The Hennessy will be flowing freely in Killavullen this week as Conor Shanahan wrapped up his second European Drift title in three years.
His brother Jack joined him on the overall podium in third place, with James Deane finishing fifth and Conor Falvey breaking into the top 10. A wave of Irish supporters travelled to Warsaw, turning the stands green as Shanahan sealed the crown and shared the moment alongside his brother.
The young driver first tasted Championship glory in September 2023, when at just 20 years old he claimed his maiden European title. It was the culmination of years of persistence, after coming agonisingly close with a runner-up finish in 2021 and third place in 2022. His breakthrough triumph was celebrated in style, as his hometown of Killavullen put on a huge homecoming party where crowds gathered to cheer Conor and his hard-earned trophy.
Now, two years later, Shanahan has proven his place among the sport’s elite with a second title, reinforcing his reputation as one of drifting’s standout stars.
The PGE Narodowy once again lived up to its billing as drifting’s greatest stage, hosting a finale that will go down in history. Shanahan capped off his championship day in perfect fashion, edging Pawel Korpulinski in a dramatic one-more-time battle to take victory in the Red Bull Drift Masters Grand Finale.
There was also a historic moment for Japan’s Naoki Nakamura, who stepped onto his first Drift Masters podium of the season after a thrilling third-place playoff win over James Deane, a performance that lit up Warsaw and underlined his status as one of the world’s most exciting drivers.
What a night, and what a season. From the electric atmosphere in Warsaw to the green tide of Irish fans in the stands, this was drifting at its finest. And for Conor Shanahan, it was the ultimate statement, a champion at the peak of his powers, etching yet another unforgettable chapter into the history books.
Killavullen is ready to party.
