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DEARBORN -- Last year Vaughn Gittin, Jr., driver of the No. 25 Falken Tire 2011 Ford Mustang, finished fifth overall in the Formula Drift Series. Gittin talks about his off-season, driving the new 5.0L 2011 Ford Mustang and what it’s like to drift.

Q. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO DURING THE OFF-SEASON?
A. I have been getting ready for the launch of Mustang RTR, which is a project I have taken on as my vision for a new generation of Mustang to get some new eyes on the car. That will launch in April with the 5.0L. It is a dealer-installed package that has Ford Racing parts on it. Other than that, I have been working on some really big things that we are going to announce soon, including a really big sponsor coming on board shortly.  I am out in Charlotte testing my brand new 2011 Mustang.
 
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE NEW MUSTANG? 
A. It is unbelievable. It is a Ford Racing 5.0L V-8 and we are testing a new tire as well. Between the grip of the new tire and the extra horsepower we have, it is just an unbelievable car. It is a lot faster and I just can not wait to compete with it.
 
Q. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN FOR ATTACKING THIS 2010 SEASON? 
A. My focus is going out there and attacking one event at a time. I just want to go out and drive as hard and consistent as I can. We have a really good car and a great team and great support from Ford and all of my sponsors. Mentally and physically I feel great and I am really excited about the year, but I am trying not to get ahead of myself too much. I am very excited for the 2010 season. There are more and more Mustang and Ford Racing fans that seek me out at events and it is awesome to see that everybody is embracing me and the sport and my association with the Mustang. Look for Ford to make everyone proud this year.
 
Q. DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FANS COMING UP?
A. Yeah, we will be doing some special Ford events like ride-alongs and stuff like that. People can keep an eye on my website for events we will be doing other than competitions and I hope folks come out and experience what it is like to drift in a Mustang.
 
Q. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO DRIFT? 
A. I tell people that drifting is simply incredible. If you want to know what it is like, I tell people it is like being on a rollercoaster that you can control. I have been doing this for nine years and I get that same feeling of insanity and adrenaline every time I get in a car. It is the action sport of cars. It is a judged sport. There is no checkered flag. There is no time. The sport is based on a very precise criterion that is judged and lends itself to very fast cars that are sideways. It is basically a sensory overload for the spectator. For the driver it is extremely challenging, it takes a lot of commitment and is a whole lot of fun.