#VaughnGittinJr

Ford is looking to capture its fifth consecutive “Hottest Truck” award at this year’s SEMA Show.

In the never-ending battle to one up one another in the world of Internet videos, professional drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Monster Energy are turning up the heat in Fire Drift.

What happens when you give professional drifter and former Formula Drift champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. free reign at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant? A three and a half minute video of pure automotive porn.

Ford Mustangs have enjoyed great success in the sport of drifting, with Vaughn Gittin Jr. claiming the 2010 Formula Drift Championship, and sitting atop the points standings leading into the final round this season.

The newest rendition of World Champion Drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s Mustang RTR has just been revealed, available in two trim levels: Spec 1 and Spec 2.

Those that don’t know, Megabloks has been making a strong push into the building blocks world dominated by Legos.

Ford fans, start your engines! Ford’s new TV series, Octane Academy, is coming to FUEL TV and its adrenaline-pumping challenges will get your motor revving.

2010 Formula Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. takes his dog and pony show to the Middle East: drifting Saudi Arabia in his Ford Mustang.

At the Al Reem Circuit, he puts on a show that would make Ken Block proud. Titled Drifting In The K.S.A, Gittin was given permission to do basically anything around the racetrack, which he takes full advantage of: he first tackles the course grounds in a Boss 302 before bringing out his Monster-liveried Falken Mustang in a cloud of tire smoke.

“Everyone I met, from Princes, to other professional drivers, to swarms of fans, treated me with amazing hospitality and kindness.” Said Gittin. “It was an incredible experience that I will never forget and I look forward to coming back to the K.S.A!”

Click the jump to watch the video and to gain terrible ideas on doing this yourself. But as always…don’t. Unless you were 2009’s Formula Drift Champion.

With their team of star drivers behind them, Ford is launching the Octane Academy that will bring their ultimate fans face to face with their favorite action sports driver. The all-star cast of Ken Block, Tanner Foust, Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Brian Deegan will be hosting four different camps throughout the year, one by each driver. At each camp, contestants that are selected through video submissions will get to go head-to-head in testing their driving skills.

Each driver will design their own playground, allowing participants to experience out-of-this-world driving lessons while being recorded for the Octane Academy series. And participants that compete to the level that each driver is satisfied with, will win prizes including an overall grand prize of a one-off vehicle created by each of the drivers.

Those interested in entering to possibly become a participant will need to do a video submission telling their story of why they think they have what it takes to survive in the crazy world of Ford’s top tier drivers. The first camp will be hosted by Deegan in November and will feature the theme of Ford RallyCross and Off-Road truck racing. Drivers will get to participate in a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Those wanting to meet up with Block, will get to get behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta in probably a Gymkhana-themed academy. No doubt Gittin Jr. will get his participants amped up and behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang looking to go sideways. Lastly, Foust will be able to train his drivers in a Ford Focus with an X-Games inspired theme.

Check out a video announcing the Ford Octane Academy after the break.

A new drifting record was set last weekend by Mauro Calo totaling 7,572 feet  in a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG around a skidpad. 2010 Formula Drift champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. said that after watching the C63 circle the concrete pad for more than two minutes, he was unimpressed.

“There are about 60 drivers that show up to Formula Drift every month, as well as thousands of grassroots drifters, that can do giant donuts until the tires pop, as well.” Gittin held the original record of 6,285 feet set in December 2008. Now we come the the question of what is a “world record” drift? Guinness World Records defines drifting as, “driving a car with rear slip angle that is greater to the front.” However Gittin would call that a donut.

Gittin has suggested that Guinness World Records rephrase the definition of drifting to put credibility back in to attempt. Gittin believes the definition should be “drifting without intersecting your drift line.” Gittin feels “This result would be a record that took a lot of skill, balls, and wouldn’t put you to sleep watching the video of it.” He’s got a good point.

Check out Mauro Calo’s record setting drift after the jump!

Nothing thrills us more than a show-quality built car getting thoroughly abused on the track. And in true Vaughn Gittin Jr. form, his 1969 Ford RTR-X Mustang has finally gone sideways. Originally built as a SEMA project vehicle, Gittin Jr. promised many that he would take it out on the track proving that every bit of the car was as functional as it was show.

What do you get when you take a Formula Drift champion, a video camera, and a website editor that has no fear? Apparently the video that’s available after the jump. Wrecked Magazine teamed up with Vaughn Gittin Jr. out in Las Vegas with a Ford F150 SVT Raptor to reach all new heights – recording it, of course, to share with the rest of the world.

After claiming this year’s Formula Drift championship, Vaughn Gittin Jr. is looking to further expand his driving resume by participating in this weekend’s Gymkhana Grid event at Irwindale Speedway. His weapon of choice will be Ken Block’s old 1978 Ford Escort Mk2, now sporting Monster Energy Drink livery.

For those not in the know, Gymkhana Grid is presented by Ken Block, known for his ridiculously awesome gymkhana videos. Several of Formula Drift’s top drivers will be in attendance, including Gittin Jr.’s Falken teammate, Daijiro Yoshihara, Matt Powers, Ross Petty and Joon Maeng, just to name a few. If you’re in the area, make sure to stop by Irwindale Speedway to get your motorsports fix until next season starts.

[Source: Wrecked Magazine]

Still confused about Gymkhana Grid? See after the jump for a quick promo video: