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USA Today Mentions Formula DRIFT and Falken Tires
Sliding upward: Formula Drift’s season opener runs Friday and Saturday on the streets of Long Beach, and Team Falken returns as a four-car juggernaut that has been called the sport’s version of Penske Racing and Hendrick Motorsports.
Similar to those NASCAR powerhouses, Falken is housed primarily in the Charlotte area at Autosport Dynamics.
“It’s been very flattering to draw those comparisons,” says Nick Fousekis, the senior manager of consumer marketing for Falken Tire, which also is fielding two cars in the American Le Mans Series. “The easy way out is to write a check. We’re aggressive about sending our message properly.”
Falken recently tested at Charlotte Motor Speedway with drivers Vaughn Gittin Jr. (Ford Mustang) and Tyler McQuarrie (Nissan 350Z convertible). Gittin says Charlotte’s rich talent pool and access to parts was a major reason he was able to persuade Falken to base its team there a few years ago.
“It makes a lot of sense to be here (in Charlotte),” says Gittin, who unveiled Monster Energy drink as his new sponsor this week.
Contributing: Nate Ryan
more USA TODAY
Monster Energy, Vaughn Gittin Jr, and Falken Tire form an epic partnership
Monster Energy, Vaughn Gittin Jr, and Falken Tire form an epic partnership
MOORESVILLE, NC (April 8, 2010) – Professional Drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. announced
today a multi-year partnership with Monster Energy to serve as co-primary sponsor on
Gittin’s 2011 Monster Energy/Falken Tire Ford Mustang that competes on the Formula
Drift series. Gittin, a former world champion, is entering his seventh season on the
popular Formula Drift series.
“Monster Energy is a leading supporter of motorsports across the globe, so to bring
them into Drifting in a big way is huge for the sport,” said Gittin, Jr., 29, of
Joppa, Md. “It is an honor to join the long list of elite athletes that represent
Monster Energy. Between Monster Energy, Team Falken Tire, and our Ford Racing 5.0L
2011 Mustang, we have everything we need be a competitive force in the Formula Drift
Championship this season.”
Gittin Jr., known as “JR” in the sport, has become one of drifting’s most iconic
figures and his machine, the 680HP Ford Mustang GT, one of the sport’s most
identifiable cars. Gittin is known best by his aggressive, foot-to-the-floor,
big-smoke driving style. Being such a fierce competitor, Gittin is known as the only
American to beat the Japanese at their own game in winning a D1 Grand Prix
competition, not once – but twice. In 2005, Gittin stunned the world when he won the
D1GP USA vs. Japan event. In 2007, he brought America home the gold once more by
winning the D1GP World Championship. Gittin has earned five career podiums in the
Formula Drift series, which has cemented itself as the premier Drifting series in
the world.
“Vaughn’s talent, passion, and drive make him one of the most unique and charismatic
personalities in all of Drifting,” said Mike Vicente, Monster Energy’s Motorsports
Marketing Director. “For these reasons, Vaughn is a perfect ambassador to help
Monster Energy make an immediate impact on the sport. Vaughn goes above and beyond
by pushing the limits of traditional sponsorship by creating unique concepts and
programs, yet still retaining his grassroots connection to the sport.”
The Formula Drift series kicks off the 2010 season with Round One on the streets of
Long Beach, Calif. on April 9-10 and continues with six more rounds in Road Atlanta
(Braselton, Ga.), Wall Speedway (Wall, NJ), Evergreen Speedway (Monroe, Wash.), Las
Vegas Motor Speedway (Las Vegas, NV), Infineon Raceway (Sonoma, Calif.), and Toyota
Speedway at Irwindale (Irwindale, Calif.). TV coverage is provided by Versus. For
more information, visit www.FormulaD.com.
The partnership was secured and is managed by Gittin’s management firm, Motorsports
Management International, located in Mooresville, NC.
Q13 FOX News Coverage of Formula D and Vaughn Gittin
Check out the Formula DRIFT news coverage from Q13 FOX News featuring Vaughn Gittin Jr. at Evergreen Speedway.
Formula DRIFT Charity Blackjack Tournament
During the Formula DRIFT Round 4: All In event in Las Vegas the ID Agency helped coordinate the first annual Formula DRIFT Charity Blackjack Tournament. The tournament was held at the Aliante Hotel and Casino, the official hotel of Formula DRIFT Round 4, and called for drivers, sponsors, friends, and media members to make donations for entry that would go towards a good cause. 36 players joined the tournament including Formula DRIFT drivers champion Tanner Foust, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Chris Forsberg, and Ross Petty, Miss FD Miki Taka, judge Tony Angelo, the voice of Formula D, Jarod DeAnda, and of course a couple staff members and friends.
Generous sponsors donated prizes that would were awarded to the winners including XBOX 360, copies of Forza 2 video game, Puma gift cards, a Meister watch, Oakley sunglasses, Rogue Status Apparel, Attic apparel, and a 2-night stay at the Aliante.
After 3 rounds of competition the final table consisted of 6 players. Steve Choi, staff member of Formula DRIFT, walked away with the 1st place spot and his choice from the prize pool and elected to take the XBOX 360 and Forza 2 video game. 2nd place went to Formula DRIFT driver of the NOS Energy / Maxxis Tire Nissan 350Z and current points leader, Chris Forsberg who chose the PUMA giftcards and also received a Rogue Status apparel package. 3rd place went to ID Agency’s John Pangilinan, who received a Meister watch and Forza 2 game. Overall it was a very successful event for everyone including Formula DRIFT, Aliante, and of course the charity.
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