General
32 drivers will compete in single elimination head-to-head battles and win their way through a standard 32-Driver bracket.
Practice
Several open practices will be scheduled during the event. Practice runs may be in the format of either single or multiple car runs.
Qualifying
Competitors will make 2 solo qualifying runs and scores will determine their ranking in the top-32 bracket. Qualifying order will be established by drawing positions and then will be paired up accordingly.
Main Competition (Elimination Rounds)
Tandem rounds are based on two (2) runs in Head-to-Head format, with competitors paired up based on their rank determined by qualifying. The higher ranked driver always leads the first run.
Elimination rounds are based on a standard 32-position, single elimination bracket. A consolation round will be held with the losers of the Final Four round competing for third place.
JUDGING
Drifting is a driving technique in which the driver takes the line that is decided upon by the judges of the event. Generally this line is one that provides the highest speed and angle the car is capable of handling.
Fundamentals of Judging
The criteria for judging are as follows:
- LINE
- ANGLE
- SPEED
- OVERALL IMPACT
LINE:
The drift line is defined as the ideal path a vehicle must take on course and is marked by inner clipping points, outer clipping points, and transition zones. Inner Clipping Point are reference points on the course where the vehicles front bumper should come as close as possible to the reference point. Outer Clipping Points are reference points are scored by determining how close the corner of the vehicle's rear bumper comes to the point. Transition Zones are areas on track where the direction of the line changes and vehicles must change the direction of their drift. Scoring will be based on the execution of the transition. The drift line will be given during the drivers' meeting.
ANGLE:
The maximum angle at which a driver can maintain and control of their vehicle.
SPEED:
Vehicle speed is measured from start to finish. Top speed is measured at a location designated by the judges. Two distinct speed zones may also be designated.
OVERALL IMPACT (Style):
This is all of the above elements combines. This is the factor that differentiates the drivers character, style and identity. A driver's entry speed and initiation usually sets the tone of the entire run.
SCORING
Qualifying Scoring
Qualifying is based on a 100 point scale with points deducted for deviations from the perfect line, lower angles, lower speeds, and reduced Overall Impact.
Spinouts: Anytime a driver spins out or experiences major understeer during a run, a 0 score will be awarded.
Off Course: Unless otherwise specified during the judging meetings, if at any time 3 tires or more are off course during a run, the driver will be given a score of "0".
Clipping Zones: All clipping points, either inner or outer, will be marked visibly by cones or other similar marking. Anytime an "Inner Clipping Cone" is hit, the vehicle will be considered to be off course, and points will either be deducted, or the driver will be scored a 0, depending on the severity of the hit. Hitting an "Outer Clipping Cone" with anything other than the driver's rear bumper will be equivalent to 3 tires off course and will be scored a 0. (ie. hitting the cone with the rear tire, door, etc.)
Slight contact with a wall or cone in the "Outer Clipping Zone" will not result in a point deduction if the hit does not disturb or affect the course of the drivers run. This means no major corrections were needed after the hit and the driver was still able to maintain good line, speed, and angle. If the hit occurs at any other point on track other than the marked "Outer Clipping Zones" points may be deducted. If a spin or major under steer results from contact with an "Outer Clipping Zone" an automatic score of 0 will be given.
Tandem Scoring
3 Judges will observe both runs during a head to head battle. There will be no declaration of scores between the two runs. At the conclusion of the head to head battle each judge will individually declare a winner. Judges will select from three options:
- Driver "A" wins,
- Driver "B" wins, or
- "Tie"
The majority will rule and a winner will be decided. In the event there is no clear majority, a "One More Time" will be granted, and the competitors will begin another 2-run head-to-head battle. Multiple "One-More-Times" may be necessary to determine a winner.
