For two decades, Team Japspeed has been at the heart of British drifting. From humble beginnings in 2006 to championship-winning campaigns, internationally recognised drift cars and appearances at some of the world’s biggest automotive events, the team has built a legacy that continues to inspire enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
The Beginning: 2006–2010
The Team Japspeed story began in 2006 when Shane Lynch and Danny Eyles took the team’s first steps into the UK drift scene. Just one year later, the team was already making headlines by competing in the European Drift Championship, winning the Team Event at Knockhill and welcoming Paul Smith to the driver line-up.
In 2008, disaster struck when both competition cars were destroyed in a major crash at Silverstone. Rather than slowing the team down, it became the catalyst for the next chapter as purpose-built drift cars were developed.
That decision paid dividends in 2009. Steve “Baggsy” Biagioni joined Team Japspeed as the now-iconic Nissan Silvia S15s arrived. The team celebrated its biggest season yet by claiming the British Drift Championship Pro title, British Open success and welcoming Maxxis as title sponsor.
The following year saw the unveiling of the legendary Team Japspeed Subaru. Instantly recognisable, it quickly established itself as one of Europe’s most iconic drift cars and became synonymous with the team for years to come.
Find out more about Japspeed’s performance range here.
Building a Championship Legacy: 2011–2015
Momentum continued into one of the most successful periods in Team Japspeed history.
In 2011, the team secured the British Drift Championship Constructors Title, welcomed Shane O’Sullivan and entertained thousands of fans at both Top Gear Live and CarFest. The season also featured one of the team’s most memorable moments when the Subaru was stolen from Santa Pod before being recovered following a nationwide social media campaign that captured headlines across the UK.
Success continued in 2012 as Paul “Smokey” Smith became British Drift Championship Super Pro Champion in his Nissan Silvia S15. Team Japspeed retained the Constructors Championship and added victory at the prestigious Team Triple Drift event.
By 2013, Team Japspeed had firmly established an international reputation. Formula Drift star Ryan Tuerck joined the team for Lydden Hill while the fearsome 2JZ-powered Lexus IS made its debut. Appearances at Trax and CarFest helped introduce the Japspeed name to an even wider audience.
Championship success returned in 2014 when Shane O’Sullivan claimed the British Drift Championship Super Pro title and Team Japspeed secured another Constructors Championship. Danny Eyles also returned behind the wheel of the iconic Subaru as the team represented the UK at the Top Gear Barbados Festival.
In 2015, Ryan Tuerck returned for the legendary Global Warfare event, reinforcing Team Japspeed’s growing international recognition.
A New Generation: 2016–2019
As drifting evolved, so did Team Japspeed.
The iconic Subaru was retired in 2016 as Matt Carter joined with his Nissan Skyline R32 and Luke Woodham took over driving duties in the Lexus. The team also continued its popular demonstrations at CarFest.
Another championship arrived in 2017 when Matt Carter became British Drift Championship Pro Champion. Paul Smith unveiled his JZ-powered Toyota GT86, while the striking Sharpie-liveried Nissan 370Z became a viral sensation among drift fans worldwide.
Team Japspeed’s success continued throughout 2018. Matt Denham joined the team, Shane O’Sullivan revealed his distinctive Pixel livery and the Constructors Championship returned once again. Matt Carter represented Team Japspeed in both Drift Masters and Red Bull Drift Shifters, while Ant Thompson flew the flag in Drift Cup.
In 2019, Paul Smith competed in the highly competitive Drift Masters European Championship as Rob Black, Ant Thompson and Matt Denham continued to strengthen the team’s presence across UK drifting. CarFest once again gave thousands of spectators their first taste of the sport.
Resilience, Evolution and the Future: 2020–2026
Like motorsport across the world, Team Japspeed faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic in 2020. Despite this, Paul Smith represented the team at Goodwood Driftkhana alongside some of drifting’s biggest international names.
