An Emotional and Explosive Start to Drift Masters 2025 in Madrid
The 2025 Drift Masters European Championship officially launched with Round 1 in Madrid, following the unexpected cancellation of the Rome season opener out of respect for the passing of His Holiness the Pope.
As Drift Masters enters another sensational season in 2025, the world’s top drift championship is taking things to a whole new level. Building on the momentum of an unforgettable 2024, the upcoming season promises more venues, greater challenges, and unmatched excitement.
Over the past 10 years, Drift Masters has grown from a European circuit to the pinnacle of global drifting, combining raw skill, daring style, and relentless competition on some of the most iconic circuits on the planet.
At Maxflo Motorsport, we’re proud to sponsor the Drift Games team of Dave Egan and Conor Falver— because when Drift Masters pushes the limits, so do we.
While the drift world paused to honour the moment, it returned with passion and purpose at Circuito del Jarama, where fans packed the stands and Europe’s top drifters brought the house down with blistering tandem battles and unforgettable performances.
🏆 Madrid Delivers High Stakes and Higher Skill
With the championship curtain finally lifted, all eyes were on Spain — and it didn’t disappoint.
🥇 1st – Oliver Randalu (Estonia)
The Estonian ace delivered a career-defining weekend, securing his first-ever Drift Masters win with calm precision and incredible consistency. An emotional and well-deserved victory.
🥈 2nd – Itay Sadeh (Israel)
Sadeh stunned the field with one of the most aggressive chase styles of the weekend, showing Israel’s rising presence in European drifting.
🥉 3rd – Kevin Pesur (Estonia)
Another Estonian lands on the podium! Pesur’s control and technical finesse make him one to watch as the season progresses.
📊 Championship Standings After Round 1
Ireland is once again proving its place among the elite — with Jack Shanahan and James Deane chasing hard for the 2025 title.
2025: The Year of Champions and Wildcards
This year’s championship grid is a mix of drifting royalty and hungry new challengers. From Estonia’s Oliver Randalu dominating early rounds, to Ireland’s Jack and Conor Shanahan fighting for the podium, the 2025 season is shaping up to be the most competitive to date.
Expect wildcards, controversy, and mind-blowing tandem battles in every round.
The 2025 Drift Masters European Championship launched in unforgettable fashion last week in Madrid, Spain, setting the tone for what could be the most emotionally charged and fiercely competitive season yet.
Held at the iconic Circuito del Jarama, the event was a rollercoaster of nerves, high stakes, and breakthrough moments—particularly for Irish drivers Dave Egan and Conor Shanahan.
Dave Egan’s Rookie Reality Check
This wasn't just another weekend on the drift calendar. For Dave Egan, it marked his rookie season debut. The pressure was immense, and early signs weren’t promising. A zero score on his first qualifying run left him on the brink of elimination. But champions are forged in adversity.
In an all-or-nothing moment, Dave laid down an 82.3 on his final qualifying run, pushing himself into the main event and silencing any doubts. This wasn’t just a relief—it was a statement. Dave is not just filling the grid; he’s here to compete with the best in Europe.
“The moment of relief when you realise you’ve made it into the show…”
— Drift Masters 2025, Madrid
Conor Shanahan’s Podium Push
Meanwhile, Conor Shanahan came into Madrid laser-focused on one goal: his first podium of the season. A fan favourite and consistent contender, Conor showcased relentless precision and aggression, proving he’s more hungry than ever. While the final standings are still under review, one thing is clear—Conor is in it to win it, and Madrid might just have been the ignition point.
The Fight Continues
Despite the heavy emotions, the RTR team regrouped and pushed forward. James advanced through the Top 32 via a bye run, but tension remained. In the Top 16, he faced off against the highly skilled Jason from France, setting the stage for a fiery matchup.
Just as momentum started to build — disaster struck again.
Engine issues emerged just before the battle. The crew scrambled to make last-minute repairs, racing against the clock to get James to the line. They succeeded. The Mustang was back on track.
But then, controversy.
Before the lights could go green, James was disqualified. The exact reason? Still unclear — and being debated across the paddock, social media, and fan forums.
Was it mechanical? Procedural? Strategic? Only time — and the stewards — will tell.
This round in Spain was supposed to be the grand arrival of James Deane's RTR Mustang to European drifting. And in many ways, it was. Brilliant driving. Big moments. And bold consequences.
But it also exposed the brutal nature of the sport: the fine line between precision and chaos, friendship and rivalry, and triumph and heartbreak.
“This one will be talked about for a long time…”
— Drift Masters Spain 2025
In its first official Drift Masters outing, the new RTR Ford Mustang didn’t just turn heads — it blew them off. James Deane, a three-time DMEC champion and fan favourite, threw down a monumental 93-point qualifying run, locking in P1 and sending a clear signal to the European field:
The car looked dialled. The setup was aggressive. James was confident.
James and the RTR team leave Spain battered but not broken. There’s no doubt they’ll return stronger, more focused, and even hungrier for redemption.
As the Drift Masters season rolls on, fans can expect one thing: the war is far from over.
🎥 Relive the Action
If you missed Round 1 or want to relive the key moments, check out:
📺 www.driftmasters.gp for replays, highlights & interviews.
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🔜 Next Up: Finland – Round 2, June 6–7, 2025
The action continues at Huvivaltio PowerPark, where a mix of top contenders and wildcard entries will go head-to-head in one of Europe’s most iconic circuits.
Stay tuned for our Round 2 Preview and exclusive product picks inspired by the Drift Masters grid.
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