I’ve been shooting drifting across Europe for over 15 years, but Riga gave me something new: for the first time in my life, I actually bought tickets and watched part of a Drift Masters round from the grandstands – with my wife, a beer in hand, soaking up the mayhem.

Friday, though, I was where I belong: trackside. I spent the practice and qualifying day testing new techniques, pushing for more video content, and even flying a drone for fresh perspectives. The footage is slowly taking shape now, but the thrill of experimenting in real time is hard to beat.

Saturday was different. I let go of the media vest, enjoyed the battles from the tribune, and reminded myself what drifting feels like when you’re simply a fan in the crowd.

Highlights? James Deane’s Mustang RTR was a sight and sound to behold, while Piotr Więcek’s charge to the top of the championship delivered the kind of story photographers dream of. Add in local hero Nikolass Bertans snatching a podium on debut, and Riga once again proved why it’s one of drifting’s wildest stages.

Here are more shots that tell my side of the story.

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TEXT & PHOTOS:
VLADIMIR LJADOV
IG: WHEELSBYWOVKA