Vans RV-8 pilot reported losing directional control after landing that resulted in a runway excursion and minor damage from a collision with a runway light.

Narrative

Upon returning to home airport from an instrument approach practice flight in VMC conditions; the Tower instructed a typical right base to final visual approach for Runway XXL. I setup on the approach but noted that the approach leg was longer than typical due the need to divert northward to avoid a departing helicopter as advised by the Tower (the Tower noted the traffic which I visually identified and I decided to create more clearance by steering to the north some). During the longer approach I put the final notch of flaps down too early (too far out) and let the aircraft get a little below the glide slope. This then forced the use of more power and carrying more speed (70-75 kts. vs. 65-70 at 1.3 Vso) with a flatter profile into final. The aircraft floated quite a bit in ground effect but the touchdown on the mains (wheel landing) was smooth. However; due to the now higher speed on roll out the aircraft subsequently spent more time up on the main gear and more susceptible to any gusts causing wind-vaning. Another contributor to the longer rollout was higher density altitude due to the hot day resulting in higher actual ground speeds. I must have been hit with a small gust as the speed dropped off (with consequently poor rudder authority due to the low speed) and before the tail wheel had positive control. I veered right and tried to correct back to the runway center-line but then noted the left wing was dropping a little. I consciously decided to let the aircraft run into the grassy area on the right to avoid over controlling and possibly ground looping. Unfortunately; the left main wheel pant hit a runway light and broke it. Damage to the aircraft was on the exterior outer front quarter of the left wheel pant. I was able to successfully taxi back to the hangar with no issue.My lessons learned from this are to be more disciplined in keeping proper approach speed and glide slope on final in order to minimize floating and longer periods until the tailwheel touches down.