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James Deane (drift driver)
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James Deane (born 14 October 1991) is an Irish professional drift driver. He is a 5-time Formula D Champion and 4-time Drift Allstars and Oman IDC Champion. He has also won multiple National and European titles. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest drift drivers of all time.[2]
Key Information
Career
[edit]Deane began his career in competition drifting in 2006, driving a Ford Sierra in the Prodrift Junior Championship, finishing third in the series. In 2007, Deane won his first ever professional event in the main Prodrift series at Rosegreen at the age of fifteen, which is believed to have made him the youngest professional drift event winner in the world at the time. The following season, he won both the Irish series and the Prodrift European series, qualifying him to compete in the Red Bull Drifting World Championship in Long Beach, California.[1]
Deane won the 2010 Prodrift series whilst also competing in some Formula D events.[3] The following season, he won the Drift Allstars series for the Low Brain Drifters team, with six podiums including four wins.[4] He won the Irish Drift Championship in 2013 and 2015[5][6] and from 2014 onwards, won the Drift Allstars European Series for three consecutive years.[7]
In October 2016, following his third DA title, it was announced that Deane would return to Formula D for a full campaign in 2017. Deane would pilot a Toyota 2JZ powered Nissan Silvia S15 for the Worthouse drift team alongside teammate Piotr Wiecek. Wiecek would pilot an identical S15 converted to left hand drive.[7] His return to competition in the United States was a major success, with him winning the 2017 Formula Drift Championship.[8][9]
James returned to Formula Drift in 2018 alongside Worthouse. He finished the season in 1st Place, successfully defending his title. This would make him the second driver in Formula Drift history to win back-to-back championships, the first being Tanner "The Golden Child" Foust.
Deane took first place on the podium at the 2019 Oman Oil Marketing International Drift Championship. Representing Worthouse and Falken, Deane dominated the bracket despite an issue he was having due to a flaw with the rack and pinion in his steering assembly. This win at the Oman Drift Championship gives Deane his thirteenth title win.
Having successfully defended his Formula Drift Championship title, James Deane returned for the 2019 season, which would prove to be Deane's toughest Formula D season since his return to the series in 2017. On 19 October 2019 Deane was crowned 2019 Formula Drift Champion for the 3rd year in a row, making him the first driver in the sport's history to pull off a 3-peat. Deane is tied with Chris Forsberg and Fredric Aasbø for most Formula Drift championship titles; However Forsberg's and Aasbø's championships were nonconsecutive, giving reason for many to hail James "The Machine" Deane as the best drifter on the planet.
As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Worthouse Drift Team withdrew from the 2020 Formula Drift championship. In the same statement, it was also announced that James Deane will no longer be competing with Worthouse.[10]
On 3 March 2021, Deane announced that he would be competing in the 2021 Russian Drift Series with the AIMOL Drift Team. He would compete alongside teammates Daigo Saito and Charles NG.[11]
On 23 February 2023 Vaughn Gittin Jr. announced that Deane would be competing in Formula D 2023 as a member of the RTR racing team.[12] He managed to get 5th place overall with 2 3rd place podiums
On 1 January 2024, he returned to Formula Drift with RTR team, he also managed to get a win during the first round of Formula Drift in Long Beach, mark his first win in Formula Drift with RTR Team.
