Irwindale, Calif. -- James Deane claimed the overall Formula Drift Championship and took the top step in the last round of Formula Drift for the 2024 season. 

The historic feat is the second consecutive for the RTR Vehicles’ Drift Team following Chelsea DeNofa’s win last season and fourth overall team championship behind Vaughn Gittin Jr’s 2010 and 2020 Championships.

Deane’s path to victory was anchored by three wins, a second and a third to start the season giving him an overwhelming lead. 

JAMES DEANE, No. 120 Autozone Ford Mustang RTR – “Such a huge dream of mine coming true to win a Formula Drift Championship in my second season with RTR,” said James. “So proud of what we all achieved as a team in winning my first championship in a Ford Mustang and fourth overall and fourth overall for Ford. I could not have done this without the incredible support of my team and partners.”

VAUGHN GITTIN JR, No. 25 Monster Ford Mustang RTR, Team Owner –“I am just so amazed by the dominance James has shown from behind the wheel of his Mustang RTR and the entire RTR Vehicles’ Drift Team's tenacity,” said Vaughn Gittin Jr. “James has been so determined and his consistency and excitement in the driver’s seat has been on another level. Winning a championship in Formula Drift is no easy feat and RTR making it happen consecutively is nothing short of epic. This did not come easy for us despite how it may have looked from the outside results. I am so grateful to have the amazing partners that support us and the very passionate and talented team supporting our program on all fronts.”

James’s win combined with those of his fellow RTR drivers makes Ford the winningest manufacturer in Formula Drift history.