New drift series (what do you want to see?)
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 8:58 pm
I am currently putting together a proposal for a new drift series. I have some connections at a large production company, & hopefully they will like the idea of producing a new series.
I wanted to get all of your input to make this even bigger & better than anything I can think of on my own. Please add your thoughts...
Here is my initial idea: (sorry I know it's kind of long)
A new nationwide drift series to bridge the gap between grassroots events & the professionals. I love the small grassroots events, & garage builds, but I feel the average person has little chance of actually progressing to a professional level these days. With the current rules in FD: the only way to be competitive is to acquire big sponsors, a v8 swap, multiple back up engines, an endless supply of tires, etc.
Don't get me wrong: I do enjoy FD & I try to go watch every event I can. The problem is: I feel it has strayed from its origins. Hardly anyone still runs a 4cyl motor, rotary, or even 6cyl anymore. Also the cars are built more like a NASCAR than a streetable vehicle.
What I'm proposing is an annual series (probably 6 or 7 separate 2 day events... 3 west coast, 3 east & one in the middle) that is approachable for the average to experienced sponsored driver. I want to have 3 groups for different experience levels:
1."Run What Ya Brung": all cars need to be currently registered to be driven on the street, with a current license plate or temp moving permit. Cars should be driven to the event (if within a reasonable distance). No professional builds or sponsored teams allowed. Any engine size is welcome.
2. "Pro Am": this is for the intermediate to experienced group. Roll cages required. This group is for the drivers who go out every week & hit the corners, years of experience, etc. Less than 3 sponsors are ok. Moderate to heavily modified vehicles. Team builds & local tuning shops' demo cars are welcome.
3. "Anything Goes": this is for the individuals with ridiculous skills, & professional teams. Literally anything goes... If you think you can hang with the big boys, v8's, & $100k builds: this is your category.
Groups 1 & 2 will have a winner of each event & all 6 or 7 winners will be invited to an "All Star" weekend event at the end of the season to determine the ultimate winner. Group 3 will be point based (similar to FD or D1) where the drivers will have to obtain points at each separate event. The driver with the most points at the end of the event will be the winner.
I would like 3 courses at each event (if possible). A FD style course: high speed with only 2 or 3 corners. A "street course": tighter corners with a few obstacles (I.e. parked cars, dumpsters, etc) & a small practice course for beginners.
Day one would be on one course & day two on the other, in order to give the drivers more variety & the spectators something different everyday. The practice course will be open all weekend for people to come & learn techniques, etc.
I want to try to get enough backing & support from brands & sponsors to be able to offer significant prize money, & parts to the winners of each event.
Please input your thoughts: good or bad.
I feel the more input I can get here, the better the proposal will be & the more likely this will become a reality.
I wanted to get all of your input to make this even bigger & better than anything I can think of on my own. Please add your thoughts...
Here is my initial idea: (sorry I know it's kind of long)
A new nationwide drift series to bridge the gap between grassroots events & the professionals. I love the small grassroots events, & garage builds, but I feel the average person has little chance of actually progressing to a professional level these days. With the current rules in FD: the only way to be competitive is to acquire big sponsors, a v8 swap, multiple back up engines, an endless supply of tires, etc.
Don't get me wrong: I do enjoy FD & I try to go watch every event I can. The problem is: I feel it has strayed from its origins. Hardly anyone still runs a 4cyl motor, rotary, or even 6cyl anymore. Also the cars are built more like a NASCAR than a streetable vehicle.
What I'm proposing is an annual series (probably 6 or 7 separate 2 day events... 3 west coast, 3 east & one in the middle) that is approachable for the average to experienced sponsored driver. I want to have 3 groups for different experience levels:
1."Run What Ya Brung": all cars need to be currently registered to be driven on the street, with a current license plate or temp moving permit. Cars should be driven to the event (if within a reasonable distance). No professional builds or sponsored teams allowed. Any engine size is welcome.
2. "Pro Am": this is for the intermediate to experienced group. Roll cages required. This group is for the drivers who go out every week & hit the corners, years of experience, etc. Less than 3 sponsors are ok. Moderate to heavily modified vehicles. Team builds & local tuning shops' demo cars are welcome.
3. "Anything Goes": this is for the individuals with ridiculous skills, & professional teams. Literally anything goes... If you think you can hang with the big boys, v8's, & $100k builds: this is your category.
Groups 1 & 2 will have a winner of each event & all 6 or 7 winners will be invited to an "All Star" weekend event at the end of the season to determine the ultimate winner. Group 3 will be point based (similar to FD or D1) where the drivers will have to obtain points at each separate event. The driver with the most points at the end of the event will be the winner.
I would like 3 courses at each event (if possible). A FD style course: high speed with only 2 or 3 corners. A "street course": tighter corners with a few obstacles (I.e. parked cars, dumpsters, etc) & a small practice course for beginners.
Day one would be on one course & day two on the other, in order to give the drivers more variety & the spectators something different everyday. The practice course will be open all weekend for people to come & learn techniques, etc.
I want to try to get enough backing & support from brands & sponsors to be able to offer significant prize money, & parts to the winners of each event.
Please input your thoughts: good or bad.
I feel the more input I can get here, the better the proposal will be & the more likely this will become a reality.