So Cal Event Promoters Read Me - So Cal Event Series

[FloridaRacing]

If I had time, I would be down for doing this.

It seems like for the most part the local organizations like to stick to a specific venue and hold their own drift series. The problem is, people can learn one track REALLY well and makes winning competitions at that track hard for people that aren't running there non stop.

What is needed is a SO CAL DRIFT SERIES

This could be done really easy. The events are ran in conjunction with the people that are use to running that the various venues and costs/profits are split. Meaning, "Just Drift and So Cal Drift Series Present Round 2 at Balcony" etc. Have 3 judges like normal with prize money and trophies. I'm certain you could get a lot of sponsors on board to help grow the benefits, after all, its the amateurs that buy the most parts. Everything could be ran in 1 long day. This would put a drift series that has a maximum drive time from end to end of 200-300 miles. No professional drivers (other than demos) and have a few qualifiers at the local tracks.

Schedule could go like this:

Round 1 - Balcony
Round 2 - Adams Kart Track
Round 3 - NOS Center
Round 4 - Perris Fairgrounds
Round 5 - Horsethief
Round 6 - Adams 2nd track
Round 7 - El Toro, streets of willow?
Round 8 - Irwindale finals? Short track setup for slower speed

Concluding the 8 round series there would be an optional 3 race team drift for bragging rights. This would put a series of drifting in so cal virtually all year long. Random qualifiers can be held at various locations throughout the year for people that feel like they have graduated in skill level.

Have one event a month for an 8 month points race with the finals somewhere good, maybe even irwindale setup on a slower course (front stretch thru infield).

If anyone actually does this, I would like to be involved, I have a bunch of good ideas to grow on.

Thoughts?

[Brian]

Cool.

i like it a lot

[FloridaRacing]

Brian - jump on AIM

Bacardi N Cola, Do it.

[YoungGun]

Sounds like fun.

[Teddy]

There is already a Socal-Drift Series, just so you know.

This would be neat, but what I want to see Stateside is an MSC styled competition. Team tandem competition and all. That would bring in quite a crowd to spectate as well, and it would definitely be a competition reflecting on driver skill.

[Brian]

What we need is a series where nobody is fighting over rights to "control" it.

If it's made to showcase fun and cool driving, it will be great.
If it's a way for the event staff to try and make money, fuck it.

[FloridaRacing]

There is already a Socal-Drift Series, just so you know.

This would be neat, but what I want to see Stateside is an MSC styled competition. Team tandem competition and all. That would bring in quite a crowd to spectate as well, and it would definitely be a competition reflecting on driver skill.

Yea, but thats a 4 race series which all of them (or atleast the 1st 2 are) being held at willow?

I'm talking about a full length schedule of 7-8 races at no repeating locations

also semi regulated by having some qualifiers. just to weed out beginners but still open minded.

[FloridaRacing]

What we need is a series where nobody is fighting over rights to "control" it.

If it's made to showcase fun and cool driving, it will be great.
If it's a way for the event staff to try and make money, fuck it.

Exactly. I can understand that "time is money" and people should take home some in the pocket, but most needs to be put back IN to the series to help it grow.

[FloridaRacing]

info added

[Brian]

Yes.


What needs to be done...

make the entry fees close to what it ACTUALLY costs to use the track. Let's TRY not to be GREEDY.

make sure there are PRIZES for winners. It's very fun to try out an event with the possibility of winning something.

[drift2010]

If I had time, I would be down for doing this.

It seems like for the most part the local organizations like to stick to a specific venue and hold their own drift series. The problem is, people can learn one track REALLY well and makes winning competitions at that track hard for people that aren't running there non stop.

What is needed is a SO CAL DRIFT SERIES

This could be done really easy. The events are ran in conjunction with the people that are use to running that the various venues and costs/profits are split. Meaning, "Just Drift and So Cal Drift Series Present Round 2 at Balcony" etc. Have 3 judges like normal with prize money and trophies. I'm certain you could get a lot of sponsors on board to help grow the benefits, after all, its the amateurs that buy the most parts. Everything could be ran in 1 long day. This would put a drift series that has a maximum drive time from end to end of 200-300 miles. No professional drivers (other than demos) and have a few qualifiers at the local tracks.

