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James Deane Clinches Fourth Title At 2024 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship Final Round In Irwindale
James Deane from Ireland clinched the 2024 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship title at Irwindale Speedway. Driving an AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, Deane's performance was unmatched. He became the first driver to win four titles, surpassing Chris Forsberg and Fredric Aasbo, who each have three. Deane's victory in Round 8 solidified his dominant season.
Deane faced challenges early in the season, including a pre-season engine fire that damaged his car days before the Long Beach opener. Despite this setback, he won the opening round. Reflecting on his journey, Deane said, "After that, anything seemed possible." His determination paid off as he secured four round wins in 2024.
Aurimas Bakchis from Lithuania finished second overall in the championship. Driving a Feal Suspension / GT Radial Nissan S15, Bakchis faced difficulties during the season. A fire in Round 2 and subsequent engine failure affected his performance. Despite these issues, he secured second place in the championship standings.
Fredric Aasbo of Norway ended third in the championship with his Rockstar Energy Toyota Racing GR Supra. Although he won Round 2, inconsistent results throughout the season kept him from contending for a fourth title. Aasbo finished second at Irwindale and maintained a strong presence throughout the competition.
Conor Shanahan from Ireland showcased potential by finishing third at Irwindale. The reigning European Drift Masters Champion had a promising start with a win in Orlando but struggled to maintain consistency. Despite driving a borrowed BMW at Irwindale, Shanahan aims to challenge Deane next year.
Rising Stars and Notable Performances
The Rookie of the Year title went to Hiroya Minowa from Japan. At just 15 years old, Minowa drove with maturity beyond his years in an Enjuku Racing / Cusco / Yellowspeed Racing Toyota GT86. He finished fourth overall, marking an impressive debut season.
LZ emerged as the highest-placed US driver despite not planning to complete the full season. After a crash destroyed his car in St Louis during Round 5, LZ returned with a new bodyshell for Round 6 and continued competing successfully.
Tire and Auto Cup Victories
Toyota claimed victory in the 2024 Formula DRIFT Auto Cup thanks to strong performances by Aasbo and Ryan Tuerck. Meanwhile, Nitto secured the Tire Cup with contributions from both Deane and Aasbo using their tires effectively throughout the season.
{TABLE_1}The final standings for Round 8 saw James Deane leading with 100 points followed by Fredric Aasbo with 84 points and Conor Shanahan with 70 points each for third place alongside Aurimas Bakchis.
{TABLE_2}The championship standings concluded with James Deane at the top with 666 points while Aurimas Bakchis followed closely behind at 562 points. Fredric Aasbo rounded out third place accumulating a total of 520 points over this competitive season.
{TABLE_3}The Auto Cup standings were led by Toyota achieving an impressive score of 1012 points followed by Ford at 820 points while GM took third place scoring a total of672 points respectively over this thrilling competition year.
{TABLE_4}Nitto triumphed in securing first place within Tire Cup rankings amassing an outstanding total score amounting up to1286points whereas GT Radial came second accumulating1164points whilst Kenda managed third position garnering770points respectively across all rounds held during this exciting racing calendar year!
Formula DRIFT continues to be recognized as one of motorsport's leading international championships attracting fans globally through its thrilling competitions showcasing drivers' skills alongside vehicle power demands making it truly unique amongst other racing events worldwide today!
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