Driver Spotlight - Eddie Power

We got to catch up with the golden voice of the Irish Drift Championships, Eddie Power, Petrol head, pilot and the voice of the action, Eddie’s got an appreciation for the art of drifting like no other. We got to meet the man behind the wheel, this is Eddie Power.

What’s your earliest car related memory?

-  I was obsessed with cars from an early age and like most kids who were into cars I spent as much time as I could get away with playing Gran Turismo and Colin McRae Rally on the PlayStation until Need for Speed came along and I got my first taste of Japanese car culture. But when I was 12 I managed to convince my dad to buy me a go kart and take me racing. It was a twin engine pro kart capable of about 65-70kph. It was Jordan Honda yellow with buzzing hornets graphics, which might explain how I choose the colour for my drift car 

Why is drifting important to you?

- Drifting has a strange way of taking over your life and it’s  been a huge part of my life for over a decade now. I’ve been lucky enough to have a front row seat for some of the biggest moments in the sports history here in Ireland and I’ve had some great international adventures too. But the most important part of it for me is definitely the incredible people I’ve met over the years and amazing friends I’ve made. 

Eddie competing in Irish Drift Championship credit - Ken Casey @_zen_media_

How did you get into commentating?

- So back when Dave Egan started commentating, I used to go along to the events and help him with commentary notes. After a couple of years of that, Dave decided to compete in the Pro Am class in IDC which left an opening for a commentator. The guy that was supposed to take over didn’t show and I was asked if I’d do it. I gave it my best shot and the rest as they say is history.

How do you see the sport growing in the next few years?

- 2024 was definitely the most competitive season in the last 5 years for the IDC. The new era is most certainly here and the talent coming through the ranks is something to be very excited about. Drift Masters also had its most competitive championship to date and Lauri Heinonen winning was just what the sport needed. There’s so much to be positive about in drifting and there is such potential for it to keep growing at a rapid rate but I think one of the biggest threats to the sport is the online negativity that follows almost every event. It’s seems more and more challenging to run drift events every year so I say let’s enjoy the sport we have while we still can.

Do you think your commentating experience gives you an advantage on the track as you have a great view of the other drivers styles? 

- Being in the tower definitely gives me some advantages, I certainly think I have a good insight to what the judges are looking for but that only goes so far. I still have a lot to learn as a driver and the level of talent in Ireland is so high that you can’t be complacent.

What was your highlight of IDC this season?

- Obviously getting to compete for the first time was a huge moment for me in 2024. But the Pro final in Watergrasshill between Alan Hynes and Harry Kerr was a showstopper.

Eddie when he’s not in the commentator box - credit Martin Bowden @bowdenphotos

When you’re not in the with cars I know you’re on bikes, what’s your favourite motorbike you’ve had so far?

- I have a real soft spot for older race bikes, I used to drool over them as a kid. I think the 90s was just the pinnacle of cool for Japanese cars and bikes so it’s nice to have my own little bits of history. My zxr 400 is probably my favourite one I’ve owned, it was pretty rough when I bought it so I restored it as best I could and now it looks as good as it goes.

If you had to choose between drifting and biking for the rest of your life, what would win?

-  That’s actually a tough one but I don’t think my back would hold up on bikes for the rest of my life.

What can we except to see in the 2025 season from you?

-  Lots more driving, qualifying at an IDC event (maybe even winning a battle) and talking smack in the tower with my good buddy Mikey Fitz.

What’s your best/worst joke?

Q: What do you call a magic dog?

A: A Labracadabrador