Gittin, Pawlak among 7 in line for Formula Drift title

With seven different drivers in contention to clinch the Formula DRIFT Championship, Vaughn Gittin Jr heads to Round 7 | Title Fight with a 25.5 points lead in his Monster Energy Falken Tire Mustang RTR.

#1 Vaughn Gittin Jr., Team Monster Energy Falken Tire Ford Mustang

Photo by: Ted Rossino

What does Gittin need to do to clinch his second Formula D Championship? The Mustang driver needs qualify higher than Millen and Saito then make a Top 16 appearance, in the simplest scenario. If Gittin qualifies lower than either driver then he’ll need to finish higher than both in competition. (Wreckedmagazine.com full article on Gittin Championship scenarios)

Vaughn Gittin Jr took the time to chat with Ford Racing before the final DRIFT event, here is the Q&A.

Ford Racing: As the Formula DRIFT points leader, what do you need to accomplish at Irwindale to clinch your second FD Championship?

Gittin: I have not even looked at what I have to do statistically as it really doesn't mean anything to me nor would it affect our strategy. I plan to focus, communicate with my awesome team, and drive hard, just as I have done the last few events, letting the results and points take care of themselves.

Ford Racing: Can you tell me about the Irwindale track and how the track is different (more challenging or fun) then the rest of the 2012 events?

Gittin: Irwindale "The House of Drift" is a very special track for many reasons. It has a unique layout that is fast and very challenging. Communicating with your team to get a good setup is crucial to being successful there. No track in the USA has been holding drift events longer than Irwindale and the crowd is just electric. I really love everything about the track and atmosphere. I have had a lot of success during my career at Irwindale and look forward to adding this weekend to that list.

Ford Racing: You've really pulled through strong this year, can you tell me about the beginning of your season and the work you (and your team) have put in to earn a spot back on top?

Gittin: I started the season with a huge mistake, it was no ones fault but my own. I simply lost focus at the wrong time. After that happened, I promised myself I would not make that mistake again and I kept up my end of the bargain. I have a great team and an incredible car with the Ford Mustang and we have been working very hard together with everyone pulling the weight internally to achieve the success we have to get back on top!

Ford Racing: What is your favorite moment in drifting? Whether you were apart of it or a spectator, is there a historic moment you can identify that has impacted you within drifting competitions?

Gittin: Obviously winning events and Championships are some of my favorite moments, however my most favorite moment is when I first found the sport of drifting. It is something that is very hard to explain, but between the lifestyle, the people, the challenges, and overall fun, being behind the wheel impacted me beyond words so much that I have dedicated everything to continue doing what I can within the sport to help with the overall progression globally.

Source: Ford Racing