In this post, I write about all my observations and feelings about Drift Masters 2024.

This is my Drift Masters POV. Let's start with the basics.

If you're not familiar with the name then read more about Drift Masters here.

The finals, in which I participated as a photographer, were held in Warsaw at the National Stadium, on September 13 and 14, 2024. At this point, I would like to sincerely thank those responsible for verifying my application and allowing me to participate in the event.

Why did I decide on Warsaw?

Well, I live about 15-20 minutes from the National Stadium, so the cost of getting there or staying overnight is gone. Besides, it was the finals, so there was definitely more action, fireworks and all that goes with it.

I skip the fact that I have never had the opportunity to attend this kind of event before.

Picking up the vest

Never make the mistake I did.

Never pick up a vest on finals day. Do it, peacefully, on the first day when it is possible. Trust me.

I didn't know what to expect. And I knew I wouldn't be photographing training sessions. I figured I'd pick up my vest right before it started, and I was HUGELY lucky to get it.

I made it to the meeting at the last minute. And that's because I had trouble getting into the stadium through the huge queue of cars.

I also arrived by car myself so that it would be easier for me to return later at night. And that was probably a mistake.

Drift Masters and the National Stadium are logically a bunch of people.

Inside Drift Masters

The National Stadium from inside is very impressive.

And even more impressive are those concrete blocks with mesh separating the race track from the rest. Tall and massive. Safety above all else.

My first steps were quite timid. I tried to find a place for myself. Fortunately, there were practice runs at the beginning, so you could look for your spot in relative peace.

I think this is a good time to write what photography gear I took with me. I got a Sony A7RV with a really awesome lens from Sigma - the S 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS. Thanks a lot for the opportunity to test Sigma Foto Poland.

Despite my lack of experience in events like this, I chose the lens perfectly. The range of focal lengths gave me the opportunity to take pictures from both below and above. The 600mm zoom gets the job done! I could easily catch the smallest details, even from a long distance.

My general observations are that certain areas for photographers were turned off for security reasons. I have not attended previous events, so for me it was great, regardless of the dedicated zones.

No smoke no fun

Is this true? Probably.

Although, as I mentioned, for me everything was new.

"This year is lame! They closed the roof and there is no smoke." This is what I mostly heard when talking to other photographers, mostly old-timers.

It was true. The roof was closed and in order to keep people from puffing up from the smoke, they had to pour water on the track. And because of the water, there was no smoke.

The time before the final runs confirmed that closing the roof was a good decision. A huge downpour passed over Warsaw. So big that it flooded the subway and in general half the city was disabled.

So I guess a closed roof is better than a competition that ended ahead of schedule.

Apparently, speeds were also lower and hence the performance of the race less effective. Did I feel it? I don't know. It is possible that the old-timers expected something different.

I was managing somehow. I didn't compare my work to anyone, so I don't know how I performed. Nevertheless, I like my photos.

Drift Masters summary

The summary will be brief.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event. If it weren't for participating in these competitions, I'd probably wonder what professional even drifting looks like to this day.

I had a great time. I think the photographers had plenty of opportunities and chances to take good pictures, regardless of the conditions.

If I have the opportunity, I will gladly go to the finals in 2025.

For more photos from the event, see here.

In 2024 I also participated in a completely different event - Ultrace. Read coverage of Ultrace here.