CHELSEA DENOFA ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE FROM FORMULA DRIFT AFTER 2023 SEASON
Team RTR is gearing up for an exciting week as they get ready to head to Irwindale, CA for the final round of the Formula Drift season. However, the excitement is bittersweet as Chelsea, after much deliberation, has decided to step away from Formula Drift after this season. “While this chapter may be coming to a close, I'm excited about the new adventures that lie ahead for me and the team,” said Chelsea. “I have no doubt that the RTR legacy will continue to thrive, and I look forward to watching you guys crush future successes from the other side. I am sure we will work together again in the future.”
Vaughn Gittin Jr has stated, "For the past seven years Chelsea has been an amazing addition to our team efforts on and off the track. I hope you will agree that what we have been able to achieve and deliver with him within our process and approach to marketing and motorsport has been nothing short of a great success. I am fully supportive of his decision to step back from competition in Formula Drift to chase other dreams that he has for himself."
This however is not the last time Chelsea will be seen with the team. Vaughn commented on the future, "We have curated an incredible relationship, and I am optimistic we will continue to be collaborating; however, what that looks like for him and wherever he may roam I am confident it will be spectacular. Thank you for your belief in us year after year. We are excited to continue the fun!"
This news doesn’t diminish the team's excitement for the weekend but elevates it as the drifting world is eager to watch Chelsea pursue his first career Formula Drift Championship and his 10th win in team history. In fact, Chelsea has an impressive 9 wins in 10 finals appearance making for an 90% win rate when reaching the finals in his Mustang RTR. And in his 56 rounds, to date, with RTR he has 17 total podiums (9 wins, 1 second, and 7 thirds).