Formula Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. today announced the formation of the RTR Drift Team, their tentative 2013 worldwide schedule, and the reveal of his Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR livery. This year marks the beginning of a new era for Vaughn coming into his tenth season of professional drifting with the formation of the RTR Drift Team. He is focused on his duties as RTR Team owner and driver, and is also taking full advantage of the freedoms that come along with being a team owner – as portrayed by his unique new livery.
“I’m really pumped on this years’ livery and overall aesthetics surrounding our efforts,” says Vaughn. “For the first time in my career, I have been able to start from a clean slate and get a bit crazy with the look of my car that I will be using for battle. Being that the Mustang is my weapon of choice out there on the track, the base of the livery was inspired from old battle ships that were covered with ‘dazzle camo’. From there, we added my XX5 (#25) logo and flag elements, along with some of my favorite colors and a little rock n’ roll to get a livery that I feel really portrays me. I look forward to giving it some real battle scars!”
Vaughn will be piloting a brand new 2014 Ford Mustang RTR built by Autosport Dynamics and will make its first competition debut at Formula Drift Round 1 in Long Beach, California April 12-13. Having worked side by side with Vaughn since 2007, ASD will supply their valued support yet again for the 2013 season. Combining the superior knowledge and car building skills of the ASD crew, with the proven driving ability and aggressiveness behind the wheel of 2010 Formula Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr., there is no doubt that the RTR Drift Team will be a serious force on the track.
“I couldn’t be happier to continue working with the team at ASD,” says Vaughn. “We have had great success over the past 5 years together and the word ‘team’ as I know it has been redefined around our new focused effort. ”
While Vaughn’s number one priority is to chase down the Formula Drift Championship, he will also be taking his global efforts to the next level in 2013. Vaughn will once again head to China to compete in the World Drift Series, as well as participate in select competition and demonstration events in Europe. Just as years past, Vaughn will continue to perform at select demo and experiential events in the USA. Thanks to Monster Energy and Ford Motor Company, this year he will be heading to select military bases surrounding the Formula Drift Championship on Sundays after competition, to provide demos and ride-alongs for some of America’s finest men and women.
“It is really crazy for me to look at my schedule for this year and realize all of the awesome that is about to go down all over the world behind the wheel of some badass Ford Mustangs,” adds Vaughn. “While I am pumped on all of the events we have chosen to participate in this year, I am especially excited about the opportunity to go visit some military bases and put smiles on the men and women’s faces that make me living my dream possible!”
Monster Energy Nitto Tire 2014 Ford Mustang RTR:
- Roush Yates Racing Engines/Ford Racing Aluminum V8 (845HP)
- Weight – 2900 LBS
- 4 Speed Dog Box Transmission
- MoTeC M84 Engine Management and Dash Display/Logger (CDL-3)
- Nitto NT05 Tires (295/35/18 Rear, 275/35/18 Front)
- Mustang RTR Wheels (18×10 rear, 18×9.5 front)
- Recaro Racing Seats
- Takata 6 Point Harness
- Carbon Fiber Body with RTR Appearance Package
- Custom Exedy 4 Disc Clutch
- Quick Change Differential
- Driveshaft Shop Custom Aluminum Driveshaft
- 6 Piston Front Calipers and Dual 4 Piston Rear Calipers with ASD Motorsports Rotors Hats and E-Brake Assembly
- Magnaflow 5” Racing Muffler
- Bosch Fuel Injectors, Spark Plugs, Alternator, O2 Sensors, Fuel Pump
- K&N Air and Oil Filters
