​Drift Masters Riga 2026

The Biķernieki track will host the fifth round of the world’s most prestigious drifting championship, “Drift Masters” – “Drift King of Riga”, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Riga this year. The competition will feature 50 of the world’s best drift drivers from more than 20 countries, including Latvia’s representative, Nikolas Bertāns, who is competing in the full “Drift Masters” season this year and is currently in the championship’s TOP 10.

The competition schedule will begin on Thursday with free practice sessions. Friday, July 24, will mark the first official day of competition, featuring official practice sessions and qualifying runs. On Saturday, July 25, the day will begin with tandem practice sessions, followed by the main tandem heats featuring the top 32 drivers. All purchased admission tickets are valid for both days of the competition.

On the main competition day, Saturday, visitors will be treated not only to world-class drifting but also to various activities for spectators, “drift taxi” rides, a special “Shakedown” stage, an open paddock at designated times, and many other activities for the whole family.

This year, we will also see several “Formula Drift” championship participants at the starting line. One of them will be the legendary James Deane – a multiple “Formula Drift” and European champion who is always welcomed in Latvia as one of their own.

Of course, special attention will also be paid to local star Nikolas Bertāns, who is the only Latvian athlete competing in the full “Drift Masters” season this year. It’s worth noting that just last year in Riga, Bertāns, competing with a “wild card”, earned a spot on the “Drift Masters” podium.

Among athletes from neighboring countries, Estonians Kevin Pesur and Oliver Randalu, as well as Lithuanian Benediktas Čirba, who have been among Europe’s strongest drift drivers for several years, are definitely worth highlighting.

Fan favorites Jack and Connor Shanahan from Ireland will also be returning to the track. They are among Europe’s leading drift racers and are currently competing successfully in the Formula Drift championship in the U.S.

Meanwhile, from Finland, we’ll see one of the most dynamic and exciting drivers on the track, Lauri Heinonen.