page_title: Vaughn Gittin
section_title: Formula Drift
hierarchical_section_title: Vaughn Gittin / Racing career / Formula Drift
caption_attribution_description: English: Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s Spec 5 (2018 Season)
context_page_description: Vaughn Gittin Jr., commonly known as JR or Gittin, is an American, self-taught, professional drifter from Maryland who currently competes in Formula D behind the wheel of his 2018 Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Racing Mustang RTR. One of drifting's most iconic figures, Gittin has the second most wins in Formula Drift history and 22 career podiums. Vaughn is the creator of Ford Mustang RTR 900 horsepower Mustang RTR / Ford RTR. He also makes the RTR Mustang, which is JR's vision of the Mustang, in addition to RTR Ford F-150s.
context_section_description: His 2018 season saw Gittin play the spoiler to Fredric Aasbo's championship following a series of epic head-to-head battles between the two at Irwindale with Gittin ultimately taking first place at the event.  
  In 2017, Gittin expanded RTR Motorsports to include a second Ford Mustang piloted by Chelsea DeNofa. An adjustment for both drivers, Gittin still managed to squeeze out a fourth-place finish in the championship despite being denied a podium all season. 
  Two wins in 2016 would land Gittin on the third place step in the championship at year's end.
  Taking the ups and the downs of motorsports, 2015 was a less than a banner year for Gittin as he would finish without a podium for the first time in nearly five years.
  It was back to form in 2014 for Gittin as he would secure two podiums, both wins, and a third place overall finish in the Formula Drift championship. 
  The 2013 season marked a turning point for Gittin as he joined up with Nitto tire, a partnership which would yield two podiums that year, but no wins.  
  In 2012, Gittin would finish 2nd overall in the Formula Drift championship with two wins and three podiums.  
  Gittin's 2011 Formula Drift season was filled with ups and downs and saw just one podium.  
  For the 2010 season, Gittin made the switch over to a 2011 Monster Energy Falken Tire Ford Mustang. When the season ended, Gittin had been on the podium for 6 out of 7 Formula Drift events. His consistency within the season earned him his first Formula Drift Championship, a goal that had eluded him the previous seven seasons. 
  Gittin began his career as a professional driver in 2004 when he drove his personal Nissan S13 in Formula Drift. In 2005, he switched to a new Ford Mustang.
caption: Gittin's Spec 5 in 2018
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