Here in America, drifting has gone from a fringe group of sideways-driving fanatics to a more mainstream motorsport. Now big names driving popular American cars carry major corporate sponsors, and Formula Drift has carved out a very nice niche for itself. But drifting is spreading across the rest of the world too, and with America delivering some drifting champions itself, it’s only natural that we export these drift kings and showcase America’s tire-burning prowess.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. recently took an overseas trip to the World Drift Series event in Tian Jin, China, and even he seemed taken aback by being there.

Shipping a car overseas is no small effort, especially when you’re putting thousands of miles and the Pacific Ocean between you and your home shop. Gittin apparently experienced a few electrical gremlins with the Monster Energy Falken Tire Ford Mustang initially, but worked them out. Another issue was the gas, which was supposed to be 97 octane but, according to Gittin, was more like 85. That’ll eat up some power for sure.

But it didn’t stop Gittin from laying down tire smoke like a drift champion should, and he climbed his way through the ranks to take first place. The track itself was a former Olympic stadium, and the stands looked pretty full for a small event. Will China become the next drift-crazy country? It wouldn’t surprise us one bit.