As the 2016 Federal Tyres King of Europe Drift season prepares to crown its new Champion, over 70 drivers head from over 15 different counties to conclude the series at the legendary Slovakia Ring circuit this weekend. Combining incredible high speeds with big angle and gravel traps makes for some of the most exciting displays and intense battles of the season, making it the perfect place for the grand finale.
With the series rankings closer than ever and with double points once again on offer, the Pro Series finale will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable in the series 12-year history. With 40 points up for grabs in qualifying and 240 in the battles, it leaves six drivers in the running with just 91 points separating the Top 3.
There’s no doubt that Remmo Niezen is the current favourite to take the crown in his first full season. He sits 52 points clear at the top of the rankings, but after his five-consecutive podium streak was ended in Germany, the Championship is far from in the bag. Known for putting up a fight with some of the most skilled and consistent driving in the series, expect to see Big Remmo give it his all to take the Championship trophy home for the first time.
Andras Molnar is another driver competing in his first full season and his impressive consistency has earned him second place in the rankings as he heads into the final. After unleashing his brand new 1JZ Nissan S13 in Tor Kielce at the beginning of the year, he has stunned the fans and judges throughout the season. With two podiums, including taking the top spot in Spain, Molnar undoubtedly has his eyes set on the spot once again in Slovakia.
In third place is a driver who needs no introduction. Having won the Pro Series more than any other driver, an incredible three times, Adam Kerenyi has made an impressive comeback after a difficult year. Despite his brand new 2JZ BMW E46 build showing huge potential, it also risked his title hopes in Spain where an engine failure meant he was unable to make qualifying. Determined to move on with a brand new engine, he showed that the fight is far from over as he took the win at the next round in Germany, can he continue the winning streak this weekend?
It was this time last year that Norbert Kovacik climbed to the top step of the podium to collect the 2015 King of Europe Pro Series title for the first time. As he sits in fourth place, it shows just how much more challenging the series has become in the past 12 months. He’s not shy when it comes to taking the win as he proved in the UK this year as he returned to the top spot. After taking the 2016 King of Touge Championship trophy home last month, there’s no doubt that he’ll fight for the opportunity to place the Pro Series trophy next to it once again.
It’s undoubtedly been a tough season for Adam Frank and bringing the highest-powered car to the competition – an incredible 1,000bhp – has come with its problems. After reaching the Final in Spain, he looked set to reclaim his place on the top spot but car issues meant that he settled for second place. Further issues in Germany forced him to use a fellow competitors’ car, earning him vital points to stay in the Championship running. Slovakia Ring is undoubtedly a circuit where he can use the car to its full potential, and with just 96 points separating him and third place overall he may well earn himself a spot in the top three.
There’s no doubt that Mike Kauffmann’s street-styled PS13 combined with his ‘go hard or go home’ mentality has made him one of the fan favourites in his first full Pro Series season after taking second place in the 2015 King of Touge series. Having knocked on many drivers’ doors throughout Europe, he’s the final driver with a fighting chance – where would be more fitting to clinch his first podium finish than at the final round?
After an absence from the series, Szilveszter Gyorgy made his re-appearance in Germany with his new look Nissan S13.4, with car issues sadly ending his weekend early. Having won the King of Touge Championship and second place in the Pro Series in 2015, he’s undoubtedly one to watch as he sets to make his mark on the Championship once again.
The story in the Pro2 Series is certainly no different, with 10 drivers battle it out with 240 points up for grabs for the winner. With just 50 points separating the Top 8 drivers, the ever-improving form of the Pro2 pilots will undoubtedly reach their highest point yet.
As always, the Queen of Europe series is certainly going to be one to watch too. After a flawless year for Karolina Pilarczyk which has seen her take the win at every round she’s participated in, she’ll undoubtedly be giving her all to take the Championship home for the first time. As always, Danielle Murphy will be the main person to ensure that she doesn't have an easy ride. Despite a far from smooth season for the current Champion, who has been without her car for the entire year, Danielle is known for her fighting spirit and never giving up, so absolutely anything is possible!
Saturday evening will see the official press conference for the announcement of the 2017 calendars from around the World. Make sure that you tune in for the livestream on the official King of Europe Facebook page at 19:00 CET to see if we're heading near you in 2017!
As always, with such a huge amount of talent competing in all of the the series' you can expect lots of upsets and surprises in all forms along the way. Make sure you don’t miss out on this incredible event - if you can’t make the event you can tune in to Facebook live on Sunday to watch the final battles take place wherever you may be in the World!