Red Bull Drift Pursuit

Limerick Greyhound Stadium saw a change from the usual puppy power to horsepower as the Red Bull Drift Pursuit came to town for the weekend. The car park was transformed into a course that would test 24 top drivers skill and nerve as they battled it out for cash prizes and bragging rights. Qualification on Saturday saw the drivers go head to head for a spot in the finals held on Sunday. The grandstands were full of fans young and old excited for a new kind of drift event and they were not disappointed.

Launching a new style of drift event, Redbull’s drift pursuit pushed the limits of every competitor's capabilities. Focusing on speed management, car control and obstacle navigation, the uniquely designed course provided a dual layer of excitement. Technically challenging leaving no room for mistakes, drivers were pitted 1v1 on course at the same time, as if it wasn’t enough of a high stakes competition already!

Bringing a new meaning to tip the can, drivers were tasked with winning or stealing points by clipping the oversized red bull cans strategically placed along the course. The lights gave the signal if points were won and changed colour if they  had been stolen by their opponent in the challenge. Followed up by a dual roundabout they had to drift around all while being as fast and accurate as possible.

Davan Leahy and Alan Hynes battling in the Red Bull Drift Pursuit - Credit Meghan Roycroft - @driven_by_cameras

Conor and Jack Shanahan were on hand to treat the crowd to a show stopping display of driving by the two brothers, followed by James Dean ripping around the course and showing us how the pro’s do it. The grandstands were full of tyre smoke in no time at all as the three master pilots shredded the course with ease. Once the pro’s had their fun, it was time for the competitors to go head to head in a final battle for the top podium.

Alan Hynes and Davan Leahy were the last standing in the final faceoff, the tension on the track was beyond words as Hynes called the 5 minute rule before the last run. In the end, Hynes took the top spot, with Leahy claiming second. Craig Searles was the man who joined them on the podium taking home the bronze for the challenge. A fantastic weekend was had by drivers and spectators alike. 

A massive well done to the team at Red Bull for putting on an amazing competition, we can’t wait to see next year already!