Schedule could go like this:

Round 1 - Balcony
Round 2 - Adams Kart Track
Round 3 - NOS Center
Round 4 - Perris Fairgrounds
Round 5 - Horsethief
Round 6 - Adams 2nd track
Round 7 - El Toro, streets of willow?
Round 8 - Irwindale finals? Short track setup for slower speed

Concluding the 8 round series there would be an optional 3 race team drift for bragging rights. This would put a series of drifting in so cal virtually all year long. Random qualifiers can be held at various locations throughout the year for people that feel like they have graduated in skill level.

Have one event a month for an 8 month points race with the finals somewhere good, maybe even irwindale setup on a slower course (front stretch thru infield).

If anyone actually does this, I would like to be involved, I have a bunch of good ideas to grow on.

Thoughts?
what is adams 2nd track?

[FloridaRacing]

Yes.


What needs to be done...

make the entry fees close to what it ACTUALLY costs to use the track. Let's TRY not to be GREEDY.

make sure there are PRIZES for winners. It's very fun to try out an event with the possibility of winning something.

well, make it a little more so you can put money back into the series, like big tents for competitors to chill in, drinks, free tire changer for competitors, PRIZE MONEY etc etc.

Considering how popular a few of these spots are getting, I really don't think it would be hard to get sponsors via parts and money to promote the series from local shops and manufactures alike. It could be a BIG hit if done right.

[FloridaRacing]

what is adams 2nd track?

I have never seen it but friends told me there's a back course thats more technical that only advanced drivers can drive on?

[Brian]

good thinking.

i like your ideas

[SUPERSTAR]

Yeah the idea is good and a plan is already in the works. Gary at Socal-Drift started to do this and only with 4 series as a try out for next year.

2 are held at willow and other two will be different tracks, and also held by different event hosts.

Prize moneys and sponsors are in the works for next year already also.

ALL for fun of the sport and not to make money for personal profit.

[FloridaRacing]

Yeah the idea is good and a plan is already in the works. Gary at Socal-Drift started to do this and only with 4 series as a try out for next year.

2 are held at willow and other two will be different tracks, and also held by different event hosts.

Prize moneys and sponsors are in the works for next year already also.

ALL for fun of the sport and not to make money for personal profit.

I think thats a great idea for sure, no discrediting that, but we need someone just to kick this in the balls and get it rolling hard off the bat.

like D1GP USA, all new series this year, and ya its got some issues, but it was hit hard right off the batt, had qualifiers, and had a good initial turn out. If you dont come out with guns blazin', sometimes its hard for people to take you serious the next year.

[Brian]

It's going to have to be heavily promoted.

Put it on ALL the drift sites around here.

Get Speedhunters in on it.
get Drifting.com in on it.


Get the INFO OUT THERE.

Make sure there is good media.

Do driver profiles or team profiles.

make it FUN for EVERYONE

[FloridaRacing]

Ive been talking to Alex at drifting.com, I don't think support via sites are an issue.

hell id shoot it, i could talk to all the local photog buddies (driftfotos, wrecked mag, E Drift) on covering it. I could probably organize video coverage of the event through my work, we have all the available equipment

[SUPERSTAR]

I hear ya, but you also have to realize that you need capital to do this. If you don't get enough drivers, you will lose your ass off.

There is a lot of work that goes into putting on those events and if the support is there, it will get done.

But yeah, I know what you are saying.

[FloridaRacing]

I hear ya, but you also have to realize that you need capital to do this. If you don't get enough drivers, you will lose your ass off.

There is a lot of work that goes into putting on those events and if the support is there, it will get done.

But yeah, I know what you are saying.

Right.

