If you’ve been observing the automotive landscape at any time since the 2000s, you might be familiar with RTR. With a name that’s quite straightforward—RTR means “ready to rock”—it’s surprising that it wasn’t thought of before. Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his team executed a dual approach to car culture through racing and tuning, and the tale of RTR’s evolution from a grassroots movement to a significant force in the automotive aftermarket could fill an entire book. Literally.
Ready To Rock details the evolution of RTR from its inception in 2009 to the present in 256 pages featuring images from top photographers. It’s co-authored by Gittin Jr. and Mike Spinelli—a recognizable name in this domain—and released by Carrara Media, known for books on contemporary car culture.
In case you’re not acquainted with the basic storyline, Gittin Jr. kicked off his career as a pro drifter in the early 2000s, at the time when the sport was just taking off in the United States. In 2005, he became the first American to clinch victory at a D1 Grand Prix event and subsequently secured the Formula Drift championship twice, in 2010 and 2020. He currently competes in Formula Drift with a Mustang and occasionally participates in off-road events where RTR also takes part.
However, RTR isn’t solely a racing team. Throughout the years, it began producing aftermarket components for the Ford vehicles it competed with, eventually progressing to complete builds, including standout one-offs like Ken Block’s “Hoonicorn” Mustang and the seven-motor Mustang Mach-E 1400. The clientele includes rapper T-Pain, who also wrote a foreword for the book. The text is adorned with images from Larry Chen, Matt Marcu, and Tony Harmer, ensuring a plethora of appealing visuals to enjoy as well.
The book is released as RTR elevates its visibility in the automotive sector and benefits from a broader collaboration with Ford. The car manufacturer is now offering RTR-branded models of the Mustang and Bronco through its dealerships, which poses a significant challenge in itself.
Ready To Rock will be available on November 2, but pre-orders are open now from Carrara for $54.99 Standard Edition and $124.99 Limited Edition formats. The latter is autographed by Gittin Jr. and limited to 1,000 copies.
**New Book Documents the Journey of RTR, an American Drift Team and Its Growth Beyond Racing**
Within the realm of motorsports, few teams have left as profound a mark on the drifting scene as RTR (Ready to Rock). A new publication titled “RTR: The Drift Revolution” explores the story of this celebrated American drift team, examining its roots, ascent to fame, and the inventive strategies it has employed to extend its influence beyond conventional racing.
Established by professional drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. in 2009, RTR began as a personal endeavor that swiftly transformed into a fully-fledged team. Gittin, a trailblazer in the drifting realm, aimed to establish a brand that encapsulated the essence of motorsport culture by merging performance with lifestyle. The book recounts the formative years of RTR, emphasizing the obstacles encountered by Gittin and his team as they maneuvered through the competitive drifting arena.
A central theme of the book is the team’s dedication to innovation and creativity. RTR has persistently challenged the limits of what can be achieved in drifting, crafting state-of-the-art vehicles that exemplify both performance and aesthetics. The book includes extensive interviews with Gittin and other team members, offering perspectives on their design philosophy and the technology behind their automobiles.
As RTR gained momentum within the drifting community, it started to garner interest beyond the racing circuit. The book outlines the team’s strategic alliances with a variety of brands, resulting in collaborations that have broadened RTR’s scope into lifestyle products, clothing, and even video games. This diversification has enabled RTR to develop a devoted fanbase that reaches well beyond motorsport aficionados.
The narrative also sheds light on RTR’s engagement with the community and grassroots motorsports. The team has played a vital role in promoting drifting as an approachable and thrilling sport for enthusiasts of all ages. Through events, workshops, and social media outreach, RTR has cultivated a sense of community among drifting fans, inspiring new drivers to embrace the sport.
Furthermore, the book tackles the challenges of remaining relevant in a swiftly changing motorsport environment. RTR has evolved with shifting trends and technologies, ensuring it stays at the cutting edge of the drifting domain. This adaptability is indicative of the team’s resilience and forward-thinking mindset.
“RTR: The Drift Revolution” is not merely a record of a racing team; it is a tribute to passion, innovation, and the culture surrounding motorsports. It serves as motivation for prospective drivers and entrepreneurs alike, demonstrating how a small team can escalate into a formidable brand that resonates with fans across the globe.
In summary, the ascent of RTR is a captivating tale of aspiration and ingenuity within the drifting domain. This new book encapsulates the spirit of what makes RTR a remarkable team, showcasing its journey from a grassroots initiative to a cultural sensation that continues to shape the motorsport community and beyond.