving technique. The young drifter told Latvian Television's "Sports studio" that he has bigger plans for the future with driving in professional competitions in the USA, but is more focused on achieving small goals and preparing for a serious season.
Baltic drift champion Nikolass Bertāns is one of the first representatives of technical sports to enter the Latvian Olympic Team (LOV), and he feels very honored that such an opportunity has been given to him. "It will certainly be a great contribution, because, as in all sports, endurance, physical preparation and a high-quality diet are important," the athlete expressed his satisfaction at entering the Olympic team.
Bertāns has already achieved significant success in his early years as an athlete, but he reckons that his age will soon no longer seem like anything special. "I'm slowly starting to grow out of my status as a child prodigy. I can't fool around anymore, I have to be more serious, but maybe some good people still know me as the good old Nikolass," the drifter explained.
In drifting, as in all sports, there is also serious competition, which manifests itself more on the track than off it. "In the pits, we are quite positive, if necessary, we help each other, share tips, but when we are on the track, we turn on the second mode, we "fight" against each other," said Nikolass.
The previous car served Nikolass the whole season without much repair, and he was very satisfied with his car. For the new season, together with his father, Nikolass is preparing the equipment with the aim of building one of the best drift machines in the world.
"Dad and I have been working hard and doing what we love the most, trying to go into all the little details and build the car perfectly once, so that next time we don't have to spend money fixing it all the time," said Bertans.
Nikolass Bertans is active on social networks, posting video recaps from the competition, thus gaining recognition, however, everything is not as easy as it seems. There is a lot of training and hard work to put in. "We have the opportunity to participate in "Drift Master" or to drive a stage in Russia. I would definitely like to participate in one of the FIA [International Automobile Federation] "Motorsport Games" events," the drifter presented his plans.
The athlete said that one more season has to be completed, and then he will be able to advance to "Formula Drift" in America, which is his main goal. "I aimed to participate in the PRO class and be the youngest, but we focus more on small goals, because the big ones will come by themselves", admitted Nicholas.
The young racing driver is happy about last year, his results, because they were successful. Drifting is no longer just a hobby for him, as it was in the beginning. Now you have to think about drifting every day, work with cars and supporters.
Nikolass does not hide that it would be interesting to try another motorsport discipline. "In rallycross, it looks quite interesting to blow some smoke through the air from the side, but I have noticed that almost every motorsport has a small part of drift," said the drifter.
The young man admitted that he has never been the most orderly student and tends not to do some homework, Nikolass finds the current distance learning easier because he can still look at a notebook a little.
Just like a year ago, Bertans will start the season in Oman, and the car is already on its way to the race site. "I hope that I will be able to learn by then [the start], but I will also have to take a book with me," said Nikolass, confirming his willingness to combine sports with studies.
"After Oman, we will go to Latvia, the Baltics, the Livonia [championship], and maybe we will go to the Drift Master competition or Russia. There is also the FIA continental world championship stage, which will take place in Latvia, so we will see where our eyes aim, there too let's go," admitted Nikolass.
Being very active on social networks can attract the attention of followers and sponsors. The athlete has several supporters and expects something new and interesting in cooperation. Similar to the last name he got in motorsport.
“'Nik Nak' is the nickname [US drifter] Chris Forsberg gave me when he came to Riga to participate in the HGK drift challenge. He drove my car, then said he remembered a boy from a movie who was nicknamed Nicknak. That boy reminds him of me, so everything went like that, it stuck and here I am," admits Nikolass.
Nikolass Bertans wishes the drifters a lot of tires in the new year, so that the cars don't break and, of course, that everything succeeds.
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The video is available here.