From October 8, 2023 - August 10, 2024 James Deane had 13 consecutive podiums (longest podium streak in drifting history)
Formula Drift Achievements
[edit]- 1 of 3 drivers to qualify with a perfect score of 100 points (Tanner Foust - Justin Pawlak - James Deane)
- The first and only driver in the FD's history to pull off a 3-Peat
- The first and only 5 time FD Champion
Event wins
[edit]Drift Masters wins
[edit]| # | Event | Season | Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016 | Nissan 180SX | |
| 2 | 2016 | Nissan 200SX | |
| 3 | 2016 | Nissan 200SX | |
| 4 | 2017 | Nissan 200SX | |
| 5 | 2018 | Nissan 200SX | |
| 6 | 2018 | Nissan 200SX | |
| 7 | 2018 | Nissan 200SX | |
| 8 | 2018 | Nissan 200SX | |
| 9 | 2019 | BMW E92 | |
| 10 | 2020 | BMW E92 | |
| 11 | 2024 | Nissan S14.9 |
Formula Drift wins
[edit]| # | Event | Season | Car | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LBH | 2017 | Nissan S15 | Worthouse Drift Team |
| 2 | ATL | 2017 | Nissan S15 | Worthouse Drift Team |
| 3 | SEA | 2017 | Nissan S15 | Worthouse Drift Team |
| 4 | TEX | 2017 | Nissan S15 | Worthouse Drift Team |
| 5 | WNJ | 2018 | Nissan S15 | Worthouse Drift Team |
| 6 | EVS | 2018 | Nissan S15 | Worthouse Drift Team |
| 7 | WWT | 2019 | Nissan S15 | Worthouse Drift Team |
| 8 | LBH | 2024 | Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D | RTR Motorsports |
| 9 | ENG | 2024 | Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D | RTR Motorsports |
| 10 | WWT | 2024 | Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D | RTR Motorsports |
| 11 | IRW | 2024 | Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D | RTR Motorsports |
| 12 | ATL | 2025 | Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D | RTR Motorsports |
| 13 | WWT | 2025 | Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D | RTR Motorsports |
| 14 | UTA | 2025 | Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D | RTR Motorsports |
Career results
[edit]Oman IDC results
[edit]| Year | Team | Car | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Falken Tire | Nissan S14 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1st |
| 2019 | Falken Tire | Nissan S14 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1st |
| 2020 | Falken Tire | Nissan S14 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 1st |
| 2024 | Fmic.ae | Nissan S14.9 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1st |
Formula Drift results
[edit]| Year | Team | Car | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Pos. | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Falken Tire | Nissan S14 | LBH Top 8 |
ATL | WTS | EVS | LVS Top 32 |
SON Top 8 |
IRW Top 16 |
24th | 202 | |
| 2017 | Worthouse Drift Team | Nissan S15 | LBH 1 |
ORL 9 |
ATL 1 |
NJ 5 |
CAN 3 |
SEA 1 |
TEX 1 |
IRW 3 |
1st | 651 |
| 2018 | Worthouse Drift Team | Nissan S15 | LBH 4 |
ORL 2 |
ATL 6 |
WNJ 1 |
EVS 1 |
GAT 6 |
TEX 2 |
IRW 9 |
1st | 595 |
| 2019 | Worthouse Drift Team | Nissan S15 | LBH 6 |
ORL 11 |
ATL 3 |
WNJ 3 |
EVS 2 |
WWT 1 |
TEX 2 |
IRW 3 |
1st | 565 |
| 2023 | RTR Motorsports | Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D | LBH 6 |
ATL 7 |
ORL 7 |
ENG 4 |
WWT 18 |
EVS 3 |
UTA 9 |
IRW 3 |
5th | 413 |
| 2024 | RTR Motorsports | Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D | LBH 1 |
ATL 3 |
ORL 2 |
ENG 1 |
WWT 1 |
EVS 9 |
UTA 4 |
IRW 1 |
1st | 666 |
| 2025 | RTR Motorsports | Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D | LBH 2 |
ATL 1 |
ORL 9 |
ENG 3 |
WWT 1 |
EVS 2 |
UTA 1 |
LBH2 3 |
1st | 300 |
Drift Masters European Championship/Drift Masters results
[edit]| Year | Car | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Pos. | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Nissan 200SX | POL1 2 |
HUN 3 |
LAT 1 |
POL2 1 |
GER 1 |
IRL 1 |
1st | 591 | |
| 2019 | BMW E92 | AUT 2 |
FRA 5 |
POL 5 |
LAT 17 |
GER 1 |
IRL 6 |
1st | 381 | |
| 2020 | BMW E92 | LAT 1 |
1st | 100 | ||||||
| 2021 | Nissan S14.9 | AUT1 | AUT2 | LAT1 5 |
LAT2 3 |
9th | 128 | |||
| 2022 | Nissan S14.9 | IRL 3 |
AUT 5 |
SWE 4 |
LAT 2 |
GER 17 |
POL 3 |
4th | 373 | |
| 2023 | Nissan S14.9/BMW E92 | IRL 5 |
SWE | FIN | LAT 7 |
GER | POL | 23rd | 104 | |
| 2024 | Nissan S14.9 | ESP | IRL 1 |
FIN 3 |
LAT 2 |
HUN 17 |
POL 2 |
3rd | 409 | |
| 2025 | Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D | ITA C |
ESP 5 |
FIN 5 |
IRL 21 |
LAT 2 |
GER 17 |
POL 4 |
5th | 323 |
World record
[edit]On 14 December 2014, Deane and Jordanian drifter Ahmad Daham set a new Guinness World Record for the world's longest tandem drift, 28.52 kilometres.[13]
Story of starting number 130
[edit]Popular actor from Los Angeles James Dean loved racing and his Porsche "Little bastard", on which he died in a car accident, had number 130 on board. James Deane hoped that he could make number 130 more successful.[14]
Personal life
[edit]Deane was in a relationship with Becky Evans until some time in 2025, an automotive presenter and YouTuber who stars in the Red Bull series 'Drift Queen'.[15][16]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "James Deane Added to Driving Talent". Formula Drift Blog. 8 October 2008. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
- ^ TOP 10 BEST DRIFTERS IN THE WORLD. 22 November 2020 – via Drift Games.
