Vaughn Gittin Jr. Leads Formula Drift Championship After Second Win in a Row

Jul 30, 2012

The Monster Energy Falken Tire 2013 Ford Mustang RTR devoured all that got in the way of victory.

Initially built as a horse-racing track, Evergreen Speedway located in Monroe, Washington is the oldest track on the Formula Drift circuit and boasts some of the most knowledgeable fans in the nation. The Pacific Northwest aficionados love their drifting, so when the event's headline moniker declared "Throwdown" - you best not come in here with any weak stuff. We're here to report that everyone that witnessed the fiery action at the sold-out speedway got every penny's worth of their drift racing entertainment buck.

K&N's Vaughn Gittin Jr. is looking to ride his two round win momentum into Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Round 6.

"This has been one of the most exciting events of the season," commented Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula Drift. "The chase for the championship heats up as we head into the final two events of the season and it is still anyone's to take with only 62 points separating the top 5 drivers."

The epicenter of the reverberating exhilaration generated at Formula Drift Round 5, at Evergreen Speedway, was once again K&N's Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his Monster Energy Falken Tire 2013 Ford Mustang RTR. After his last round win in Wall, New Jersey, Vaughn was focused on feeding that winning feeling he was riding. We are pleased to once again report that things went as planned, actually, better than expected. Vaughn first earned crucial points by qualifying in the number one spot, and then once more maintained the top tier of the podium. As a result of doubling-up on the points Vaughn now sits in the first place position overall in the Formula Drift Championship standings.

"It is a true testament to the hard work and passion of my team and myself that we are here now in first place overall after a not so ideal start to the season,"remarked Vaughn after the event. "The Monster Energy Falken Tire Ford Mustang RTR was on fire tonight, and I can't wait till Las Vegas to keep this momentum going!”

With Evergreen Speedway being so close to Seattle fans poured in from all over to see their favorite drivers compete on this high-speed, electrifying drift course. The track consisted of a fast entry into a long bank, with a quick transition into the technical "power ally.”

With his second straight win Vaughn is now in first place overall in the Formula Drift Championship standings.

Vaughn fought his way through Miro Ovcharik in the top 32, and then Michael Essa in the top 16, only to be matched with Matt Powers in the Great Eight. Vaughn led first and rode the bank high, while Powers pushed to keep close to the Ford, managing only to narrow the gap in the final turn. Next it was Vaughn's turn to give chase, following Powers' line into the infield. Powers went spinning and Vaughn managed to slide past him. Forced into altering his line in order to avoid contact, Vaughn too ended up spinning. However with his advantage in the first run, Vaughn was awarded the win and moved on to the semi-finals.

In the semis Vaughn met 2005 Formula Drift Champion, Rhys Millen. Vaughn led first and blasted the bank high on the wall until the transition into the "power ally" with Millen attempting to stay close. Vaughn played follow-the-leader next and stuck to Millen's door on the bank and into the infield, Millen, feeling the pressure, dropped a tire off course. Vaughn was judged the winner of the battle and moved on to the finals.

In the finals Vaughn battled his Drift Alliance teammate, Ryan Tuerck for the top spot on the coveted podium. Vaughn led first, initiating early, and maintaining a high-line on the bank. Vaughn transitioned into the infield and hit the outer clipping zone collecting two clipping points on target, while Tuerck pushed to keep up. Vaughn took the trailing position next, managing to keep close enough to Tuerck to prevent him from putting down a lead run as convincing as Vaughn's. The judges spoke and Vaughn was once again declared the victor of the final battle, and the winner of Formula Drift Round Five.

Next up for Vaughn on the Formula Drift circuit is Round 6 August 21 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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