You often hear of famous people getting involved in motorsport. But for Shane Lynch it was the other way around. It might sound a bit cliché, but he’s a petrol head first, and a pop star second. He could be racing Porsches at racetracks around the world, but instead he’s chosen to learn the art of drifting. Here’s what cars flick Shane’s switch, and some that don’t as well!
Ben Chandler: What was your first car?
Shane Lynch: I had a Mk1 Golf GTi. It lasted about 2 months!
Ben: What was next?
Shane: Then I got my hands on an AE86 Corolla. It was the first to land in Ireland. Up until recently I still owned the car.
How long did you have it for?
[Shane gets his human abacus out and starts counting the years on his fingers] 11-years!
So you must have loved that car, then?
Yeah, definitely. I’ve had all sorts over the years! Porsches and Ferraris would get the cold shoulder for the little AE86.
That’s crazy. So that must have been up there with the best cars you’ve owned. But what was the worst?
[thinking] I had this Jaguar X-Type. There was nothing wrong with it. In fact it was lovely. But it was just so boring… and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree! My old Ford Transit van should really be classed as the worst thing I’ve owned, but actually it was great. I drove that thing everywhere. Even took my wife out in it on our first date!
Going back to the 80s now. A-Team, KnightRider or Airwolf. Which is your favourite?
I’m a massive fan of the new series of KnightRider. Man, I’d be jumping around the room like I was a kid back in the 80s!
Shane, you’re nuts. So, if you could choose a car to drift. Any car. What would it be?
The new Bugatti 4 door!
The Galibier?
Yeah, that’s the one.
Are you insane?
Nah, a set of tyres cost around twenty grand! [laughs] Can you imagine what it would be like drifting one in the BDC?
So what’s the deal with drifting. Why are you so into it?
Well it’s a show offs game. And I’m a bit of show off, really! [laughing] It’s more than that though. The sport of drifting is a massive challenge and I’m constantly learning. Plus there’s the camaraderie that you just don’t get in the Porsche racing game. Plus, when you see two drivers at the top of their game in a battle, it’s a beautiful thing to watch.
Thanks for your time Shane. It’s been cool talking with you.
If you want to see Shane Lynch competing in his Japspeed S15, then head along to Norfolk Arena for Round Two of The British Drift Championship this weekend.
