Driver Spotlight - Alex Butler

From Le Mans to Mondello, Alex Butler has been behind the wheel since he was 5 years old. A tough season of ups and downs for this young man, we got to catch up with him about his karting career and how he ended up competing in the Irish Drift Championship.

Alex had a trying season, facing mechanical failure at round 5 in 360 Motorsports park. With a little help from Tom Murphy and his newly built Altezza, Alex jumped at the chance to keep his championship dreams alive. Although he made it to the top32, the 2024 season didn’t pan out exactly how he had planned.

Alex came second place overall in the Irish Drift Championship 2024 Pro 2 Junior category after all the bumps in the road. We got to catch up with Alex and talk about his love of karting and what he plans for the 2025 season.

Alex Butler celebrating top spot of the podium with Colin O Sullivan - Credit Martin Bowden @bowdenphotos

Tell me about your karting experience?

I’ve been karting since I’m 5 years old up to 13 years old. Some of the tracks we used to drive were Whiteriver, Athboy, Nuts corner and Watergrasshill. Me and my Dad went to France in 2022, I was one of 6 lads that represented Ireland in the Le Mans World Final.

There was 109 drivers competing, I qualified into top 32 in the A final and finished up in 19th position. it was tough but I really enjoyed it. I had a 318 BMW that I used to practice in then we started taking it to Carbury for slab days. My first time on track was a beginner day at 360 and that was it then.

Alex in his karting days - photo credit - Marc Quinlan Photography - Photo provided by Alex

What do you see yourself doing when you’re older? 

I would like to drift professionally, that would be the dream! But think i’d like to go into plumbing maybe. 

Tell me about the bikes you ride?  Why do you have that particular make? 

A few of my mates have a surron too so we go around the fields together, just have the craic 

What was your highlight of IDC this year?

My highlight was definitely qualifying into the pros in round 4 Bishopscourt 

Any plans for the car for next season?

yea to get it back running again! we had massive trouble for the final round everything just went wrong for some reason. we just parked it in the garage & closed the door

If there was no budget, what would be your dream built car? 

dream car would be S15 2J

@abutler_drifting_e46