BALTIMORE, Md. (August 27, 2012) – Over the weekend, Vaughn Gittin Jr. slid into Sin City for Formula Drift Round 6 in the Monster Energy Falken Tire Ford Mustang RTR, hoping for a third consecutive podium finish. By the end of the night after many intense battles, Vaughn not only finished 3rd overall, but also gained some crucial points, surging him farther ahead in overall Formula Drift standings. Check out this VIDEO from Ford Racing recapping Vaughn’s 3rd place finish in Las Vegas.
Along with the challenge of the desert heat, a new track configuration was added to the event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway forcing the drivers to adjust to the new course. But Vaughn quickly adapted during practice and was able keep his high-qualifying streak alive by placing 5th out of over 40 drivers.
On Saturday Vaughn defeated Dave Briggs during the top 32 rounds to make his way to the Sweet Sixteen main event. After a short half-time break and spending some time chatting with fans, taking pictures, and signing autographs, Vaughn was ready to rock in the main event that kicked off with an amazing opening ceremony of colorful fireworks lighting up the Las Vegas sky.
Vaughn’s Ford Mustang proved victorious after battling Luke Lonberger in a Chevrolet Corvette in the top 16, and then Conrad Grunewald in a Chevrolet Camaro in the top 8, solidifying the dominant American muscle car for the night. Vaughn would move into the final four to find himself faced with the event’s 1st place qualifier, Fredric Aasbo.
Both Vaughn and Fredric held nothing back in their runs as they fought to get an automatic place atop the coveted podium. They judges deemed the battle too close to call and issued a “One More Time” battle.
After one more extremely intense and close battle between the two drivers, Aasbo was declared the winner, and Vaughn would go on to defeat Robbie Nishida in the consolation round, taking 3rd place overall at Round Six.
“I sure do like that top step of the podium better than this shorter one, but I am pumped to be up here regardless,” says Vaughn Gittin Jr. “We were pretty flawless as a team for the third event in a row. We extended our overall points lead and I am really excited going into Irwindale and my incredible team and I will be doing everything possible to earn that top step and bring home another Championship! Thanks to all of my supporters; you all are amazing!”
With his 3rd place finish, Vaughn remains in 1st place overall with only one round left to go in the 2012 Formula Drift Championship. The final round at Irwindale Speedway, otherwise known as the “House of Drift” takes place October 13th and you can bet it will be an exciting one! For more information, please visit Vaughn’s Facebook Page or VaughnGittin.com.