Round 4 of the 2016 Irish Drift Championship would see it return to the karting track at Watergrasshill for the first time in 9 years. It’s a tight, twisty track that changes in height multiple times throughout the run, it was sure to be a challenging weekend for the drivers as they fought to increase their rankings in the championship ahead of the final round.
As usual the Semi Pro class kicked off the action on Saturday morning with many of the drivers taking it easy for the first few laps, getting used to the unfamiliar track.
A couple of clipping points on the walls gave the risk and reward situation that we are used to with the IDC, graze the wall to be rewarded for you line and driving skill, hit it too hard and a damaged car is all you will have to show for it.
Qualifying would see strong performances from many drivers so it would need a big score to top the qualifying table.
That place was taken by none other than William Rose, a visitor to the Irish Drift Championship but known for his impressive driving taking out much more powerful cars during his battles in the British Drift Championship. His qualifying run of 93.8 would show the Irish fans why he is one to watch!
The battles kicked off in the afternoon with plenty of action, close battles and one more times. The IADC drivers that had made their way into the IDC for this round gave another great example of the rising talent in Ireland with Alan O’Loghlen making his way into the Top 16.
Another close battle was that of Sean Watt and Liam Devlin, both driving BMW E36s with similar power. It went One More Time before the judges could decide on Sean Watt as the victor.
William Rose was continuing his good form from qualifying on his lead run in the Great 8, he would spin out on the chase run putting Mark McBurney through to the next round.
Denis Murphy was also looking like a strong contender as he battled Tomas Falvey in the Great 8, he would continue through in to the Final 4.
Barry Hennessy had a great battle with Mark McBurney with a better lead run putting him in to the final.
Joining him in the final was Denis Murphy as he beat Alan O’Loghan in their battle after he kept it pinned to his door around the track.
The battle for third place between Mark McBurney and Alan O’Loghan was decided by a couple of mistakes from Alan O’Loghan, it was a great result for the IADC driver regardless.
The final battle saw Denis Murphy pull away from Barry Hennessy on his lead run, Barry tried to close the gap by diving on him into one of the clips, almost dropping a wheel. It was a scrappy run from them both as they swapped over but it would be enough for the judges to decide in favour of Denis Murphy.
On Sunday the Pro class took to the track for their practice session with all of the drivers pushing hard as the season end was drawing ever closer.
Duane McKeever was having issues with his car so he was kindly lent Richard Bradleys S14 with a huge amount of power, which would see him top qualifying followed by Tomas Kiely and Jack Shanahan.
In the battles Denis Murphy made it through to the Top 8 where Tomas Kiely would beat him after a few mistakes from Denis whilst leading would hand it away to Tomas.
The Final 4 saw Shane O’Sullivan battle Duane McKeever, contact between the drivers gave a bit advantage to Duane seeing him go through in to the Final.
Jack Shanahan and Tomas Kiely were all set in the other battle in the Final 4, Tomas led first but he couldn’t shake Jack who was pinned to his door throughout the run. Jack then opened up a lead and earned himself a place in the final.
Tomas Kiely and Shane O’Sullivan battled for the third place on the podium, both drivers pushed hard but Shane would make a mistake handing the win to Tomas.
The final battle saw Duane McKeever lead in first with Jack keeping close in the chase position. Some contact into turn one as Duane chase Jack would be enough for the battle to go One More Time.
This time around Jack would push even harder on his lead run, Duane lost the battle when both his rear tyres de-beaded, coming to a stop on track.
Once again Jack Shanahan would stand on the top step of the podium, it was shaping up to be a great end to the season as Duane McKeever is still leading with Jack a few points behind with one round to go.
That’s all from this round, enjoy a few more photos and check back soon for all the action from Round 5.