- ^ "JAMES DEANE IS 2010 PRODRIFT CHAMPION [RESULTS]". Wrecked Magazine. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
- ^ "James Deane - Ireland". Drift Allstars. Archived from the original on 6 September 2019. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
- ^ "JAMES DEANE IS THE CHAMPION OF THE IRISH DRIFTING CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 2013". Wrecked Magazine. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
- ^ Quinn, Sandra (7 October 2015). "James Deane is Irish Drift Champion". The Avondhu. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
- ^ a b McGrath, Paddy (17 October 2016). "James Deane To Compete In Formula Drift". Speedhunters. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
- ^ "Piotr Wiecek takes the event victory and James Deane is crowned champion". Motorsport.com. 15 October 2017. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
- ^ "JAMES DEANE IS CROWNED 2018 FORMULA DRIFT PRO CHAMPION IN THRILLING SEASON FINALE". Formula Drift Blog. 15 October 2018. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
- ^ "WORTHOUSE DRIFT TEAM TO WITHDRAW FROM 2020 FORMULA DRIFT AND DRIVERS TO PART WAYS". Worthouse Team. 2 August 2020. Archived from the original on 16 March 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
- ^ "What Championship are we competing in this year?". YouTube. 3 March 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ We Have A New Formula Drift Driver!!, 23 February 2023, retrieved 27 February 2023
- ^ Butters, Jordan (16 December 2014). "NEWS: New Drift World Record set in Dubai". Drifted. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Let's talk to the AIMOL Racing". YouTube. 11 November 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
- ^ Korecki, Danny (29 June 2020). "FD/DMEC CHAMP JAMES DEANE SCARES HIS GIRLFRIEND DRIFTING HIS DAILY E92 M3". DriveTribe. Retrieved 29 March 2021.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Fell, Victoria (15 November 2018). "Drift Queen – meet Becky Evans, the vlogger shaking up the car world". Marie Claire. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
- ^ Mason, Sam (19 December 2014). "Video: Nissan and Prodrift Academy set new twin vehicle drift record in Dubai". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
James Deane (drift driver)
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
Birth and upbringing
James Deane was born on 14 October 1991 in Castletownroche, a small rural village in County Cork, Ireland.[7][8] He grew up in this countryside setting, where the landscape of rolling hills and farmlands provided an everyday backdrop to his formative years.[3] Deane hails from a family deeply embedded in Irish motorsport heritage, with his father and uncle recognized as legends in 1980s rallying for building and racing cars.[9][10] His older brothers, including Mike and Kenneth, also pursued racing from a young age, fostering an environment rich in mechanical knowledge and automotive passion.[11] This family tradition exposed Deane to cars early on, as his relatives constructed rally vehicles in their workshops, instilling in him a hands-on understanding of mechanics through observation and participation.[10] Details on Deane's formal education are limited, but his youth was marked by self-taught skills honed from tinkering with vehicles alongside his family, rather than structured schooling in engineering or related fields.[10] By age 10, around 2001, he attended his first motorsport event—watching his brother compete—which sparked his initial fascination with racing, though his entry into drifting would come later in 2006.[12][11]Introduction to drifting
James Deane entered the world of competitive drifting in 2006 at the age of 15, piloting a modified Ford Sierra in Ireland's burgeoning drifting scene.[2] The sport, which originated in Japan and gained traction in Europe through grassroots events, appealed to young enthusiasts like Deane due to the availability of inexpensive, older vehicles such as the Ford Sierra, often acquired for as little as €200 and adapted for sideways sliding maneuvers.[13] This local Irish community fostered technical skill-building and bold driving styles, providing an accessible entry point for teenagers inspired by family involvement in motorsport.[13] Deane's first vehicle, a Ford Sierra estate, underwent basic modifications essential for drifting, including a welded differential to lock the rear wheels for controlled oversteer, a stripped interior to reduce weight, and a hydraulic handbrake for initiating slides.[14] These simple upgrades transformed the affordable saloon into a capable drift machine without requiring extensive engine work, emphasizing the DIY ethos of early European drifting.[15] Supported by his brothers Mike and Kenneth, who entered him in the Prodrift Junior Championship that year, Deane quickly adapted to the demands of tandem battles and solo runs on Irish tracks.[16] In his debut season, Deane competed in the Prodrift Junior Championship, a novice series designed to nurture young talent within Ireland's drifting circuit, and achieved a strong third-place finish overall.[2] This early success highlighted his natural aptitude, honed through observation of his family's rallying background and play with drifting simulations, setting the foundation for his progression in the sport.[13]Professional career
