James Deane's situation in the Formula DRIFT championship is compelling. With a 74-point lead heading into the Final Round at Irwindale Speedway, he only needed to participate in the Top 32 competition heat to secure his record-breaking fourth title. His performance in Utah set him up well, allowing him to approach the final round confidently. With Irwindale being historically significant, Deane's potential fourth title would mark a notable achievement in the sport. It will be interesting to see how he competes under these stakes.
Deane’s closest rival, Aurimas Bakchis, gained an advantage after the K&N Seeding Bracket. With five drivers eliminated in the Top 16 qualifying runs, Bakchis earned a bye run in the heats thanks to his Round 7 victory.
With mechanical issues, Deane prepared his Nitto tires and, by pulling up to the starting line, secured enough points to clinch a record-setting fourth Formula DRIFT PRO Championship title without competing.
Deane became the first driver in Formula DRIFT history to win four championship titles, surpassing three-time champions Chris Forsberg and Fredric Aasbo. He is also the only driver to win three consecutive titles in 2017, 2018, and 2019, solidifying his status as a contender for the Greatest Of All Time.
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY & DRAGSTRIP TO CLOSE AFTER 2024 SEASON, WITH FINAL FAREWELL SET FOR DECEMBER 21ST
Irwindale Speedway’s Farewell Extravaganza on December 21 is set to deliver an unforgettable finale brimming with excitement. Fans can anticipate a full day of NASCAR short-track races, thrilling Night of Destruction events such as Figure-8s and Trailer Races, an adrenaline-fueled Drift Invitational, and the esteemed ARCA Menards Series West. This landmark occasion will be Irwindale’s most spectacular celebration yet, paying tribute to a track that has shaped West Coast racing for 25 years.
"Thank you for everything Irwindale , Thank you for all the memories you brought for the racing community"
