Vaughn Gittin Jr. ends the 2007 Formula Drift season with a bang… literally
This past weekend in Irwindale concluded the final round of Formula Drift’s 2007 season. Vaughn Gittin Jr. entered the event in 7th place hoping to move up a few spots by the end of the weekend. Saturday morning’s practice proceeded to be awesome for JR; his lines were consistent and his angles were intense. JR qualified 5th out of the 32 drivers and was eager to see some head-to-head action.
Before the main event, JR spent his time doing what he loves doing most – interacting with his fans. After participating in the Formula D driver’s autograph session, JR also spent time at the Blaupunkt booth, where he signed autographs, handed out posters, and talked with fans. Blaupunkt is JR’s newest sponsor and the booth featured JR’s personal S13 demo car using Blaupunkt’s new portable performance sound system – the Velocity 2 Go.
JR says, “I am very excited to be representing the quality products Blaupunkt has on the market. The Velocity 2 Go is the ultimate portable sound system for any enthusiast, especially those that participate in track days and want a good sound system but without the added weight.”
Before the main event, JR also filmed a segment for FOX’s The Best Damn Sports Show Period with swimming’s two-time Olympic gold medalist Amanda Beard. The segment highlighted JR and the Falken Tire Corporations’ drifting program. JR is honored to be featured on national TV once again and representing Falken Tires.
After all the fun JR had mingling with media and fans, he was focused on the task at hand and yes – he was READY TO ROCK!
Going into the Sweet Sixteen, JR was set to battle his Falken Tire teammate, Mitsuru Haruguchi. In the first lap, JR led entering very fast and dominated the run as Haruguchi straightened up. In the second battle of the two Falken cars, once again Haruguchi lost his drift while JR stayed consistent. JR came out victorious, winning the battle 18-0.
In the Great Eight, JR was paired up against his Drift Alliance brother, Kenji Yamanaka. JR inched close to the wall just as he his known for, but uncharacteristically he tapped it and lost his angle and his bumper. JR recovered from the fault; however the damage was already done.
Going into the second battle, JR knew he had to conduct a flawless run. He followed Kenji with intensity trying to stay as close as possible. But unfortunately JR’s advantage in speed forced him to brake behind Kenji, thus causing him to spin. JR wasn’t finished yet though – he put on an entertaining show performing donuts in front of the stands as the crowd was on their feet screaming.
“We have had a season of ups and downs this year and finishing seventh overall is not so bad considering the curve balls thrown at us throughout the year,â€? says JR. “I would like to thank Falken Tire, K&N, Exedy Clutches, Streetwise, Alpinestars, and all of my family, friends and fans for their unconditional support. I am very excited about the upcoming 2008 Formula Drift Season and I look forward to announcing details of my plans in the near future!”
In midst of getting prepared for the 2008 season, JR is also very excited to return to Irwindale Speedway November 24th and 25th where he will compete in the D1 Grand Prix. JR hopes to once again be the highest ranked American driver at the D1GP All Star World Championship just as he proved to be in 2005 and 2006.
If you would like to see more of JR and the Falken Tire Mustang competing in Formula Drift, you can catch them both on ESPN 2, starting November 15th. The first episode will feature JR at Long Beach Speedway for Round 1, where there was “no room for mistakes.