Hubbry Logo
James Deane (drift driver)James Deane (drift driver)Main
Open search
James Deane (drift driver)
Community hub
James Deane (drift driver)
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
James Deane (drift driver)
James Deane (drift driver)
from Wikipedia

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 Poland Round 3, Stadion im. Kazimierza Górskiego 2016 Nissan 180SX
2 Poland Round 9, Gdańsk 2016 Nissan 200SX
3 Poland Round 11, Stadion im. Kazimierza Górskiego 2016 Nissan 200SX
4 Poland Round 1, Stadion im. Kazimierza Górskiego 2017 Nissan 200SX
5 Latvia Round 3, Bikernieki Race Track 2018 Nissan 200SX
6 Poland Round 4, MotoArena Toruń 2018 Nissan 200SX
7 Germany Round 5, Hockenheimring 2018 Nissan 200SX
8 Republic of Ireland Round 6, Mondello Park 2018 Nissan 200SX
9 Germany Round 5, Ferropolis 2019 BMW E92
10 Latvia King of Riga, Bikernieki Race Track 2020 BMW E92
11 Republic of Ireland Round 2, Mondello Park 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]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
James Deane (born 14 October 1991) is an Irish drift driver renowned for his dominance in international drifting competitions, particularly as the first five-time PRO Series champion, with titles won in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024, and 2025. Deane began his competitive drifting career in 2006 at the age of 15, entering Ireland's Prodrift Junior Championship driving a , and quickly rose to prominence by securing his first national title the following year. Over the subsequent years, he expanded his success across Europe and beyond, winning consecutive Drift Allstars European Championships in 2014 and 2015 with a prepared by Falken Motorsports, becoming the first driver to claim a European double championship alongside the Irish Drift title that year. His Formula Drift victories marked him as a global standout, with the 2024 and 2025 titles achieved driving an AutoZone-sponsored RTR Spec 5-FD for the Drift Team, where he amassed multiple round wins and set records for early championship clinches. In addition to his PRO Series accolades, Deane has excelled in other prestigious events, including the 2024 Oman International Drift Championship, where he dominated with victories in 66% of qualification and event runs. He continues to compete in series like Drift Masters , maintaining a reputation for precision and consistency that has made him one of the most followed figures in drifting.

Early life and background

Birth and upbringing

James Deane was born on 14 October 1991 in Castletownroche, a small rural village in , . He grew up in this countryside setting, where the landscape of rolling hills and farmlands provided an everyday backdrop to his formative years. Deane hails from a deeply embedded in Irish motorsport heritage, with his father and uncle recognized as legends in 1980s for building and cars. His older brothers, including Mike and , also pursued from a young age, fostering an environment rich in mechanical knowledge and automotive passion. 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. Details on Deane's formal are limited, but his was marked by self-taught skills honed from tinkering with vehicles alongside his , rather than structured schooling in or related fields. By age 10, around 2001, he attended his first motorsport event—watching his brother compete—which sparked his initial fascination with , though his entry into drifting would come later in 2006.

Introduction to drifting

James Deane entered the world of competitive drifting in at the age of 15, piloting a modified in Ireland's burgeoning drifting scene. The sport, which originated in and gained traction in through grassroots events, appealed to young enthusiasts like Deane due to the availability of inexpensive, older such as the , often acquired for as little as €200 and adapted for sideways sliding maneuvers. This local Irish fostered technical skill-building and bold driving styles, providing an accessible entry point for teenagers inspired by family involvement in . Deane's first vehicle, a 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 for initiating slides. 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. Supported by his brothers Mike and , who entered him in the Prodrift Junior Championship that year, Deane quickly adapted to the demands of battles and solo runs on Irish tracks. 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. 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.

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, , driving a 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. 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 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 Drifting World Championship later that year. 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 with a , 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.

