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D1 Grand Prix Judging, Driver Informational FAQ, Driver/ Vehicle Regulations

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  • D1 Grand Prix Judging, Driver Informational FAQ, Driver/ Vehicle Regulations

    D1 Grand Prix U.S.A Information
    By D1 Productions (Updated May 4th 2004)

    NOTE: This information is UPDATED FREQUENTLY. Please check back regularly.

    How do I get started in Drifting?
    There is no simple way to learn drifting. Drifting is a form of driving that incorporates many aspects of driving such as autocross, Rally and Road racing. Typically a good drifter will have a solid background various types of motor sports. The concept behind drifting is to understand what the vehicle is doing and making it do exactly what you intended to do._

    Where can I start?
    Attending Drift Day by Drift Association or attending similar drift events is a good way to start. Do not attend any other forms of driving events to learn how to drift such as Autocross and Road racing events. You may potentially upset the organizer and the property manager by doing something you were not permitted to do. It is not smart to try and drift in canyon roads or at unsupervised areas like parking lots or empty roads.
    _
    When will I be ready for competition?

    There is no sign or certificate that will let you know if you are ready. This is a personal decision everyone must make on their own terms. Every driver should know that there are risks involved with competition. At one point or another, there is a possibility of an accident, but this is part of competition._

    How do I become a U.S D1 driver?
    First, a driver must meet requirements for the vehicle and qualification rounds. Then they must register to compete in the D1 Grand Prix USA Drivers Search Point Series. Drivers who successfully place in the top ten of the driver search events will be eligible to compete in D1 Grand Prix USA Drivers Search Point Series Championship Round. Drivers who have placed in the top 10 at previous events will be allowed to qualify for the championship round. Depending on qualification and driver turn out to championship round the best 30-32 drivers who qualify will be invited to compete. The D1 Grand Prix USA Drivers Search Point Series Championship Round is a standard tournament round beginning with a solo run for each driver to demonstrate skills. From that pool ? will be cut and 16 will continue on to the next phases of the tournament. The rest of the tournament will be standard D1 "Tsuiso" style (Twin Drift.) The Tsuiso style randomly pits one driver against another in a 2-stage run. In each stage the drivers will switch off for the lead position while the other follows. The drivers will be awarded up to 100 points by each judge after each stage. The driver who has the highest number of points after the two stages will advance to the next round. This continues on until the champion has been crowned. The Best 16 Drivers from the D1 Grand Prix USA Drivers Search Point Series Championship Round will be issued D1 licenses and invited to compete in the D1 Grand Prix USA Points Series. These drivers have made it to the "Major League" they are invited to the Professional drift league._

    How long is a D1 license valid?_
    All D1 Licenses are issued for 12 months. After 12 months drivers who did not place in the best 16 spot in any D1 Grand Prix Points Series round must go through the driver search again. Driver who did place in the top 16 will automatically be reissued another license for the next year._

    How do I qualify to be in US vs Japan Event in December 2004?_
    First, a driver must compete in the D1 Grand Prix USA Drivers Search Point Series. Four official driver search events are scheduled in 2004 and one championship. Points are not accrued at this level. A driver will only hold the points they where awarded at their best finish event. The First place driver at any DS event will be issued 10 points the 2nd place driver will be issued 9 points the 3rd place driver will be issued 8 points, and so on and so on until the 10th place driver receives 1 point. All competitors that do not place within the ten cannot go on to the drivers search championship rounds. Drivers with points are invited to Qualify for the championship rounds. Depending on drivers turn out to the event not all drivers who gained points will be able to compete in the championship. Driver who finish in the top 10 at a DS event but lack the necessary skills for competitive drift will not necessarily be awarded points or invited to the Championship round. This measure is to protect the integrity of D1 championship level competition. Driver will still be awarded place prizes and they will still be considered to have achieved their position at a DS event._

    Judging_

    What are the judges looking for?
    Drifting is a sport that is judged similar to ice skating or Snowboarding. Just like any sport, there are criteria to look for. There are minimum requirements to a good drift that everyone must understand such as:_