Early professional successes
Deane's professional drifting career began in 2007, when, at the age of 15, he secured his first professional victory at the Prodrift Ireland Round 2 event held at Rosegreen in Tipperary, Ireland, driving a Nissan Silvia S14.5. This win marked him as the youngest professional drift winner in Irish series history at the time, defeating more experienced competitors in a field of established drivers. Building on his amateur foundation from 2006, Deane's early success was largely self-funded, with initial support from local tuning specialists like TDP, who provided engine modifications for his vehicle.[16][14][3] In 2008, at just 16 years old, Deane achieved a breakthrough by clinching both the Prodrift Ireland Championship and the Prodrift European Series title, competing in the same Nissan Silvia S14.5 equipped with a TDP-built RB26 inline-six engine. His European championship came at the season finale at Lydden Hill Circuit in the UK, where he outperformed international rivals to secure the crown in front of a large crowd. These dual titles solidified his reputation as a prodigy in European drifting, earning him an invitation to the Red Bull Drifting World Championship later that year.[9][17][18] Deane continued his dominance in domestic series by winning the Prodrift Ireland Championship again in 2010, his second national title, while balancing early international outings. By 2013, he captured the Irish Drift Championship title, taking victory in the opening round at Mondello Park with a Mazda RX-7, under emerging sponsorship from Falken Tires. He repeated as Irish Drift Champion in 2015, further establishing his prowess in Ireland's top series before expanding globally. These early achievements highlighted Deane's rapid progression from local circuits to European contention, driven by consistent performance and vehicle preparation.[19][20][21][22][20]Rise in international drifting
Deane's foundation in Irish drifting provided a strong base for his international ambitions, enabling him to compete effectively in European series from a young age. Around 2011, he transitioned from independent racing with family-built vehicles to more structured sponsored setups, aligning with teams like Low Brain Drifters (LBD) and securing backing from sponsors such as Severnside Imports, which facilitated his entry into professional European circuits.[23] Deane's breakthrough in international drifting came through the Drift Allstars European Series, where he secured championships in 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016. The series featured a tandem battle format, with drivers progressing from Top 32 qualifiers through elimination rounds judged on line accuracy, speed, angle, and clipping zones, often held at diverse venues like Wembley Stadium and MotoArena in Poland. In 2011, at the season finale in Wembley, Deane qualified first and clinched the title by defeating Nigel Colfer in the Great 8—a pivotal battle that sealed his championship—and Michael Marshall in the final, showcasing aggressive yet precise driving on the stadium's tight layout.[24] By 2014, driving a Falken-sponsored Nissan 200SX with a 750bhp Toyota 2JZ engine, he dominated rounds including the Lithuanian Drift GP, retaining the title through consistent top qualifications and battles. His 2015 defense at MotoArena ended dramatically when Colfer's win in the Top 16 secured Deane's points lead, though he fell to Kuba Przygonski in the final after a barrier contact penalty, highlighting intense rivalries. In 2016, Deane again prevailed in the series' high-stakes tandem format, solidifying his reputation as Europe's top drifter.[3][25] Expanding further, Deane captured three consecutive Drift Masters European Championship titles from 2018 to 2020, navigating rounds across Europe in his Falken Tires Nissan Silvia S14.9. The series emphasized multi-round consistency with tandem judging similar to Drift Allstars, but on varied tracks like Mondello Park and Ferropolis. In 2018, he became the first to hold simultaneous U.S. and European pro titles after winning the finale, adapting to diverse conditions including home-soil pressure at Mondello. His 2019 campaign included a perfect run at Ferropolis, Germany, securing the championship amid close battles with drivers like Piotr Wiecek. For 2020, despite global disruptions, Deane won the Riga round against Peter Wiecek in the final, overcoming weather challenges to claim the title.[26][27][28] Deane's reach extended to the Middle East with four Oman International Drift Championship (OIDC) titles in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024, requiring adaptation to high-heat desert tracks at venues like Muscat International Circuit. The OIDC format mirrored European series with qualification and tandem battles, but demanded adjustments for sand-influenced grip and long-haul travel from Ireland. In 2018, he swept all three rounds, pushing against local talents in intense finals. His 2019 victory at the season opener featured dominant Top 16 and final runs in his 2JZ-powered S14. Starting 2020 with a championship win, Deane noted the event's role in his eight-title streak, battling over 50 international drivers. Returning in 2024, he claimed 66% of victories across rounds, including unbeatable qualifications and event wins, crediting car reliability amid the region's demanding conditions.