Deane dominates having also topped qualifying and won the qualifying showdown.
June 16, 2024
Irish driver James Deane used his expert knowledge of Mondello Park to claim an unlikely victory at the second stop of the 2024 Drift Masters season.
– After Estonia’s Kevin Pesur triumphed in the opening round of the new season in Spain last month, it was Deane’s turn to impress as the wildcard topped qualifying and won the qualifying showdown on Saturday.
– The Irishman would then take down an incredible array of drivers on Sunday, overcoming Sweden’s Pontus Hartman, Hungary’s Kevin Piskolty, fellow Irishman Jack Shanahan and Finnish legend Juha Rintanen.
– That secured a place in the final battle against another Irishman in Duane McKeever, who had also impressed all weekend. Unfortunately, McKeever suffered a gearbox malfunction and the crowd was denied what would have undoubtedly been a thrilling finale.
– While Deane rightfully took the plaudits for his victory, it was also a memorable day for Orjan Nilsen who achieved his first-ever Drift Masters podium finish. The Norwegian has been on the scene for a number of years but finally had reason to celebrate after beating Rintanen in the play-off battle.
After two thrilling rounds of the championship, attention now turns to Round 3 which will take place at Power Park Huvivaltio, Alahärmä, Finland on July 5-6.
2024 Drift Masters Championship Standings (After 2 of 6 rounds)
Lauri Heinonen (FIN) – 136 points
Duane McKeever (IRL) – 123
Kevin Pesur (EST) – 116
Orjan Nilsen (NOR) – 114
James Deane (IRL) – 112