    Entry speed-This is part of the criteria that will be met very easily with the use of a radar gun with speed display. Entry speed is one of the most visible aspects that judges will look for because it will determine the other parts of a driver?s drift._

    Line clipping-This is another part of drift that the judges will be looking into. The "Clipping" line is often judged by how well the driver take a drive line. The line itself should always involve the vehicle hitting the right apex of a corner. Judges prefer to see a driver take a tight line around a corner, putting the nose of the car as close as possible to the apex of the turn. Getting the back end of the car close to the outside of a turn also demonstrates car control and can score the driver additional points._

    Angle and counter steer-Driving angle of the vehicle is the angle of rotation of the vehicle relative to the direction of its travel. Basically this means that the farther the back end of the car comes around (without losing control), the more points a driver would score in this category. Angle also refers to the length of time a drift is maintained as well as the average angle of the vehicle during the turn. This means that getting the back end to come around for a short period of time won?t score the driver many points, even if the angle of rotation was significant. A vehicle that exhibits extreme angles without spinning out will be awarded high points._

    Presentation-How a driver puts speed, line and angle the best will score very well with the judges. There is also another factor and that is how the driver presents his or her drift technique. Just like any other form of competition, there will be an individual with a certain spark or energy that makes them stand out during competition. When a competitor puts that extra flare or energy into their run, the judges may pay more attention to the individual. The most universal component of this category is smoke. The more tire smoke generated by a vehicle while drifting the more points a driver will score. This category previously included the driver sticking hands/legs out the window or opening the door in a turn, but D1 now requires windows to be rolled up and prohibits door opening, demonstrating a shift in emphasis to more technical aspects of driving._

    How is "Tsuiso" Battle Judged?_
    "Tsuiso" is the Japanese term for "Twin Battle Drift". This head to head style of drifting is judged by the same principles as a solo round. However, there is a high level of strategy behind it that provides for a competitive level and an awesome show for the spectators. The exact judging of this event is difficult to explain because the judges rely on their many years of track experience and knowledge of the vehicle dynamics when issuing the exact points._

    Offensive: Generally the chasing driver has the offensive when in the Twin Battle. An easy analogy is Cowboys at a rodeo competing in the round up or two jet pilots engaged in a dog fight. They chase their prey and do what ever they can to get their target into a dead zone where the prey cannot maneuver from. This same principle is used in the Tsuiso style. Driver use their vehicle and its drift to position into a space that minimizes the running drivers ability to keep a good line while staying in a high speed drift. The chasing driver MUST at all times demonstrate a superior drift in order to A) Keep the pressure on the lead driver B) Steal and block a line that may allow the lead driver a good opportunity for a drift. C) Be awarded a superior number of points If a chasing driver is unable to keep up and maintain pressure on the lead driver this will not be good when the time comes for points to be awarded._

    Defensive: When a drive takes the lead in the Tsuiso battle the ideal strategy is to perform a drift a a much higher speed, good line, and a greater angle than the chasing driver. If a lead driver can shake off or intimidate a chasing driver many times the chasing driver will make a mistake when trying to compensate for what seems like erratic actions of the lead car. When a lead driver can pull away with a good angle, following the ideal line while maintaining a controlled drift, the chasing driver has all the pressure to increase performance. The lead driver at this point is winning. Lead drivers many times demonstrate superior skill by suddenly entering a drift at a great angle and going directly to the inside of the corner. TO the following driver it appears as though they will T-bone the lead car so they back down and take measures to avoid the lead car. Many times that will cause the chasing car to loose a great amount of speed and not be able to properly execute the corner in a full drift… or even worst they may spin out or hit the barriers. This is a ideal outcome for the lead driver in Tsuiso battles._

    Can anyone be a judge?
    No, D1 productions takes pride when it comes to judging an event for two reasons._

    1. The judge must have a solid driving background in many forms of motor sports. This is because the judge needs to understand various techniques and skills a driver might bring to the competition. Credibility is everything in sport of drifting especially when the judging can be so subjective._