[29][30][31][32] Capping his international ascent, Deane won the 2021 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup as a rookie, defeating a global field at the Riga finale on Latvia's Bikernieki track. The FIA-sanctioned event used a points-based system across rounds with tandem finals judged on international standards, where Deane overcame rain-affected qualifying to beat Marco Zakouril, Alex Golovnya, and Kristaps Bluss before edging 16-year-old Nikolass Bertans in the final despite the Latvian's home advantage and technical hurdles. This victory elevated his profile as a world-class talent bridging European and global series.[33]Formula Drift tenure
James Deane entered the Formula Drift Pro Championship as a full-season competitor in 2017, following an announcement in late 2016 after securing his third consecutive Drift Allstars title in Europe. Partnering with the Polish-based Worthouse Drift Team alongside teammate Piotr Więcek, Deane piloted a right-hand-drive Nissan Silvia S15 and quickly adapted to the series' demands, qualifying for the main event at his debut round in Long Beach and securing an immediate victory there—the first of his three consecutive championships from 2017 to 2019. This rapid success marked him as a formidable international talent in the U.S.-centric series, where he consistently advanced deep into brackets across diverse tracks.[34][35] Deane's team affiliations evolved over his tenure, beginning with the independent European-backed Worthouse effort that emphasized reliability and close tandem battles. After withdrawing from the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges, Deane stepped away from Formula Drift to focus on European and Middle Eastern series, leaving the team entirely by year's end. He returned in 2023 with the American RTR Vehicles Drift Team, switching to a custom right-hand-drive Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD powered by a supercharged V8 and nitrous system—a significant shift from his previous rear-wheel-drive Nissan setups. This partnership, supported by sponsors like AutoZone, propelled him to further dominance, including back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025.[36][37] Throughout his Formula Drift career, Deane has engaged in intense rivalries with established U.S. stars, notably Vaughn Gittin Jr. of the RTR team—whom he later joined as a teammate—and Fredric Aasbo of the Papadakis Racing squad. These battles often featured high-stakes tandem runs, such as Deane's 2025 Long Beach final against Aasbo, highlighting contrasts in driving styles and vehicle setups that tested precision on American tracks with tighter clipping zones and higher-speed entries compared to European venues. His international experience from series like Drift Masters facilitated smoother transitions, allowing him to leverage smoother line control against the aggressive, power-focused approaches of his rivals.[38] Deane's overall statistics in Formula Drift underscore his impact, with 49 main event starts, 13 event wins, and 28 podium finishes as of the 2025 season—representing over half his appearances ending in the top three. A standout streak saw him achieve 13 consecutive podiums from late 2023 through mid-2024, the longest in professional drifting history, blending U.S. and international events. His 2023 return season, finishing fifth overall, reflected initial adaptation hurdles to the Mustang's power delivery and varying U.S. track conditions like Irwindale's banked turns, differing from Europe's more technical, rally-inspired layouts. By 2024, these challenges were overcome, cementing his status as the series' most decorated driver with five championships.[39][40][41][11]Championships and achievements
Formula Drift titles
James Deane secured his first Formula Drift PRO Championship in 2017, marking a triumphant return to the series after competing primarily in Europe. Driving the Worthouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan Silvia S15, Deane clinched the title at the season finale at Irwindale Speedway, where he was crowned champion despite his teammate Piotr Wiecek winning the event. This victory established Deane as a top contender in the U.S. drifting scene, surpassing expectations in his debut full season.[42] Building on his initial success, Deane achieved back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2019, becoming the first driver to accomplish a three-peat in Formula Drift history. In 2018, he defended his title in a dramatic finale at Irwindale Speedway, securing the championship through consistent performance across the season in the Worthouse Nissan 370Z. The 2019 season saw him seal the three-peat with a third-place finish at the Irwindale finale, driving for Team Falken in the Nissan 370Z, which solidified his reputation for precision and adaptability under pressure. These consecutive wins highlighted Deane's dominance during this period, setting a benchmark unmatched until his later returns.