Formula Drift champion James Deane’s shocking departure in 2020 raised eyebrows, as the reigning king vanished from the series due to alleged logistical challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic—leaving fans and drivers to wonder if there were deeper, hidden motives at play.

In a jaw-dropping twist that left the motorsport world reeling, James Deane, the three-time reigning champion of Formula Drift, vanished from the American drifting scene at the peak of his career.

Known for his unparalleled skill and precision, Deane’s sudden exit raised eyebrows and sparked speculation. Was it burnout, backstage drama, or something more profound?

The story of Deane’s departure begins in 2017 when he made a triumphant return to Formula Drift after years of dominating European tracks.

Few American fans were familiar with the soft-spoken Irishman, adorned with a bright green shamrock on his helmet, but that changed dramatically. In his very first event back at Long Beach, Deane stunned everyone by clinching victory.

This win was merely a prelude to an extraordinary journey, as he went on to achieve what no driver had accomplished before: three consecutive Formula Drift Pro Championships.

Each season saw Deane facing new challengers and escalating stakes, yet he remained relentless, earning the nickname “The Machine” for his unmatched consistency. He shattered records, helping his sponsor, Falcon Tire, secure three tire cup titles in succession.

The Worthouse Drift Team, with Deane and teammate Pott Ventic, dominated the circuit, winning an astounding 41.6% of all events. But as Deane reached the pinnacle of success, an unexpected storm brewed on the horizon.

In a shocking announcement, the Worthouse team revealed they were withdrawing from Formula Drift effective immediately.

Not only would they sit out the season, but Deane would also leave the series altogether—a decision that seemed almost unthinkable. Officially, the global COVID-19 pandemic was cited as the primary reason for this abrupt exit.

With international travel becoming chaotic and costly, the Poland-based Worthouse team found themselves facing insurmountable logistical challenges.

Shipping cars across the Atlantic, flying out crew members, and securing accommodations for months was already a daunting task. The pandemic compounded these difficulties, making it nearly impossible to continue.

In their press release, the team acknowledged the harsh realities of 2020, stating, “The ongoing effects of the pandemic are the main reason for not attending the championship.”

Behind the scenes, the situation was even more dire. Worthouse’s core business, which sold steel roofing, had leveraged Formula Drift as a platform to gain exposure in the U.S. market.

After three dominant seasons, the economic fallout from the pandemic forced sponsors to reevaluate their investments.

Deane took the news with grace, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities he had been given. “What we achieved blew past anything I could have ever dreamed of,” he reflected in his farewell.

Fans across the globe were left stunned. The thought of Formula Drift without its reigning champion felt surreal. Social media was flooded with comments of disbelief and sadness. One fan poignantly noted, “As good a driver as James Deane is, man, he was dominating.

Thank God there will be a chance for others to win this season.” This sentiment encapsulated a complex mix of admiration for Deane’s skill and relief that his absence might finally open the door for new champions.

As the dust settled, the motorsports community found itself grappling with the implications of Deane’s departure.

It was a bittersweet moment, as many drivers expressed respect for what he and Ventic had accomplished while simultaneously feeling a newfound sense of opportunity. The competitive landscape of Formula Drift was about to shift dramatically.

However, Deane’s story didn’t end with his exit from Formula Drift. Far from it. He didn’t stop drifting; instead, he became a nomadic competitor, chasing championships around the globe.

He announced his entry into the Russian Drift Series with the AIM O team, joining forces with other drifting icons, including former FD champion Daigo Saito. Deane quickly proved that his skills transcended borders, notching podium finishes in a new arena.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the Drift Masters European Championship was heating up, and Deane was making his mark. He conquered challenging tracks, adding more trophies to his collection.

In an astonishing display of talent, he podiumed in 13 consecutive competitions—a record streak in drifting history. At one point, he was simultaneously leading the Formula Drift standings and the European DMEC rankings, a feat that seemed almost superhuman.

Despite the success, whispers began to circulate that James Deane might make a return to Formula Drift.

This time, however, he would not be joining just any team; he was in talks with RTR Motorsports, the team founded by the legendary Vaughn Gittin Jr. As Gittin scaled back his driving duties, he found himself with an open seat in his powerful Ford Mustang RTR.

Deane described receiving the call from Gittin as a moment of destiny. “I always knew it would be a dream opportunity to come back and drive one of these Mustangs,” he said, excitement evident in his voice.

The timing was perfect, as RTR’s young driver, YouTuber Adam LZ, wasn’t running a full season.

When it became official that Deane would return to Formula Drift, the drifting world buzzed with anticipation.

Fans wondered if he could replicate his previous dominance behind the wheel of an American muscle car. Would this be the second coming of the champion, or would the transition humble him?

Deane’s comeback season began with promise. He showcased flashes of brilliance, even winning on his first weekend back at Long Beach.

However, adapting to the Mustang’s brute power and weight required a different approach than his nimble Nissan Sylvia. There were highs, including multiple podium finishes, but also lows.

Near the end of the season, Deane faced a gut-wrenching challenge when he broke his collarbone in a crash during practice at the Irwindale finals.

Despite the pain, Deane pushed through, qualifying sixth at Irwindale and securing a top-three finish for the round. He wrapped up the season in fifth place overall—a respectable comeback, though not the fairy tale ending he had hoped for.

But the following year, with a year of development under their belts, Deane and the RTR team came out swinging.

They fine-tuned the Mustang, even building a new chassis tailored to Deane’s driving style. The results were nothing short of spectacular. Deane went on a winning spree, claiming podium finishes at every event.

As the season approached its finale at Irwindale, he had amassed such a points lead that simply showing up would mathematically clinch the title.

In a stunning display of determination, Deane didn’t just roll in to park; he pushed for the event win, ultimately locking down the Formula Drift Pro Championship for the fourth time—more than any driver in history.

“I can’t believe we’ve got to this point in only our second season with the car,” he said, his voice shaking with emotion.

Deane’s journey from uncertainty to triumph was a testament to his resilience. He proved that stepping away from the sport wasn’t a sign of weakness but a strategic move that allowed him to return stronger than ever.

His story is one of loyalty, gratitude, and an unyielding passion for drifting. James Deane has not only reclaimed his crown; he has solidified his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the sport.