Drifting Away

Ford is backing Formula Drift again and giving away a Focus ST

By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company

This weekend the Formula Drift season kicks off in Long Beach, California, and Ford is back as a sponsor. The Blue Oval is backing some major drift teams, and to celebrate its involvement, the company is giving away a new Focus ST as part of its Drift with Ford sweepstakes.

“Ford and Formula DRIFT fans share a deep passion for performance, making the series the perfect venue for demonstrating the capabilities of our vehicles,” Steve Ling, Ford North America car marketing manager, said. “We had a strong response with last year’s Drift with Ford sweepstakes when we gave away a custom EcoBoost-powered Fiesta ST. This year we’re bringing back the sweepstakes with the hot Focus ST, and expanding our trackside presence with displays and activities at every Formula Drift event in North America.”

Clearly, drifting has become an important part of the Ford Performance marketing repertoire, and its teams have performed well.

“Fans love to watch teams fielding V8-powered Ford Mustangs battling for the top spot in Formula Drift,” Mickey Matus, Ford Performance marketing communications manager, said. “Vaughn and Justin are both elite drivers who have proven they know what it takes to win. We believe they’re poised for great success in Ford Mustang, and can’t wait for the season to get under way.”

This weekend in Long Beach, California, those Mustang teams will slay some tires for the Blue Oval. Vaughn Gittin Jr. will kick of the season in his familiar S197 competition car as he continues to test his new 2015 drifter.

“I am pumped for the 2015 Formula Drift season to kick off in Long Beach as the action at this event is always epic,” Vaughn said. “My team and I have been working hard in the off-season, and I can’t wait to hit the track, scrape walls, and run door-to-door with my opponents from behind the wheel of my Ford Mustang RTR.”

Likewise, Justin Pawlak is looking forward to sliding his trusty Mustang around the Long Beach course.

“I’m extremely excited to get back into my Ford Mustang for the 2015 Formula Drift season,” Justin added. “I look forward, as it’s a proven platform for drifting. Both Vaughn and I have earned great success with it over the past few years.”

If you are lucky enough to make it out to the first event in Long Beach, you can sign up to win the custom Focus ST at the track. Licensed drivers, 18 and older, that can’t make it to the track can still sign up for the contest right here. The contest ends on October 10, 2015.

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