That's why you start with qualifiers at normal events to gauge interest while working with local shops and manufactures.

I would be REALLY surprised if you couldnt fill a 32 car field...

[SUPERSTAR]

I would be REALLY surprised if you couldnt fill a 32 car field...


There is lots of people that Drift and do not care to compete and also there are a lot of events every month now. That puts guys out of cash before the next round, if they do other events.

So I guess this would be for the dedicated ones who really want to compete the whole series.(like the Pros) Lots of tires.....$$$$.

Money seems to be an issue for me at least to stay consistent at events, but if is made really FUN, I will use candles at home to cut down expenses.

[FloridaRacing]

Here would be the action plan

1) Talk to current event series promoters to develop partnerships with at the various tracks
2) Talk to so cal shops and manufactures that have expressed interest in current local events to gauge response
3) Promote via sites (easy, with the aforementioned series partners) for qualifiers
4) Develop a 35-60 car field of licensed drivers while organizing event dates.
5) solid event dates, lock in interested sponsors


ya ya, all sounds that easy right? I know its not, but just thinking out loud

[FloridaRacing]

There is lots of people that Drift and do not care to compete and also there are a lot of events every month now. That puts guys out of cash before the next round, if they do other events.

So I guess this would be for the dedicated ones who really want to compete the whole series.(like the Pros) Lots of tires.....$$$$.

Money seems to be an issue for me at least to stay consistent at events, but if is made really FUN, I will use candles at home to cut down expenses.

Exactly, and we all have that mentality. People can be track heros but a lot also want to be local heros. Push the right angle and you can get people. Larger media exposure + video + more fans at the races.

That would be another step too, get a tire manufacture to offer wholesale prices to drivers at events. Bring a big truck. Give away tires to podium finishes. 3 pairs for winner, 2 for 2nd and 1 pair for 3rd.

Sales + promotion + helping racers out = lifetime supporter of your product

[Teddy]

Yea, but thats a 4 race series which all of them (or atleast the 1st 2 are) being held at willow?

I was just referring to the name, not the concept.


This would work excellent, but as said it will need a lot of good planning, scheduling, professionalism, and marketing. One of the main flaws in drift events is staying on schedule.

Sorry, I was totally thinking out loud there too. But I guess that's what you need if you wanna start this off.

[FloridaRacing]

Hell yea, keep it coming.

[WoolyS14DET]

I def agree with you all and I have talked to Gary @ SoCal Drift about conjoining and doing a series that would expand from Balcony to HTM to NOS Center and I don't see why we couldn't get Adams and Inland Drift (Perris) on board to make this work. I know for us "Team Thurs Knights" have been throwing around Ideas of doing a series with SoCal Drift so we call all grow and get to the next level !!! Get at me and we can make this work !!!

[FloridaRacing]

Hell yea!

BTW Wooly, you get my PM with the links? Didnt hear back.

[Brian]

Another thing with money,

I always notice that the competitions cost more than a regular drift day.

Isn't a typical drifting day around $100?

I think comps are usually like $140 or so...give or take 15 bucks.


That pushes me out of wanting to do comps.

[FloridaRacing]

$100 for drift practice for fun

$140 for the opportunity to win, say, $1000 and tires/parts + extra media exposure + more fans + more fun. Would you then risk giving up "Baja Fresh Fridays" for a few weeks to make it?

[EMSKILLS]

$100 for drift practice for fun

$140 for the opportunity to win, say, $1000 and tires/parts + extra media exposure + more fans + more fun. Would you then risk giving up "Baja Fresh Fridays" for a few weeks to make it?


its like a underground d1 for us trying to come up, and i like the idea of irwindale i really want to driver there so bad, im all there if this goes threw hopefully its on sundays very good idea but will this be like just this one year or will it keep going and have new drivers everytime?

[Brian]

nope.

I'd say 70% no.

[ryster]

Very awesome idea! It will need a lot of work.

Hard, but possible.

Lets do it!

