Monster Energy, Vaughn Gittin Jr, and Falken Tire form an epic partnership
MOORESVILLE, NC (April 8, 2010) – Professional Drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. announced today a multi-year partnership with Monster Energy to serve as co-primary sponsor on Gittin’s 2011 Monster Energy/Falken Tire Ford Mustang that competes on the Formula Drift series. Gittin, a former world champion, is entering his seventh season on the popular Formula Drift series.
“Monster Energy is a leading supporter of motorsports across the globe, so to bring them into Drifting in a big way is huge for the sport,” said Gittin, Jr., 29, of Joppa, Md. “It is an honor to join the long list of elite athletes that represent Monster Energy. Between Monster Energy, Team Falken Tire, and our Ford Racing 5.0L 2011 Mustang, we have everything we need be a competitive force in the Formula Drift Championship this season.”
Gittin Jr., known as "JR" in the sport, has become one of drifting’s most iconic figures and his machine, the 680HP Ford Mustang GT, one of the sport's most identifiable cars. Gittin is known best by his aggressive, foot-to-the-floor, big-smoke driving style. Being such a fierce competitor, Gittin is known as the only American to beat the Japanese at their own game in winning a D1 Grand Prix competition, not once - but twice. In 2005, Gittin stunned the world when he won the D1GP USA vs. Japan event. In 2007, he brought America home the gold once more by winning the D1GP World Championship. Gittin has earned five career podiums in the Formula Drift series, which has cemented itself as the premier Drifting series in the world.
"Vaughn’s talent, passion, and drive make him one of the most unique and charismatic personalities in all of Drifting,” said Mike Vicente, Monster Energy’s Motorsports Marketing Director. “For these reasons, Vaughn is a perfect ambassador to help Monster Energy make an immediate impact on the sport. Vaughn goes above and beyond by pushing the limits of traditional sponsorship by creating unique concepts and programs, yet still retaining his grassroots connection to the sport.”
The Formula Drift series kicks off the 2010 season with Round One on the streets of Long Beach, Calif. on April 9-10 and continues with six more rounds in Road Atlanta (Braselton, Ga.), Wall Speedway (Wall, NJ), Evergreen Speedway (Monroe, Wash.), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Las Vegas, NV), Infineon Raceway (Sonoma, Calif.), and Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Irwindale, Calif.). TV coverage is provided by Versus. For more information, visit
www.FormulaD.com.
The partnership was secured and is managed by Gittin's management firm, Motorsports Management International, located in Mooresville, NC.
About Monster Energy
Monster Energy supports the sport, no matter how radical or extreme. Be it Drifting, the barren deserts of Baja, high-banked NASCAR racing program, supercross, rally, insane distance jumping, motocross, MotoGP, roadracing, supermoto, freestyle motocross, skate, MTB, rock crawling, wake, mini bikes, surf, snow, BMX – the list goes on – the athletes that participate in these unique forms of athleticism are sparked by Monster Energy. Available in Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, Monster’s fruit juice hybrid dubbed "M-80," the party-friendly MIXXD, the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream drink line (supercharged with our Monster Energy blend), as well as the new Monster Energy "Hitman" energy shot, there’s something for everyone. Wherever they go, Monster Energy beverages power the Monster Army of athletes. Be sure to check out their never-ending series of adventures at
www.monsterarmy.com and
www.monsterenergy.com .
About Team Falken
The Falken Tire brand, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, launched in its native country of Japan in 1983 and was introduced to the North American market two years later. At its inception, Falken was created as the flagship high performance radial brand under Ohtsu Tire and Rubber. Now, over two and a half decades later, Falken continues to focus on UHP (Ultra High Performance) products and utilizing professional motorsports racing to further develop and improve passenger vehicle products for worldwide distribution.
Falken Tire Corporation, based in Fontana California, is the corporate headquarters and west coast distribution center for North American operations. Additional Falken Tire distribution locations include warehouses in Tennessee, New Jersey and Texas.
Falken’s current products range from the track inspired and enthusiast targeted Azenis series to the maximum performance and luxury sport FK452. The award winning all-season performance Ziex ZE912 provides sure footed grip in any weather condition while the S/TZ04 encompasses cutting edge styling and ultra plus fitments for today’s light truck and SUV’s. Newest to the Falken Tire lineup are two rugged all-terrain models, the Wild Peak A/T and High Country A/T.
Considered a marketing maverick in many regards, Falken Tire prides itself on its in house branding and creative capabilities. Housing a fully staffed advertising department and motorsports team allows Falken Tire to fully maximize exposure on internally operated American Le Mans and Formula Drift Series.
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