As events returned, Team Japspeed continued competing, demonstrating and creating content at Drift Kings, Japfest, Drift Matsuri, CarFest and countless other events, ensuring the Japspeed name remained firmly at the centre of UK drifting.
A major milestone arrived in 2025 with the return of the legendary Subaru. Reborn with an all-new supercharged LS powerplant and driven by Shane Lynch, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Shane O’Sullivan also returned behind the wheel at Drift Matsuri, bringing together familiar faces from throughout the team’s incredible history.
Now, in 2026, Team Japspeed proudly celebrates 20 years of unforgettable drifting. With Paul “Smokey” Smith back behind the wheel at major events, the story continues to evolve.
The Legendary Team Japspeed Subaru
Few drift cars have achieved legendary status quite like the Team Japspeed Subaru.
Driven over the years by Steve “Baggsy” Biagioni, Brett Castle, Danny Eyles and Shane Lynch, the Subaru became one of the most recognisable drift cars in Europe. It collected podiums, thrilled crowds and survived one of the most dramatic moments in Team Japspeed history when it was stolen in 2011 before being recovered through the support of the drifting community.
Its return in 2025 symbolised everything Team Japspeed represents: resilience, innovation and an unwavering passion for drifting.
Meet the Drivers Behind Team Japspeed
Over the last 20 years, Team Japspeed has been represented by some of the biggest names in British and international drifting. From championship-winning professionals to long-serving team members and guest appearances from Formula Drift stars, every driver has helped shape the team’s incredible legacy.
Shane Lynch (2006–Present)
One of Team Japspeed’s founding drivers, Shane Lynch has represented the team since its very first season in 2006. Across nearly two decades, he has competed at the highest level of British drifting while becoming one of the most recognisable faces associated with the Japspeed brand.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed driver since 2006
- Team Event winner at Knockhill (2007)
- Multiple British Drift Championship podium finishes
- Contributed to multiple Constructors Championship victories
- Demonstration appearances at Drift Matsuri
- Demonstration appearances at Autosport International
- Returned in 2025 behind the wheel of the reborn supercharged Team Japspeed Subaru, marking one of the biggest moments in the team’s recent history.
Danny Eyles (2006–2014)
As one of the original Team Japspeed drivers, Danny Eyles played a major role in establishing the team during its formative years. His consistency and competitive performances helped build the team’s reputation throughout the UK and Europe.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed driver from 2006–2014
- Knockhill Team Event winner (2007)
- 17 consecutive podium finishes between 2009–2010
- Multiple British Drift Championship round victories
- Returned in 2014 to drive the iconic Team Japspeed Subaru
- Competed extensively across the UK and Europe.
Anthony Cahill (2008–2011)
Anthony Cahill represented Team Japspeed during the team’s early championship-winning years and competed across Britain and Europe.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed driver 2008–2011
- Competed in the British Drift Championship (2008–2010)
- Consistent podium finisher across UK and European events
- Represented Team Japspeed at circuits throughout Britain and mainland Europe
- One of the team’s longest-serving early drivers.
Paul "Smokey" Smith (2007–Present)
Few drivers are as closely associated with Team Japspeed as Paul “Smokey” Smith. Joining in 2007, he has become one of the team’s longest-serving and most successful drivers, contributing to championship-winning seasons while continuing to represent Japspeed at major events today.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed driver since 2007
- British Drift Championship Super Pro Champion (2012)
- Multiple Maxxis BDC round victories
- Multiple Constructors Championship-winning campaigns
- Consistent podium finisher throughout the UK and Europe
- Drift Masters European Championship competitor
- Goodwood Driftkhana participant
- Returned to major events during the team’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
Steve "Baggsy" Biagioni (2009–2013)
Steve “Baggsy” Biagioni became one of Team Japspeed’s most successful and influential drivers, helping establish both the team and the legendary Subaru as icons within European drifting.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed driver 2009–2013
- British Drift Championship Pro Champion (2009)
- Multiple British Drift Championship podiums
- Key contributor to the 2009 Constructors Championship
- Instrumental in cementing the reputation of the Team Japspeed Subaru.
