One of the biggest drift events of 2016 took place at Mondello Park last weekend. Throughout the history of the Irish Drift Championship a number of international superstars have arisen to challenge the Irish 12 year undefeated streak on home soil but never before have drivers from 14 countries descended on Mondello Park to try and take the title. This was undoubtedly the highest-profile and most significant drift event ever held in Ireland.

Representing Team Japspeed Shane ‘Sully’ O’Sullivan headed to Mondello Park with the Japspeed RB25-powered Nissan S15 alongside Matt ‘doorhunter’ Carter making the journey with his Japspeed R32 Nissan Skyline.

An early start on Saturday saw Shane and Matt giving their cars a good shake-down; pushing harder and harder with each consecutive practice run…despite the typical wet Irish weather and even in practice both drivers were out to show they meant business with no quarter given in mock battles throughout the session.

With both cars running faultlessly Shane, Matt and the team were confident of a strong performance the following day.

Sunday morning and a welcome break in the weather saw qualifying take place on a circuit which became increasingly dryer as the day progressed. A couple of quick changes to the cars setup, allowed both drivers to put in strong performances. Fighting off fierce competition both Shane and Matt qualified respectably in 5^th and 10^th positions.

Heading into the first round of battles Matt Carter came face to face with Dennis Haggblom for his top 32 battle. Both drivers clearly out to prove themselves amongst such an expansive grid of international drivers which made for an impressive spectacle for the gathered crowd. However Matt kept his cool and applied the pressure on his chase run which ultimately secured him a place in the top 16.

Meanwhile Shane O’Sullivan found himself matched with Michael Meegan for his top 32. Both Shane and Michael are very familiar with Mondello Park which gave them great confidence in a no holds barred battle of angle and proximity. A close call for the judges but one which swayed in Shane’s favour earning him the place in the top 16 alongside his teammate.

First of the top 16 battles saw Matt up against Andrius Vasiliauska at the wheel of his 1000bhp+ BMW E46 M3. A car on everyone’s radar; Matt had his work cut-out with such a fierce competitor. Despite a difference in power Matt gave his all and successfully held his own against the turbocharged M3. A series of spectacular lead / chase runs saw both drivers fill the air of Mondello with clouds of tyre smoke. Unfortunately for Matt; Andrius took the advantage and the place in the top 8 putting an end to Matt’s weekend.

Heading into his top 16 battle, Shane O’Sullivan headed out onto the circuit against Fredrik Oksnevad.  A spectacular battle to say the least, both drivers put in an impressive performance to the awe of the gathered spectators. A strong international competitor Fredrik showed he was taking no prisoners and a close call from the judges put an end to Shane’s charge for the podium.

Everyone at Team Japspeed would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jack Shanahan, James Deane and Andrius Vasiliauska on taking the podium.

We’ll be back in action on 16^th-17^th July for British Drift Championship Round 3 at Teesside Autodrome. See you there!