One week on: First days of action at Kerry’s newest motorsport venue – event report and dozens of photos

First day of action at Kerry’s newest motorsport venue – event report and dozens of photos

The Irish Drift Championship’s Round 4 roared into life at the newly revamped 360 Motorsports Park in Kilflynn, County Kerry, on a sun-soaked weekend.

Saturday saw 64 drivers competing in the pro 2 class vying for a pro license for the next season. The top three finishers were: Jason McInerney, Declan Byrne and John Hickey.

 Sunday brought together 34 of Ireland’s top professional drift drivers, setting the stage for a day filled with high-octane action and intense competition.

The weather gods smiled upon the event, blessing spectators and participants alike with hot and sunny conditions, creating the perfect backdrop for the drift showdown that was about to unfold.

In the semi-finals, the tension was palpable as Cork’s own Conor Shanahan, the European championship leader, faced off against Alan Loughlen from Galway. Unfortunately, Conor Shanahan’s day took an unexpected turn when a mechanical issue with his gearbox forced him out of contention, leaving the crowd in suspense. On the other side of the bracket, Thomas Kiely and Thomas Falvey clashed in a gripping semi-final battle, with Falvey emerging victorious and securing his spot in the final.

As the dust settled and anticipation reached its peak, the final showdown was set. Alan Loughlen, who had displayed remarkable skill throughout the competition, went head-to-head with Thomas Falvey in a duel that would determine the Round 4 champion.

The final battle had its share of twists and turns. However, the decisive moment came when Thomas Falvey made a crucial mistake, straightening his car and incurring a score penalty. This proved to be the turning point, giving Alan Loughlen the advantage he needed to secure the victory and claim the top spot on the podium.

With a capacity crowd of enthusiastic spectators in attendance, the atmosphere was electric throughout the event. Fans witnessed exceptional driving talent and cheered on their favorite drivers, making Round 4 of the Irish Drift Championship a resounding success.

The Irish Drift Championship organizers express their gratitude to the drivers, sponsors, and the passionate drift community for making this event unforgettable. The competition’s success is a testament to the dedication and skill of the participants and the unwavering support of the fans.

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