06-07-2025
'Story is only getting started' - Spike Island thrills to Drift drama
Some of the top Irish drift drivers thrilled the capacity crowd on Spike Island on Saturday evening as Buttevant's Alan Hynes beat 15 other drivers to win the Red Bull Drift Pursuit. He held off the challenges of second-placed Stephen Halferty (Derry) with Jakub Krzyszczak (Waterford) winning the battle for third from Jake Davey (Galway).
For almost two hours the head-to-head competition kept the attendance on their toes before local hero Hynes took the title in front of a majority Cork crowd.
In glorious sunshine, the fans were treated to demonstration drives on the custom-built course by world drift stars, brothers Conor and Jack Shanahan from Killavullen in their Toyota GT86's. There was also an appearance from Irish World Rally Championship driver Derry's Josh McErlean in the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1, who also showcased his talents to the fans at the iconic location.
Hynes was thrilled with his victory, "It's a pretty special moment. I really enjoyed it (Red Bull Drift Pursuit) last year, this year was even more special being in here on Spike Island, the cherry on top really.
He added: "What a special venue, a special place, a special event. It's an amazing feeling. The opposition was immense and Stephen (Halferty) pushed me all the way. I was racing in Europe last weekend and had a big crash, so it was nice to come here and take the win."
Meanwhile, as he enjoyed some time in his native county, Conor Shanahan, who currently leads the Drift Masters European Championship (DMEC) and displayed why he is regarded as one of the best in the world, said,
"Personally, I feel every time we look at ourselves in drifting and how look at the sport these days and how big the sport is getting, to be here in Spike Island with an event, it's pretty unique, who would have thought that ten years ago, there is so much history here.
"To do it close to home and have local support is pretty special. Home is always special. This story is only getting started, there's a lot to write yet."
