Started with an old Ford. Now he's the best in Europe

He drives a Fiat Punto every day, but he has two drift cars in his garage that make over 1200 horsepower. James Dean is an Irish drifter who has competed regularly since the age of 15. He will come to Płock for the 3rd and 4th rounds of the Drift Masters Grand Prix.

The Irishman has already performed in Poland. In 2015, he competed in the penultimate Drift Masters Grand Prix, which was combined with the Drift Allstars European League Final. In Torun, after fierce battles with Polish racers, he took second place - he was beaten by Jakub Przygonski. Then the fans could see the Irishman in Poznan during the 1st and 2nd stages of the Drift Masters Grand Prix. There he competed in a training car that he borrowed from Piotr Wencek of the Budmat Auto Drift Team. On the second day of the competition, he won the qualification and finished 14th in the final. It turns out that the start in Poznan was a dream for the champion of Ireland.

How did you like Poznan?

– It was a great experience for me. I remember watching movies from this place on the Internet eight years ago. Then I hoped that someday I myself would compete on this amazing track. Many thanks to the Budmat Auto Drift team for inviting me to this event.

And how did you ride the drift car of the Plock team?

– I really enjoyed driving the Nissan S14 Budmat Auto Drift Team in Poznań. It was a completely new experience for me as it was my first time driving a left hand drive car which was quite a challenge. The engine was rather underpowered, but I was happy because it started to rain during Sunday qualifying. I managed to win them, which was a great achievement for me. Many thanks to everyone for the excellent cooperation during this contest.

How are you preparing for the new season?

- Besides him, I try to rest before starting to work out a plan for the next one. I haven't practiced too much, but I'm thinking about a training car because the more time you drive, the better.

You participated in the opening of the Drift Masters Grand Prix 2016 season in Tor Poznań. Do you plan to participate in the full season of this league?

“I had a really good time there, and now I'm trying to implement a plan to compete throughout the DMGP cycle.

What have you been up to since the last tour?

- I checked whether my car was well prepared for the upcoming events, I took care of all the logistics and all the paperwork. When everything was ready, I spent time with my family, friends and girlfriend.

What are your plans and expectations for this DMGP season?

– I believe that the 2016 Drift Masters GP season will be special. After my experience with previous rounds in this league, I am really impressed. This will be an exciting year.

What other leagues do you plan to play in?

“I will also compete in the Irish Drift Championship and again in the European Allstars Drift Championship.

How did your drifting career start?

– I started to compete when I was 15 years old – it was in 2007. Then I also won my first game. Since then, he has devoted himself to the sport, and I am lucky that my path is full of success.

What did you feel when you started at the first competition?

“I will never forget it. I was very nervous and didn't know what to expect. However, once I got behind the wheel, I felt much more comfortable.

What car did you start with?

- It was a Ford Sierra Estate with only 120 horsepower, I paid 200 euros for it then, but ... a lot has changed since then.

Now you have two drift cars: Nissan 200 SX S14 and Mazda RX7 FD. What are the differences between the two cars?

- There are really a lot of them. Nissan is powered by a 700hp 2JZ engine. from Toyota, it has, among other things, a Samsonas six-speed sequential gearbox or all Wisefab gadgets. Mazda is equipped with a 530 hp Nissan SR20 engine. with a 2.2-liter ZRP engine, a six-speed gearbox and more than 100 kg lighter than a Nissan. Both cars have amazing body kits and 7twenty alloy wheels.

What car do you drive every day?

- Maybe it's funny, but it's ... Fiat Punto Sporting 16V 2002 release. I promise myself that there will be something new soon. At least I have two amazing drift cars.

In your entire career, what was the most special season?

So far it was probably 2015. Not only did we manage to reclaim the Irish Drift Championship, we also defended the Drift Allstars European Championship title. I also managed to get into the Guinness Book of Records and I was invited to drive at the most prestigious automotive event - the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

If you had to describe your driving style on the track, what would you say?

“I think I could describe him as fluid and consistent, but also aggressive.

So, what criteria do you need to meet to become a good drifter?

“Every rider who wants to be really good at this sport needs a lot of passion, skill and determination.

You are an experienced player. What would you say to people who want to start their adventure with this sport?

I think it's best to go to drift school before we buy a car. If things are going well there, then you need to take the rear-wheel drive car to the local highway and see how it all looks in practice. Then practice, practice, practice!

What do you do in your free time besides drifting?

- I love karting and have fun with friends - all on wheels. However, I spend a lot of time drifting, so I don't really have time for anything else.