    2. The judge must also keep the energy alive during a competition. Remember, this is a high energy sport and the judges must know how to entertain the spectators as well._

    Individuals who are allowed to Judge any D1 event must be approved by D1 Productions. Judges must have a extended background in professional motorsports both on the track and in the garage. As to say their mechanical knowledge must be as sharp as their ability to understand driving techniques and theory. Our judges must be able to listen to a car competing as well as look at it and understand the condition, the performance as well as a multitude of other dynamics involved._

    D1 Rules and Regulations
    Event sanctioned by D1 Grand Prix USA Safety Modifications and Guidelines:_

    Updated May 4th 2004

    Anything that compromises the safety of the vehicle in a collision may not be removed with the exception of air bags and or factory collision reinforcement bars. Exept for anti lock brakes, traction control, and active stability managment systems.

    Each car must be equipped with a six-point or better roll cage.

    Functional tow hooks must be installed on both front and rear of vehicle_

    Roll cage must be welded or securely bolted and anchored. If roll cage is bolted then its must be securely reinforced with an anchor plate and backing plate sandwich on each side of the floor pan.

    Roll cage may be placed in front or through the dashboard._

    Roll cage tubing must be at a minimum of 1.75 inches OD tubing and no thinner than 0.118 wall mild steel or 1 .75x .083 Chrom moly tubing.

    Drivers seat must be equipped with three mounting point or better racing type safety harness of nylon web, at least 3 inches in diameter, with a metal buckle. Shoulder harness must be an H type not Y type harness. Safety Harness must be securely bolted to the frame.

    Drivers must be fitted with Snell Foundation (SA) approved safety helmets with 1995 Snell Foundation (95SA) or later safety sticker of approval displayed inside; head and neck restraints systems are optional and must also be Snell Foundation (SA) approved. Face shields are strongly recommended.

    Drivers must wear driving suits made of approved fire resistance material (Nomex, Kynol, etc.) in single or double layers. Socks and full length underwear must also be fire resistance. (Does not apply to driver search events but highly recommended for the safety of all D1 participants)

    Drivers must wear fire resistance gloves with no holes composed of Nomex or leather. Shoes must be of fire resistant materials or leather on top. Racing shoes are strongly recommended.

    Catch tanks must be securely fastened. Radiator catch tanks must have a minimum capacity of 1 qt. each. Oil catch tanks may also be installed on engine oil breathers where practical. NO FLUID LEAKS OF ANY KIND WILL BE TOLERATED.

    It is highly recommended that all cars be equipped with at least a 2 lb. 10 BC fire extinguisher securely mounted in the cockpit. An onboard halon type fire system is strongly recommended.

    Master electrical cut-off switches are highly recommended and should clearly be marked if fitted outside the vehicle.

    Fuel cells are strongly recommended. (Not required)

    Fuel filler caps must be securely fastened so as not to open on impact.

    All hoods and deck lids must be adequately and securely fastened.

    All drain plugs must be securely fastened.

    Batteries must be securely fastened down, positive terminals well insulated and if located in the cockpit must be covered or have leak proof caps.

    All cars must have working rear brake light.

    Brake systems including brakes, lines, fluid and pedals must be in good shape and working condition. Dual master cylinders are recommended._Authorized Modifications:
    Each car must maintain the OEM unibody.

    Must maintain tempered front windshield.

    Every car must maintain a complete exhaust system with a factory or aftermarket catalytic converter. High flow catalytic converters are acceptable.

    ALL Tires must be DOT approved with a minimum tread wear rating of 160. No DOT-R Allowed

    Aftermarket body panels, bumper covers and wings are permitted

    Seam welding the unibody is permitted.

    Suspension upgrades are open.

    Factory wheels may be replaced with aftermarket wheels.

    Any grade of automotive gasoline may be used for fuel.

    Engines are open for modification.

    Other than what is listed above cars are open for modification.

