The 2024 Drift Kings Asia season kicked off with a thrilling double-header in Malaysia, setting the tone for an action-packed year. Welcoming drivers, fans, and the motorsport community, Malaysia provided the perfect stage to showcase local talent and international stars. Defending Malaysian champion Fazreen Ismail returned determined to retain his crown, facing formidable challengers, including two Formula Drift (FD) drivers making their mark on the Asian tour.
International Stars and Champions Ignite Malaysia
Joining the grid was Charles Ng from China, a seasoned Drift Kings Asia winner, alongside RomeCP, the renowned American FD driver piloting his famous BMW 1 Series. RomeCP wasted no time asserting his dominance, taking pole position in Round 1 and immediately raising the stakes for the region’s top drifters.
Adding to the excitement, Emmanuel Amandio, the well-known Indonesian champion and a top contender for the 2024 title, qualified 4th. With the final rounds set to take place in his home country, Amandio is poised to make a serious bid for the championship, further raising the level of competition.
Round 1: Fierce Battles and Local Heroes
The Top 16 unfolded as expected, but the Top 8 was where the real drama began. RomeCP faced off against Fazreen Ismail in a highly anticipated battle. Although RomeCP gave it his all, an aggressive push resulted in a collision with the wall, eliminating the American and advancing Fazreen to the semifinals. In another key match, Amandio demonstrated his skill, sending China’s Han Bin home. Alieff Irfan, the NDS Supercup winner, pulled off an underdog victory to claim his spot in the semis, while local legend Amirul Taufek rounded out the Top 4.
Semifinals: Amandio’s Fight and a Malaysian Showdown
The semifinals were nothing short of explosive. Fazreen’s relentless driving pressured Amandio into making a critical error during his lead run, costing the Indonesian star a chance at the final. On the other side, Amirul Taufek edged out Alieff Irfan in a close contest, setting the stage for an all-Malaysian final.
Fazreen Secures Victory Amid Mechanical Trouble
Despite starting from 8th on the grid, Fazreen Ismail navigated his way to the final with precision. Unfortunately for Amirul Taufek, a mechanical issue forced him to retire, handing Fazreen a well-deserved victory in Round 1. It was the perfect start for the defending champion, who showcased his skill and determination under pressure.
On to Round 2 and Beyond
As the dust settles on Round 1, the drivers and fans now look forward to Round 2 on Sunday, promising even more thrilling battles. With the season just beginning and the championship still wide open, the Drift Kings Asia Cup 2024 is off to an electrifying start.
Round 2 – A Day of Thrills and Drama
Round 2 of the 2024 Drift Kings Asia season in Malaysia brought even more excitement, upsets, and fierce battles, wrapping up an unforgettable weekend of world-class drifting. The day began with the much-anticipated return of Charles Ng, who overcame technical issues from Round 1 and claimed P1 in qualifying. He was closely followed by RomeCP and Emmanuel Amandio, setting the stage for an intense competition with all the favorites ready to dominate.
Top 16: Early Upset Shakes the Field
The first shock of the day came when RomeCP, one of the top contenders, spun out in his Top 16 battle, eliminating him from the competition much earlier than expected. Fans and fellow drivers alike hope to see the American back on track in future Drift Kings events. Meanwhile, the remaining top qualifiers advanced, building anticipation for four explosive quarterfinal battles.
Quarterfinals: Fierce Battles and Unforeseen Twists
The quarterfinals delivered on all fronts with drama, skill, and a touch of controversy.
Charles Ng vs. Amirul Taufek:
This battle featured Ng, the poleman, against Amirul Taufek, who had finished second in Round 1. Despite Ng’s experience, Taufek’s incredible chase run gave him the edge, allowing the local hero to move on to the semifinals.
Ben Akispeed vs. Umbu:
Two underdogs faced off in a gritty battle filled with aggressive maneuvers and contact. Umbu edged out Akispeed, securing his spot in the semifinals after two intense runs.
Fazreen Ismail vs. Fish Lee:
Defending champion Fazreen Ismail entered the battle as the favorite, but a series of mutual mistakes led to a one-more-time decision. Fazreen redeemed himself with a spectacular chase run to advance to the semifinals.
Emmanuel Amandio vs. Alvito:
Amandio, the multi-time Indonesian champion, faced a surprising challenge from Alvito, who had qualified 6th. A heavy contact damaged Amandio’s car, but with fault assigned to Alvito, Amandio made repairs and returned to win the battle, moving on to the semifinals.
Semifinals: Skill, Speed, and Heart-Stopping Action
The semifinals were set with two thrilling matchups.
Amirul Taufek vs. Umbu:
In a clash between precision and speed, Taufek’s consistency paid off. A contact made by the ultra-fast Umbu resulted in his disqualification, sending Taufek to the final for the second time this weekend.
Fazreen Ismail vs. Emmanuel Amandio:
This battle was nothing short of explosive, pitting the defending champion against the Indonesian drift legend. In two incredibly tight runs, Amandio edged out Fazreen with exceptional lead and chase performances, earning his spot in the final.
Finals: A Malaysian Icon vs. an Indonesian Champion
In the third-place battle, Fazreen secured the podium with a flawless lead run against Umbu.
The grand final saw Amirul Taufek and Emmanuel Amandio square off in an epic showdown between two of the best drifters of the weekend. Amandio’s precision and experience ultimately gave him the edge, securing the win and closing out the Malaysian leg in style.
Off to Indonesia for the Grand Finale
With the Malaysian rounds complete, the focus now shifts to the final rounds in Indonesia from December 6th to 8th, where the championship will be decided. The event will also host the Finalissima, marking the grand celebration of Drift Kings’ 20th season.
We can’t wait to see you in Indonesia for the ultimate showdown and a historic finale!