Rise in international drifting

Deane's foundation in Irish drifting provided a strong base for his international ambitions, enabling him to compete effectively in from a young age. Around , 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. 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. 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. Expanding further, Deane captured three consecutive Drift Masters European Championship titles from 2018 to 2020, navigating rounds across Europe in his Falken Tires S14.9. The series emphasized multi-round consistency with tandem judging similar to Drift Allstars, but on varied tracks like 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 . His 2019 campaign included a perfect run at Ferropolis, , securing the championship amid close battles with drivers like Piotr Wiecek. For 2020, despite global disruptions, Deane won the round against Peter Wiecek in the final, overcoming weather challenges to claim the title. 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. Capping his international ascent, Deane won the 2021 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup as a , defeating a 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.

Formula Drift tenure

James Deane entered the Pro Championship as a full-season competitor in 2017, following an announcement in late 2016 after securing his third consecutive Drift Allstars title in . Partnering with the Polish-based Worthouse Drift Team alongside teammate , Deane piloted a right-hand-drive 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. 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 season due to the and logistical challenges, Deane stepped away from to focus on European and Middle Eastern series, leaving the team entirely by year's end. He returned in 2023 with the American Drift Team, switching to a custom right-hand-drive RTR Spec 5-FD powered by a supercharged V8 and nitrous system—a significant shift from his previous rear-wheel-drive setups. This partnership, supported by sponsors like , propelled him to further dominance, including back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025. Throughout his 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 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. Deane's overall statistics in 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-, 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 , these challenges were overcome, cementing his status as the series' most decorated driver with five championships.

Championships and achievements

Formula Drift titles

James Deane secured his first PRO Championship in 2017, marking a triumphant return to the series after competing primarily in . Driving the Worthouse Drift Team / Nissan 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. Building on his initial success, Deane achieved back-to-back championships in and , becoming the first driver to accomplish a in history. In , he defended his title in a dramatic finale at Irwindale Speedway, securing the championship through consistent performance across the season in the Worthouse . The season saw him seal the with a third-place finish at the Irwindale finale, driving for Team Falken in the , 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. After a hiatus focused on European series, Deane returned to in 2023 with the Drift Team and captured his fourth championship in 2024. Piloting the RTR-spec , his first title outside of 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. Deane further extended his record in 2025 by winning his fifth PRO Championship, clinched at Round 7 in —the first time a driver has secured the title before the season finale. Remaining with the RTR , 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.

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 to claim the overall title at the age of 19. He followed this with a dominant 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. 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 to , navigating the series' emphasis on high-speed entries and creative lines in urban and industrial venues. His victory marked him as the first driver to hold both a European and an American professional title simultaneously, while the and wins highlighted his mastery of event-specific judging adaptations, such as proximity scoring in tight layouts. 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. His 2024 dominance included winning 66% of qualification and event battles, demonstrating endurance in grueling conditions that test vehicle reliability and driver stamina. Earlier in his career, Deane won the Prodrift Europe championship in 2008 at age 16, becoming the youngest European series champion at the time. He also claimed Irish Drift Cup titles in 2013 and 2015, solidifying his national dominance before expanding internationally. 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. 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 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.
EventSeasonCarTeam
Streets of Long Beach2017Nissan Silvia S15Worthouse / Falken
Road Atlanta2017Nissan Silvia S15Worthouse / Falken
Evergreen Speedway (Seattle)2017Nissan Silvia S15Worthouse / Falken
Texas Motor Speedway2017Nissan Silvia S15Worthouse / Falken
Wall Speedway (New Jersey)2018Nissan Silvia S15Worthouse / Falken
Evergreen Speedway (Seattle)2018Nissan Silvia S15Worthouse / Falken
World Wide Technology Raceway (St. Louis)2019Nissan Silvia S15Worthouse / Falken
Streets of Long Beach2024Ford MustangRTR Vehicles
Old Bridge Township Raceway (Englishtown)2024Ford MustangRTR Vehicles
Evergreen Speedway (Seattle)2024Ford MustangRTR Vehicles
Irwindale Speedway2024Ford MustangRTR Vehicles
Road Atlanta2025Ford MustangRTR Vehicles
World Wide Technology Raceway (St. Louis)2025Ford MustangRTR Vehicles
Utah Motorsports Campus2025Ford MustangRTR Vehicles
Deane's inaugural victory came at the 2017 Streets of Long Beach event, marking his first U.S. win just seven years after his drifting debut and on only his second outing in the series. Driving the Worthouse / Falken S15, he advanced through the Top 32 by defeating past champions like Chris Forsberg with precise lead runs scoring in the high 80s, ultimately clinching the final against in a one-more-time battle after a close chase. This underdog triumph set the tone for his rookie season dominance, where he tied the record for most wins in a single year with four victories. In 2024, Deane marked his debut with the team by winning the Evergreen Speedway event in , adapting swiftly to the after years in the S15. He qualified first with a 95.00 lead score and powered through the bracket, including a Top 16 victory over via unanimous judges' decision on aggressive clipping and angle. Later that season, his Irwindale Speedway win came as a flawless performance, qualifying pole with a 96.50 backup score and defeating Conor Shanahan in the final without needing extra runs, securing both the event and his fourth career championship. Deane's 2025 campaign highlighted his continued prowess, starting with a gritty victory where he survived two one-more-time calls against Fredric Aasbo in the final—totaling six runs—before earning the win on superior chase execution amid wet conditions. At Raceway in , he dominated qualifying with a 94.00 lead score and advanced undefeated, beating teammate Jack Shanahan in an all-Irish final to tie for the championship lead. His Utah Motorsports Campus win later clinched his fifth title early, featuring a Top 8 battle against Aurimas Bakchis where Deane's 92.00 chase score edged out the competition. Deane's victories evolved from opportunistic underdog performances in , where he capitalized on consistency in a new environment to claim four wins en route to his first title, to outright dominance by 2024-2025 with the RTR , amassing seven victories across those seasons through superior qualifying (often pole positions) and bracket execution that contributed to back-to-back championships. These successes underscore his role in elevating Formula Drift's global appeal, particularly as the first non-American to win multiple titles.

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 . 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 battles. 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. 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. 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. The following table summarizes selected Drift Masters event victories, illustrating Deane's consistent performance across seasons and vehicles:
EventSeasonCar
Plock, Poland (Round 11)2016Nissan S14
Poznań, Poland (Round 1)2017Nissan Silvia S15
Ferropolis, Germany2019BMW M3 E92
Riga, Latvia2020Nissan Silvia S14

Additional event triumphs

James Deane has achieved significant success in the 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 Sports Complex. 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 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 S14 setup.
EventSeasonCar
Oman IDC2018Nissan Silvia S14
Oman IDC2019Nissan Silvia S14
Oman IDC2020Nissan Silvia S14
Oman IDC2024Nissan Silvia S14
Deane's triumphs in the Drift Allstars series from 2011 to 2016 highlight his early international prowess, with key event wins that bolstered his reputation in European non-championship competitions. He claimed the overall series victory in 2011 driving a PS13, followed by standout performances in subsequent years, including round wins en route to European titles in 2014, 2015, and 2016 with Falken-backed machinery. These successes often involved overcoming variable track conditions across European circuits, such as the demanding layouts at Autodrome and Goldenport. In domestic and regional events, Deane excelled early in his career, winning the Prodrift Ireland Championship in both 2008—at age 16, the youngest to do so—and 2010, where he clinched the title at the season finale in Fermoy despite competing concurrently in Formula Drift rounds. He also captured the Irish Drift Championship titles in 2013 and 2015, with the latter coming after intense battles against rising young talents wielding high-horsepower builds at venues like Mondello Park. Additionally, Deane won the 2021 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup at its Riga finale, defeating local prodigy Nikolass Bertans in the final to claim the world-level crown as a series rookie, amid the pressures of adapting to Latvia's technical Biķernieki track.

