Meet the Irish-Born Drift Champ Chasing Unprecedented Success in 2026

Apr 14, 2026

COLOGNE, Germany – The 2026 Formula Drift season kicked off in Long Beach, California at the weekend with reigning champ James Deane chasing a feat that seems nearly impossible.

With five Formula Drift championships already under his belt (2017, 2018, 2019, 2024, 2025), the Irishman holds more championship hardware than anyone in the history of the sport.

By winning the championship this year, he wouldn’t just earn another title — he would achieve an unprecedented second championship three-peat.

Despite the weight of the history books, Deane remains unfazed. For him, the trophies are a byproduct of competing, not the reason he gets behind the wheel.

"It’s crazy to think about," said the 34-year-old. "I was the first to three-peat, the first to four titles, and now the first to five. Another three-peat hasn’t even crossed my mind. If it happens, let's celebrate—but if it doesn’t, it just fuels the hunger to come back in 2027 and hunt that number one spot again."

The 2025 season was a blur of success. Deane delivered a performance so clinical he became the first driver in Formula Drift history to lock up the championship before the final round even began.

As we roar into the 2026 season, Deane isn’t merely defending a title — he’s standing on the precipice of a feat that seems nearly impossible.

"I knew it was possible, but I didn’t think it would actually happen," Deane reflected. "When it did, it was emotional and a bit bittersweet. I was celebrating with my crew and friends in the U. S., but it was weird to not have my family there. I got to celebrate with them at the finale in Long Beach though, which was really cool.”

In 2026, Deane is taking his Ford Racing Mustang RTR on a global tour, competing in full seasons of both Formula Drift in the States and the Drift Masters championship in Europe.

“Last year was our first year running the Mustang in Europe, and we learned a lot about it,” Deane said. “Going into this year, a big goal I have is just pushing as hard as possible on both sides of the pond.”

Deane is entering year four of his powerhouse partnership with Ford Racing. For him, being a part of the “Ford family” is incredibly rewarding.

“One thing I love working with Ford is the fact we get to collaborate and hang out with racing drivers from all different disciplines, and I think that’s really cool,” Deane explains. “We’re telling them everything about drifting. They’re telling us about NASCAR, drag racing, rally, or even F1. It’s really cool to have those doors open because we’re all part of the Ford family.”