[[email protected]]

bh: i can only speak for justdrift, on why cost on comps are higher for us at jd. we have our own insurance policy that covers 'door to door' racing. people do it with 'standard' off the shelf insurance to cut the cost. but if shit hits the fan, none of that shit will bail the organizers, sponsors and everyone that is involved in the comps. you put media and staff insurance in the mix. this is USA, people like to suit for no reason and to get something out of it. for the organizers that are homeowners, have investments and intellectual property owners. they would think outside the box and protect their ass... assets i mean. technically, tandem is considered door to door racing if you read the insurance policy limited coverage and cost. for me personally, i don't like to shortcut on safety. we try to be on top of it, and if shit hits the fan, i want to the drivers, staff, media and myself covered from it. this is not japan, i wish people would understand that more now than before. drifting has an american mix to it now. we have to accept that drifting in usa is not the same drifting that we all fell in love with. it's a love and hate thing. changes has been made, the train has moved and there's nothing we can do about it. drifting japan style is long gone, unfortunately.

we all can experience it once in awhile in asb. the big difference is, drifting in japan is a culture turned sport. in the usa, we're trying to turn a sport into a culture. well, los angeles is a melting pot from all walks of life, we'll get different results from the asian counterpart of drifting. i might not make sense right now cause it's 1am and i'm sleepy lol. that's just the jist of it. some people won't understand, but a handful will.

justdrift - topdrift 2009 rd 3, already acquired streets to have a different level and experience in drifting. a track where no one has "drifted" officially. so that should even out the playing field. we partnered up with redline time attack, so round 4 we're working with either las vegas or california speedway. the portion of the track where d1 was held. so we don't have to stay at the same track over and over. we have already sealed a deal with 2 different race tracks as part of the topdrift 2010. the only tracks at willow for topdrift in 2010 is HTM - classic! and streets. the 2 new ones will be announced late this year.

[Suk02Si]

The main idea and purpose of the entire Socal-Drift Series was to bring people together. Most people tend to stick to certain Event Providers and never really venture outside of that comfort zone. Because of that, many drivers never really get exposed to other tracks or drivers.

Just using Round One as an example, I saw a drivers from at least 6-7 different groups competing with people that they normally wouldn't see at their own events.

The series has been in planning since mid-2008. I didn't want to host my own events because Socal is already flooded with tons of great event providers which already have their own following. I just wanted to bring everyone together so they could battle it out to the death. :2f2f:

As of right now, Its only a 4 part series with two different hosts. For next year, its going to expand to a 6 part series and hopefully 6 different hosts. If you want to toss some ideas back and forth, or want to help out with the Socal-Drift Series, just hit me up and I can PM you my number.

[simplistek]

it is an awesome idea as i have always wanted to drift other courses. most of the knights have agreed that we won't all be driving our own events simply because we're always there. granted we're going to try and change up this next event, but we can only do so much. although i am only speaking for myself, the knights are definitely down to put it up in the mix.

[WoolyS14DET]

I think that we as event holders need to come together and try and make this work !!

[SUPERSTAR]

If all of you get together in one room and get naked, I am sure something will go down for sure.


I DARE YOU.

[Suk02Si]

I'M GAME.

msgfail

[s13skank]

Thats a genius idea! Dude i give you major kudos:bowrofl:

[DMaxUSA]

I want "Japan-style" drifting back!

[FloridaRacing]

The main idea and purpose of the entire Socal-Drift Series was to bring people together. Most people tend to stick to certain Event Providers and never really venture outside of that comfort zone. Because of that, many drivers never really get exposed to other tracks or drivers.



you got it

[FloridaRacing]

seriously though, can you guys all get together and talk? I would be more then happy to help any way I can.

[adrians_s13]

There is already a Socal-Drift Series, just so you know.

This would be neat, but what I want to see Stateside is an MSC styled competition. Team tandem competition and all. That would bring in quite a crowd to spectate as well, and it would definitely be a competition reflecting on driver skill.

