Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Chelsea DeNofa decided to give their outgoing S550 Mustang RTR Spec 5-D one last ride before they hop in the driver's seat of their 7th Generation Mustang RTR Spec 5-D’s. During HyperFest this year, they took them for a full course drift session around Virginia International Raceway. The fun isn’t over just yet! We're going to embark on a nostalgic journey that'll take you back in time as we reminisce on all of the exciting events the S550 RTR Spec 5-D Mustangs have been a part of.
THE LAST RIDE IN THE S550 MUSTANG RTR SPEC 5-D
Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Chelsea DeNofa decided to give their outgoing S550 Mustang RTR Spec 5-D one last ride before they hop in the driver's seat of their 7th Generation Mustang RTR Spec 5-D’s. During HyperFest this year, they took them for a full course drift session around Virginia International Raceway. Check out the video below!
The fun isn’t over just yet! We're going to embark on a nostalgic journey that'll take you back in time as we reminisce on all of the exciting events the S550 RTR Spec 5-D Mustangs have been a part of. But this isn't just a trip down memory lane – it's a celebration of the memories these RTR Mustangs have left behind. Join us as we peel back the layers of time and dive into the pages of their eventful history, reliving the tire-screeching moments that have defined an era of automotive excellence.
For some context, we have kept our Mustang RTR Demo cars up to date with the current Mustang model year. So as most of you know, 2018 was the mid cycle refresh of the Mustang so of course we had to refresh our Mustang RTR Spec 5-Ds! For this article we will be highlighting events that the 2018+ Demo Cars have attended.
Jumping Ponies at SEMA 2018
Ford introduced an update to the S550 platform in early 2017, with new updates coming to the already superior platform. The release showed a new aggressive exterior design with refined aerodynamics, a new 10-speed automatic transmission option, and performance increases accross the S550 line up.
We hit the ground running with the new platform updates. Our catalog soon boasted a whole host of new parts for the new S550, including a new grille with signature lighting, aero and body components, as well as our line of tactical performance suspension. In a matter of time, the team was driving in demo events across the country while competing (and winning) in the new chassis. The RTR reputation was being established in front of mustang lovers everywhere.
Mustang RTR Spec 5-D Brings Amercian Horsepower to the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a yearly motorsports festival held in West Sussex, England since the early 1990's. Once a year, tens of thousands of people gather to see the ultimate display of speed from the vintage cars, the newest production vehicles, and concept cars. In 2019 Vaughn Gittin Jr had the opportunity to attend alongside his Mustang RTR Spec 5-D and give spectators a taste of the American horsepower and RTR's signature brand of fun!
Fans across the pond were treated to a smokeshow as Vaughn and the Mustang RTR Spec 5-D drifted down the hallowed roads of Goodwood manor and leave some good ol' fashioned Nitto rubber behind to mark their place in history.
Tron Style Drifting
Prior to the start of the 2020 Formula Drift championship, Vaughn Gittin Jr and Chelsea DeNofa released a brand new video in partnership with TYPE S Auto that had every 90's baby swimming in nostalgia. Inspired by the famous TRON video game, the behind the scenes crew spent over 80 hours configuring TYPE S lights across the Panthera Mountain Circuit and Mustang RTR Spec 5-Ds.
The result is a mesmerizing and exhilarating video where viewers can see the peak performance of the RTR drivers and their cars. To give context to the challenge, Chelsea added: “I did one lap without the TYPE S lights at 3:30AM but it was so dark I went off the track and flew down a hillside at about 60mph. The lack of visibility made it almost impossible to drive but fortunately the TYPE S lights changed all that for the video.”
Bomb Track
In March of 2021, the team and their Mustang RTR Spec 5-Ds made a trip back to the Panthera Tactical Training Facility - but this time with a special guest. Loren Healy joined the team in his Ultra4 4400 class Bronco. The result? Epic drifting, thrilling jumps, and a massive explosion to really tie it all together.
“This was a very fun, WILD and slightly terrifying experience! Drifting behind Loren’s Ultra4 Bronco on massive 40-inch Nitto tires with Chelsea on my door was a huge highlight for me. The explosions and Loren jumping over us was icing on the cake. I love when crazy ideas become reality and everyone leaves with smiles on their face!” – Vaughn Gittin Jr.
Spooky Shreds
Shot over the course of two nights at the Drift Mansion in Pomona, MO— a vehicular party palace that also doubles as an AirBnb—Spooky Shreds features over 2,400 Mustang RTR horsepower and 800 horsepower from Loren’s Ultra4 4400 Bronco. Pyrotechnics, FAA cleared lasers (yes, for real), a soundtrack by T-Pain, a massive pool jump, triple tandems, and more come together with the Ford powered vehicles to make this a night to remember.
“What an epic time by the hardest working guys and girls I know to make Spooky Shreds come to life! Chelsea Denofa, Adam LZ, and Loren Healy killed it, and an original song by T-Pain!? Pinch me!” - Vaughn Gittin Jr.
Mustang Togue
Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Chelsea DeNofa unleashed their RTR Spec 5-D Mustangs, on the scenic roads of Wilkesboro, North Carolina for Mustang Touge! For those of you who aren’t familiar with the word touge, here is a quick definition: Touge (峠, tōge) the literal meaning is “pass.” It refers to a mountain pass or any of the narrow, winding roads that can be found in and around the mountains of Japan and other geographically similar areas around the world.
Vaughn and Chelsea pay homage to some of the great drivers and those dangerous roads...with some American flair in their Mustang RTR Spec 5-Ds.
