When was the track built?

Ferropolis was not originally built for racing. The site formed part of the Golpa-Nord open-cast coal mine, where extraction began in 1964 and continued until 1991.

After mining ended, the area was transformed into the City of Iron, an industrial museum and events venue. Five enormous mining machines were preserved around an arena on a peninsula in Lake Gremmin.

When did motorsport begin?

The first Iron Drift King was held in August 2018. One hundred drivers competed across two classes during the opening event.

Drift Masters joined the following year, bringing leading European drivers and highly developed competition cars to the unusual industrial setting.

What's the circuit like?

• Temporary layout: The course is built inside the arena before the event and removed afterwards.
• Fast entry: Drivers approach the opening corner at around 130 km/h before deliberately making the rear tyres lose grip.
• Close concrete walls: Several clipping zones sit beside solid barriers, rewarding accuracy but leaving little space for mistakes.
• Heavy tyre smoke: Following drivers may struggle to see the course while chasing closely behind another car.

How does the competition work?

• Qualifying: Drivers complete individual runs and are judged on their line, angle, speed and overall commitment.
• Tandem battles: Two cars run together, with one leading and the other attempting to copy its movements at close range.
• Clipping zones: These marked areas show where the front or rear of the car should pass during the run.
• No lap record: Drifting is decided by judges rather than the shortest time, so Ferropolis has an entry-speed record instead.

What's the main event?

Iron Drift King is Ferropolis's signature motorsport weekend. It combines professional drift competition with car displays, exhibitions, music, camping and access to the team area.

Some of the most important battles take place after sunset, when lighting across the excavators turns the arena into a dramatic night-time stadium.

Why go?

Few motorsport venues have a backdrop like Ferropolis. The enormous mining machines tower over the cars, while the enclosed arena makes the engines and tyre noise feel especially intense.

The short course is also easy for newcomers to follow. Each run lasts only a short time, and spectators can quickly understand which drivers are faster, closer to the walls and more accurate.

Where's the best place to watch?

• Central arena stands: Best for seeing most of the course and following complete tandem battles.
• Entry section: Good for watching drivers begin the slide at high speed beside the concrete wall.
• North Corner: A strong position for seeing the following car close the distance to the leader.
• Wall Ride: Best for dramatic near-wall driving, rapid transitions and heavy tyre smoke.
• Pit area: Useful for viewing the cars, teams and repair work between competition sessions.