Vaughn Gittin Jr. returned to the House of Drift, better known as Irwindale Speedway, this past weekend to defend his title as the highest ranked American drifter in the world. Not only did he defend his title, but he karate -chopped, high-kicked and body slammed his competition until everyone in the grandstands recognized him as one of the best drifters on the face of the earth!

The D1 Grand Prix World Championship was an event consisting of 26 of the world's best drifters invited to compete from USA, Japan, Sweden, Malaysia, Thailand, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Canada, Vietnam and France.

JR's first battle was against Jayitr Sritongkham from Thailand. On their first run Sritongkham put his Skyline into the wall while JR maneuvered around him on the inside line barely missing him. Due to car damage, Sritongkham was forced to forfeit the second run.

JR moved on to battle Japan's Toshiki Yoshioka in his speedy AE86 Corolla. Yoshioka's engine blew just prior to the run and he was forced to forfeit to JR. JR says "I was disappointed about his unfortunate situation. He is a great, fast, technical driver and I was looking forward to running with him."

The third match-up for JR was against one of Japan's star drivers and winner of last year's World Championship, Ken Nomura. The first battle was fairly even, so the judges called for a "One More Time". In their first run, JR stepped it up a notch and stayed on Nomura's back bumper closely, earning the immediate advantage. When it was JR's turn to lead, Nomura tried to stay close to mimic JR's perfect line and angle, but ended up hitting the was instead. JR was moving on the finals!

For the finals, JR was paired up with 2006 D1 champion, Nobushige Kumakubo, who he had battled in the USA vs. Japan 5 on 5 "Dream Match" earlier in the day. Kumakubo had won that battle, and JR wasn't about to let that happen again.

The first two runs were too close to call for the judges, so they decided to have the drivers perform another battle to show who the winner truly was. JR led on the first run and quickly pulled away after the bank creating a large gap. This forced Kumakubo to overdrive and speed up to close the gap. However, this also caused him to hit JR forcing them both to spin. JR was given the advantage 10-0.

With such an advantage going into the next run, JR knew he had this in the bag and could have proceeded with an easy run. But, we all know that's not the way Vaughn Gittin Jr. ends a competition! Instead, he decided to drift the Falken Tires right off the Monster Mustang and made it clear to the judges, the crowd and anyone with a glimpse of doubt in their minds that he had won this battle and the World Championship!

This was the first time in history JR had battled Kumakubo, and now with this victory under his belt, he had battled and defeated every single crowned D1 champion from the last five years - quite a remarkable title to have.

When JR was announced the winner, the crowd erupted with cheer as JR jumped onto the Falken Mustang and waved the American Flag for all to see. I'm so proud to represent USA and prove once again to the world that myself, my fellow American drifters, Team Falken and Drift Alliance are forces to be reckoned with, says JR.

Earlier in the day, Vaughn Gittin Jr. had participated in the USA vs. Japan Dream Match which paired 5 of the best American drifters up against 5 of the best Japanese drifters. JR was chosen as team captain for the American team, leaving them in very capable hands. The USA team wasn't fairing out too well against the competition, as most of the Americans were taken out in round one.

JR was forced to battle four of the Japanese drivers consecutively; a challenge he was ready for - after all, he was eager to was the American flag in the winner's circle! Finally it was time for JR to battle Ken Nomura, team captain of the Japanese team. JR quickly took gun down and then single-handedly took down Ueno and Imamura as well.

Next JR was paired up with Kumakubo. After a close first battle, the judges called for a "One More Time." After the next pair of runs, Kumakubo was awarded the win over JR. Even tough JR did no win, this persistence and consistence in so many consecutive battles proved how strong JR is as a drive, especially in the finely-tuned Falken Tire Mustang.

"It was such an amazing challenge," say JR. "I was able to run through eight battles in a row and was pretty much perfect through all of them. Even though we didn't win, I am happy knowing that myself and the rest of Team USA gave one-hundred percent representing our country in these battles.

Sunday only took up half of the event, however; Saturday was the actual final round of the D1 Grand Prix 2007 Series. During qualifying, JR was on fire! He scored 100 points on his first run and 120 on his second run just to dot the exclamation point! JR qualified third and was excited to move to tandem.

In the top 16, JR went up against Kazuhiro Tanaka from Orange. On their first runm the judges called it even - 5 to 5. On the second run, JR knew he had to push hard. Tanaka led as JR stayed as close as possible, He was so close, he accidentally tapped Tanaka's bumper, causing the Falken Tire Mustang to spin. JR was eliminated from the competition.

"Tanaka is a great driver," says JR. "I misjudged his speed on the bank in comparison to mine. I gave him a little love tap that upset my car and I was unable to bring the monster back under control."

JR's elimination from Saturday's competition was compensated for by his undeniable victory Sunday. "I would like to thank Team Falken Tire for their hard work all year and all of my sponsors, friends, family and fans for their unconditional support. WE DID IT!!!!