James Deane overcame all-comers during a dramatic day of racing at the Drift Masters European Championship in Latvia. The Irish driver was awarded the victory following an intense final battle with Poland’s Peter Więcek. Here is all you need to know:

– After a delayed start to the season, the DMEC King of Riga was the sole stop as the continent’s best drivers raced all-in on the infamous Bikernieki Circuit.

– It was a day full of drama with false starts, big hits and plenty of wall contact, while a small fire caused a lengthy delay as the track was cleared of oil.

– The day started with Więcek as the favourite after he qualified in first place on Friday thanks to amazing 94-point run.

– Więcek made the final after defeating fellow Polish driver Adam Zaleski, while Deane also faced a compatriot in Ireland’s Jack Shanahan in the semi-final.

Elias Hountondji (GER) performs during Drift Masters European Championship in Riga, Latvia on August 14, 2020 // Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool //

– Deane overcame Shanahan to reach the final and then defeated the ‘Candyman’ to claim the title ‘King of Riga’.
– Shanahan finished in third place after Zaleski damaged his car in the first run and was unable to continue.

– One of of the rising stars of drifting, Conor Shanahan, had a tough day in Riga but the Red Bull racer promised to make up for the disappointment in 2021.

– Shanahan said: „To be honest I wasn’t that confident and I pushed a bit hard. These things happen and we will come back stronger in 2021. I know I’m good enough to beat the top guys out here.”