The announcement that Vaughn Gittin Jr. will be bringing Chelsea DeNofa into the RTR Motorsports team for the 2017 Formula Drift season left us looking forward to FDLB even more – but it also left us with a lot of questions. So we got some answers from the man himself, Vaughn Gittin Jr., read on for more information about his newly formed #TeamRTR.
The RTR Motorsports Team
With a few different teams forming within Formula Drift in recent years, we wanted to know exactly what the partnership means for VGJ and CD. Obviously, there’s a certain amount of partnering on the business and sponsorship end of things. Where Vaughn and Chelsea will be unique, is they’ll be driving clone cars of one another – both in a Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D. “Having cars that are exactly the same will enable us to share data and learn from each other,” says Vaughn. “We’ll be able to get to where we need to be faster out there on the track.”
Their Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-Ds
“Last year we had good success with our brand new Mustang RTR. Now we have data and really know what to start with as the season kicks off,” says Vaughn. “I’m always innovating and trying to improve on what we learned last year.” To that effect, they’ve moved up to more advanced Ford Performance/Roush Yates RY45 motors. Naturally aspirated, these push out close to 1,000 hp and will allow them both to drive with even more grip.
The Teammate: @chelseadenofa
With so many amazing drivers filling the ranks of PRO Formula D, Vaughn Gittin Jr. chose Chelsea DeNofa as his new teammate. “He’s been out there struggling on his own – but when he puts it all together on the track, he’s amazing to watch," exclaims Vaughn. "He’s not always had the best equipment, but he’s gotten a lot done with it, so he’s got his own tricks up his sleeve. I think it will be a really good match putting him behind the wheel of one of our Mustang RTRs.”
#BroStangs Test Session
Vaughn and Chelsea have gotten some time behind the wheel in preparation for Formula Drift Long Beach season opener on April 1st. “We were blown away with how Chelsea adapted to the car,” says Vaughn. “I loved watching him behind the wheel of it and I think FD fans are going to feel the same.”