I would be soooo down to watch an MSC styled comp.... soooo down.

[WoolyS14DET]

We all do need to get together and make this happen !!

[FloridaRacing]

I am going to try to organize a dinner meet between some of us involved to throw around ideas...

[Inland Drift]

we will always support the drifting community. and so this time...

[FloridaRacing]

anyone know if there is the Adam's coordinator on here? I think everyone has chimed in besides them.

[WoolyS14DET]

He is on here i just dont know the SN

might be OneTekWed ???

[SUPERSTAR]

Yeah Wes or Riley.

[FloridaRacing]

i sent a PM to someone

[SHARKERIOcoupe]

WOW that's what im talkin bout!
amazing idea and ideas comin from everyone. and everyone contributing to this one series on many different levels can make this work! Its a huge idea! so it would be a huge effort, i d'nt doubt it for one second.
that dinner meeting would be a good start, and this thread to what it has come to now is great.

anyone know if there is the Adam's coordinator on here? I think everyone has chimed in besides them.

Grenade180sx

thats your man.

[yusuke1923]

I want "Japan-style" drifting back!

If I were to show you, you wouldn't be able to tell... seriously, think about it for a second before you say that, this could offend a lot of people. Not that you offended me, but this comment just made you sound cocky.

[yusuke1923]

We all do need to get together and make this happen !!

Uhhh, isn't this happening already?

[yusuke1923]

Yea, but thats a 4 race series which all of them (or atleast the 1st 2 are) being held at willow?

I'm talking about a full length schedule of 7-8 races at no repeating locations

also semi regulated by having some qualifiers. just to weed out beginners but still open minded.

You just contradicted yourself. I'm sorry you got multiple willow locations and twice for adams kart track. I thought you said no repeating locations?

I think thats a great idea for sure, no discrediting that, but we need someone just to kick this in the balls and get it rolling hard off the bat.

like D1GP USA, all new series this year, and ya its got some issues, but it was hit hard right off the batt, had qualifiers, and had a good initial turn out. If you dont come out with guns blazin', sometimes its hard for people to take you serious the next year.

Get it rolling hard off the bat? Your still talking about it, while Gary at Socal-Drift has already started...

After reading this whole thread. Sound like someone is building an upside down pyramid. You can't start off BIG and get BIGGER. You have to start small and work your way up. I'm sorry to say, but I think someone was at D1 and got a little excited... :keke:

[WoolyS14DET]

Uhhh, isn't this happening already?


whos doing it then ? Are you referring to the SoCal Drift Series ??

[yusuke1923]

whos doing it then ? Are you referring to the SoCal Drift Series ??

Yup! :bigok:

[WoolyS14DET]

Yup! :bigok:


Ya Gary and I have already talked about expanding to a different track.
And we are working on it !!

[DudeYourSoOOJDM]

We should have the driftbox judge us! jp

I actually think this is a good idea. But there's too many organizations in Ca at least that make a profit off of their events.....so to get them to work together will mean taking some kind of loss.

It's been tried before and it didn't work.

[jonasblack]

It takes money. And believe me when I say that organizing events in general gets old very fast when you are not getting paid to do it. Just keep that in mind when the folks that step up to the challenge get this done.
Sounds like fun though....

Good luck with this guys.

[FloridaRacing]

You just contradicted yourself. I'm sorry you got multiple willow locations and twice for adams kart track. I thought you said no repeating locations?



Get it rolling hard off the bat? Your still talking about it, while Gary at Socal-Drift has already started...

After reading this whole thread. Sound like someone is building an upside down pyramid. You can't start off BIG and get BIGGER. You have to start small and work your way up. I'm sorry to say, but I think someone was at D1 and got a little excited... :keke:

I didn't contradict myself, Adams and willow have DIFFERENT courses....

