2024 Drift Kings Pro Series Final: A Thrilling Showdown in Cyprus
The 2024 Drift Kings Pro Series Final was nothing short of spectacular, marking the third time Cyprus hosted this epic event in collaboration with the Cyprus Motorsport Federation, led by President Andros Antoniou. Held at the iconic Achna Speedway, this year's final was packed with high-octane action, unforgettable drama, and a layout designed for maximum thrills, featuring a new tire wall at Kuma Turn, adding extra intensity to the battles.
With the beautiful Cyprus weather setting the stage, 40 drivers from across Europe lined up to compete, many having traveled by boat from Thessaloniki to Limassol. In a heartwarming twist, four Turkish Cypriot drivers also made their return to Achna Speedway, adding to the excitement of the weekend.
The event unfolded over three action-packed days. Friday saw free practice sessions, followed by Saturday’s intense qualifying rounds, and finally, Sunday delivered the grand finale.
Title Drama Unfolds on Day One
The title fight began in dramatic fashion on Friday, with reigning champion Giorgos Christoforou, also known as Ela Koko, suffering a major setback. His engine gave out, forcing him to switch to a backup car that lacked the performance needed to secure his title defense.
Saturday’s qualifying confirmed Koko’s struggle. Turkish Cypriot driver Ibrahim Yucebas snatched pole position, while Koko's lower qualification points meant the title was effectively handed to Lithuanian driver Gediminas Levickas by the end of Saturday. Despite the misfortune, congratulations poured in for Koko, who fought valiantly throughout the season despite facing a wave of bad luck.
Race Day Brings Surprises and Thrills
Race day began with an iconic Cypriot touch as drivers enjoyed the famous Halloumi cheese at the start line before the action kicked off at 2 PM.
The Top 32 delivered its first shock when local hero Christos Loizou, who had qualified in P2, crashed into the tire wall, ending his hopes of victory. Another major moment came when Gediminas Levickas clashed with Enver Haskasap, sending the Turkish Cypriot driver home early. Despite this, Enver's overall P4 finish in the championship is a remarkable result for his first season, making him a top contender for 2025.
Top 16 Shocks and Early Exits
The Top 16 saw pole-sitter Ibrahim Yucebas knock out two-time final winner Piter Kozlowski after the Polish champion committed a no-hit cone mistake. Kozlowski's season ended there, but fans are eager to see him return for 2025.
Ela Koko’s tough weekend continued as he was eliminated in the Top 16, losing his grip on second place in the championship and finishing P3 overall—a respectable finish for one of the top names to watch next year.
2024 Drift Queen Sandra Janusauskaite also suffered from engine trouble, bowing out in the Top 16. It was a tough weekend for Sandra, but her presence remains formidable on the track.
Top 8: Mechanical Failures and Strong Performances
Poleman Yucebas was forced to retire in the Top 8 due to engine failure, cutting short an otherwise impressive first showing at a Drift Kings event. We hope to see him back soon!
Meanwhile, Natalia Iocsak, a former Drift Queen, made it to the Top 8. Supported by her multi-talented father, mechanic, and manager, she continues to impress, and fans look forward to her next appearance.
In another Top 8 matchup, Donatas MacPreiksas defeated Peter Porkolab, who had an outstanding season with an overall P5 finish and a podium in France. Porkolab’s future in the series looks bright, and he’ll be one to watch in 2025.
The Final Showdown: Cypriot Champion vs Lithuanian Dominator
As the event reached its climax, Cypriot champion Tikkis faced off against Lithuanian star Gediminas Levickas in the final, after both dispatched their semi-final opponents—Tikkis taking down Nikolas Patak and Levickas beating his teammate Donatas MacPreiksas.
In a thrilling final battle, Levickas delivered a masterful chase run, applying relentless pressure on Tikkis. The Cypriot driver, in an attempt to respond with equal aggression, made a crucial error, colliding with Levickas and sending him off track. This sealed Levickas’ victory, as he dominated the weekend and clinched the 2024 Pro Series title. Kudos to Levickas and his dedicated Drift Happens team for a flawless performance!
Looking Ahead
With the European series wrapped up, all eyes are now on the upcoming Drift Kings Asia Tour, set to kick off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The tour promises four exhilarating rounds across two events in Malaysia and Indonesia, delivering top-tier drifting action. Don’t miss the start of the tour this weekend!
Finally, mark your calendars—our 2025 Drift Kings schedule will be released in December, promising another year of edge-of-your-seat drifting!
Pro Series Final
🥇 Gediminas Levickas 🇱🇹
🥈 Simos Tikkis 🇨🇾
🥉 Nikolas Patak 🇨🇾
Championship Pro Series
🥇 Gediminas Levickas 🇱🇹
🥈 Donatas MacPreiksas 🇱🇹
🥉 Giorgos Christoforou 🇨🇾
General rankings has been updated www.driftkings.com/rankings
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