Download MOORESVILLE, NC (March 26, 2010

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.
MEDIA CONTACT
Abby Baker
443-883-0339
[email protected]
PICTURES
http://www.vaughngittin.com/newsletter/pictures/Monster%20Reveal%20Party/
For more information, please visit www.VaughnGittin.com or follow on Twitter @VaughnGittinJr