The stage is set for an epic showdown at the 10th anniversary of Drift Masters, hosted at Warsaw’s PGE Narodowy stadium. Three drivers — Lauri Heinonen, James Deane, and Duane McKeever — entered the final round with the championship title within reach, and today’s Qualifying was nothing short of dramatic.
Irish driver Duane McKeever stole the show with a near-perfect score of 94.5, securing the top spot in Qualifying. Close behind, Norway’s Tor Arne Kvia, nicknamed “The Norwegian Sledgehammer,” impressed with 93.5 points, keeping the pressure high. James Deane, a fan favorite, placed third with 93 points, showing his usual precision and style, while Estonia’s Kevin Pesur rounded out the top four with a 92.5.
The real action came in the final Qualifying Showdown of the season. Duane McKeever continued his dominant run, besting Pesur to secure his spot in the final battle. On the opposite side, James Deane narrowly edged out Kvia, setting up an all-Irish clash for the top spot. In an intense face-off, McKeever managed to come out on top, displaying superior control and determination, sending a clear message ahead of tomorrow’s main event.
Weather Challenges & Track Conditions
The day’s action unfolded under unprecedented circumstances, as track officials took the rare step of wetting the surface throughout Qualifying. This decision was made in response to a severe storm expected tomorrow, which will necessitate closing the stadium roof to prevent flooding. With concerns over tyre smoke and slippery conditions on race day, officials, judges, and drivers agreed that wetting the track now would ensure consistency and safety throughout the weekend.
The Grand Finale Awaits
As the top drivers head into the final day of competition, the championship title is still very much up for grabs. Duane McKeever’s Qualifying performance has undoubtedly given him a psychological edge, but with Lauri still keeping a strong lead, anything can happen. Tomorrow’s main event promises to be an unforgettable end to the 2024 season.
Be sure to tune in to Red Bull TV from 2:45PM CEST tomorrow as the 2024 Drift Masters champion is crowned — it’s going to be an epic finish you won’t want to miss!
