Marking the third year since its inception, the 2020 USDrift Shoot-out will continue the trend of heading further North and be returning with a later date than the previous two Shoot-out events. This year’s event will take place Friday, September 4th and Saturday, September 5th on the Washington Circuit at Summit Point Motorsports Park in Summit Point, WV.
VENUE:
The Washington Circuit is a unique track, unlike most traditional courses that generally only have one primary layout (not counting bus stops), this track allows numerous configurations with its multitude of connecting circles. USDrift has previously held a competition on the Washington Circuit and it provided an exciting event. Also, the ability to design a custom track without having drivers test/practice on it beforehand will help level the playing field for everyone. Local organization Drift Nirvana holds regular events at Summit Point Motorsports Park, so drivers wanting to familiarize themselves with the track conditions and experiment with vehicle setups are able to do so on the following Drift Nirvana event dates: April 5th, May 2nd -3rd, June 7th, and August 9th. NOTE: Drift Nirvana is unaware of the exact layout we are using, so if the course design we use is held at one of their events, it’s strictly coincidental.
NEW FOR 2020:
LIVESTREAM. We are working diligently to have a livestream broadcast for this event. At this point we have most of the pieces in place, however confirmation and additional information regarding this will be updated once it’s finalized, so please check back.
FORMAT:
If you’re not familiar with the Shoot-out event, here is a detailed explanation of the format. The event will be a 40-car double elimination competition. Friday will consist of approximately 8 hours of practice for all competitors, with spotters help available from the judges at select times during the day. Since this is a double elimination bracket event, there will be no qualifying for the event. At the conclusion of practice on Friday, we will randomly seed the drivers in the bracket for the event on Saturday. This is done to allow more tandem action for the drivers, as well as provide drivers with a second change to continue through the bracket should they lose a battle, crash, have a mechanical failure, or other instance that may result in a loss. Depending on the schedule, we may offer a brief practice session on Saturday morning (however this is not guaranteed as Friday is 8 hours worth of practice, which is more than enough, so take your time and relax). Saturday will consist entirely of tandem battles until a winner is determined (this day will be hectic and you will be glad you relaxed on Friday).
As with any system, nothing is perfect and there are advantages and disadvantages to everything, and the same goes for the Shoot-out format. However, we feel the advantages for this event outweigh the disadvantages, and previous Shoot-out events (six thus far) prove that this format works and makes for an exciting and hard-fought event.
Some of the advantages of the double elimination bracket are:
Qualifying. No more one car on track at a time during qualifying. Qualifying consumes up a ton of valuable track time; from single car runs, calculating scores, etc. By eliminating the qualifying aspect from the competition, that time can be better allocated to additional tandem time used by everyone. Tandem competition is what ultimately determines the result and is what the most emphasis is put on. Plus, it's more exciting to watch two cars tandeming on track versus one solo run.
Third place. The consolation round (battle for third place) has always been a double elimination round in traditional brackets, as the battle consists of both losing drivers from the semifinals. Under a double elimination bracket format, this battle would remain and hold consistent with the rest of the event format.
One More Time. This allows everyone to enjoy the best battles more than once. For example, if the top two drivers in the event are matched up against each other in the first round of a traditional single elimination bracket, one of them would be eliminated from the event after that matchup. However, under a double elimination format, the loser of that first match could still win in each subsequent match in the consolation bracket and eventually work their way back up to the finals and potentially meet the same driver they faced in the first match again.
No one and done. All drivers are guaranteed the ability to compete in at least 2 tandem matches during the event. It's tough to spend all that time, money, and effort leading up to and during an event only to have to pack it up after losing your first battle whether it was a result of your own or a mechanical issue. However, under a double elimination format, drivers must lose twice before they are officially eliminated from competition. Think of it like having an extra 1-UP in Super Mario Bros.
Two Championship Matches. The championship match could technically happen twice, even without a One More Time call (which actually happened in 2018) if the winner's bracket champion loses in the finals. The result would be that both finalists would have one loss each at that point, requiring another championship match to take place to determine who is eliminated by receiving a second loss.
Some of the disadvantages (if you want to call them that) of the double elimination bracket are:
Time. The amount of time it takes to conduct a double elimination bracket will be about double the amount of time for a normal Top 32 single elimination bracket. Hence the reason we have a 2-day event, with a third day as a backup if needed.
Confusion. The championship match could technically happen twice, even without a One More Time call (which actually happened in 2018). We listed this as an advantage above, but it can be a disadvantage too because it can be confusing to some. Since the event is a double elimination, it's unfair to have a winner's bracket champion eliminated with their first lost in the finals. Therefore, the winner's bracket champion needs to beat the loser's bracket champion only once to win the event, whereas the loser's bracket champion must beat the winner's bracket champion twice to win the event. Hence the reason the championship match could happen twice.
ELIGIBILITY.
Eligible participants must be at least 18 years old (16 years old with parental consent*) and possess a valid state issued driver's license. Drivers are eligible provided they have not competed in any round of the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship in the last 3 years (participants in 2016 and prior are eligible). NOTE: No restrictions for Formula DRIFT PRO2 competitors.
*A minor release form must be filled out and be on file with USDrift for 16 and 17 year old participants. All minor participants must have at least one parent or legal guardian present at all times during the event. Select individuals under the age of 16 years old that have been pre-approved by USDrift may be allowed to participate. For additional information, please contact info@usdrift.com.
