Drifting Icon Vaughn Gittin Jr. Celebrates Ford Mustang’s 50th Birthday

Vaughn Gittin Jr. is pumped about heading into the second round of Formula Drift season, he’s confident that he is driving the best Ford Mustang RTR he’s ever had this year

This month the Ford Mustang becomes the newest member of an extremely elite club – vehicles in continuous production for 50 years. It went on sale in the U.S. on April 17, 1964 and it immediately exploded into American culture as no other car had since the Model T. The economy was booming, the first Baby Boomers had just turned 18, and they brought with them an insatiable craving for anything outside the mainstream, which the Mustang fulfilled.

The enormously popular Gittin has scheduled of over 30 events this year in the U.S., Europe and China

It debuted at the New York World’s Fair and the celebration included a Mustang being disassembled, hauled up in elevators, and then reassembled on the Empire State Building's observation deck. Ford will mark the Mustang’s 50th birthday at the New York Auto Show by recreating the 1964 public relations stunt.

For Vaughn Gittin Jr. Motorsports the 50th Birthday festivity also marks the beginning of an epic 72 hour journey to both birthday celebrations at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. The K&N backed legend will be tearing up the track performing drifting demos Friday in Vegas and then on Saturday in Charlotte. Throughout and after the events, Gittin will be sharing compelling content on his social media channels, so you can watch as he sacrifices some Nitto Tires for everyone's viewing pleasure.

The Mustang’s 50th party marks the start of a 72 hour journey to both birthday celebrations in Vegas and Charlotte for Gittin

As one of the most popular and recognized Mustang ambassadors on the planet, Gittin has his 2014 dance card joyously jammed full.

"We have a pretty packed schedule of over 30 events this year which I am VERY excited about,” he says. “I will be competing and doing demos in Europe, competing in China, doing some fun events with our military, as well as a lot of demos and experiential events here in the USA. Stay tuned to us online for more info and try to make it out to see us."

Vaughn Gittin Jr. Motorsports started the 2014 FD season by qualifying 2nd and finishing 9th overall

Gittin recently kicked off the eleventh season of Formula Drift competition on the streets of Long Beach, California, to a sold out crowd. This was the seventh consecutive year of drifting on the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Street Course. Gittin qualified 2nd and finished 9th overall.

"I feel awesome heading into Round 2,” said Gittin. “I have the best Ford Mustang RTR we have ever had and the amazing RTR Drift Team supporting me. I am looking forward to fighting hard, having some fun, and leaving with a good result!"

You have a chance to meet the World Champion Drifter and founder of the Mustang RTR at the Petersen Automotive Museum May 3rd

Gittin launched his brand for a new generation of Mustang with the RTR in 2010. The dealer-installed package for the Ford Mustang GT is available at select Ford dealerships world-wide.

On Saturday, May 3rd, during the Mustang Madness event at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, you have an opportunity to meet one of drifting’s most iconic figures and his machine, the K&N supported Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Racing Mustang – one of the sport's most identifiable cars. For detailed information contact the museum or check their website.

Last year Gittin finished the Formula Drift season as the top qualifier and in 5th place overall. He was awarded “Ace Driver of the Decade” for being the winningest driver in all 10 years of Formula Drift history. Gittin also took home the World Drift Series Championship for the third year in a row.