Ford Racing and James Deane travel to Long Beach, California with an opportunity to make Formula Drift history. The challenge won’t be a simple one for the Irishman, but the final round of the 2026 season provides the opportunity for Deane to extend his record for most career drifting championships to six.
The approach to win the championship is a simple one: focus on the runs and let the title land where it will. Deane and teammate Ben Hobson are looking for a strong end to the season in their Ford Mustang RTR Spec-5 FD cars after a difficult weekend in Las Vegas. Team owner Vaughn Gittin Jr., running a part time schedule this season, will also compete in Long Beach, providing Ford Racing three strong contenders for race victory on the city street course.
Last time out in Las Vegas, Deane qualified seventh and Hobson qualified 15th, but the RTR Vehicles Drift Team ran into issues throughout the weekend, and neither driver was able to advance out of the Top 32. Deane ultimately finished 19th, and Hobson finished 24th.
James Deane, No. 130 RTR Vehicles Ford Mustang RTR Spec-5 FD – “I’m not gonna look at the points or be too worried about it. Just one lap at a time, one battle at a time and the aim is to win the event and look at the points after.”
Ben Hobson, No. 213 RTR Vehicles Ford Mustang RTR Spec-5 FD – “I’m stoked to be back on the streets of Long Beach for the season finale! It’s going to be another fun round having Vaughn there along with me and James, so I’m hoping for some Mustang vs Mustang battles to finish out the year.”
Vaughn Gittin Jr., No. 25 RTR Vehicles Ford Mustang RTR Spec-5 FD – “I am so excited to be back in the Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD for the Formula Drift season finale! My last event was epic battling James Deane for the win and I am expecting even harder driving out of everyone this round with championship points on the line.”
ORDER OF EVENTS
*Times in PT
Friday October 23
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Practice
- 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Practice
- 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Warm Up
- 6:15 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.: Qualifying
Saturday October 24
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Warm Up
- 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Top 32
- 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Top 16
