The Season Begins
The 2026 Drift Masters season is officially underway, and if Qualifying at Autodromo Vallelunga is anything to go by, we’re in for one of the closest title fights in championship history.
On a brand new venue for the series, drivers were thrown straight into the unknown. A fast, high-commitment layout combined with difficult conditions and a demanding track length meant one thing: drivers strategies were more important than ever.
And at the very top, there was nothing to separate the best.
A Three-Way Tie Settled on Fine Margins
When the dust settled, it was Duane McKeever who came out on top, but only just. In one of the tightest qualifying sessions in recent memory, McKeever, Conor Shanahan, and Piotr Więcek all posted identical 95.5-point runs.
With tie-breakers ultimately deciding the order, McKeever secured P1, marking a statement start to his 2026 campaign. After a season of ups and downs, the Irish driver looks locked in and ready to reassert himself at the very front of the grid.
Right behind him, Shanahan continued his relentless consistency, while Więcek once again proved why he remains one of the most dangerous drivers in the championship.
A Grid Covered by Margins
If the top three being tied wasn’t enough, the rest of the Top 10 tells an even bigger story.
Just 3.3 points separated first from tenth.
Jakub Przygoński slotted into fourth with a 95, while Mika Keski-Korpi and Jack Shanahan followed closely behind on 94.5. 2024 champion Lauri Heinonen looked strong throughout the session, placing seventh with a 94-point run as he begins his title defence.
Further down, James Deane put in a solid 93.5 to secure eighth, while Simen Olsen made an immediate impression in his first full Drift Masters season. The Norwegian, already a known name in the US drift scene, delivered a 92.5 to take ninth and signal that he could be a serious contender as the season unfolds.
Rounding out the Top 10, Juha Rintanen completed a grid where every single position was earned by the smallest of margins.
Rookies, Wildcards, and Early Statements
Earlier in the session, it was the new names that set the tone.
Wildcard Łukasz Tasiemski came out swinging with an 88.5 on his first run, immediately putting himself in contention, while rookie Harry Kerr impressed with a 90.2 in his debut qualifying appearance.
But as is often the case with a brand new venue and fresh builds, not everyone found their rhythm. A number of drivers struggled with teething issues or failed to get into the top 32, highlighting just how punishing Vallelunga proved to be on both drivers and machinery.
All to Play For
With no qualifying showdown and a grid this tightly packed, the stage is now perfectly set for the Top 32.
If Qualifying proved anything, it’s that there are no clear gaps in performance. No room to breathe. No easy battles.
Just 32 drivers, separated by fractions, heading into the first eliminations of the 2026 season.
And if this is how the year starts, it’s only going to get wilder from here.
What Lies Ahead
Before we kick off Top 32 on Red Bull TV at 1:45pm CET, here is the Top 32 bracket that we will get to see go head to head tomorrow. Who are you placing your bets on?
