RTR Vehicles 2024 Championship Celebration

Mustang Owner’s Cruise 

We started the day with a Mustang cruise through some North Carolina backroads. 40 Mustang owners joined us, led by Vaughn Gittin Jr. in his 10th Anniversary Mustang RTR Spec 5, Ben Hobson in his 2024 Mustang RTR Spec 3, and even the RTR-C came on the cruise to stretch its legs on the open road.

After the cruise, everyone gathered back at the RTR Lab, where Vaughn and Ben spent time signing cars, taking photos, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts. We even captured a group photo to commemorate the experience before inviting everyone inside for a private Lab tour before the celebration officially began.

A Look Inside the Celebration

As guests entered the RTR Lab, they were greeted by an incredible display of RTR history and innovation. At the forefront was James Deane’s Championship-winning Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, proudly positioned alongside the 2024 Formula Drift Championship trophy. Several other RTR Mustangs were also on display, including:

• The first production Mustang RTR
• A prototype Mustang RTR
• RTR-X
• Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s 2010 Championship-winning car
• The Mustang Mach-E 1400
• The latest RTR Mustangs, including brand-new production models and factory Mustangs
• Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD and Ben Hobson’s new competition car

With so much history in one place, fans had the opportunity to immerse themselves in everything RTR represents—performance, passion, and innovation.

Nonstop Action & Exclusive Sneak Peek

Once inside, guests were treated to a night packed with excitement and unique experiences:

• Photo ops with James Deane’s championship-winning Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD
• Axe throwing competitions
• Racing simulators for fans to test their skills
• RTR merch available for purchase
• A crazy cart track set up outside with Taxi Garage Crazy Carts for guests to unleash their inner racer

The night reached another level when we premiered our 2024 Formula Drift season documentary, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the trials, tribulations, and ultimate triumph of the RTR Drift Team. This documentary will officially be released on February 6, 2025—so stay tuned!

Before the screening, Vaughn Gittin Jr. gave our packed house a sneak peek at the 2025 Mustang RTR Spec 5, you can check it out HERE! 

A Championship Season to Remember

This season was anything but easy. From the very first round, the team faced serious adversity—James’ Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD caught fire during practice, forcing a complete rebuild before the competition even began. The challenges didn’t stop there, but through resilience, determination, and teamwork, we fought through every obstacle.

James Deane didn’t just win another championship—he made history. He is now the only driver in Formula Drift history to secure four championships, a testament to his skill, the dedication of our team, and the strength of the RTR mindset.

With 250+ guests in attendance, the RTR Lab was buzzing with energy all night. To close out the celebration, Vaughn, James, and Ben hosted a meet-and-greet and autograph session, giving fans a chance to get up close with their favorite drivers and share their excitement for what’s to come.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With the 2025 Formula Drift season on the horizon, we’re already back in the Lab, preparing for another thrilling year of competition. We want to thank every fan, partner, and team member who has supported us throughout this season—we couldn’t do it without you!

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s get ready to rock in 2025! #ReadyToRock