As with almost everything else this year, nothing has really gone according to plan. However, we are pleased to announce that our annual Shoot-Out licensing event is in fact happening this year. 2020 marks the third year of the USDrift Shoot-Out event format and this year’s event will take place at the 70-year old Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway, located in Hampton, VA just off the Chesapeake Bay.

Langley Speedway is a 0.397-mile paved oval featuring 6° banking on the turns and 2° banking on the straights, with a partially paved infield. Langley has been home to stock car racing’s biggest names like Richard Petty, Jimmie Johnson, Chase Elliott, and former track champion Denny Hamlin, as well as local drivers whose love of the sport can be seen each Saturday night from March to late October. The venue has had multimillion dollar renovations performed and is heralded as one of the top short tracks in the country.

In addition to the usual Shoot-Out event format, this event will also feature a pop-up meet on Friday night, a two-day Sumospeed Showcase car show on Saturday and Sunday, as well as the Langley Drift Club Party Time PRO/AM Mixer events on Friday night and all day Sunday. For more information on both of those events, please click the following links: Sumospeed and Langley Drift Club.

Due to state and local restrictions set in place by the Commonwealth of Virginia, these events will be limited in capacity. As such, it is strongly recommended that you purchase your tickets to attend the event in advance. Once the maximum limit of tickets has been reached, there will not be additional tickets available. If advance tickets do not sell out, any remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the main gate on the days of the events.

💥 Note: We will make updates to this page as more details become available, so please reference this page for the most up to date information.💥

NEW FOR 2020:

LIVESTREAM. Thanks to Langley Speedway, this event will feature our first official livestream broadcast and will be available for those unable to attend the event on NBC Sports Gold TrackPass. We will have former USDrift competitor and Gentleman Street Club member Mike Perez (Prez) on the mic as well as another guest TBA keeping you entertained throughout the event.

BATTLE ON THE BAY. Three days of fun! Since this event is taking place in Tidewater, it’s only fitting to partner up with our local area friends over at Sumospeed and the newly created Langley Drift Club for three action packed days of fun and give it a name fitting of an area that once had pirates (such as Blackbeard) battling it out around the bay. Friday will consist of practice for the USDrift Shoot-Out!, the Langley Drift Club Party Time night session, and vendors. Saturday will have the tandem competition of the USDrift Shoot-Out!, the Sumospeed Showcase, and vendor midway. While Sunday concludes the weekend with the Sumospeed Showcase, Langley Drift Club Party Time all day event, and vendors.

FORMULA DRIFT LICENSES. Normally there are numerous licensing events held around the country each year. However, since many other events have had to cancel or reschedule their events for this year, we’re the only Formula DRIFT PRO/AM licensing organization hosting events on this side of the Mississippi River (which includes 26 states). As such, we’ve been granted the ability to award 5 (normally only 3) Formula DRIFT PRO2 licenses valid for the 2021 or 2022 season at our event this year. Good luck to everyone that is attempting to earn a license.

FORMAT:

The Shoot-Out event format consists of a double elimination competition, ensuring tons of tandem action for drivers and fans alike. Friday will consist of approximately 6-8 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. Instead, 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 chance 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 6-8 hours worth of practice, which is more than enough, so participants should take their 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 for drivers and teams. You will be glad you relaxed on Friday). Below is an example of a 40-car double elimination bracket, however we will adapt the bracket to any number of drivers for this event.

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 (~10 or so nationwide) 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 at VIR). 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.

This will be the first time we have held an event at Langley Speedway, and therefore should provide a pretty level playing field for all participants. Each year we try to develop a challenging course that will be both technical and exciting for drivers and spectators to enjoy. NOTE: Below is a proposed course for this year’s event, however it may change between now and the event. The final course design will be announced in the first drivers’ meeting.

PRIZES:

Prizes will be updated as they are announced, however for now, the following prizes are confirmed thanks to our amazing group of partners.

Formula DRIFT PRO2 licenses valid for the 2021 or 2022 season awarded to the top (five) 5 finalists
Winner will receive their weight in beer (brand TBD, must be 21+ to be eligible)
Cash purse payout will be based on number of participating drivers at the event. As the number of drivers increases, so does the payout. The “Random” amount is awarded randomly to a driver(s) that did not already receive a cash purse. Therefore any person ranked 5th or lower, including the last place person, could technically win money at this event.
- 10-19 drivers = $2,500 // 1st = $1,500, 2nd = $700, 3rd = $300
- 20-29 drivers = $5,000 // 1st = $3,000, 2nd = $1,250, 3rd = $750
- 30-39 drivers = $7,500 // 1st = $3,500, 2nd = $2,500, 3rd = $1,500
- 40-49 drivers = $10,000 // 1st = $4,500, 2nd = $2,500, 3rd = $1,500, 4th = $1,000, Random = $500
- 50-59 drivers = $15,000 // 1st = $7,500, 2nd = $3,250, 3rd = $2,250, 4th = 1,500, Random = $500
- 60+ drivers = $20,000 // 1st = $9,000, 2nd = $5,000, 3rd = $3,000, 4th = 2,000, Random = $500 x2

