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GOING TO WAR[FARE] 4

July 2nd 2017 saw the epic collision of two major drift series; The British Drift Championship and Drift GP. Drivers from the Irish Drift Championship would come face to face with Drift GP to defend their undefeated streak on home soil at IDC favourite Mondello Park.

Still becoming accustomed to the new 2JZ engine conversion, coupled with the increase in competition from the 10+ European drivers each piloting impressive cars with serious power and ability it soon became clear the IDC ‘Dark Horse’ Shane ‘Sully’ O’Sullivan and the Japspeed.ie team would have their work cut out to claim the top spot.

Eager to earn seat time in the Japspeed S15 Shane wasted no time familiarising himself with the judges line – unfortunately in doing so encountered some minor technical gremlins however with the whole team pitching in the car was soon prepped and ready to smoke some Maxxis VR1s in Qualifying.

Confidence-boosted from a solid practice session; Shane gave his all in his first qualifying run, pushing the Japspeed S15 to the limit. Effort which clearly showed in an impressive single run score! Unfortunately in doing so Shane would inflict further pain on the Japspeed S15 in the form of a hub failing issue. Although a minor issue; one which would see Shane missing out on his 2nd qualifying run. Despite this all was not lost as Shane qualified 11th place overall – an impressive performance.

With an enormous grid of 54 qualified pro drivers Shane headed straight into the top 32 battles against IDC veteran Mike Fitz. Armed with his 500bhp 2JZ-powered RX7, Shane knew he would have to must all 600 horses from the Japspeed S15 to give him the edge.

Fantastic driving from both drivers however on Shane’s chase run Mike would misjudge his position on track which when entering the fastest corner left him with nowhere to go as Shane began to transition causing him to take evasive action. With the advantage in hand; a calculated chase run would see him through to the top 16.

Into the top 16 to face Barry Leonard at wheel of a 450bhp Nissan S14 SR2.2 would mean that although Shane might have the advantage in terms of power it wouldn’t be an easy victory. Both drivers gave their all, filling the Mondello air with mammoth clouds of tyre smoke and screaming engines. When the smoke cleared and the judges call made it would be Shane O’Sullivan heading into battle in the top 8.

Up against Gary Dunne piloting the Boss Motorsport S13; Shane gave his all to push for a spot in the semi-finals. With both drivers veterans of the Mondello circuit; the gathered spectators would be treated to impressive driving in every respect. With the competition gathering pace and a hard fought battle presented a difficult decision for the judges – a decision which saw Shane O’Sullivan into the top 4.

Coming into the semi-finals Shane came face to face with Jack Shanahan to compete for 3rd/4th place. Outmatching in power Shane knew he would have to gather his strength to push for the finals. Breaking from his so far successful line and pulling an extra gear on the last bend to try and gather some pace ahead of Jack would see Shane catch the dirt and drop out of the competition.

An incredible event; everyone at Team Japspeed would like to congratulate Duane McKeever, Tomas Kiely and Jack Shanahan for taking the podium at this event! We can’t wait for IDC Round 4!