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February 06, 2024 5 min read

Saxon Moyes from the Gold Coast, Queensland Australia is one of the best drivers in Australia and southern hemisphere. At just 22 years old (born July 9th, 2003), Saxon has already taken top step in two of the largest drift competitions in the country, he is a rising star in the drifting world and already very well known in the scene. Getting 1st Place at the International Drifting Cup hosted by World Time Attack (youngest winner to date) and 1st Overall at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 Pro Drift Slam, he is no stranger to the podium. Even beating drifting champions such as Daigo Saito in the final at Drift Fest International. Saxon is someone who is only going upwards from here and hands down one of Australia’s best. 

"I love to help people and see them achieve their goals. I work in the disability/troubled kids scene outside of cars and getting these kids life back on track or getting them more independent is something I love to see"

About Saxon and his team

We are thrilled to announce that we are sponsoring the talented 22 Year old from Gold Coast, Saxon Moyes.

Saxon, who is part of the SMR team, is a rising star in the racing world and lives by his motto "smooth is fast" He is a perfect fit for the Hardtuned brand and we can't wait to see him take on the competition this season.

His weapon of choice is his highly modified Toyota GT86, powered by an impressive 1000 horsepower 2JZ. This car has been built to drift. Behind the 2J is a Samsonas 6-speed sequential with a Winters quick change differential letting him change his diff gears as quickly as his tyres!

Tech wise, Saxon is running an Emtrom KV8 ECU with a Motec dash.

The exterior has been upgraded with a Rocket Bunny body kit and a set of Rotiform 3P wheels, giving the car a sleek and aggressive look. The Wisefab lock kit and MCA coilovers ensure that the car handles anything the track throws at him. The car is putting the 1000hp to the ground with Zestino Tyres.


We can't wait to see Saxon take this beast to its limits and show the racing world what he and the Hardtuned brand are capable of. Stay tuned for updates on Saxon's performance throughout the season!

An insight into Saxons personal life

Here at Hardtuned, we love to get to know our athletes on a personal level - so we thought we would dive a little deeper and find out some interesting facts about Saxon!


How / What made you get into motorsport?

When I was around 11 years old, my neighbour at the time did karting. We used to ride quad bikes together every afternoon after school for years and I would see his kart and I convinced my parents to get me one. Probably the worst financial idea they ever made but hey, it’s definitely been a crazy ride!


What was your first race car?

First race car of mine after finishing up karting was an old BMW E36 318IS, my dad and I built this car and only did handling/safety modifications too it. I did local Super Sprints and Hill Climbs in the car and it taught me how to get the most out of a car, be smooth, consistent and keep my momentum up as it had no power.


What is your favourite Circuit?

For drifting, it would have to be Eastern Creek down in Sydney. The amount of speed you carry while drifting is unmatched to any other track I’ve driven on in Australia and the quality of the track is amazing. From the actual track condition, grass, lights, cafetière, buildings and even the toilets are a great example for any race track.


Is there any drivers you look up to (and why)?

Naoki Nakamura, since I was about 11 years old, I used to watch tons and tons of videos from Japan, mainly off Naoki. I loved to study the art of drifting and learn all the different driving styles and car styles. Naoki’s driving style is so aggressive and unique and he makes it work in any power level. I am extremely excited to be versing him later this year at the International Drifting Cup in 2025.


Most memorable Battle?

Top 4 battle versing Masashi Yokoi from MCR Factory in the International Drifting Cup 2024. Coming into the first corner at 200km/h, Yakoi was leading, I was behind then out of nowhere his bonnet came up and flew into 2 pieces and blocked Yakoi’s vision and the other half narrowly missed my car and we continued to finish our battle. This was on our “One More Time” battle as they couldn’t pick a winner out of the first run we had.


What have been the highlights of your career?

Winning the Boost Mobile Pro Drift Slam in 2024. This event was insane, nearly 200,000 people watching in person over the weekend and millions watching on live TV. Drifting through Surfers Paradise, the beach, fireworks, enthusiastic fans, good drivers and cars, what else do you want from a drift event? This event was huge and was such a huge event to attend.


Favourite Driving Technique?

Aggresive but smooth? It’s hard to put into words, but I love being aggressive to my angle and snap to peoples doors. Timing my transitions and really pushing the lead driver. When leading, I try to get a mix of aggressive and smoothness depending on the judging criteria for the event. Being consistent is also one of my major strengths. .


Hobbies outside of racing?

I love to help people and see them achieve their goals. I work in the NDIS disability/troubled kids scene outside of cars and getting these kids life back on track or getting them more independent is something I love to see.


Favourite Food?

Ramen, hands down, no over words needed.


Favourite Drink?

Soju, for sure!

Your Dream Street Car?

Being able to drive my comp car on the street and not worry about police. I’m very fortunate having a couple streetcars alongside my competition car. One of my favourites is my JZX90 Mkii. Powered by a 1JZ making 550hp, it is the ultimate street weapon. .


Any Driving Tips you can give us?

If you’re just starting out, seat time is the best thing you can do. Just get as much as you can. Then once you know what you are doing, watch as many videos or read as much on drifting from all around the world. Every country has a different driving style! Start to make up a catalog in your mind so when you’re out on track you can try to implement and master these techniques.

Another one is style, make sure you do what you love and not what everyone else does. Be different and unique. Style in my opinion is a huge factor in drifting, from the way you drive to how the way your car looks. Again, watch videos/read articles from all around the world from all the different times.


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