James Deane has cemented his place in drifting history after securing his fifth Formula Drift Championship in Utah, dedicating the emotional win to his late friend Alan Long.
The Castletownroche native, already considered one of the greatest drift drivers of all time, is a five-time Formula Drift Champion, four-time Drift Allstars and Oman IDC Champion, and has collected numerous national and European titles throughout his career. Deane was also the first driver ever to claim four Formula Drift Championships and this year’s triumph marks his first title with the RTR Vehicles Drift Team, achieved in only his second season with them.
Speaking after the race, Deane admitted the result exceeded all expectations:
“It’s gone way better than expected. We managed to win the event, we managed to win our fifth Formula Drift Championship, which is mind-blowing. Everything worked out. I drove from the heart all day.”
He dedicated the victory to Alan Long, one of his closest friends, saying he was “driving for him, driving hard” and wrapping up the title with one round still to go.
Alan Long, from Mallow, was a beloved figure in Irish motorsport . A mechanic, competitor and genuine character who was affectionately known as “Alan Alan” through the popular Evenflow sketches over the years. He sadly passed away in February this year, and Deane’s tribute ensures his spirit and passion for motorsport will be remembered on the world stage.
