Five times European drift champion James Deane from Castletownroche, has equalled a Formula Drift record after recording his fourth event victory in a single season.
Deane, in the Worthhouse/Falken Tire Nissan S15, had a perfect weekend, qualifying in first place at Long Beach, California recently before claiming his second consecutive event victory.
“I’ve drifted plenty of tracks in my time, but I’ve never drifted coming out of the first corner with a straight so long where you’re sitting behind the lead car just filled with smoke,” said James. “It worked out for me this time. I’m just super happy for everyone that supports me and everyone back home.”
The victory increased James’ lead in the Pro Championship standings with only one event remaining.
Deane faced off against former champion and second in the points standing, driver Fredric Aasbo in the Rockstar Energy/Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM. The impeccable Deane was able to edge past his opponent in a thrilling battle of wills, to move into the finals.
On the other side of the Top 4 bracket, former champion Chris Forsberg in the NOS Energy/Hankook Nissan 370Z faced Aurimas Bakchis in the Falken Tires/Drifz Wheels Nissan 240. A mistake by Bakchis on his chase run gave Forsberg the win.
In the finals, Deane’s consistent driving proved to be too much as Forsberg fell back and took a shallow line on his chase run, which ultimately led to the win for James and a considerable lead heading into the final race.
The capacity crowd was entertained throughout the weekend, while the Livestream drew over 1 million views over the course of the event.
The action continues with the final event on October 13-14 for round 8, ‘Title Fight’ at Irwindale Speedway California, USA.
