Vaughn Gittin Jr: Drifting in the KSA

Back in July, Vaughn Gittin Jr. made a trip to the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) as part of a demo guest for Ford Middle East during the Action Ha race weekend at the Al Reem circuit. Vaughn soon found out just how much the Middle East loves racing and the drift scene. The local hospitality of the locals allowed Vaughn complete access to for drifting the entire complex including parking lots, surrounding roads, and the complete Al Reem circuit.

From Vaughn Gittin Jr.

“Earlier this year, I had the pleasure to visit Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a guest of Ford Middle East to perform in a demo as part of the Action Ha race weekend at of Al Reem Circuit. I didn’t know exactly what to expect heading to the Middle East, but I’m always down for new experiences and adventures. Once I arrived I was completely blown away by the love of motorsports, and even more specifically, the love for drifting by the locals. Everyone I met, from Princes, to other professional drivers, to swarms of fans, treated me with amazing hospitality and kindness. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget and I look forward to coming back to the K.S.A!

“After the event I stayed a couple days extra to film ‘Drifting in the K.S.A’. Thanks to the kindness of the entire Al Reem Circuit team, they let me get crazy throughout the entire motorsports complex. Nothing was off-limits and I had a blast linking one track to the next through the parking lots and garages and into storage areas basically doing whatever came to mind that would be fun and challenging. Aside from drifting the entire complex, one of my most memorable parts of the whole trip was after we finished shooting and we were hot, dusty, and dead-tired, we ended up putting on a impromptu drift-day with some of the locals that came to spectate the shoot. I was teaching them how to drift, change tires, different driving techniques, and they were so pumped up. While there were no pro’s to show us the ropes back in the day, it reminded me of when I first started; that smile that stays when you link your first drift and the genuine passion to get better and conquer the challenges. I had a blast hanging out and enjoying what drifting is all about!”

Formula Drift season highlights so far with Vaughn Gittin Jr.

Check out these highlights from this years Formula Drift season where Vaughn Gittin Jr races the Monster Energy Drink Mustang. If you don’t know what drifting is and you have no idea who Vaughn Gittin Jr. is then you will definitely want to check this out. Holy drift Batman.

Monster Drift: Las Vegas.
Round 6 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Monster Drift: Seattle.
Round 5 – Evergreen Speedway

Monster Drift: The Wall.
Round 4 – Wall Speedway

Monster Drift: Battle by the Beach.
Round 3 – Palm Beach International Raceway

Monster Drift: Back on the Pony.
Round 2 – Road Atlanta

Monster Drift: Defending the Throne.
Round 1 – Long Beach GP street course

Be sure to check out Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/user/vgittin.

Mustang RTR Package

Mustang RTR Package

Application: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

The 2011 Mustang GT already offers incredible performance and looks, but it is now possible to take these attributes to the next level. A new dealer installed ‘RTR package’ will become available with considerable changes to performance, handling, braking, and visual styling.

The RTR package was masterminded by Vaughn Gittin Jr., who competes in Formula Drift driving the Monster Energy/Falken Tire 2011 Ford Mustang GT. Vaughn Gittin Jr teamed up with Ford Racing to create a package that combines modern performance with a visual edge. The package was then assembled and manufactured by Classic Design Concepts of Novi, Michigan.

According to Mickey Matus, Ford’s Performance Group marketing manager, “Vaughn’s goal was to introduce an exciting new package to the Mustang world that appeals towards both younger and traditional muscle car enthusiasts. By partnering with Ford Racing to develop the Mustang RTR, he has achieved that goal with ease and illustrates how universal Mustang’s appeal is.”

Performance and handling

The Mustang RTR package will vastly improve handling and braking with the addition of Falken FK-452 performance tires. The tire has five linear ribs, three-dimensional rounded blocks, and stiffer wide steel belts. The result is better tire tread rigidity, stability and handling. The RTR also uses Ford Racing shocks, 1.5″ lowering springs and an upgraded rear sway bar for further handling improvement and to give the car an extremely mean stance. Beefier brakes with the advent of cross-drilled and slotted rotors help the RTR stop on command. Power upgrades are on tap with the RTR as well, with an upgraded ECU, high flow air filter, and throaty FR500S mufflers to provide an audible improvement.

Aerodynamics and appearance

To top off the package, the RTR will feature several aerodynamic improvements over stock form. The RTR adorns tastefully chosen exterior additions including a front mounted chin spoiler, rear diffuser, rear mounted aluminum spoiler, rocker splitters, and distinctive RTR racing stripes. These aerodynamic improvements allow a reduction in drag and are the icing on the cake in combination with the suspension upgrades. The RTR will also have unique interior detailing patterns and styling with RTR embroidered floor mats, shift knob, gauges, and emblems.

The whole RTR package will set you back $7,895 and can be installed at select Ford dealers. At present the RTR package is only available for the 2011 Mustang GT. Fear not though V6 enthusiasts, expect a V6 RTR package later this year.

Mustang RTR Package
Website: www.mustangRTR.com
Price: $7,895

RTR Package Specifications:

Performance

• Falken FK452 Performance Tires
• Ford Racing shocks and 1.5″ lowering springs
• Upgraded rear sway bar
• Cross-drilled and slotted rotors
• Ford Racing tune and K&N Air Filter
• Ford Racing FR500S mufflers

Appearance and Aerodynamics

• Front chin spoiler with splitter
• Side splitters
• Rear diffuser
• Aluminum rear spoiler
• RTR contrast stripes
• RTR exterior and interior badges
• RTR floor mats
• Aggressive RTR 19×9.5 wheels