Vaughn Gittin Jr. Leads Formula Drift Championship After Second Win in a Row
- 30 jul 2012
"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.”
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. Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
