Vaughn Gittin Jr. Teaches Us How to Properly Drift Video
By Kelly G.
Vaughn Gittin Jr. shows us exactly what it takes to get his 8000 rpm Mustang RTR sideways to prove that drifting really is a form of Art.
Formula DRIFT Round 7 is this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, and if you watched any of yesterdays qualifying, you know we are going to be in for a treat for the finals. Racers held nothing back, and with 2 races left to wrap up the season, you could see that the top 5 Pro drifters are still in the chase for that top prize.
When watching these professionals drift, its easy to think to yourself, “yeah I could do that”, but as Vaughn Gittin Jr. shows us, it really is a lot more difficult than it looks to get these high performance vehicles sideways using a combination of skill and raw power.
By now, fans of the new Focus RS have watched the “epic” fail video of a new owner trying to “Hoon” his brand new car around a corner during a car club meet. Let’s just say that Hooning the new RS without ending up in a ditch is a lot harder than people think! When it comes to drifting, you have to respect the limitations of both the car and driver.
I felt a little bad for the guy, and am glad that no one was hurt, but the video is also a perfect example of why Ford Performance felt the need to offer the Ford Focus RS Adrenaline Academy to new owners. Lesson learned!
Gittin Jr.’s drifting video takes place at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year in West Sussex, England. Gittin Jr. brought out his Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR for the event.
We also get a chance to check out the 8000 rpm Ford Performance, 5.0 liter “Aluminator” crate engine that powers the 3000 lb. 2016 Mustang.
We think the video explains some of the basic principles of drifting and puts you in the drivers seat to show you there is a lot more going on than just mashing the pedal and turning the wheel!
So what do you think? Did the video give any good pointers for future drifters? Let us know @Artof Gears.
Next: Formula DRIFT Round 7 Showdown: Live Stream and Schedule
In case you think you are ready to go out and drift like the Pro’s, here is the Focus RS epic fail video that proves its probably a good idea sign up for the RS Adrenaline Academy before you try it…
Round 7 of the 2016 Formula Drift season takes place Sept. 9-10 at Texas Motor Speedway.
In yesterdays Pro qualifying, Vaughn Gittin Jr. is sitting in the top spot for the Top 32 battle today . Livestream for Formula DRIFT Round 7 kicks off today at 3:30 pm and can be watched here: