IRWINDALE, Calif. - The officials and staff of the United States Modified Touring Series congratulate Vaughn Gittin Jr. on his victory this past weekend at the Formula Drift season finale at the Irwindale Speedway. It was Gittin's first triumph in the world's premier drifting series.

Gittin, heralded as the best American drifter competing today, competed with the O'Reilly USMTS National Tour last month during the 10th Annual Featherlite Fall Jamboree in a Modified prepared by USMTS standout Corey Dripps as part of a special feature produced by Speedway Illustrated magazine.

It was Gittin's first-ever venture into dirt track racing as he participated in a special event to help raise money and awareness for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. NASCAR stars Kevin Harvick and Landon Cassill also competed in the 20-lap invitational race with several top Modified drivers, while legendary crew chief and current FOX Sports analyst emceed the event.

While Gittin's first experience behind he wheel of a high-powered USMTS Modified was short-lived, the 28-year-old from Baltimore, Md. vowed to someday visit victory lane at a dirt track. More importantly, Gittin not only developed a deep respect for the USMTS drivers and teams, but made dozens of new fans himself with his upbeat attitude and genuine personality.

For more information about Vaughn Gittin Jr., visit www.vaughngittin.com.