Formula Drift in Back to Back Weekends at Long Beach, California

Long Beach, California was the first stop in the Formula Drift Pro Championship Series for top drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. The seven round series is in its fourth season and with almost $500,000 in prize money at stake. It is one of the biggest seasons to date.

Vaugh Gittin Jr. at Formula Drift Opening Ceremony 2007 Vaugh Gittin Jr. at Formula Drift Opening Ceremony 2007
Called “Round 1: No Room for Mistakes,” more than 10,000 spectators packed the downtown stands on April 7th to see 31 drivers take their cars through the Grand Prix track’s tight turns. In drifting, the cars slide sideways at top speeds and the winners are selected on the basis of technical style.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. at Long Beach 2006 Vaughn Gittin Jr. at Long Beach 2006
Established on the streets of Japan, Drifting is a world wide competitive sport that challenges each racer’s driving ability and control. Formula Drift provides a venue for professionals in North America to pit their skills against the world’s top drifters.

Mitsuru Haruguchi of Japan was awarded top driver of the day at Long Beach, and Gittin finished 4th. Gittin is sponsored by K&N Engineering and has used K&N Air and Oil Filters for ten years. “K&N is the right product for me,” said Gittin. “The technology works.”

Gittin is also preparing for the 33rd Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13th and 14th. Gittin, along with Ryan Tuerck and Chris Forsberg, all K&N sponsored drifters will compete at Long Beach for Team Drift Alliance.

Follow Vaughn Gittin's progress throughout the racing season at the K&N news site. Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.