Brett Castle (2013–2014)
Brett Castle continued the Subaru’s competitive legacy, driving both the Subaru and Lexus IS while representing Team Japspeed across Britain and Europe.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed driver 2013–2014
- Competed in the British Drift Championship
- Drove both the Team Japspeed Subaru and Lexus IS200
- Demonstrated at Autosport International (2014)
- Competed at Drift Matsuri (2014).
Ryan Tuerck (2013 & 2015)
Formula Drift superstar Ryan Tuerck joined Team Japspeed for two unforgettable appearances, bringing international attention to the team.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed appearances in 2013 and 2015
- Competed at Lydden Hill BDC round (2013)
- Returned for Global Warfare (2015)
- Helped strengthen Team Japspeed’s international profile.
Shane O'Sullivan (2011–Present)
Joining Team Japspeed in 2011, Shane O’Sullivan quickly became one of the team’s most decorated drivers, delivering championship success and consistently competing at the highest level.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed driver since 2011
- British Drift Championship Super Pro Champion (2014)
- Third place in IDC (2016)
- Contributed to Constructors Championships in 2012 and 2014
- Consistent podium finisher across UK and European competition
- Returned to Team Japspeed during the 20-year celebrations.
Matt Carter (2016–2019)
Matt Carter ushered in a new era for Team Japspeed, bringing championship success with the Nissan Skyline R32 and competing internationally.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed driver 2016–2019
- British Drift Championship Champion (2017)
- Drift Kings Champion (2016 & 2017)
- Helped secure the 2018 Constructors Championship
- Final Four finisher in Drift Masters GP (2018)
- Multiple CarFest and Autosport International appearances.
Matt Denham (2018–2023)
Matt Denham strengthened Team Japspeed’s competitive line-up throughout five seasons, competing across several major UK drift championships.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed driver 2018–2023
- Major contributor to the 2018 Constructors Championship
- Podium finishes in UKDC and MSUK Drift Pro (2021)
- Competed at Trax Silverstone
- Regular CarFest demonstrations
- Represented Team Japspeed throughout the UK and Europe.
Ant Thompson (2010–Present)
Although widely recognised as Team Japspeed’s lead mechanic, Ant Thompson has also become an accomplished driver and a familiar face at demonstrations and competitions.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed member since 2010
- Lead mechanic and third longest-serving team member
- Drift Cup competitor (2018)
- Regular Drift Matsuri driver (2019–Present)
- Demonstrated at Autosport International (2019 & 2020)
- CarFest demonstration driver (2019–Present).
Rob Black (2019–Present)
Rob Black has become one of Team Japspeed’s modern competitors, representing the team across Drift Cup and exhibition events.
Highlights
- Team Japspeed driver since 2019
- Runner-up in his debut Drift Cup season (2019)
- Major contributor to the 2021 UKDC Constructors Championship
- Regular appearances at Drift Matsuri
- CarFest demonstration driver since 2019.
Looking Ahead
Twenty years of Team Japspeed represents far more than trophies and championship titles. It is a story built by talented drivers, dedicated mechanics, valued partners, loyal sponsors and an incredible community of fans who have supported the team every step of the way.
From Shane Lynch and Danny Eyles laying the foundations in 2006, through championship-winning drivers including Steve “Baggsy” Biagioni, Paul “Smokey” Smith, Shane O’Sullivan, Matt Carter and many others, to the next generation carrying the torch forward, Team Japspeed continues to shape the future of British drifting.
The tyre smoke hasn’t settled yet – and the best may still be to come.
Celebrate 20 years of Team Japspeed by exploring the latest performance parts, motorsport-inspired products and JDM upgrades below.
