RTR Vehicles attends the Carlisle Ford Nationals

On Thursday, the RTR team arrived in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, ready to set up our display and ensure the iconic RTR-X was perfectly situated in Building T for the 60 Years of Mustang display. We prepared our display space, stocked with merchandise, display vehicles, and free giveaways, promising a memorable experience for all attendees. This year, we were thrilled to introduce our dedicated Mustang RTR show class, a testament to the growing impact of RTR Vehicles within the Ford community. Shoutout to Milton Strother for taking 1st place in the Mustang RTR class! 

During the vehicle walkarounds, Vaughn Gittin Jr. dropped some exciting news, hinting at the forthcoming Mustang RTR Spec 3 and the future Mustang RTR Spec 5, which will draw styling cues from the current Spec 5-FD competing in the 2024 Formula Drift Championship. These announcements were met with enthusiastic applause, as fans eagerly anticipated the next evolution of Mustang RTR performance and design.

One of the highlights of the Carlisle Ford Nationals was undoubtedly the drift demonstrations conducted by Vaughn Gittin Jr. at the autocross track. Fans were treated to three exciting sessions where Vaughn showcased the incredible capabilities of the Mustang RTR Spec 5-D. During each session we gave ride alongs to some of our Mustang RTR owners and people were randomly selected from the crowd. Vaughn brought out his 2024 Mustang RTR Spec 2 for a few slides around the track as well! 

Rhys Conklin also joined Vaughn Gittin Jr. out on the track with one of our S197 Mustangs that he has been taking around the country for drift demos. Vaughn has known Rhys since he was a 3 year old and he is now 17 years of age pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a professional Formula Drift driver. Aside from traveling across the country and doing drift demos, Rhys competes in the Formula Drift Pro-Am series with his BMW E36. 

The RTR display became a hub of excitement as Vaughn Gittin Jr. hosted a meet-and-greet and autograph session, offering fans the chance to connect with the legend himself. For an hour and a half, Vaughn shared memories with familiar faces and created new ones with those meeting him for the first time. Our fans’ excitement was infectious, fueling our team’s enthusiasm and making every moment at the event memorable. Vaughn took photos and signed hero cards featuring his 2024 Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD he competes with in Formula Drift. It was a special moment for all, highlighting the deep connection between RTR Vehicles and our passionate fanbase.

As the event came to a close, The 2024 Mustang RTR Spec 2 and 2024 Mustang RTR Spec 5-D joined 400 other vehicles in a parade to downtown Carlisle on Saturday evening. 

This year's Carlisle Ford Nationals was historic not just for RTR Vehicles but for the entire Ford community. With a record-setting 3,572 registered vehicles, it was the largest Ford Nationals show in its 50-year history. The sense of excitement and pride was infectious, as we celebrated both the legacy and the future of Ford vehicles together.

The 2024 Carlisle Ford Nationals was a resounding success for RTR Vehicles. From showcasing our latest models to engaging with our devoted fans, the event was filled with unforgettable moments. Ford Nationals continues to be a highlight of our annual calendar, and we're already looking forward to next year. Mark your calendars for June 6th - 8th, 2025, as we plan to return with even more excitement and passion for all things RTR.