Here to take over – Deane wins Formula Drift Championship

Amazing end to Worthouse Drift Team’s rookie season in the Formula DRIFT Championship. As James Deane lifted the 2017 title in Irwindale on Saturday night his teammate Piotr Więcek won the final event.

Więcek and Deane were on fire throughout the whole weekend, taking second and third in the qualifying on Friday before Saturday’s Top 32 solo Bye Run officially gave the Irishman the Formula Drift title on the day of his 26th birthday.

Later on the Worthouse duo were charging through the field, with Więcek winning battles with Kristaps Bluss and Fredric Aasbo before being set to clash with Deane in the Top 4. Unfortunately, due to damage to his car after contact from Odi Bakchis in their Great 8 clash, the Irishman was eventually unable to go out for the Top 4 battle with his teammate. However a third position in Friday’s qualifying meant he was able to step on the third step of the final podium.

Więcek went on to battle with Dai Yoshihara in the final, coming out on top after a close chase run and taking his first victory to wrap up his rookie Formula Drift campaign in style. The win also elevated the Pole from 12th to 8th in the overall standings.

“It’s been the best weekend of my life! – says James Deane, driving the 900+ HP, Falken Tire-shod no. 130 Nissan Silvia S15. – I’ve turned 26 today, got a third place and a podium and my teammate finished in first while I’ve won the Formula Drift 2017 Championship. It’s just a perfect end to the best season of my life. To see Piotr on that podium was incredible. I knew he had it in him and there was no-one beating him tonight. It’s amazing. I want to thank everyone who supported me, the Worthouse Drift Team for giving me the opportunity to compete in the best series in the world, Falken Tire for supporting us out here and all the Irish, Polish and American fans. The support we had this weekend was crazy. I’m so thankful to everyone; my family and friends that believed in my from the very start. This is for all of them. Thank you so much.”

“What an amazing day – adds Piotr Więcek. – It’s the last event of the season and the last Formula Drift event here in Irwindale ever and I’ve managed to take the win and make my dreams come true. I didn’t expect to get on a podium this year, let alone grab a win and now I’m standing here with a first place trophy, which is just unreal. Once again happy birthday and congratulations to James. He fully deserves this. He’s a legend. What a day. What a season. Thank you to everyone for the support.”