We were hoping to avoid any changes this year with everything that has been going on, but unfortunately it didn’t work out that way. In any case, we have made some changes to this year’s USDrift Shoot-Out event, so please reference this page for the most up to date information.
2020 is the third year of the USDrift Shoot-Out event format and this year’s event scheduled to take place at Summit Point Raceway on September 4th-5th has been moved to Kil-Kare Raceway in Xenia, OH on Friday, September 18th and Saturday, September 19th. The new date will move the event back two weeks and to Ohio, as such, we will be combining the event with our friends over at Midwest Drift Union. This combination event will now include a first ever Top 64 tandem drift event (as far as we know, as we couldn’t find any info of one ever taking place). We are working diligently to still try and stream this event, so we will update you with more information on that as it becomes available.
Due to the increase in the number of participants, we are combining the number of Formula DRIFT PRO2 licenses normally awarded from each Shoot-Out event to six (6) at this event. We are also increasing the payout prize purse to $15,000*. NOTE: This requires a full field of 64 drivers, otherwise the purse will be scaled down if less than 64. Registration for this event will be broken up into the usual two waves of registration. Registration links will be updated shortly.
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 with the current state of uncertainty it is still pending. Confirmation and additional information regarding this will be updated once it’s finalized, so please check back shortly.
TOP 64. By combining events with Midwest Drift Union, we’ve expanded this event into the first of its kind Top 64 double elimination tandem competition.
FORMAT:
Normally the Shoot-Out event consists of a 40-car double elimination competition, however, due to the strange times we are experiencing at the moment, we have combined two Shoot-Out events into one. This year’s Shoot-Out event will be increased to a 64-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. Friday contains 8 hours worth of practice, which is more than enough, so participants should take your time, relax, and try not to win practice. Saturday will consist entirely of tandem battles until a winner is determined (this day will be long, hectic, and very challenging. 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. Since we are running a Top 64 event this year, the competition time will be about 10-12 hours on Saturday. 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.
TRACK DESIGN.
Here is a sample course design similar to what was used in 2019 for reference. We haven’t decided if we will use this same design for 2020, but it should give you an idea on the track layout and there are plenty of videos from last year, as well as previous events held at Kil-Kare. NOTE: OZ2 should actually be labeled OZ1.
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 for this year’s event). NOTE: No restrictions for Formula DRIFT PRO2 competitors, all are welcome.
*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)
$15,000 cash prize purse*
1st = $6,000
2nd = $3,500
3rd = $2,500
4th = $1,250
5th = $1,000
6th = $750
Formula DRIFT PRO2 licenses valid for the 2021 or 2022 season awarded to the top 6 finalists
König Wheel Sponsorship opportunity for top 3
Ten (10) wheel full sponsorship agreement
– must compete in 2021 Formula DRIFT PRO2 season
– Cannot be sponsored by another wheel company
Link ECU gift certificates; amounts TBD
Set of Stage Wheels
Enjuku Racing gift certificates
1st = $500
2nd = $300
3rd = $200
Wiring Specialties gift certificates; amounts TBD
Custom carbon fiber trophy cups and name plates
*must have 64 registered drivers for $15k purse; otherwise purse will be scaled if less than 64
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 we’re honored to work with:
RULEBOOK:
The 2020 USD x MDU Shoot-Out presented by Link ECU 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 and/or Midwest Drift Union, 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 PRO or PRO2.
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 announced shortly.
REGISTRATION:
The competition portion of this event will be limited to 64 drivers. The cost to enter is $750 and includes driving on both days, 4 event passes (driver and three crew members) and windshield banner. Registration will take place on the USDrift website for wave one and on the Midwest Drift Union website for wave two. Waves will be broken up into two waves of 32 spots each taking place at different times, approximately 3 weeks apart from each other to ensure everyone has a decent chance of participating. Set an alarm, use post-it notes, leave reminders, as previous years’ events have sold out in under 5 and half minutes for both waves.
The first wave of 32 spots will begin at 10AM on Friday, June 5th, 2020. Register here.
The second wave of 32 spots will begin at 6PM on Friday, June 26th, 2020. Register here.
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 and Midwest Drift Union. If a transfer is permitted, a $75 fee may be withheld from the registration. Please do not purchase an entry unless you plan on competing.
SCHEDULE:
The schedule will be updated shortly.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Tire changer. We will have a tire changer onsite for this event. Price $10 and you must take your old tires with you and dispose of them properly.
Official Photographer. We will have our USDrift staff photographer covering the event for us, if you would like to ensure our 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:
Unfortunately, there is no camping at this event.
HOTELS:
Here is a list of some hotels that are located nearby.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Fairborn South
3971 Colonel Glenn Highway, Beavercreek, OH 45324
937-429-2222
Hampton Inn & Suites Xenia Dayton
194 S Progress Drive, Xenia, OH 45385
937-347-1029
Springhill Suites Dayton Beavercreek
2663 Fairfield Commons Drive, Beavercreek, OH 45431
937-429-9090
Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Beavercreek
3520 Pentagon Park Blvd, Dayton, OH 45431
937-458-2650
Hampton Inn Dayton / Fairborn
2550 Paramount Place, Fairborn, OH 45324
937-429-5505
CONCESSIONS:
There will be concessions onsite. Dates/times TBD.
MEDIA CREDENTIALS:
Media applications for this event are available on the USDrift website and on the tab at the bottom right of the Drift Indy website.
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.