Career results

Formula Drift season results

James Deane entered 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 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.
SeasonPositionPointsEvents EnteredNotable Finishes
2016N/AN/A0Did not participate in full season; focused on European series.
20171stN/A8Multiple round wins including Round 1 (Streets of Long Beach), Round 7 (AutoZone Showdown).
20181stN/A81st at Evergreen Speedway (Round 4), 1st at New Jersey (Round 3); 4 podiums total.
20191stN/A81st at St. Louis (Round 5); 6 podiums total.
2020N/AN/A0Did not compete; hiatus for European series.
2021N/AN/A0Did not compete; hiatus for European series.
2022N/AN/A0Did not compete; hiatus for European series.
20235thN/A83rd at Irwindale Speedway (Round 8), 3rd at Evergreen Speedway (Round 4); 2 podiums total.
20241stN/A81st at Irwindale Speedway (Round 8); 4 wins, 6 podiums total.
20251stN/A81st at Utah Motorsports Campus (Round 7), 1st at Atlanta (Round 6), 1st at St. Louis (Round 5); 3 wins, 6 podiums total.

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 . The 2020 season, limited to a single event in due to the , 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 , 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.
SeasonPositionPointsKey Events
20162nd-Runner-up in championship; multiple podiums in Polish rounds.
2017--Participated in four rounds, with a second-place finish in Austria.
20181st-Championship title; strong performances in and rounds.
20191st-Back-to-back title; wins in .
20201st-Title via win at the sole event.
20219th-Participated in multiple rounds; 9th overall finish.
20224th-Fourth in standings; podiums in multiple rounds.
202323rd104Lower season ranking with selective events.
20243rd409Podium season finish; consistent top performances.
20255th323Fifth place; notable fourth in Grand Finale.
Deane's early success in Drift Masters was influenced by his dominance in Irish domestic drifting, where he won multiple titles prior to his European breakthrough. In other European series, Deane claimed the Prodrift championship in 2012, marking an early milestone in his career on the continent.

Other series results

James Deane has competed in several secondary international and regional drift series, including the Oman International Drift Championship (OIDC), Drift Allstars , 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 winter or as preparatory rounds, allowing him to balance global travel with focused training periods.

Oman IDC Results (2018–2024)

Deane dominated the OIDC, a Middle Eastern series held annually in , , 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.
YearPositionNotes
20181stChampionship win; swept all rounds in S14.
20191stOverall champion; multiple round victories.
20201stThree round wins in 2JZ-powered S14.
2021DNPNo participation due to global travel restrictions.
2022QFReached quarterfinals; focused on European prep.
2023SFSemifinal finish; strong qualification scores.
20241stChampionship with 66% victory rate across rounds; beat Ahmad Daham in final.

Drift Allstars Results (2011–2016)

The Drift Allstars European Series served as a foundational platform for Deane early in his career, with events across 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.
YearPositionNotes
20111stEuropean champion; event win at finale.
20122ndRunner-up overall; home event win in .
20135thMid-pack finish; focused on spotting and Irish series.
20141stChampionship secured at Lithuanian GP; Falken S14 debut.
20151stConsecutive title; strong throughout season.
20161stThird straight win; season finale clincher.

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.
YearPositionNotes
20131stChampionship win; opening round victory.
20143rd overall; Round 2 battle wins.
20151stTitle clinched; multiple podiums.

Records and notable accomplishments

World records

On December 14, 2014, Irish drift driver James Deane, alongside Jordanian drifter Ahmad Daham, set the for the longest twin vehicle drift, covering a distance of 28.52 kilometers in , . The event took place at in , organized by Middle East and Prodrift Academy, with both drivers piloting vehicles in a synchronized maneuver. The drift lasted just over 45 minutes, encompassing more than 100 laps of a figure-of-eight circuit and over 200 transitions while maintaining close proximity and continuous tire smoke. Guinness World Records verification was conducted by an official adjudicator and drift expert Kieran Hynes, confirming adherence to criteria requiring the two vehicles to drift in tandem over the furthest possible distance without interruption. This achievement, occurring mid-career as Deane's international profile was rising, underscored the endurance capabilities of professional drifting and highlighted the performance of the Nissan Z platform.