PRIZES:
Prizes will be updated as we add them, however for now, the following prizes are confirmed.
Winner will receive their weight in beer (must be 21+ to be eligible)
$10,000 cash prize purse*
1st = $5,000
2nd = $2,500
3rd = $1,500
Two $500 amounts awarded at random to two (2) participants regardless of finishing position
Set of Stage Wheels
$1000 Link ECU gift certificate
$750 Wiring Specialties gift certificate
$500 Enjuku Racing gift certificate
Custom carbon fiber trophy cups
Formula DRIFT PRO2 licenses valid for the 2021 or 2022 season
*must have 40 registered drivers; purse will be scaled if less than 40
CONTINGENCY AWARDS:
$200 Valino Tires certificate to winner, $100 Valino Tires certificate to second and third.
Requirements.
Must have Valino Tires on vehicle used during competition.
Valino Tires decal must be on the front or rear quarter panels (decals via tirestacks.com or valinotires.com.
Picture of driver and trophy next to Valino Tires mounted on the vehicle.
DRIVER SUPPORT PROGRAMS:
Please check out the following links for information about the Driver Support Programs offered by these amazing companies:
RULEBOOK:
For the 2020 season, USDrift will be utilizing the 2020 Formula Drift PROAM Regulations V1.0, which is also being used by every other Formula DRIFT PRO/AM organization this season.
For those of you that have previously competed with USDrift, the 2020 rulebook is roughly 98% the same as last season, just a little more simplified. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your vehicle’s eligibility, please contact Ben Portyrata at ben[at]usdrift.com.
Although we try our best to avoid updates midseason, they may occur. Please verify you are using the most current version when reviewing throughout the season. Each version is denoted by the number immediately at the end (i.e. V1.X, with X representing the updates). NOTE: This rulebook is designed by the staff at Formula DRIFT, therefore this rulebook should not lead you astray in building a car that could later compete in Formula DRIFT.
2020 Formula Drift PROAM Regulations V1.0.
The Supplemental Rules and Regulations regarding the judging and overall event format for this year will be posted shortly.
Judges for this event will be Formula DRIFT spotter and School of Drift instructor Reese Marin, Formula DRIFT judge Brian Eggert, and the third TBA.
REGISTRATION:
The competition portion of this event will be limited to only 40 drivers. The cost to enter is $750 and includes driving on both days, 4 event passes (driver and three crew members), windshield banner, and camping. Registration will take place on the USDrift website and will be broken up into two waves of 20 spots (the same as the last 2 years) each taking place on different days at different times, approximately 2 weeks apart from each other to ensure everyone has a decent chance of participating. Set an alarm, use post-it notes, leave reminders, as last year’s event sold out in under 5 and half minutes for both waves and plenty of drivers missed out and had to travel to events further away.
The first wave of 20 spots will begin at 10AM on Tuesday, March 17th, 2020.
The second wave of 20 spots will be announced at a later date due to COVID-19.
///———>>> REGISTRATION LINK <<<———\\\
NOTE: Entries are non-refundable. To avoid potential instances of inflated resale, etc., registration transfers will be handled on a case by case basis and be at the sole discretion of USDrift. If a transfer is permitted, a $75 fee will be withheld from the registration. Please do not purchase an entry unless you plan on competing.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Tire changer. We will have a tire changer onsite for this event. Price TBA.
Official Photographer. We will have a staff photographer covering the event for us, hoIf you would like to ensure our staff photographer captures plenty of photos of you (on and off the track), you may contact Scott Paul at swooshtat[@]gmail.com to make arrangements.
Official Videographer. TBD. Check back shortly.
LODGING:
CAMPING:
Participant camping is permitted in the paddock of the track being reserved for the event.
Electricity: Electricity is available for the following fees:
$45 for a three day event
$30 for a two day event
$15 for a one day event
Sewage Removal: There is no sewage removal or hook up on property.
Garbage Removal: Campers are responsible for collecting all trash and depositing it in the appropriate containers throughout the facility.
Campfires: Campfires/ground fires are not allowed. Fires must be contained in a portable and self-conained off-the-ground fire pit. Campers must bring their own firewood.
Vehicles: RVs, towed campers, and tents are permitted. Additional vehicles must be parked together with the camping vehicles.
Summit Point Motorsports Park Policies: Please see the SPMP Policies section for all other information about the facility.
HOTELS:
If you’d prefer a room, here are some nearby hotels. For a full list from the Summit Point Raceway website click here.
Americas Best Value Inn Charles Town
807 Willow Spring Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414
304-725-2041
Springhill Suites by Marriott Winchester
280 Market Street, Winchester, VA 22603
540-431-3330
Quality Inn Winchester
1601 Martinsburg Pike, Winchester, VA 22603
540-667-8894
Tru by Hilton Winchester
118 Mercedes Court, Winchester, VA 22603
540-545-8100
CONCESSIONS:
TBD.
MEDIA CREDENTIALS:
Media applications are available here.
PARTNER/VENDOR INFORMATION:
If you are interested in becoming a partner and/or vendor at this event, please contact us at info@usdrift.com.
ADDITIONAL INFO.
For more information, please sign up for our mailing list (at the bottom of this page) and follow us on social media outlets such as Facebook, Facebook Drivers Group, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr.