IDC Round 5 - Pro
The smoke has settled since the final battles of the Irish Drift Championship 2024 and our new champion, Alan Hynes has emerged as top dog. For those who didn’t get to witness the epic event in 360 Motorsports park, here’s all the drama that unfolded.
A misty morning in 360 Motorsports Park greeted us as we arrived for the final round. This day is the pinnacle of the 2024 season and 6 months in the making. From the first day we kicked off at Mondello park to the last stand in 360 the 2024 Irish Drift Championship has been non stop, high octane entertainment.
Pro2 Champion Jacob Krzyszczak terrorising 360 Motorsports Park - Credit SJM Rallying
The crowds arrived at 360 motorsports park, the buzz of excitement for the trade village, Next Exit’s car show and the headline attraction, the first ever night fight for the final battles of the day. The spectators were going to be in for a real treat as this was the first time ever 360 would go dark. Practice began mid morning and our drivers went to work, the track was alive with the sounds of revving as smoke filled the air. If it was a time to send it like a savage, it was today.
The Galway based musician Brad Heidi got the crowd going before qualifying with his latest single ‘welcome to the jungle’. After an electric performance and everybody amped up, it was time to hit the tarmac and start sending. The qualifying laps were stellar, every driver present was making a stand for their place in the final round of the competition. The scores were high and the top 32 were selected, the day went by faster than a flash. The battles saw doors rubbed and a few mechanical mishaps along the way.
A man to be mentioned is driver Harry Kerr, who had more gumption than any other competitor. Due to an unfortunate mishap was sporting a lovely black cast he acquired after breaking a bone in his right wrist. Despite his injury, Harry was adamant in seeing out the competition as he held second place overall going into the final round. Harry was facing Paulius in the top 32, sadly, his chase lap was not meant to be as the injury hindered his run and he went straight. Harry’s quest for the championship ended there. With Harry out of the running, Alan Hynes was champion as the top point earner for the season.
Harry Kerr determined to compete despite his injury - credit Shift AM
As the sun set in the backdrop of Kilflynn, the top 8 were ready to begin again as the spotlights came on. Tomas Kiely faced off against Jack Caldwell. Tomas proved too much after his recent driftmasters endeavour for Jack, Tomas went through to the final four. Jack put up an amazing fight and his impressive season came to an end for the Pro2 junior champion.
Next saw Owen Magner take on the Pro2 champion Jacob Krzyszczak. The two drivers had displayed commendable skill throughout the 2024 season, this battle was going to be electric! Owen proved he wanted it more on the day as he pushed Jacob out of the competition. As the two drivers waited to hear the result, the crowd cheered as the lads had arms around each other's shoulders, Owen ending up on Jacob’s back at one point. It was Owen who was moving onto the final four in the end.
Darragh Spencer took on Davan Leahy in the 3rd battle of the great 8. The smoke was thick under the spotlights as the two drivers tore around the multi elevation track, both ravenously hungry for the next round of battles. In the end it was Darragh Spencer who advanced to the final four, furthering his hunt for a podium in the 2024 season.
The last of the great 8 saw competition leader Alan Hynes take on Paulius Juodisu of TH Components. Alan proceeded to smoke up the entire track and left Paulius behind him in his hunt for the top spot this year. Despite an admirable fight from Paulius, Alan hynes was the victor and was through to the final four.
Our final four drivers were ready, Owen Magner was taking on Tomas Kiely, and Alan Hynes was put against Darragh Spencer. The crowd was in high spirits as the battles ahead were going to be something unforgettable.
Owen Magner in the Pro 2 competition - Credit SJM Rallying
Owen Magner was ferocious against Tomas Kiely, the level of drifting displayed from the two drivers was phenomenal. Once the smoke had settled and the judges were ready to make their decision, it was Tomas Kiely who was to go through to the last battle of the 2024 Irish Drift Championship. Owen was still up for a podium as he continued to the playoff. His opponent, to be decided in the next battle.
Alan Hynes and Darragh Spencer took to the tarmac next, promising a top class performance. Alan was as consistent as he’s been all season, leaving no room for Darragh to get the edge on the competition. Alan was through to face Tomas, Darragh was set to take on Owen for the 3rd place play off.
Owen and Darragh’s battle was one for the books, they ripped around the track of 360 like two men on a mission. There was still a podium up for grabs and this was the last stand. It was so close in the end, so close we went to an OMT before the final battle of the season took place.
Alan and Tomas met on the tarmac in what was a titan match up. Tomas, finished his driftmasters season, Alan chasing the 2024 championship. It was the final showdown we all hoped for with such a high calibre of drivers. Tomas was meticulous in his execution, Alan was dead set on finishing what he started. The smoke billowed from the back wheels of the cars, each driver pushing their battered machines to the limit after a day of brutal battling. Tomas seemed set take the edge over Alan, until he was coming off the teardrop and unfortunately, couldn't catch himself and spun out. This mistake mired an otherwise technical flawless run, and gave Alan back the edge he needed.
As the crowds gathered on track, and the final four drivers lined up for the presentation. The question of who was going to be on the podium was on everybody’s minds. The judges were ready to announce the decisions. The tension was so high it could be cut with a knife as everyone waited with bated breath as the 2024 season champion was about to be decided.
Cool, calm, collected, champion. Alan Hynes the 2024 IDC Pro Victor - Credit Shift AM
4th place was announced and confirmed Darragh Spencer taking 3rd place in the overall competition. Third place and a spot on the podium went to Owen Magner after a stellar performance throughout the competition. Second place was for Tomas Kiely after a day battling against the best drivers the IDC has to offer.
After a long season and the man behind some of the best battles of the season, Alan Hynes took top spot on the podium and was crowned the overall champion for the 2024 season. He finished his campaign for victory in style and never let up in his standards of driving, showcasing his talent and determination in every single round of the competition this year.
The 2024 Irish Drift Championship finished as it started, full of adrenaline, highly entertaining and a fantastic showcase of the greatest driving talent this country has to offer. Time for a bit of rest before the new builds and next year rolls around. Bring on IDC 2025!
