Conor Shanahan.
Ireland’s rising star on the drift circuit, Conor Shanahan, Killavullen, claimed his second-ever podium finish last weekend in round one of the 2021 Drift Masters European Championship at Greinbach, Austria, where he unveiled his brand-new Toyota GT86. Just one month after celebrating his 18th birthday, Shanahan was good enough to win four head-to-head rounds to reach the final, beginning with the top 32. Also celebrating a podium finish was Shanahan’s older brother Jack, who won the play-off round for third place. The last time Conor graced the podium was in 2018 when he beat former series champion James Deane to stand on the top step in Poland. Three years later, Shanahan has established himself as a championship favourite at the opening event.
Commenting on his podium placing, Conor said: “It was just amazing to be in a final again. The last time was 2018 and it means a lot to get back in there and then go and share a podium with my brother Jack. I knew it would be a tough battle but, no matter who I’m battling, I just pull up to the starting line, put my visor down and go. I never had the attitude to worry about who I battle.”
The 2021 Drift Masters European Championship next moves on to Riga in Latvia for rounds 3 and 4 on July 31st and August 1st.