The air was electric at Irwindale Speedway on October 19, as the curtains drew on the 2024 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship season. Fans packed the stands for the Type S Title Fight, and witnessed history as James Deane solidified his legacy by clinching his fourth championship title, becoming the first driver ever to achieve this remarkable feat after surpassing fellow three-time championship winners Aasbo and Forsberg, this time in the AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD.
As Deane rolled up to the starting line for his Top 32 heat, the tension was palpable. With enough points already secured, he was already the 2024 Formula DRIFT PRO Champion before the competition even heated up. But the night was far from over for the emotional Irish driver, who added another Round win to his illustrious career.
“I can’t believe we’ve got to this point in only our second season with car,” Deane shared with a beaming smile. “Practice was the most intense ever because there was so much to lose. I was afraid something could go wrong but relieved to get through it and be ready to enjoy this moment… As a 15 year-old kid, I could never have imagined being here!”
Deane’s 2024 season was nothing short of exciting and dominant. Despite a pre-season engine fire that had his team switching into recovery mode, Deane bounced back with an impressive win at the opening round in Long Beach. “After that, anything seemed possible,” he reflected, and indeed it was. He ended the season with four round victories, and only missed two of the eight podiums, showcasing one of the most commanding performances in Formula DRIFT history.
While Deane celebrated, the fight for the podium remained fierce. Fredric Aasbo, piloting his Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra, secured second place in Round 8, capping off a season where he too aimed for the championship but ultimately finished third overall. Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis had been in the mix for his first title but faced challenges throughout the season, including a serious fire in Atlanta that hindered his momentum. He fought valiantly but ended up in fourth place for the night and second overall, 104 points behind Deane.
On the fringes of the spotlight was Conor Shanahan, who claimed third place at Irwindale, marking an upward swing in his rookie season. Despite borrowing a BMW for the event - “I couldn’t tell you what engine is in it,” he quipped - Shanahan managed to impress, finishing eighth overall in the championship standings. “But I’ll be back next year to ensure James doesn’t win a fifth title!” he joked, hinting at the competitive spirit that drives these young talents.
Among the remarkable stories of the evening was Hiroya Minowa, who clinched the 2024 Rookie of the Year title at just 15 years old, finishing fourth overall in the championship while demonstrating exceptional maturity behind the wheel of his Enjuku Racing / Cusco / Yellowspeed Racing Toyota GT86.
Toyota took home the 2024 Formula DRIFT Auto Cup, thanks to the efforts of Aasbo and Ryan Tuerck, while Nitto claimed the FD Tire Cup, bolstered by the impressive performances of Deane and Aasbo throughout the season.
As the dust settles on another thrilling season of Formula DRIFT, one thing is clear: James Deane has not only made history, but has set a new standard in the sport. With the competitive landscape continuously evolving, the question now lingers - who will rise to challenge Deane as he aims for a fifth title next season? We can't wait to find out.
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