Drift Drama on Spike Island Featuring WRC Rally Star Josh McErlean

Last Saturday, July 5, Cork’s iconic Spike Island transformed into an electrifying stage for Red Bull Drift Pursuit—a head-to-head knockout battle featuring Ireland’s best drifters. Surrounded by converted prison walls, sixteen elite drivers competed for the title, aiming for precision, speed, and style in a 1v1 contest judged on course time and clipping points.

Conor and Jack Shanahan, both Red Bull athletes, lit up the evening with high-octane demo runs in their signature Toyota GT86s. Conor, currently leading the European Drift Masters Championship, remarked to the Irish Examiner newspaper, “This story is only getting started,” reflecting on the unique atmosphere of this historic venue.

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy athlete and M-Sport Ford World Rally Team driver, Josh McErlean, Ireland’s rising WRC star, was the rally wildcard—piloting his M‑Sport Ford Puma Rally1 in a thrilling showcase that merged rally intensity with drift finesse.

“It’s been epic, to get to drift with Conor and Jack Shanahan, these guys are good friends and a big thanks to Red Bull Ireland for making it happen. To smoke out Spike Island, it’s something else, to think of the history in this place, so many spectators, wow, it’s been unbelievable!” said Josh.

Together, they brought a spectacular blend of drift culture and rally heritage to a packed house—from demonstrations to a Q&A session—before the main competition even began.

“Really good day, I don’t think it could have gone any better to be honest. It’s been a pleasure to work with Josh, first ever Red Bull gig I have done with him. Very happy and proud that he is taking every step outside of the WRC journey, also doing all of these things, it’s amazing. Really good fun and hopefully it’s the start of many events together.” commented Conor.

Jack added ‘Very hectic, lots of smoke, lots of RPM’s, very exciting and a pleasure to drive next to Josh and the M-Sport Ford Puma Car”

After nearly two hours of fierce head-to-head matchups, Alan Hynes from Buttevant emerged victorious, defeating Derry’s Stephen Halferty in the final. Jakub Krzyszczak secured third place, rounding off a showcase of top-tier Irish drifting talent. In a blaze of sunshine, the competition’s high stakes and dramatic laps kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Spike Island’s transformation into a drift arena offered a breathtaking backdrop—its fortress and prison walls adding gravitas to every smoke trail. Ticket holders enjoyed ferry transfers from Cobh or Ringaskiddy, guided tours of Spike Island, paddock access, and driver Q&A sessions—an immersive motorsport experience wrapped in heritage and adrenaline.

The 2025 Red Bull Drift Pursuit at Spike Island was a masterclass in motorsport entertainment—melding precision drifting, rally excitement, and heritage site grandeur. With dynamic driver demos, fierce battles, and a champion crowned under Cork skies, this event set a new standard in Irish motorsport and left fans eagerly anticipating the next event.