So your saying there is no sucessful event series' in racing that started with a full slate? :/

[Grenade180sx]

Okay so WE the event organizers need to set a dinner date ASAP and all sit down and discuss what exactly we can do and where.
We here at Adams are always game for anything!
feel free to PM me for any questions

im all game for this!!!
it will be a year long ASB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lets makes this happen.
AWEEESOMMMEEE
-Riley (adams Motorsports park
Email- [email protected]

obviously financial info will be discussed, but with different venues i believe Each event organizers will be able to not lose out, there are ways to do this without reaching into each others pockets aslong as everyone is on the same page!

[Brian]

Nothing will match ASB.... EVER.

[Grenade180sx]

Nothing will match ASB.... EVER.


:wackit: the word of god :) hahaha

[zenkicookies]

$$$$$$$$$$$$

[FloridaRacing]

Okay so WE the event organizers need to set a dinner date ASAP and all sit down and discuss what exactly we can do and where.
We here at Adams are always game for anything!
feel free to PM me for any questions

im all game for this!!!
it will be a year long ASB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lets makes this happen.
AWEEESOMMMEEE
-Riley (adams Motorsports park
Email- [email protected]

obviously financial info will be discussed, but with different venues i believe Each event organizers will be able to not lose out, there are ways to do this without reaching into each others pockets aslong as everyone is on the same page!

most everyone has responded to this thread involved in organizing events, except Naoki, hit him up on myspace, he is down.

[Grenade180sx]

well lets get this together. my email is posted so lets start the convo and set a dinner date!

[SUPERSTAR]

im hungry.

[FloridaRacing]

1) meet and come up with a set of rules and agreed on dates for qualifiers and events
2) each promoter holds their events at their respective track as a competition event
3) figure out a percentage of profit that goes into an account for the series for upgrades

- I talked with Mckinney Motorsports and they would be interested in offering their tire changer for events possibly
- Need to talk to a tire sponsor on selling tires at wholesale cost to racers at the event so they can afford to race, then a give away of 3 pairs for 1st place, 2 pairs for 2nd, and 1 pair for 3rd. They can be the official tire sponsor of the series, but allow any tire to run without any fee
- Local shops that have an official give away raffle, like a $250 gift certificate to ___________ and all the proceeds going to help the series from raffle sales.
- $10 or less for spectators
- Sell vendors row spots for cheap, less than $500 a race and allow them to sell parts, most don't allow that.
- Proceeds from profit to go to a tent for racers, food, grill, drinks, prize money, generator for live entertainment, PA, etc.
- Local shop to offer spec cage installs for really cheap to licensed racers, to be a sponsor and the ability for more sales on other products.

[FloridaRacing]

interested event promoters PM me your email, number, location , schedule for the next 2 weeks. I will coordinate a dinner brain storming session that best fits everyones schedule

[FloridaRacing]

i got some of you in, still waiting on a few others.

[Flybert]

It seems like for the most part the local organizations like to stick to a specific venue and hold their own drift series. The problem is, people can learn one track REALLY well and makes winning competitions at that track hard for people that aren't running there non stop.

I've never driven at NOS center, Perris, or Adam's and I have no doubt in my mind that I could do well at an amateur comp held by other organizations. I could bet that the top 16 drivers of Top Drift Battle feel the same way.

I honestly think that if you don't think you can compete with the best of another organization, you probably lack the skill or the confidence to do so.

Everyone knows Top Drift Battle is the most competitive MSC style series in the US due to all the people they feed to Formula D and D1GP. They get the most coverage due to the level of driving and I think this is why people feel a little out of their comfort zone. I agree that people need to step out of their comfort zone to progress as drivers. If you're all about non-competitive fun, then there's no reason step out of your comfort zone since you're probably having fun anyways.

As for the proposed series, there's no way a bunch of grassroots dudes can afford an 8 track series, especially in this economy. This brings me to my next point. I don't see any reason for JD to participate in this. It already has a four track season with big prizes and big sponsors. It has top 16 tandem and team tandem as well as FD pro drivers as judges. The competition is always intense with the talent of drivers there. I would say that it's a step below FD in the top 8 tandem battles. It has created many local heroes as well, many of which go on to become pros. Why wouldn't you want to participate in something as competitive as this if you think you are good?