    D1GP North America Schedule (May 2004 - March 2005)

    May 29th 2004
    Homestead-Miami Speedway, Miami Florida
    D1GP USA Driver Search Points Series Round 1_
    Official judge: Keiichi Tsuchiya, Nomuken_
    Technical Announcer: Toshi Hayama_

    For booth & ticket sales, please contact Mainstream Productions at 310-782-0500_

    August 1st , 2004_
    Mosport International Raceway, Toronto Canada,_
    D1GP USA Driver Search Points Series Round 2 The First D1 Event in Canada!!_
    Official judge: Keiichi Tsuchiya, Nomuken_
    Technical Announcer: Toshi Hayama_

    For booth & ticket sales, please contact Driftnation Inc. at 416-450-9705_

    Sponsorship inquiries call D1 productions at 949-753-0202 or Driftnation Inc. at 416-450-9705_

    August 14th, 2004
    California Speedway, Fontana California,_
    D1GP USA Driver Search Points Series Round 3_
    With Special D1 Professional Driving School, and Exhibitions_
    Confirmed Demo-run teams: HKS, APEX, Blitz, Team Orange, Team Green, Top Secret_
    Official judge: Keiichi Tsuchiya, Nomuken_
    Technical Announcer: Toshi Hayama_
    Confirmed drivers: Rhys Millen (Pontiac GTO) and Samuel Hubinette (Viper)_
    Special guests: UEO (AE86) and Tarzan Yamada (Viper)_

    November 6th 2004
    Las Vegas Speedway, Las Vegas Nevada,_
    D1GP USA Driver Search Points Series Round 4_With Special D1 Professional Driving School, and Exhibitions_

    Confirmed Demo-run teams: HKS, APEX, Blitz, Team Orange, Team Green, Top Secret_
    Official judge: Keiichi Tsuchiya, Nomuken_
    Technical Announcer: Toshi Hayama_
    Confirmed drivers: Rhys Millen (Pontiac GTO) and Samuel Hubinette (Viper)_
    Special guests: UEO (AE86) and Tarzan Yamada (Viper)_

    December 11th 2004._
    Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale California,_
    D1GP USA Driver Search Championship_
    Plus 1St Ever U.S vs Japan Drift Tournament_
    First Ever US Vs Japan Drift Tournament
    The 10 best drivers from D1 Japan will compete against the top U.S. drivers._

    The top U.S. drivers from the U.S. D1 will consist of: U.S. drivers with previous D1GP experience within 12 months and U.S. drivers invited from Drivers Search Championship 2004._

    The qualifying drivers eligible to pre qualify to compete head to head with D1 drivers from Japan._

    How do US Drivers qualify to be in US vs Japan Event in December 2004?_

    Drivers who have competed at the February event will automatically be eligible. Other drivers must compete in any the D1 Grand Prix USA Drivers Search Point Series 2004 in order to qualify for the US vs Japan Event._
    Points will not accrued during this series. A driver will only hold the points they where awarded at their best finish in the driver search series. The First place driver at any DS event will be issued 10 points the 2nd place driver will be issued 9 points the 3rd place driver will be issued 8 points, and so on and so on until the 10th place driver receives 1 point.

    All competitors that do not place within the ten cannot go on to the drivers search championship rounds. Drivers with points are invited to qualify for the championship rounds. The top 10 drivers from the DS championship will participate in the US vs Japan Event. Driver who finish in the top 10 at a DS event but lack the necessary skills for competitive drift will not necessarily be awarded points or invited to the Championship round. This measure is to protect the integrity of D1 championship level competition. Driver will still be awarded place prizes and they will still be considered to have achieved their position at a DS event._

    March 4th, 5th and 6th 2005_
    Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale California,_
    D1 Grand Prix Japan Round 1 Season Opener:_
    Just like the Event in February this is the beginning of the Japan Pro Series. We will see the hottest drivers directly injecting you with all the D1 excitement you can handle._

    (2003) D1 Grand Prix Information
    http://drifting.com/d1_grand_prix_2003.php

  • #2
    Now here's some very useful info. When I ever get my site done this is going to be hot linked! along with more content from this site.

    Comment


    • #3
      yea this answeard like all of my questions


      thanks

      Comment


      • #4
        wow, I need to practice so much.

        Comment

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