NEW | FORMAT | TRACK | PRIZES | CONTINGENCY | SUPPORT | ELIGIBILITY | RULEBOOK | REGISTRATION | TICKETS | SCHEDULE | MISC | LODGING | CONCESSIONS | MEDIA | PARTNERS | ADD’L INFO
2021 marks the fourth year of the USDrift Shoot-Out event format and the second year in a row the Shoot-Out! will take place at the 71-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 Mixer events on Friday and Saturday. For more information on both of those events, please click the following links: Sumospeed and Langley Drift Club.
This event sold out last year and we expect it to do the same this year. Save time and money by purchasing your tickets in advance online at www.langley-speedway.com.
💥 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.💥
UPDATES FOR 2021:
LIVESTREAM. Thanks to Langley Speedway, this event will feature a livestream broadcast and will be available for those unable to attend the event live. We will have Formula DRIFT, X-Games, and Nitro Circus reporter Laurette Nicoll and former USDrift competitor and Gentleman Street Club member Mike Perez on the mic keeping you entertained throughout the event.
STREET LEGAL. We’ve added a USDrift Street Legal event on Sunday to the Battle on the Bay event weekend giving you 3 full days of competition drifting excitement. The USDrift Street Legal series is geared towards milder builds rather than the full on race cars you will see during the Shoot-Out! event. Many of the cars that compete in the Street Legal series still have their cars tagged and may even drive them to and from the event.
INCREASE IN SHOOT-OUT! PRIZE PURSE. Thanks to some amazing partners, we’re increasing the prize payout for the Shoot-Out! event to $15,000 if we are able to get a full field of 40 drivers at this event. Otherwise, the normal $10,000 payout will be awarded.
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 6.5 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’s practice should provide more than enough time to get the cars dialed in, so participants should take their time, relax, and try not to win practice. Saturday will consist of a brief morning practice session and then 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.
Below is an example of last year’s course design, however we have not decided on what layout we may use for this year’s event.
PRIZES:
We have some great prizes up for grabs this year thanks to our amazing partners. We may have more prizes available, and if so, they will be updated as they are announced, however for now, the following prizes are confirmed.
CARBON FIBER TROPHY
SHOOT-OUT!:
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.
16-39 drivers = $10,000 // 1st = $4,000, 2nd = $2,000, 3rd = $1,500, 4th = $1,000, 5th = $400, 6th = $400, 7th = $350, 8th = $350
40 drivers = $15,000 // 1st = $6,000, 2nd = $3,000, 3rd = $2,000, 4th = 1,000, 5th = $750, 6th = $750, 7th = $750, 8th = $750
$1000 Link ECU gift certificate (not valid on dash systems)
One (1) Bride racing seat
$1000 Enjuku Racing gift certificate
Set of BC Racing NA BR series coilovers
Set of Stage Wheels
Custom carbon fiber trophy cups and name plates
Three (3) Formula DRIFT PROSPEC licenses valid for the 2021 or 2022 season awarded to the top (3) three finalists
STREET LEGAL:
$1000 Link ECU gift certificate (not valid on dash systems)
One (1) Bride racing seat
$150 Enjuku Racing gift certificate + $500 cash
CONTINGENCY AWARDS:
TBD
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 2018 and prior are eligible for this year’s event). NOTE: No restrictions for Formula DRIFT PROSPEC 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:
SHOOT-OUT!:
The 2021 USDrift Shoot-Out! presented by Link ECU will be utilizing the 2021 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 2021 rulebook is roughly 98% the same as the rulebooks the last few seasons, 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 PROSPEC.
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 maximum tire width limit of 260mm for all four (4) corners of the vehicle.
Judges for this event will be 2014 Formula DRIFT PRO2 Champion “Rapper” Dan Savage, former USDrift competitor, Formula DRIFT spotter, and School of Drift instructor Reese Marin, and a third judge to be determined.
STREET LEGAL:
These events are designed to create affordable competition events without the need for a tow vehicle / trailer, dedicated racecar, or multiple person crew/team. You should be able to drive the event, compete, and drive home in the same car if desired. The course designs will be tight and technical. The idea is to have more emphasis on driving skill with stylish cars rather than an abundance of horsepower and overbuilt cars. The rules are pretty basic and designed that way on purpose; therefore, the spirit of the rule will apply. If you are going to try and figure out a way to bend these rules, then this series isn’t meant for you. For more information, check out the rulebook below.