If you aren't good and you have more fun trying to win prizes at less competitive competitions, that's all fine and dandy. Have fun and do your thing but there's a lot to be gained when hanging out and competing against good drivers. You are forced to improve your driving. It gives me a lot of satisfaction when I nail clipping points, get big angle, and drive fast. I have gotten a lot of good tips from better drivers and I learned so much by riding with those people.

I like to think that developing a mentor/apprentice relationship is really good when it comes to learning drifting so it's good to surround yourselves with people that are better than you so that you can learn from them.

And one last thing, if you were to create a combo series with all the organizers, I don't think people are going to feel more comfortable when they are competing with Forrest Wang, Cody Parkhouse, Miki Frial, Mike Bolanos, Mike Essa, Matt Powers, Tommy Roberts, etc. at their home track.

Oh, and I'm thinking that all the organizations will probably showing up to that Megan event since the prize money is so huge.

That was a long rant.

[drftem]

ok i would just like to say we at Thurs. Knights have already decided on doing somethin of this nature. Our current schedule sets a round 1 comp at Nos center on June 14th. Then our round 2 at willow springs HTM on August 8th. our round 3 and round 4 still need to be determined of date and location. We should have pro judges . But our events are geared more to the lower level drivers then the guys that already are pro drivers.

[PanchoPanoch]

I've never driven at NOS center, Perris, or Adam's and I have no doubt in my mind that I could do well at an amateur comp held by other organizations. I could bet that the top 16 drivers of Top Drift Battle feel the same way.

I honestly think that if you don't think you can compete with the best of another organization, you probably lack the skill or the confidence to do so.

Everyone knows Top Drift Battle is the most competitive MSC style series in the US due to all the people they feed to Formula D and D1GP. They get the most coverage due to the level of driving and I think this is why people feel a little out of their comfort zone. I agree that people need to step out of their comfort zone to progress as drivers. If you're all about non-competitive fun, then there's no reason step out of your comfort zone since you're probably having fun anyways.

As for the proposed series, there's no way a bunch of grassroots dudes can afford an 8 track series, especially in this economy. This brings me to my next point. I don't see any reason for JD to participate in this. It already has a four track season with big prizes and big sponsors. It has top 16 tandem and team tandem as well as FD pro drivers as judges. The competition is always intense with the talent of drivers there. I would say that it's a step below FD in the top 8 tandem battles. It has created many local heroes as well, many of which go on to become pros. Why wouldn't you want to participate in something as competitive as this if you think you are good?

If you aren't good and you have more fun trying to win prizes at less competitive competitions, that's all fine and dandy. Have fun and do your thing but there's a lot to be gained when hanging out and competing against good drivers. You are forced to improve your driving. It gives me a lot of satisfaction when I nail clipping points, get big angle, and drive fast. I have gotten a lot of good tips from better drivers and I learned so much by riding with those people.

I like to think that developing a mentor/apprentice relationship is really good when it comes to learning drifting so it's good to surround yourselves with people that are better than you so that you can learn from them.

And one last thing, if you were to create a combo series with all the organizers, I don't think people are going to feel more comfortable when they are competing with Forrest Wang, Cody Parkhouse, Miki Frial, Mike Bolanos, Mike Essa, Matt Powers, Tommy Roberts, etc. at their home track.

Oh, and I'm thinking that all the organizations will probably showing up to that Megan event since the prize money is so huge.

That was a long rant.

You're right it would be rather difficult for a couple of grass roots guys to afford a series like this, but considering that they would be participating in a series it would open up doors making sponsorships for some of these guys not impossible.

as for something stated earlier in the thread about weeding out less experienced drivers to put it in other words there could be each track could have their own qualifying event to be able to reach out to all drivers to award the equivalent of a d1 license for this "so-cal" series.

