BALTIMORE, Md. (June 6, 2011) –. Vaughn Gittin Jr. headed down to Florida for Round 3 of Formula Drift with high hopes of a strong finish in order to gain some crucial points in the chase for the Championship. After finishing the event 2nd place overall in the Monster Energy Falken Tire Ford Mustang, Vaughn was able to not only move up significantly in points, but he also landed his first podium of the 2011 season.
Formula Drift Round 3 “Invasion” was held at Palm Beach International Raceway, a new venue to the series this year. The action took place on a high-speed course, made specifically for Formula D, which allowed for insane entries and plenty of exciting door-to-door tandem action.
Vaughn qualified in 4th place overall out of over 40 hopeful drivers, and was then able to quickly battle his way through John Russakoff in the top thirty-two. During the “Half-Time” break, Vaughn spent his time signing autographs in the Falken Tire pit area, chatting with fans about the Team Need for Speed Mustang RTR-X that was on display at the Need for Speed Electro-Lounge, and throwing out goodies to the crowd at the Exedy Clutch booth. When it was time for the main event, the grandstands quickly filled with drift fans ready for the drivers to make their way to the track. Watch the VIDEO of the opening ceremonies.
In his battle of the top 16, Vaughn was faced with Otto Graven. Vaughn led first with a fast entry and was able to pull away after the first clipping point and maintain a gap throughout the course. When giving chase, Vaughn stayed glued to Graven and piled on the pressure, giving him the clear advantage and the win. Watch the VIDEO.
Matched with Rhys Millen in the top eight, Vaughn led first and took the proper line though the course, while holding good angle and maintaining speed. Rhys attempted to keep up with the Mustang, causing him to take out the second clipping point while going off line. When following, Vaughn held nothing back, and stuck to his competitor’s door during the entire run. The judges deemed Vaughn the winner and he would advance into the final four. Watch the VIDEO.
Vaughn found himself up against his Drift Alliance teammate Chris Forsberg in the semi-finals, one of his favorite competitors to battle on track. Vaughn gave chase first, and was able to remain glued to Forsberg throughout the course. When it was time for Vaughn to lead, he threw his Mustang in hard on entry and transitioned back to hit the second clip. While behind him, Forsberg went a little off line before the switch-back. After much review from the judges, they deemed that Vaughn dropped a tire off-course putting dirt on the track during the follow run, calling for a “One More Time”.
During the first run of the OMT, Vaughn followed Chris into the initiation and stayed on him throughout the course, mimicking his line and applying the pressure heavily. When it was his turn to lead, Vaughn threw the Mustang in early on initiation and came into the first clipping point with intense angle, Going into the sweeper, he managed to pull a bit of a gap on Forsberg. Watch the VIDEO. Vaughn was awarded the win and would move into the finals to face his Falken Tire teammate and fellow Ford Mustang driver, Justin Pawlak.
The Falken Tire smoke bellowed from the dueling Mustangs, as Vaughn and his competitor put down two amazing and extremely close runs, pushing for that coveted top step on the podium. The crowd was on their feet in anticipation for the results, and the suspense came to an end when the judges awarded Pawlak the win. Watch the VIDEO.
Vaughn, however, would take 2nd place overall and have his first podium of the season. “It feels so good to have overcome the rough start to the season,” says Vaughn Gittin Jr. “Winning is the easy part, bouncing back from a big loss like we had at Round One is very hard and we did it. I am so proud of the Monster Energy Falken Tire team for staying focused and committing to getting back on that podium. I am also so pumped to see Ford Mustangs finish first and second in this once import-manufacturer-dominated sport! To top it off, it was another Falken Tire podium sweep and I am proud to once again be apart of that history. This second place finish truly feels like a win, I am looking forward to continue clawing my way through the ranks!”
Next up for Vaughn Gittin Jr., Formula Drift slides in New Jersey June 17-18 for Round 4 “The Gauntlet” at Wall Speedway. For more information about Vaughn Gittin Jr., please visit VaughnGittin.com and Facebook.com/OfficialVaughnGittinJr.