König Wheel sponsorship opportunity for top 3 finalists
- Ten (10) wheel full sponsorship agreement
  1. – must compete in 2021 Formula DRIFT PRO2 season
  2. – Cannot be sponsored by another wheel company
$1000 Link ECU gift certificate (not valid on dash systems)
Set of Stage Wheels
Set of BC Racing NA BR or DS series coilovers
$500 Enjuku Racing gift certificate
$750 Wiring Specialties gift certificates
Custom carbon fiber trophy cups and name plates

CONTINGENCY AWARDS:

Valino Tires / Tirestacks.com
- $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 available from 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:

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 2017 and prior are eligible for this year’s event). NOTE: No restrictions for Formula DRIFT PRO2 competitors, all are welcome to participate.

*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.

RULEBOOK & JUDGING:

The 2020 USDrift Shoot-Out! “Battle of the Bay” 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. Just a reminder, there is a tire width limit of 260mm for all four (4) corners of the vehicle.

Judges for this event will be veteran Formula DRIFT judge Ryan Lanteigne, 2014 Formula DRIFT PRO2 Champion “Rapper” Dan Savage, and former USDrift competitor, Formula DRIFT spotter, and School of Drift instructor Reese Marin.

REGISTRATION:

The cost to enter is $750 and includes driving on both competition days (Friday and Saturday) and driving on Sunday during the Langley Drift Club’s Party Time event, 3 event admission passes (one driver and two crew members), camping*, and windshield banner. Registration will take place on the USDrift website. NOTE: Entries are non-refundable. Please do not purchase an entry unless you plan on participating.

TICKETS:

Tickets start at $10 and go up based on the day of the event or if a weekend pass. Kids 5 & under are free.
Tickets are available on the Langley Speedway website here.

SCHEDULE:

This schedule is just for the Shoot-Out! participants. The full “Battle on the Bay” schedule will be available on the Langley Speedway website. NOTE: Schedule subject to change.

Saturday, October 24th
8:00AM - Gates Open (Teams/Vendors/Media)
10:00AM - Gates Open (Spectators)
10:30AM - Drivers’ Meeting
11:00AM - Media Meeting
11:45AM - Livestream Starts
12:00PM - Tandem Competition
4:00PM - Intermission
4:30PM - Opening Ceremonies
4:45PM - Tandem Competition
8:45PM - Award Ceremonies

Friday, October 23rd
8:00AM - Gates Open (Teams/Vendors/Media)
9:00AM - Driver Check-In
9:30AM - Technical Inspections
1:00PM - Gates Open (Spectators)
1:00PM - Drivers’ Meeting
1:30PM - Media Meeting
2:00PM - Practice Session
6:00PM - Drivers’ Meeting
7:00PM - Practice Session
9:00PM - Practice Session

MISCELLANEOUS:

Tire changer. We will have a tire changer onsite for this event. Price is $10/tire 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 photo content of you (on and off the track), you may contact Scott Paul at swooshtat[at]gmail.com to make arrangements.
Official Videographer. We will have our USDrift staff videographer covering the event for us, if you would like to ensure our videographer captures plenty of video content of you (on and off the track), you may contact Chris Sparks at scsparks16[at]gmail.com to make arrangements.

LODGING:

CAMPING:

All registered participants are allowed to camp at the venue and camping is included with your entry. NOTE: While there are bathrooms and electrical hookups onsite, there are no showers. However, here is a water hookup which can be used for people to fill their RV or trailer showers if need be.

HOTELS:

Langley Speedway has discounted rates with their partner hotels in the area. Below are two hotels that you may call and ask for the “Langley Speedway rate” to receive the discount. The hotels are located about 10 minutes from the track.

Springhill Suites by Marriott Hampton
1997 Power Plant Parkway
Hampton, VA 23666
757-310-6333

Hilton Garden Inn Hampton Coliseum Central
1999 Power Plant Parkway
Hampton, VA 23666
757-310-6323

CONCESSIONS:

There will be concessions onsite. Dates/times TBD.

MEDIA CREDENTIALS:

Media applications for this event are available on the USDrift website.

Drones. Media personnel that would like to use drones at this event must submit the following prior to the event.

A certificate of insurance with $1M of coverage showing the following named as additional insureds on your policy: Langley Speedway, LLC; and/or each of their subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective offices, managers, directors, employees, and agents; and USDrift/Lookout, LLC
Licensing information for the pilot (Part 107 FAA license).
A waiver from the FAA. The speedway is located adjacent to Langley Air Force base, and therefore the air space around the track is designated as Class D, which requires written permission from the FAA.
A flight plan showing the coverage area and altitude.

PARTNER/VENDOR INFORMATION:

If you are interested in becoming a partner and/or vendor at this event, please contact us at info@usdrift.com. We have a variety of options for you to participate with such as display booths, skybox rentals, and branding.

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.