HRE Performance Wheels

Third place finish keeps the HRE-Equipped Monster Energy Mustang Driver on Top

The Formula Drift Las Vegas event at Las Vegas Motorsports Park was one for the record books. Over the two-day event more than ten thousand spectators decided to come out and enjoy the festivities while over 300,000 viewers tuned in on the live drift steam over the Internet. Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s 2011 Mustang 5.0, which rolls on forged HRE Wheels, performed flawlessly and propelled the affable drifting star to another podium finish.

Vaughn was sitting first in qualifying for nearly the entire day until a few passes from competing drivers dropping him to the 5th qualifying spot. In the top 32 Vaughn was paired up with a good friend Brian Wilkerson which was a great battle ending with Vaughn moving forward.

After the top 16 ceremonies, Vaughn was paired up with fellow Drift Alliance driver Ryan Tuerck. On Ryan’s lead run he came in super hot, leading to him spinning. With Ryan’s spin, Vaughn moved on to the Great 8, where Gittin was matched against up and coming rookie of the year contender Charles Ng. After a good battle the senior driver came out on top.

On to the Top 4, where Vaughn faced off with his season nemesis Daijiro Yoshihara. While Vaughn’s lead run was very strong, he was a little behind on his chase run leading to push too hard and correcting after tapping the wall. Daijiro won the round forcing Vaughn to fight for the last spot on the podium with Tony Brakohiapa.

The battle for third was set, Vaughn Gittin Jr. vs Tony Brakonhiapa. This is the first time Tony has been this deep into competition causing to a get a little overzealous and on his chase run he ended up hitting Vaughn with his front bumper causing him to almost stop on course. The judge’s decision was easy, Vaughn takes 3rd place.

After the race Gittin explained that he was delighted with the results and he still sits on top of the points standings for the season.