Drift Masters 2024: Lauri Heinonen Claims Title In Dramatic Fashion - In Pics

Finnish driver Lauri Heinonen produced a battling performance at the PGE Narodowy in Warsaw, Poland as his dramatic Top 16 victory was enough for him to win his first-ever Drift Masters title. Having shown great consistency throughout the season, Heinonen arrived at the Drift Masters Grand Finale with a 75-point lead at the top of the championship standings. Despite the sizeable lead, he knew an early exit in Warsaw could see the title slip through his fingers. The vital moment for Heinonen came in the Top 16 battle against Benediktas Cirba. Knowing that a victory would be enough to land the title, the Finn managed to cross the line just as his engine failed. There was also a first-ever podium finish for American rookie Adam LZ who emerged victorious after an intense play-off battle against hometown hero Wiecek.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 19 September 2024 11:12 am

Lauri Heinonen, Duane McKeever and James Deane | Photo: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

Lauri Heinonen of Finland, Duane McKeever of Northern Ireland and James Deane of Ireland seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.

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Lauri Heinonen | Photo: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

Lauri Heinonen of Finland seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.

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Piotr Wiecek | Photo: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

Piotr Wiecek of Poland seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.

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James Deane of Ireland seen during the sixth stop | Photo: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

James Deane of Ireland seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.

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Duane McKeever and James Deane | Photo: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

Duane McKeever of Northern Ireland and James Deane of Ireland seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.

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Adam LZ and James Deane | Photo: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

Adam LZ and James Deane seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.

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James Deane | Photo: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

James Deane seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.

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Adam LZ and James Deane during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters | Photo: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

Adam LZ and James Deane seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 14, 2024.

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James Deane and Tor Arne Kvia | Photo: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

James Deane of Ireland and Tor Arne Kvia of Norway seen during the sixth stop of the Drift Masters European Championship in Warsaw, Poland on September 13, 2024.