[43][44] After a hiatus focused on European series, Deane returned to Formula Drift in 2023 with the RTR Vehicles Drift Team and captured his fourth championship in 2024. Piloting the RTR-spec Ford Mustang, his first title outside of Nissan machinery, Deane won both the championship and Round 8 at the Irwindale finale, edging out three-time champions Chris Forsberg and Fredric Aasbo to become the series' most titled driver at that point. This achievement came in his second season with RTR, underscoring the team's engineering support in adapting to the Mustang platform.[45][2] Deane further extended his record in 2025 by winning his fifth Formula Drift PRO Championship, clinched at Round 7 in Utah—the first time a driver has secured the title before the season finale. Remaining with the RTR Ford Mustang, he amassed sufficient points through strong qualifying and battle performances to seal the championship ahead of the Long Beach showdown, making him the undisputed most successful driver in series history with five titles. This feat not only broke his own record but also emphasized his sustained excellence across multiple vehicle platforms and team affiliations.[1][46]European and other series titles
James Deane secured his debut international championship in the Drift Allstars European Series in 2011, winning the season finale at Wembley Stadium to claim the overall title at the age of 19.[47][24] He followed this with a dominant three-peat from 2014 to 2016, retaining the Drift Allstars crown each year through consistent top performances, including multiple event victories and podium finishes across European rounds.[48][49][5] These successes established Deane as a leading figure in European drifting, showcasing his adaptability to varied tracks and judging criteria focused on precision and style. In the Drift Masters European Championship (DMEC), Deane achieved consecutive titles from 2018 to 2020, navigating the series' emphasis on high-speed entries and creative lines in urban and industrial venues.[26][50] His 2018 victory marked him as the first driver to hold both a European and an American professional title simultaneously, while the 2019 and 2020 wins highlighted his mastery of event-specific judging adaptations, such as proximity scoring in tight layouts.[51] These championships underscored Deane's technical prowess in a competitive field featuring top European talents. Deane's versatility extended to the Middle East with four Oman International Drift Championship (IDC) titles in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024, where he excelled in the series' demanding desert environments requiring exceptional car control amid sand and heat.[52][53][32] His 2024 dominance included winning 66% of qualification and event battles, demonstrating endurance in grueling conditions that test vehicle reliability and driver stamina.[6] Earlier in his career, Deane won the Prodrift Europe championship in 2008 at age 16, becoming the youngest European series champion at the time.[17][54] He also claimed Irish Drift Cup titles in 2013 and 2015, solidifying his national dominance before expanding internationally.[55][56] In 2021, Deane capped a pivotal year by winning the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup, the sport's premier global event, defeating a field of international stars in Riga.[33] These European and international titles, spanning multiple series and continents, cemented Deane's reputation as a versatile champion capable of excelling under diverse judging systems, climates, and competitive pressures, contributing to his status as one of drifting's most accomplished drivers worldwide.Event wins
Formula Drift victories
James Deane has secured 14 event victories in the Formula Drift PRO Championship since his debut in 2017, establishing him as one of the series' most successful drivers. These wins span multiple seasons and showcase his adaptability across different vehicles and team setups. The following table summarizes his victories, including the event location, season, car used, and team affiliation.| Event | Season | Car | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streets of Long Beach | 2017 | Nissan Silvia S15 | Worthouse / Falken |
| Road Atlanta | 2017 | Nissan Silvia S15 | Worthouse / Falken |
| Evergreen Speedway (Seattle) | 2017 | Nissan Silvia S15 | Worthouse / Falken |
| Texas Motor Speedway | 2017 | Nissan Silvia S15 | Worthouse / Falken |
| Wall Speedway (New Jersey) | 2018 | Nissan Silvia S15 | Worthouse / Falken |
| Evergreen Speedway (Seattle) | 2018 | Nissan Silvia S15 | Worthouse / Falken |
| World Wide Technology Raceway (St. Louis) | 2019 | Nissan Silvia S15 | Worthouse / Falken |
| Streets of Long Beach | 2024 | Ford Mustang | RTR Vehicles |
| Old Bridge Township Raceway (Englishtown) | 2024 | Ford Mustang | RTR Vehicles |
| Evergreen Speedway (Seattle) | 2024 | Ford Mustang | RTR Vehicles |
| Irwindale Speedway | 2024 | Ford Mustang | RTR Vehicles |
| Road Atlanta | 2025 | Ford Mustang | RTR Vehicles |
| World Wide Technology Raceway (St. Louis) | 2025 | Ford Mustang | RTR Vehicles |
| Utah Motorsports Campus | 2025 | Ford Mustang | RTR Vehicles |
Drift Masters victories