Performance streaks and milestones

James Deane's career is marked by several significant milestones in professional drifting, beginning with his breakthrough as the first Irish driver to claim the championship in 2017. At the age of 15, he secured his first professional win in 2007, establishing himself as one of the youngest victors in Irish professional drifting history. By 2019, Deane had achieved three consecutive titles (2017–2019), a feat unmatched since the series began in 2004. In 2024, Deane captured his fourth championship, becoming the first driver in series history to reach that mark. He extended this dominance in August 2025 by clinching his fifth title before the season's final round, solidifying his status as the most successful competitor in with the highest number of championships. These accomplishments highlight Deane's versatility, including his adaptation to multiple car brands such as transitioning from to Ford platforms while maintaining top performance levels. Deane's consistency is exemplified by a streak of 13 consecutive finishes in from October 2023 to August 2024, the longest such run in professional drifting history. This endurance in competition builds on skills honed through high-stakes record attempts. As a European driver, Deane holds the most international drifting titles among his peers, including multiple victories in series like Drift Allstars and the International Drift Championship.

Equipment and identity

Cars and teams

James Deane began his competitive drifting career in 2006 driving a in Ireland's Prodrift Junior Championship, where he finished third overall. This rear-wheel-drive estate car, modified with a welded differential, hydraulic handbrake, and basic for around 123 horsepower, served as his entry-level machine during his formative years as a 15-year-old competitor. By 2007, Deane transitioned to a S14, which he used in professional European events through 2016. These rear-wheel-drive coupes, often fitted with 2JZ engine swaps for enhanced power output exceeding 800 horsepower, allowed Deane to compete independently and later with the ProDrift Academy team, including setting a World Record for the longest twin-vehicle drift in 2014 using vehicles. During this period, he also briefly campaigned a E92 M3 Eurofighter starting in 2019 for Drift Masters events, featuring a 2JZ inline-six engine producing over 900 horsepower and widebody modifications for improved and tire clearance. Deane's entry into in 2017 marked a shift to a Toyota 2JZ-swapped S15, campaigned under the Worthouse Drift Team with Falken Tires sponsorship, securing three consecutive championships from 2017 to 2019. After a hiatus from the series in 2020–2022 to focus on European competitions, he returned in 2023 with the Drift Team, piloting a right-hand-drive RTR Spec 5, supported by Ford Performance and sponsors including , , and Nitto Tire. This V8-powered , tuned for over 1,000 horsepower with custom suspension and aero kits, led to victories in 2024 and 2025, culminating in his fourth and fifth titles. In 2025, Deane also campaigned a variant of the Mustang RTR, the Spec 5-DM with modifications for series regulations, in the Drift Masters European Championship. As part of his Ford sponsorship rewards, Deane received a custom street-legal 2025 RTR Spec 2 in May 2025, featuring performance upgrades like enhanced brakes, suspension, and styling elements derived from his race car. Throughout his career, Deane's vehicles have emphasized reliable power delivery via 2JZ or V8 engines, hydroformed reinforcements, and adjustable suspensions to suit diverse track layouts in both European and American series.

Racing number origin

James Deane's racing number 130 draws inspiration from the iconic Spyder owned by actor , famously nicknamed "Little Bastard." This car, which Dean acquired in September 1955 for competitive , was assigned the provisional racing number 130 by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) for its intended debut at the Salinas Speed Trail. Customizer painted the number prominently on the hood, rear deck, and doors, embedding it in the vehicle's lore amid its tragic history following Dean's fatal accident just days later. Deane selected the number early in his drifting career, around 2007-2008, as a tribute to James Dean's enduring legacy as a passionate racer and cultural symbol of speed and risk-taking. From his initial outings in Irish events, such as those organized by the Irish Drift Championship, Deane has affixed 130 to every competition vehicle, marking it as an integral part of his professional identity across domestic and international circuits. This consistency underscores its role beyond mere identification, evolving into a hallmark of his rise from local competitor to global champion. Within the drifting community, the number 130 carries cultural weight as a nod to automotive history and rebellion, resonating with enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of Hollywood mythology and high-performance . It has amplified Deane's persona, often evoking discussions of the "Little Bastard" curse and its parallels to the unpredictable thrills of drifting, while symbolizing his own trailblazing successes in the sport.

Personal life

Deane resides in Castletownroche, , . He is married to professional drifter Becky Evans. The couple has children.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.