Vaughn Gittin Jr - Full of Surprises

The Smoking Tire1h 45mApril 14, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

Vaughn Gittin Jr. delivers a compelling and heartfelt conversation on The Smoking Tire Podcast, tracing his journey from a childhood enthusiast building hydraulic cars in D.C. to becoming a motorsports icon and founder of RTR Vehicles. He reflects on pivotal moments like his 2005 USA vs. Japan Formula Drift victory—achieved with a last-minute motor rebuild—and the cultural significance of that win, which he calls the 'shot heard around the world.' Gittin shares insights into the technical evolution of his vehicles, including the Spec 3, Spec 5, and the groundbreaking Rover Bronco, emphasizing the importance of balancing performance with relatability and practicality. His deep roots in action sports—motocross, skateboarding, and BMX—inform his driving philosophy, giving him an edge in vehicle dynamics and mental resilience. The episode explores his strategic partnerships with Ford and Fox Factory, which have enabled RTR to scale while preserving brand integrity, and touches on the future of electric vehicles in off-road and rally applications. Gittin also previews his upcoming coffee table book, 'Ready to Rock,' a deeply personal memoir co-developed with writer Mike Spinelli, which chronicles his non-traditional path and the power of passion over conventional success. He expresses excitement for upcoming events like the Cletus race in Connecticut and the Heritage Invitational, reaffirming RTR’s commitment to innovation, balance, and enthusiast-driven culture.

Key Takeaways
1

Strategic partnerships with Ford and Fox Factory enable RTR to scale production while maintaining design integrity and engineering excellence.

2

Action sports athletes possess a unique advantage in driving due to refined weight transfer and over-the-limit experience, enhancing vehicle dynamics intuition.

3

Mental training and visualization techniques are critical for peak performance, allowing drivers to remain calm and prepared under pressure.

4

Relatable, mod-friendly vehicles like the Mustang and Bronco foster long-term enthusiast engagement and a vibrant aftermarket culture.

5

Passion and belief in one’s craft are more powerful drivers of extraordinary success than traditional career paths like college or corporate jobs.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Sponsorship & Introduction

The episode opens with sponsor messages for Off The Record, Avance, MacTools, ButcherBox, and Delete Me, followed by an introduction to Vaughn Gittin Jr. as a legendary figure in the automotive world, known for his evolution from drift champion to RTR founder and Ford collaborator.

2:00
3 min

The Myers-Banks & RTR’s Visual Identity

It's like driving a fishing lure down the road. I mean, it's nuts.

Highlight
5:00
4 min

Spec 3, Spec 5, and the RTR-Ford Collaboration

It's halfway between a GT and a GTD. You get some of what you would get with a GTD.

Highlight
9:00
9 min

The Future of Drifting, EVs, and Mental Training

You can do a lot just by being consistent and just by showing up with the proper mindset.

Highlight
1:24:39
4 min

The 2005 USA vs. Japan Drift Victory

That was like the shot heard around the world. And it was such an impactful event, not only for myself, but drifting in America.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
You can do a lot just by being consistent and just by showing up with the proper mindset.
Vaughn Gittin Jr.70:26
Viral: 90.0
That was like the shot heard around the world. And it was such an impactful event, not only for myself, but drifting in America.
Vaughn Gittin Jr.91:24
Viral: 85.0
It's like driving a fishing lure down the road. I mean, it's nuts.
Vaughn Gittin Jr.4:53
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Hosts

HostJ.R.The Smoking Tire Host

Guest

Vaughn Gittin Jr.
Topics Discussed
RTR Vehicles Brand Story95%RTR Brand Evolution95%Ford Collaboration Vehicles90%Formula Drift History90%Non-Traditional Success Paths88%Action Sports to Car Driving Transition85%Drifting and Motorsport Innovation85%Mental Training and Visualization80%Book Publishing and Creative Projects80%
People & Brands

Vaughn Gittin Jr.

person

144xPositive

RTR

brand

53xPositive

Ford

brand

38xPositive

Spec 5 Mustang

other

20xPositive

Fox Factory

brand

15xPositive

Myers-Banks

other

10xPositive

Mike Spinelli

person

9xPositive

RTR Vehicles

brand

8xPositive

Urban Bamboozle

other

8xPositive

Ross Bentley

person

6xPositive

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