James Deane has achieved 11 event victories in the Drift Masters European Championship, showcasing his adaptability to the series' unique demands and solidifying his dominance in European drifting. These wins highlight his mastery of diverse track layouts, from tight stadium circuits to technical outdoor courses, where judging emphasizes precise line execution, speed control, and creative transitions over the high-speed, big-angle style prevalent in American series like Formula Drift. Deane's success in Drift Masters often involved fine-tuning his setups for lower-grip surfaces and narrower clipping zones common in European venues, allowing him to outmaneuver competitors in close tandem battles.[57] His breakthrough victory came in 2016 at the Plock round in Poland, where Deane navigated rainy conditions and a challenging roundabout layout in his Nissan S14 to defeat Piotr Więcek in the final, marking an early entry into the European elite.[57] Another standout win occurred in 2020 at the Riga round in Latvia, a pandemic-era event held under strict protocols, where Deane edged out Piotr Więcek in an intense final aboard his 2JZ-powered Nissan Silvia S14, demonstrating resilience amid limited racing opportunities.[58][27] These and other triumphs provided the points hauls necessary to clinch his consecutive championships from 2018 to 2020, with key round wins in finals against rivals like Grzegorz Hypki and Duane McKeever propelling him to the top of the standings each year.[28][59] The following table summarizes selected Drift Masters event victories, illustrating Deane's consistent performance across seasons and vehicles:| Event | Season | Car |
|---|---|---|
| Plock, Poland (Round 11) | 2016 | Nissan S14 |
| Poznań, Poland (Round 1) | 2017 | Nissan Silvia S15 |
| Ferropolis, Germany | 2019 | BMW M3 E92 |
| Riga, Latvia | 2020 | Nissan Silvia S14 |
Additional event triumphs
James Deane has achieved significant success in the Oman International Drift Championship (OIDC), securing championships in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024, often dominating multiple rounds per season despite the challenges of competing in Oman's extreme desert heat and high-speed venues like the Nizwa Sports Complex.[60][61] In 2018, he swept all three rounds to claim the title. The following year, Deane won the first two rounds and finished second in the third to secure the championship. He repeated as champion in 2020 with victories in key rounds, navigating logistical hurdles from international travel amid the early COVID-19 disruptions. Returning in 2024 after a four-year absence, Deane won Rounds 1 and 3, plus the overall title, achieving a 66% victory rate across the series while adapting to his updated Nissan Silvia S14 setup.[53][30][62]| Event | Season | Car |
|---|---|---|
| Oman IDC | 2018 | Nissan Silvia S14 |
| Oman IDC | 2019 | Nissan Silvia S14 |
| Oman IDC | 2020 | Nissan Silvia S14 |
| Oman IDC | 2024 | Nissan Silvia S14 |
Career results
Formula Drift season results
James Deane entered Formula Drift as a full-time competitor in 2017, securing the championship in his debut season and repeating the feat in 2018 and 2019 to become the series' first three-time consecutive winner. After stepping away from 2020 to 2022 to prioritize European drifting events, he mounted a comeback in 2023, finishing fifth overall while adapting to a new car setup. His move to the RTR Vehicles Drift Team ahead of 2024 marked a resurgence, culminating in back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025, where he exhibited greater consistency in lead positions and podium finishes compared to his pre-hiatus era. This improvement in reliability post-2019 was partly attributed to team changes that enhanced vehicle performance and strategy. The following table summarizes Deane's Formula Drift season results from 2016 to 2025, focusing on overall position, total points (where available from official records), events entered, and representative notable finishes.| Season | Position | Points | Events Entered | Notable Finishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | N/A | N/A | 0 | Did not participate in full season; focused on European series. |
| 2017 | 1st | N/A | 8 | Multiple round wins including Round 1 (Streets of Long Beach), Round 7 (AutoZone Showdown).[64][65][42] |
| 2018 | 1st | N/A | 8 | 1st at Evergreen Speedway (Round 4), 1st at New Jersey (Round 3); 4 podiums total.[66][67][68] |
| 2019 | 1st | N/A | 8 | 1st at St. Louis (Round 5); 6 podiums total.[69][70][71] |
| 2020 | N/A | N/A | 0 | Did not compete; hiatus for European series.[2] |
| 2021 | N/A | N/A | 0 | Did not compete; hiatus for European series.[2] |
| 2022 | N/A | N/A | 0 | Did not compete; hiatus for European series.[2] |
| 2023 | 5th | N/A | 8 | 3rd at Irwindale Speedway (Round 8), 3rd at Evergreen Speedway (Round 4); 2 podiums total.[72][73][74] |
| 2024 | 1st | N/A | 8 | 1st at Irwindale Speedway (Round 8); 4 wins, 6 podiums total.[75][76][45] |
| 2025 | 1st | N/A | 8 | 1st at Utah Motorsports Campus (Round 7), 1st at Atlanta (Round 6), 1st at St. Louis (Round 5); 3 wins, 6 podiums total.[1][77][78][79] |
Drift Masters and European results