2021 USDrift Street Legal Rulebook (SLR) V1.3
REGISTRATION:
SHOOT-OUT!:
The cost to enter the Shoot-Out! event is $500, and goes up to Wednesday, September 1st to $750. Registration includes driving on both competition days (Friday and Saturday), 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.
Registration for the first wave of 20 spots will begin at 6PM on Friday, August 6th. Register here.
Registration for the second wave of 20 spots will begin at 9AM on Monday, August 16th. Register here.
STREET LEGAL:
The USDrift Street Legal event is an application based registration. Applicants can apply at the following link starting at 1PM on Friday, August 6th until 11:59PM on Friday, August 20th. It is strongly advised to apply as soon as possible since there are only 32 spots available for this event.
TICKETS:
Tickets start at $15 and go up based on the day of the event or if a weekend pass. Kids 12 & under are free.
Tickets are available on the Langley Speedway website here.
SCHEDULE:
NOTE: Schedule subject to change.
Friday, September 10th
8:00AM - Gates Open (Teams/Vendors/Media)
8:00AM - Driver Check-In
8:30AM - Technical Inspections (Shoot-Out!)
11:00AM - Drivers’ Meeting (Shoot-Out!)
11:30AM - Media Meeting (Shoot-Out!)
12:00PM - Shoot-Out! Practice Session #1
1:00PM - Gates Open (Spectators)
2:00PM - Technical Inspections (LDC Mixer)
3:30PM - Drivers’ Meeting (LDC Mixer)
4:00PM - Break / Track Clean-Up / Set-Up
4:30PM - Langley Drift Club Mixer Session
5:30PM - Shoot-Out! Practice Session #2
6:30PM - Langley Drift Club Mixer Session
7:30PM - Shoot-Out! Practice Session #3
8:30PM - Langley Drift Club Mixer Session
9:30PM - Shoot-Out! Practice Session #4
10:00PM - Langley Drift Club Mixer Session
11:00PM Gates Close
Thursday, September 9th
3:00PM - Gates Open (Teams/Vendors)
3:00PM - Driver Check-In
3:30PM - Technical Inspections (Shoot-Out!)
8:30PM - Gates Close (Teams/Vendors)
Saturday, September 11th
8:00AM - Gates Open (Teams/Vendors/Media)
9:15AM - Media Meeting
9:30AM - Drivers’ Meeting (Shoot-Out!)
10:00AM - Gates Open (Spectators)
10:00AM - Shoot-Out! Practice Session
10:30AM - Track Clean-Up / Set-Up
10:45AM - Shoot-Out! Tandem Competition
1:45PM - Langley Drift Club Mixer Session #1-32
2:45PM - Intermission / Track Clean-Up / Set-Up
3:15PM - Shoot-Out! Tandem Competition #33-56
6:00PM - Langley Drift Club Mixer
7:00PM - Intermission / Track Clean-Up / Set-Up
7:15PM - Top 16 Opening Ceremonies
7:30PM - Shoot-Out! Tandem Competition #57-79
10:00PM - Langley Drift Club Mixer
10:00PM - Awards Ceremony
11:00PM - Gates Close
Sunday, September 12th
8:00AM - Gates Open (Teams/Vendors/Media)
8:15AM - Driver Check-In
8:15AM - Technical Inspections (Street Legal)
9:30AM - Drivers’ Meeting (Street Legal)
9:45AM - Media Meeting
10:00AM - Street Legal Practice
1:00PM - Break / Track Clean-Up / Set-Up
1:15PM - Street Legal Top 32 Tandem Competition
2:45PM - Intermission / Track Clean-Up / Set-Up
3:00PM - Street Legal Top 16 Tandem Competition
5:00PM - Awards Ceremony
6:00PM - Gates Close
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 TBD 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. Submission of a media application does not guarantee approval. You will receive confirmation of your approval prior to the event. If you have any questions, please email us at info@usdrift.com
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.
