LONG BEACH, CA – The inaugural event in the 2010 Formula Drift season began with a big win for Team Falken where factory driver Vaughn Gittin, Jr., debuting his new 2011 Monster Energy Falken Tire 2011 Ford Mustang on the famed street course of Long Beach. Gittin, Jr., and Team Falken faced a very competitive field of entrants, totaling 53, one of the highest entry counts in the history of Formula D.

Team Falken had a full complement of drivers at the popular track, the fifth year Formula D has visited Long Beach. In addition to Vaughn, rounding out the company’s paddock and marketing activation areas were returning team members Daijiro Yoshihara in his rebuilt Discount Tire Nissan 240SX (S13); Tyler McQuarrie with his Nissan 350Z Convertible; and Darren McNamara, with his Saturn Sky in new Falken livery. Adding to the excitement of the weekend was the addition of several new faces to Falken including Justin Pawlak in his 2010 Ford Mustang and Formula D rookie James Deane who shocked the crowd with his aggressive driving in Falken's Nissan S15. Independent drivers on Falken Tires included Ross Petty, John Russakoff, Dean Kearney and Fredric Aasbo.

2010 will certainly be a busy year for Team Falken. Next stop, Road Atlanta.