Lauri Heinonen of Finland, Duane McKeever of Northern Ireland and James Deane of Ireland seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.
Drift Masters 2024: Lauri Heinonen Claims Title In Dramatic Fashion - In Pics
Finnish driver Lauri Heinonen produced a battling performance at the PGE Narodowy in Warsaw, Poland as his dramatic Top 16 victory was enough for him to win his first-ever Drift Masters title. Having shown great consistency throughout the season, Heinonen arrived at the Drift Masters Grand Finale with a 75-point lead at the top of the championship standings. Despite the sizeable lead, he knew an early exit in Warsaw could see the title slip through his fingers. The vital moment for Heinonen came in the Top 16 battle against Benediktas Cirba. Knowing that a victory would be enough to land the title, the Finn managed to cross the line just as his engine failed. There was also a first-ever podium finish for American rookie Adam LZ who emerged victorious after an intense play-off battle against hometown hero Wiecek.
Lauri Heinonen of Finland seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.
Piotr Wiecek of Poland seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.
James Deane of Ireland seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.
Duane McKeever of Northern Ireland and James Deane of Ireland seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.
Adam LZ and James Deane seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.
James Deane seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.
Adam LZ and James Deane seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.