Mustang Wins Formula D Drifting Competition

- Ken Gushi drifts his 2005 Mustang GT into victory lane for the first time during the Need For Speed Formula D Championship's third round.

- Ford Racing Performance Parts prepared the Mustang for drift competition with a 600-horsepower 4.6L supercharged V-8 crate engine and six-speed transmission.

HOUSTON, Tex., June 11 -- With over 40 years of victories in road racing and drag racing all over the world and at various levels of competition, the Mustang has a proven track record, but has yet been able to break into the winner's circle in the new motorsports phenomenon, drifting. That is, until now.

Ken Gushi, the 18-year old drifting sensation from San Gabriel, California took his specially-prepared 2005 Mustang GT into the final tandem drift battle and claimed his, and the Mustang's, first victory in Formula D competition at Reliant Park in Houston, Texas.

"Congratulations to Ken, Toyo Tires, and the Gushi Auto team," said Jamie Allison, Manager, Ford Racing Performance Parts. "When we embarked on this program, we knew we had the right combination of driver, car, and tire, it was just a matter of getting it all to hit at the same time."

"The Mustang is the perfect car for drifting and with the power options available through the Ford Racing Performance Parts crate engine family, the novice to the professional can find what he or she needs."

Ford Racing teamed up with Toyo Tires prior to the 2005 Formula D season to get the Mustang involved in drifting. The result? A 600-horsepower monster that has been the buzz of the drift season.

The 2005 Mustang GT Toyo Tire/Ford Racing drift car is powered by a 4.6L DOHC supercharged V-8 engine from the Ford Racing Performance Parts crate engine catalog. The secret to reaching 600-horsepower is the installation of the Ford Racing/Whipple screw-type supercharger kit that replaces the standard roots-type system. Backed by a T-56 six-speed transmission, also available in the catalog, the Mustang is a formidable competitor.

For more information on Ford Racing Performance Parts, please visit www.fordracingparts.com.

The Need For Speed Formula D season moves onto Infineon Raceway for the next round on July 9 th. For more information, check www.formulad.com. Catch all the drift action on G4 Videogame TV. For a schedule, go to www.g4tv.com/formulad/index.html.