Young Jack Shanahan from Killavullen beat off stiff competition at the weekend, as he took to the podium in Mondello Park having claimed first place in one of the most prestigious global drifting competitions.
The Global Warfare IDC (Irish Drift Championship) vs Drift Allstars event saw some of the best drivers from all over the world go head to head against Irish drivers as drifters from 16 different countries were all fighting for podium placements.
The Irish drivers came across very strongly. Jack claimed first place while his neighbour James Deane came second with Andrius Vasiliauskas from Lithuania third.
The victory was also very poignant for Jack who is leading the British championships, as it was his first IDC and Drift Allstars win, but also because he beat his mentor James Deane so that was ‘a bit surreal’, he says.
From when Jack first started drifting, James has been by his side giving him advice, tips and support.
“A lot of work went in before the event and we had been working tirelessly, but I did go into the event with a lot of confidence,” Jack told The Avondhu.
He added that even to be in the top four with some of the big names from the international drifting scene was amazing.
“I told myself at the start that I could do it and to win against James Deane was insane. He’s been looking out for me all the time.”
Jack is currently doing really well in the British Drift Championships and he said that he hopes this win will put a bit of fear in his competitors for the rounds ahead in Ireland and the UK.
Jack’s father John said that he was thrilled with the win.
“I was over the moon, it was very emotional for us and such a happy moment. It was a massive event to win, as it was one of the biggest drifting events in Europe,” he told The Avondhu.
For James Deane, who is currently in the top three in Poland and Ireland, the weekend’s drifting brought with it a bitter sweet moment.
“Having watched Jack from the start of his career, I can honestly say, while I’ll always be gunning for the top spot, there’s no one I was happier to see on that podium.
“It’s been a long time coming for Jack and he was driving incredibly all weekend. It was an amazing event, one of the best Europe has ever seen. It was an honour to be a part of it,” he told The Avondhu.
