Where it all began is where it ended. Long Beach, California hosted the final round of the 2026 Formula Drift season, and James Deane showed up and reminded everyone exactly why he has been the standard in this sport. A second win on the season, a P2 championship finish, and three Mustang RTR Spec 5-FDs on the same grid for the second time this year. Round 8 delivered everything a season finale should, and then some.
The 2026 Season in Review
James Deane came into Long Beach sitting P2 in the championship standings, separated from the top spot by a margin that kept the title conversation alive. A win at Stafford Speedway and now Long Beach bookend a season that saw him battle through rain-soaked qualifying sessions, hard-fought bracket runs, and championship-level competitors pushing him every step of the way. The championship didn’t go our way in the end, but James and the RTR Vehicles Drift Team left it all on the line pushing for every point of the season.
Qualifying | Friday, October 23
Qualifying order runs by championship standing, which meant Vaughn Gittin Jr. went first, given his limited appearances this season. Vaughn posted a 74.16 on his second run to qualify P24.
Ben Hobson improved on his second run with a 78.53 to earn P16 overall.
James, sitting P2 in the standings, was second to last in the qualifying order and made the wait worthwhile. His first run scored a 90.4, immediately taking the top spot on the board. His second run came in at 88.66, ultimately landing him P2 overall after fellow Irishman Conor Shanahan posted a 91.53 shortly after. A statement qualifying night from the defending champion.
Competition Day | Saturday, October 24
Ben and Vaughn entered the bracket on the same side, with James on the opposite, setting up the possibility of multiple all-RTR action deep in competition.
Top 32
Ben opened against Jeff Jones in a battle that went to a one-more-time call from all three judges. In the second run, Jones took the win. It was a tough exit to close the season, but Ben left Long Beach with his head high. “Super stoked on the season, the car, the team, everything was great this year. It's the nuances we had, but we’ll get those corrected and see you next year.”
Vaughn drew Dylan Hughes in his first battle and delivered exactly what the judges were looking for, earning his ticket to the Top 16.
James lined up against Andy Hateley, but mechanical issues ended Hateley’s lead run before it could be completed, sending James through to the Top 16.
Top 16
Vaughn faced Rome Charpentier and checked every box in the chase to set himself up perfectly. Then the mechanical gremlins arrived, ending Vaughn’s night in the Top 16. “I had a blast. I really am proud of where I am and how I performed. My dream was to battle James here in the finals again. Huge shoutout to my team. It took a lot of effort to run three cars.”
James matched up against Wataru Masuyama and put on a masterclass in precision across both runs, earning a unanimous decision from all three judges and punching his ticket to the Great 8.
Great 8
Two of the most decorated drivers in Formula Drift history lined up across from each other. James Deane versus Frederic Aasbo. In the lead, James put a gap between himself and the chase car, adding a few bonus points with the judges in the process. Two great runs from both drivers, and James walked away with another unanimous decision. “Great battle with Aasbo as always. We trust each other 110%. Next up I have Matt Field. I am ready to push and have fun and see what happens.”
Final Four
The Ford versus Chevy rivalry took center stage as James lined up against Matt Field and his Corvette. In the lead, contact was made early and ended the run shortly after initiation. Both cars headed to the pits, and the RTR team went straight to work to get the Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD ready to compete. When the cars were called back to the line, Field’s car was deemed unable to run, giving James a bye run to the finals.
Finals
The final battle of the 2026 Formula Drift season was a fitting one. James Deane versus Jack Shanahan, two Irishmen, two friends, one championship finale.
In Jack’s lead run, he gave James a tap on the side of the car mid-drift, a signal to go full send, and James obliged. Tire to door, closest proximity imaginable, the type of things we live for in drifting. In the lead, Jack returned the favor with a phenomenal run of his own before spinning in the chase, handing James the win and a great ending to the 2026 season.
Where the Season Ends
James Deane closes the 2026 Formula Drift season in P2 overall in the championship standings. Ben Hobson finishes P14, and Vaughn Gittin Jr. rounds out the RTR trio in P15 in his limited appearances.
With James' win, Ford also takes home the 2026 Auto Cup with a now healthy 59 points ahead.
The competition was fierce, and the Mustang RTRs were in the mix at every single round.
The 2026 chapter is closed. The 2027 story starts in Long Beach. See you there. 🤘
