The 2025 Drift Masters is here, and it’s shaping up to be the most thrilling season yet. With a lineup of the world’s 36 best drivers, fans are in for an adrenaline-packed ride.
The Drivers to Watch
This year’s roster includes familiar stars and new talents. Some of the biggest names returning to the competition include:
Duane McKeever
Jack and Conor Shanahan
But that’s not all! The legendary Naoki Nakamura is bringing his championship-winning car from the 2024 D1GP season; Nakamura is set to showcase his incredible skills on European soil. This addition brings an extra layer of excitement to an already stellar competition.
A New Format for 2025
Drift Masters has reduced its permanent driver licenses to 36, focusing on ensuring only the best of the best are competing. Vice President of Drift Masters, Arkadiusz Dudko, explained:
“Drift Masters is the premier drifting league in the world, designed to feature drivers who leave no doubt about their championship-calibre skills. At the same time, we’re committed to discovering new talent in the drifting scene. That’s why we aim to surprise drifting fans at every round by featuring interesting drivers from around the world and awarding additional spots on the driver list through wild cards. This approach will diversify the competition and add even more excitement to the rivalry.”
Check out the article on our website, where Arkadiusz Dudko explains how Drift Masters licenses are granted.
Rising Stars and New Faces
One of the most exciting storylines this year is Jarko Jylhä. After earning wild card entries in consecutive seasons, this Finnish talent now joins as a full-time competitor. Known for his fearless driving and incredible precision, Jarko is ready to take on the world’s best.
The 2025 season also welcomes several new drivers:
Dave Egan: Former Drift Masters commentator and founder of Drift Games, Egan is now stepping into the driver’s seat. Fans can’t wait to see how his extensive knowledge of the sport translates into performance on the track.
Jason Banet: Widely regarded as France’s top drifter, Banet’s previous appearances in Drift Masters have already electrified fans. Now a licensed competitor, he’s bringing the passionate support of his fanbase to every round.
Espen Rohde: This young Norwegian prodigy has been turning heads. After winning the 2023 Norwegian Pro 2 championship, he joins Drift Masters with the mentorship of Fredric Aasbø. Expectations for Rohde are sky-high.
George Christoforou (Elakoko): A true legend from Cyprus with seven national titles, Elakoko’s extensive experience and skill make him a formidable competitor.
Preparation Time
While most drivers are keeping their plans for the new season under wraps, one major announcement has already been made. Marco Zakouril, representing the Czech Republic, is significantly changing his car. Known for his BMW M2 powered by a massive V8 engine, Zakouril is switching to a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for 2025. The goal? A lighter car with improved handling to dominate the competition.
“That was the main reason for choosing the new engine,” explains Marco Zakouril. “We had many issues with our previous V8 engine, but the main challenge was its weight. A lighter car means better handling and more speed. We are using a 2.0 TSI engine from Volkswagen. Ours produces 800hp and is built by RTMG. They broke a world record with the same engine, achieving 1400hp in a front-wheel-drive car. This project suits my style. I’ve never seen this engine used in a drift car, and that’s what we like to do — something that has never been done before.”
The new engine weighs less than 90 kg, and the driver and his team expect a faster, more aggressive car.
What to Expect
The 2025 Drift Masters season promises fierce battles, breathtaking moments, and unforgettable drama. With a perfect blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, fans will witness the pinnacle of drifting talent. Don’t miss a second as the action unfolds across Europe’s most iconic tracks.
