Drift Allstars Europe

22/05/2014 | Cougar Power | Racing

After a 2 year break from the UK drift scene – Drift Allstars Europe returned to the centre of London this past weekend for the British Drift GP!! The Stratford International quarter located beside the Iconic 2012 Olympic stadium would play host to the season opener.

In Qualifying it was evident some of the major name International drivers had made big improvements in the off season.
Piotr Wiecek from Budmat Auto –Poland took P1 closely followed by team mate Dawid Karkosik and 3rd place was Janis Eglite number 2 ranked driver in Europe in his brand new Zeetex Tires BMW E46.

When it came to the battles this event was filled full of carnage! Drift Allstars has always been known for its specially designed street circuits which push the very best drivers to their limits and this track certainly proved this! The battles were immense to watch.

In the top 16 notable upset would be the early exit of Irish driver James Deane in his second run against Norwegian Christer Halverson. Halverson would move on.

Piotr Wiecek, Martin Richards, Dawid Karksoik, Janis Eglite and Jack Shanahan all seasoned regulars and top 10 drivers from last season would move on to the top 8. British driver Dan Chapman a seasoned driver from years past would use all his experience in a relatively underpowered car to move on to the top 8 after Adam Nagl had a mechanical issues. Ingus Jekabbsons would also drive well and move to the top 8.

Jack Shanahan and Janis Eglite would battle for the first time of 2014 and Eglite used all his experience to gain a small advantage which gave him the win. Karkosik would go out with a mechanical problem against Jekabbsons.
Wiecek won against Richards, Halverson would make a big mistake against Chapman who then continued his day of luck moving through to the final 4.

The final 4 would be filled full of carnage and controversy. Wiecek pushed hard and Chapman pushed a little too much sending him into the wall ending his day.
Countrymen and friends Jekabbsons and Janis Eglite would battle it out in the other semi final. Jekkabsons would replicate Chapman’s crash sending him off and ending his day.

Eglite suffered a huge engine failure during his run which ultimately ended his day.
With only 3 cars left running out of the final 4 and Eglites day over, Wiecek won DA London – perhaps an unfortunate way to end the day to the public but still a very much deserved win nonetheless.

The 3rd place battle was determined by Chapman just about getting his car driveable and to the start-line which would determine he would win the battle.

Piotr commented on his win ” This was a great event for me the team and Dawid too come to the UK and compete against the best drivers in europe.In the top 8 i had a problem with the steerung which we fixed and then Dan Chapman hit the wall in front of me in the semi final. In the finals we where ready until we heard Janis had to retire with engine failure.It was an amazing feeling to take my first win at european level and also thank you to the many polish fans who travelled over for this great event.Looking forward to a great season ahead with some amazing drivers”