Competitors in the Drift Masters European Championship (DMEC), or any other drifting series for that matter, aren’t used to putting everything on the line for a single event. But thanks to the current pandemic, that’s exactly what they had to do at a ‘live or die’ showcase at one of the most fearsome drift courses in the world. One event, and only one driver could be crowned King.
That sounds heroic, I know, but I’m seriously pumped after the event in Riga, Latvia over the weekend. It felt so good to have my face pelted by shredded tire rubber again.
Above the tactile experience, I felt a very different comradery at the track. Everyone was really happy to see each other. I’m known for my high introversion, but even I was making new friends and talking ears off with mates I haven’t seen for a whole year or longer. Our very own Jordan Butters was on the media duty as well, and he’ll be bringing you a story that delves into some of the new features that DMEC came out with this year.
It seems surreal, but here were are, only four paychecks away from Christmas 2020 and living out the new normal. In the current climate, motorsport is predominantly experienced through a screen, and many competitions have been canceled altogether. The last racing event to be featured on Speedhunters was in March.
Most European drift series organizers are now looking forward to the 2021 season, but before writing this year off completely, they made one last stand with a one-off event.
Latvia and its famous Biķernieki circuit were chosen as an ideal location for the showcase. This Soviet-era track, with its high speed and full-throttle transitions was the perfect proving ground for the drivers – more than 40 of Europe’s best, all of whom had government approval to enter the country without having to spend two weeks in quarantine, provided they tested negative for COVID-19.
James Deane, Jack and Connor Shanahan, last year’s winner Martin Richards, and Polish heavyweights Piotr Więcek, Adam Zalewski and Grzegorz Hypki were ready to battle in front of a sold-out audience, albeit one limited in numbers. In total, 15 countries were represented.
By the end of qualifying, the top three spots were occupied by Więcek, Deane, and Jack Shanahan respectively.
As the battles unfolded, there were crashes, fire, and other misfortune. Piotr and James dominantly battled their sides of the tournament table and met in the final, while Jack Shanahan took the win over Adam Zalewski, who had a nasty de-beaded tire and ended his day before a proper go at a potential third spot.
The European fans witnessed a truly FD-style tandem performed by two of the best, ‘Candyman’ and ‘The Machine’. From where I was standing, it felt that both runs were close to identical, but the judges did spot a slight error in Piotr’s chase run. James Deane was named the King of Riga.
I can honestly say that no one was holding back at this event; after such a long hiatus, everyone was pushing to the limit, resulting in an amazing spectacle.
With such a strong showing in Riga, all eyes are now on the delayed Formula Drift championship, which kicks off in just a few weeks’ time. For the sake of the sport – and its fans – hopefully FD can rise up in these challenging times and put on a season opener just as exciting as what we witnessed in Latvia this weekend.
Vladimir Ljadov
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Great review!
It was good to have you in Riga
I think this was the best drift event I wasn't at; the livestream was incredible with practically no downtime between runs (save for the track getting oiled). Really, really impressive.
Great coverage! Great to see events again.
Just one question. Were there no restrictions when it comes to spectators? The stands seem almost full to me and thats a rare thing these days.
There were restrictions. At first, they were limited to 1000 spectators (then I think they sold a bit more tickets) while the grandstands could fit 3500 if I'm not mistaking, but people are people and they cramped in together to have the best view.
I see..Well thats one way of ruining potential future events but lets hope it doesn't come to that.
there was 1000 max in stands, yes, even in Latvia, today have 0 cases, and we take all this seriously, the same as in paddock all red countries made tests, and all was as it need to be based on law, so our priority are everyone safety
we have all under control our even more, grandstand was not full, maybe just one side, basically there was just half of people there, what can be, we had million signs, all under law, we even had policie check up and all was ok, so believe it our not, grandstand wasn't full, and when you even check pictures from tribune all together not just one corner you see it very clear:) AND most importnat if others have whatever,we don’t we respect rules and all other things,and we respect other organizers! By the way in latvia in august there can be 3000spectators and we even didn’t had that,what our country allow:) so we dont all by rules
I see. It's awesome that you can have so many people in the stands! I hope everyone was healthy that attended
Wow what a show , some of the best door to door driving i think iv ever seen !! Top photos too thanks for sharing , keep up the good work .