James Deane began competing in the Drift Masters European Championship in 2016, quickly establishing himself as a top contender in the series with strong performances across multiple seasons. His participation in Drift Masters coincided with his rising profile in international drifting, where he balanced European events with other commitments. Deane's results in the series highlight his adaptability to varied European tracks and judging criteria, contributing to his reputation as a versatile driver. Deane achieved consistent top-three finishes from 2018 to 2020, winning the championship in each of those years and solidifying his dominance in European drifting during that period. His 2018 title came after a close battle, culminating in a decisive performance at the season finale. In 2019, he defended the crown with victories in key rounds, including strong showings in Ireland and Poland. The 2020 season, limited to a single event in Riga due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Deane claim the win and the title in a high-stakes battle against Piotr Wiecek. Post-2020, his results varied due to a focus on Formula Drift, with a 9th-place finish in 2021, fourth in 2022, a lower 23rd in 2023 amid limited participation, a return to the podium with third in 2024, and fifth in 2025.[80][81][82][7][83][84][85]| Season | Position | Points | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2nd | - | Runner-up in championship; multiple podiums in Polish rounds. |
| 2017 | - | - | Participated in four rounds, with a second-place finish in Austria. |
| 2018 | 1st | - | Championship title; strong performances in Latvia and Ireland rounds.[80][28] |
| 2019 | 1st | - | Back-to-back title; wins in Ireland.[81] |
| 2020 | 1st | - | Title via win at the sole Riga event.[82] |
| 2021 | 9th | - | Participated in multiple rounds; 9th overall finish.[83] |
| 2022 | 4th | - | Fourth in standings; podiums in multiple rounds.[84] |
| 2023 | 23rd | 104 | Lower season ranking with selective events.[85] |
| 2024 | 3rd | 409 | Podium season finish; consistent top performances.[7] |
| 2025 | 5th | 323 | Fifth place; notable fourth in Grand Finale.[86][87] |
Other series results
James Deane has competed in several secondary international and regional drift series, including the Oman International Drift Championship (OIDC), Drift Allstars European Series, and Irish Drift Championship, using these events to maintain competitive edge and secure additional titles outside his primary commitments. These series often aligned with his schedule during the Northern Hemisphere winter or as preparatory rounds, allowing him to balance global travel with focused training periods.[88]Oman IDC Results (2018–2024)
Deane dominated the OIDC, a Middle Eastern series held annually in Muscat, Oman, securing four championships through consistent top finishes across multiple rounds. His victories in this event highlighted his adaptability to high-speed desert tracks and international fields blending European and regional drivers. Key outcomes included sweeping podiums in winning years, with off-years limited by scheduling conflicts or mechanical issues in 2021–2023, where he still achieved qualifying advancements but no titles.| Year | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1st | Championship win; swept all rounds in Nissan S14.[89] |
| 2019 | 1st | Overall champion; multiple round victories.[30][90] |
| 2020 | 1st | Three round wins in 2JZ-powered S14.[62] |
| 2021 | DNP | No participation due to global travel restrictions. |
| 2022 | QF | Reached quarterfinals; focused on European prep. |
| 2023 | SF | Semifinal finish; strong qualification scores. |
| 2024 | 1st | Championship with 66% victory rate across rounds; beat Ahmad Daham in final.[91][32][92] |
Drift Allstars Results (2011–2016)
The Drift Allstars European Series served as a foundational platform for Deane early in his career, with events across Europe emphasizing tandem battles on varied circuits. He captured four titles, marked by dominant seasons in 2011 and 2014–2016, while using 2012–2013 for skill refinement amid rising competition. These participations fit into his pre-Formula Drift schedule, building his reputation through consistent event wins and podiums.| Year | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1st | European champion; event win at Wembley finale.[93][47] |
| 2012 | 2nd | Runner-up overall; home event win in Ireland.[94] |
| 2013 | 5th | Mid-pack finish; focused on spotting and Irish series. |
| 2014 | 1st | Championship secured at Lithuanian GP; Falken S14 debut.[25][95] |
| 2015 | 1st | Consecutive title; strong throughout season.[51][96] |
| 2016 | 1st | Third straight win; season finale clincher.[51][63] |
Irish Drift Results (2013–2015)
As a home series, the Irish Drift Championship allowed Deane to compete locally during summer months, complementing his international calendar with familiar tracks and emerging talent. He claimed titles in 2013 and 2015 through flawless round performances, with 2014 serving as a transitional year focused on European expansion, resulting in strong but non-winning finishes.| Year | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1st | Championship win; opening round victory.[22] |
| 2014 | 3rd | Podium overall; Round 2 battle wins.[97] |
| 2015 | 1st | Title clinched; multiple podiums.[56][96] |
