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Gymkhana THREE, Part 2; Ultimate Playground(Video) by: DCshoesFILM
Vaughn Gittin Jr. Fights for 1st Place in Sonoma, his Fifth Podium of the Season
BALTIMORE, Md. (September 13, 2010) – Over the weekend, Vaughn Gittin Jr. and the Monster Energy Falken Tire 2011 Ford Mustang entered Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California for Formula Drift Round 6: Point of Impact. Going into the event, Vaughn was in 1st place overall in the points chase for the Championship, and his goal was to maintain his lead with a podium finish. Not only did Vaughn accomplish that goal of keeping his lead, but he walked away from Sonoma with another win, his second win and fifth podium of the season thus far.
On Saturday, the fans piled into the paddock and filled the stands of Infineon Raceway excited to see all the insane drifting action and cheer on their favorite Formula Drift drivers. Vaughn was immediately ready and excited to partake in some top 32 tandem. After he put down two picture-perfect runs in his battle with Ken Gushi, Vaughn was deemed the winner and would advance into the Sweet Sixteen. Click HERE to watch Vaughn’s top 32 battle. (Skip to 1:02:55 to view.)
After the top 32, there was a “Half Time” break for fans to walk the paddock and talk to their favorite drivers and grab some swag. Vaughn was on-hand giving high-fives, signing autographs, and even throwing out some t-shirts. Click HERE to watch Vaughn’s interview with the “Voice of Formula Drift”, Jarod DeAnda, before the top 16 competition. (Skip to 0:36:22 to view.)
Meeting Vaughn in the top 16 would be Ireland’s Dean Kearney. Vaughn led first with an excellent entry and maintained a ton of speed and angle throughout the course. Kearney tried to keep up with the Monster Mustang, but ended up going wide, then straightening up, and just wasn’t able to close the gap.
When it was Vaughn’s turn to give chase, he followed Dean into the first clipping point and then as Dean slowed down a good amount going into the second clip, Vaughn was forced to tap him with nowhere else to go. Vaughn was awarded the advantage and would be moving on to the Great Eight. Watch his top 16 run by clicking HERE. (Skip to 0:55:50 to view.)
Vaughn was paired with Fredric Aasbo in the top eight; his third time battling this Norwegian drifter this season. Aasbo had taken the win over Vaughn at Round 4 in Seattle and Vaughn was determined not to let that happen again. He gave chase first, as Aasbo put down a solid run, but Vaughn was all over him piling on the pressure.
MONSTER DRIFT: After Dark in the Desert (Video)
Vaughn Gittin Jr. Podiums for the Fourth Time This Season, still 1st place overall
Baltimore, Md. – Over the weekend, Vaughn Gittin Jr. was in sizzling Sin City for Formula Drift Round 5 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Going into the event, Vaughn was 1st in points overall and his #1 goal was to maintain his lead leaving Las Vegas. Vaughn not only left the event still leading the points chase for the Formula Drift Championship, but he took the 3rd place spot atop the podium in the second-ever Falken Tire sweep.
It was a scorcher all weekend, but the extreme temperatures were not going to stop Vaughn or his Monster Energy/ Falken Tire 2011 Ford Mustang from tackling the custom-built, high-speed entry course. After throwing down two impressive runs during qualifying on Friday, Vaughn ended up snagging the 5th place spot. .
Saturday’s main event brought out thousands of fans, eager to check out their favorite drivers and to catch all the up-close drifting action. Vaughn was just as excited to chat with the fans, sign some autographs, slap some high-fives, and pass out some limited-edition Mustang 5.0 hats.
For the top 32 elimination round, Vaughn was paired with Drift Alliance “Ace” Brian Wilkerson. Vaughn led first, holding a solid line and maintaining angle, while Wilkerson hustled to keep up with the Mustang. When it was Vaughn’s turn to give chase, he stuck to his competitor’s door throughout the course and did not let up once. The judges awarded him the win.
Vaughn would be matched with another Drift Alliance teammate, Ryan Tuerck, in his battle during the Sweet Sixteen. Vaughn led first and Tuerck tried to follow him in towards the wall, but instead took a much wider line causing him to tap the tire wall. Vaughn gave chase next and mimicked Tuerck’s every move while following close behind. The judges gave Vaughn the advantage and the win.