RTR is excited to announce that James Deane has just won a record setting fourth Formula Drift Championship! 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. James’s path to victory was anchored by three wins, a second and a third to start the season giving him an overwhelming lead… And he’s not done yet with the remainder of the season finale still to play out this evening.

“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.”

“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.”

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

Following his 2024 Formula Drift Championship clinching battle in the Top 32 it was back to business for James and that business is winning! After some close battles and a few OMTs he would again find himself in a familiar spot, atop the podium for his 4th win of the season. This round win would also mark his 6th podium in the eight-round season. Hoping to meet Vaughn in the great 8, Vaughn would, unfortunately, suffer a
mechanical issue taking him out in the Top 32.

James, Ben and Vaughn will next be driving together at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas in early November.