Formula Drift Proves the Mustang Is Perfect for Going Sideways
Ford’s pony is only now becoming more popular in the drift world, despite being well proven in Formula Drift for more than a decade.
Despite all three of the Formula Drift Mustangs getting knocked out due to unfortunate circumstances, a chance to see them running full-tilt in person is never going to disappoint.
The Mustang Source got back in the saddle to capture all the drifting action at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, July 19. Chelsea Denofa was knocked out when he bumped Chris Forsberg in the Top 16, which he later explained on his Instagram was not a spot to be slowing down in and that he believed Forsberg was at fault. Vaughn Gittin Jr. was also knocked in the top 16. When Ken Gushi got off pace and nearly cut him off, Gittin lifted to prevent and accident and was given an incomplete for getting off throttle, despite avoiding a significant collision. Finally, Justin Pawlak was knocked out in his Great eight battle against James Deane when his car came out of gear going into the infield.
While this was an unfortunate event for the Mustang crew, it is not at all representative of how competitive Mustangs are in drifting. Mustang history in Formula Drift shows plentiful podium finishes and even an overall championship. Vaughn Gittin Jr. began driving a Mustang in FD back in 2005. Along with his Formula Drift Champion title in 2010, he has been on the FD Podium 20 times since his first Mustang chassis.
His current Mustang is a twin to that of RTR Teammate DeNofa’s. Both contain a custom Ford Performance 455 cubic-inch naturally aspirated V8, making over 1,100 horsepower. If that number isn’t absurd enough for you, take note of the fact that they also rev to 9,000 RPM. Hearing these things in person is unbeatable, but you can get a little sample of it in the above video posted by myself.
Denofa comes from a slightly different background, having driven BMWs for most of his career. However, upon joining team RTR, he took the wheel of this beautiful purple Mustang. Though his history in the pony car is short, he has two 2018 season podiums and continues to throw down some of the most brutal battle runs we’ve seen.
Justin Pawlak, or JTP, pilots the Roush supercharged Falken Tire Mustang. He bosts six podium finishes since switching to a Mustang in 2010 and finished second overall for the 2011 season, only 6 points behind the champion. Most iconically, though, Pawlak scored a perfect 100 in qualifying in New Jersey for the 2019 event, only the second time in FD history.
I had a quick opportunity to chat with JTP and asked what makes a Mustang a good drift car, and what is a major pro and con. He stated the primary reason for going with a Mustang is the ease of making power.
“Ford Performance Engine, a Roush supercharger and we’re making 900 horsepower.” Said Pawlak
He reinstated that the ease of making power is a major pro, and the biggest con is that they are big, heavy cars. Though, that doesn’t seem to stop him or the RTR team from slinging them around like nothing!
Overall, the Mustang is a great place to start if you are looking into drifting. A stock V8 Mustang makes more than enough power to learn with, and as you can see, the possibilities are nearly endless with how far you can take them.
If you have a chance to see a Formula Drift event in person, I highly recommend you get out there and let all three of these Ford Performance engines put their sound through your chest. While you’re there, say hi to the drivers. They are all very nice guys!
Check out this gallery for some more FD Mustang goodness!
Photos for The Mustang Source by Braden Carlson