Chelsea DeNofa's Mustang RTR in front of RTR trophy case

RTR Championship Celebration

We take immense pride in our accomplishments during the 2023 Formula Drift season, where we dominated with five wins and seven podium finishes. It was an extraordinary year that saw our drivers and team members pour their hearts and souls into achieving greatness. To commemorate this monumental achievement, we hosted the RTR Championship Celebration on January 13th, 2023, at the RTR Lab located in Concord, North Carolina.

The RTR Drift Team dominated the 2023 Formula Drift Season

The 2023 Formula Drift season was a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Leading the charge was our very own Vaughn Gittin Jr., who made a triumphant return from a year-long hiatus to secure the top spot at Road Atlanta. Adam LZ, a recent addition to our RTR Drift Team family, showcased his talent by achieving his first 1st place finish in New Jersey. Moreover, Chelsea DeNofa left an indelible mark with three 1st place podiums, ultimately clinching the prestigious 2023 Formula Drift Championship. Our team's dominance was further emphasized as we achieved a remarkable three-race winning streak during Rounds 2, 3, and 4.

RTR Team podium photo at FD Atlanta — The RTR Drift Team grabs their first win of the 2023 season with Vaughn Gittin Jr. winning his first event back in Formula Drift at FD Atlanta.

RTR Team podium photo at FD Orlando — The RTR Drift Team grabs their second win of the 2023 season with Chelsea DeNofa throwing down at FD Orlando.

RTR Team podium photo at FD Englishtown — The RTR Drift Team grabs a third win of the 2023 season at FD Englishtown with Adam LZ battling his way to his first career win in Formula Drift.

RTR Team podium photo at FD Seattle — The RTR Drift Team lands another 1st place podium at 2023 FD Utah with Chelsea DeNofa's second win and James Deane's first podium in a Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD.

RTR Team podium photo at FD Grantsville — The RTR Drift Team sees back-to-back wins with another 1st place podium at 2023 FD Grantsville with Chelsea DeNofa's third win of the season.

RTR Team podium photo at FD Irwindale — Chelsea DeNofa brings home the 2023 Formula Drift Championship and James Deane sees his second podium of the season.

"Down to the Wire: RTR and Mustangs Road to the Championship" Documentary

Our journey to the championship was not without its challenges and triumphs. We wanted to share this incredible path with our fans, and thus, we released the documentary Down to the Wire: RTR and Mustang’s Road to the Championship. This documentary provides an intimate look at our team's remarkable journey, showcasing the determination and passion that fueled our success. Check out the full documentary below.

Opening the Doors to RTR Lab for the First Time

For the first time ever, we invited the public to take an exclusive peek behind the scenes at the RTR Lab. At RTR Vehicles, we understand that our fans are the fuel that keeps our engines firing on all cylinders. That's why we extended invitations to fans from across the nation. Over 40 Mustang owners and 40 dedicated RTR Fans were honored with invitations, with each Mustang owner allowed to bring a +1. Needless to say the RTR Lab was packed!

Mustang owners and Formula Drift fans in front of the RTR Lab

Chelsea DeNofa welcomes fans to the RTR Championship Celebration

Chelsea DeNofa's Spec 5 Mustangs and all the RTR FD trophies from the 2023 season

Chelsea DeNofa's driving gear and steering wheel.

The RTR Championship Celebration in full swing

Vaughn Gittin Jr., Chelsea DeNofa, and Mustang’s Brand Manager Joe Bellino were joined by 40 Mustang enthusiasts to cruise through the North Carolina countryside before the Championship Celebration began. The cruise would end at the RTR Lab. As everyone pulled in, we had them all park together for a group photo!

Mustang owners park for the car show at the RTR Lab

Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s 10th Anniversary Mustang RTR Spec 5 cruises down the highway

Vaughn Gittin Jr. greets all the owners before the Mustang Cruise

Mustang owners line up for the start of the cruise

A 2024 Mustang RTR Spec 2 cruises down the road

Mustangs lined up in front of the RTR Trailers at the RTR Lab

The group of Mustang owners were given a tour and first look at the RTR Lab by Vaughn Gittin Jr. They had the opportunity to check out the RTR-X, RTR-C and the very first Mustang RTR #0001!

A lineup of RTR Mustangs including the RTR-X, RTR-C, and the first ever serialized Mustang RTR

Vaughn Gittin Jr gives a tour through the RTR Lab

RTR Fans at the RTR Championship Celebration

Vaughn Gittin Jr talks to fellow Mustang owners about the RTR-C and RTR's heritage

The Championship Celebration was not just a celebration; it was an unforgettable experience. We offered a diverse range of entertainment options, including live music, SIM rigs for the racing enthusiasts, a thrilling Krazy Kart track, autograph signings by our RTR drivers, selfie stations with the championship-winning Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, and a delicious spread of complimentary food and beverages. The energy and enthusiasm from our fans were nothing short of incredible. Their unwavering support is what drives us to push the limits and reach new heights each and everyday.

James Deane, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Adam LZ, and Chelsea DeNofa get ready for a meet and greet with fans

James Deane, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Adam LZ, and Chelsea DeNofa signing posters for fans

James Deane signs a crash part from the 2023 Formula Drift season

A fan poses with Hot Wheels signed by all the RTR drivers

RTR Team members pose for a picture in front of Chelsea's competition car.

A fan poses for a picture in front of Chelsea DeNofa's competition car

Fans take a spin on the RTR simulators during the party.

We released the Down to the Wire Documentary at the RTR Lab while simultaneously releasing it online for everyone to see. After the documentary was aired, our RTR Drivers and Joe Bellino had a few words to share with everyone. After that, we had a quick Q&A session.

Chelsea DeNofa watches the new documentary "Down to the Wire"

The RTR team takes a group photo in front of the 2023 FD trophies and winning competition car.

Chelsea DeNofa thanks all of his supporters for cheering him on during the 2023 season and helping the whole team celebrate.

The RTR Championship Celebration was a heartfelt tribute to the dedication, passion, and exceptional achievements of our RTR Drift Team. It was a day of celebration, connection, and inspiration, bringing our fans an experience that will give them life long memories to cherish. As we reflect on the incredible journey of 2023, we look forward to new challenges and victories in the 2024 Formula Drift season!