Vaughn Gittin Jr. Takes First at FD Road Atlanta

• May 11, 2014
• Story By
  Kristin Cline

The dust is settling from Formula Drift Round 2 and Vaughn Gittin Jr. comes out on top taking first place at Road Atlanta saying he, "Couldn't be happier with our hard fought win last night." Conditions were wet during Friday's qualifying where Gittin Jr. took third. Battles were hot on Saturday night. It started in the Top 16 with Gittin Jr. vs Pawlak battling three times - two "One More Times" following an initial run into the grass by the two. Gittin Jr. showed a great balance of aggressiveness matched with consistency through the following two matches, ending with Pawlak nudging the rear of Gittin's Mustang during his follow. Gittin Jr. went on on to battle Moen in Top 8, next Nishida, and finally Aasbo for the final battle. Aasbo and Gittin Jr. played cat and mouse, with both creating gaps around the keyhole during their lead laps, resulting in a unanimous OMT from the judges. During the second set, Gittin Jr. had amazing angle and more proximity during his follow, out drifting Aasbo for the win. Of the win Gittin Jr. says, "Tonight's win feels amazing, not because we won, but because of how hard we fought as a team. Huge respect to our competitors for all the awesome driving they brought tonight. You all pushed me super hard and I greatly appreciate you making this victory super amazing!!!" This  is Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s second year with Nitto Tire as well as being an independent team owner. This win follows his last first place podium at Evergreen Speedway in 2012 and is his sixth overall first place in FD. Gittin Jr. now sits in second for overall points, below Chris Forsberg, for the 2014 Formula Drift Pro Championship. Photo credits to Larry Chen and Alex Wong. Watch some behind the wheel action and head over to Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s FB page to tell him congratulations!