[Flybert]

Do you have personal experience with this?

You don't get tire sponsors by competing in amateur events in America. There are a few ways people have been able to do it. You get sponsored by competing in pro events, doing the entire series, and doing well. You do HIN drift demos. You whore your car out at shows and get it in a magazine. You have the gift of gab and trick companies into giving you tires. That last one is happening much less nowadays. And lastly, you have to know people who know people.

As for having a license for an amateur series, there is no need. There aren't enough good drivers in socal as it is to warrant that.

[fcdrifter20]

this sound like so much fun!!!!!

this has got to be one of the best ideas of heard in a while.. hopefuly u guys can all get into agreement about this shortly and figure out when this is gona start going down.. but anything i can do to help, just let me kno!

[jbguillo]

This will NOT work; There are already way too many providers in Southern California, which makes it possible to hit 3 different drift events each week or more if you had the money, time and really wanted to. Not to mention that there are already 3 full competition series (one amateur, one advanced, and one new) in SoCal that are expanding to new territories, with other providers looking into or already starting their own series as well as random competitions put on at different times by organizations (Megan Racing competition, FD feeder series, Federal/Dai's Days, Adam's competitions, etc...).

All this will do is step on people toes, and get people pissed off at each other. Also, you have to think about how you will even acquire drivers, all active event providers already have their own "crew" of active drivers who can really only afford to do that provider's events. You can't expect most drivers to compete in multiple series, because most don't have time/can't afford it, or are completely dedicated on one series.

All of this leads me to believe that it will be almost impossible to fill a driver's list, actually set a competition date that does not conflict with another competition's date, and having event organizers getting upset with each other because of conflictions. I have been around events, and ran enough of them (both east and west coast) to know the science behind making something work, and this isn't looking so hot.

Remember that some event providers depend on profit from their events to supplement income, or keep their events going. I don't think there will be much motivation at all for providers to come together and make a series if they are not getting anything out of it, especially if it starts to hurt their driver numbers in attendance at their events. It's rare you see a fully packed event now in socal anyways...

Start a competition series in NorCal or the East coast, there's not really much going on in those places, and people are starving for series over there.

[longdy]

I totally agree with the gentlemen ^^

There are so many wrong points that are not going to make this drift series possible!

-There are just too many different event holders in socal and knowing most of these event holders are mainly there to make profit!
-Organizers that will not make anything off these events won't be too happy
-Since there will be no profit made who is going to cover the capital cost to start the event/series?
-Filling the drivers list is already a daunting task for some event holders, especially when there is such a drop in the economy and people are losing their jobs left and right (sorry to sound to repetitive of other members)
-Yea I could see that getting sponsors seems like an easy task to do BUT really it is not! (I bet it's easier to get your HOT next door neighbor naked than to do this!)
-People like the idea now but REALLY how many of them are going to stay commited to such a huge event?

and the list goes on and on and on....

(Just thinking out loud!!)
I am a part of Touke Drift Event (We are in a dormant stage right now! lol) and this is what we were doing since day 1! We've been holding events that were built around the idea of having a drift event where we are out there to practice drifting not to make a profit. with what extra money we got was for odds and ends for the event.
I really see drifting today too political with sooo much drama and (mainly) profit making! I KNOW I KNOW that goes for all the other sports and stuff out there but come on! What happened to the "japan-style" drift events where its all about the PRICTICE and HAVING FUN! Where families and close friends go out to drift events to have fun and meet new people. IONO
(AGAIN, thinking out loud!!.. dont take it serious)

What im saying is THIS isn't going to be impossible to do but it's going to be diffficult!
I absolutely love this idea of having drift event/series and I see that everyone is excited to get on this train and see how far it rides out.

BUT
-There needs to compromise on all levels of the playing fields
-LOTS AND LOTS of leadership
-MUST be very professional (especially if there are going to be sponsors! don't want them to think their wasting their time and money!)
-ALL events must be consistant and organized
-Since no profit is being made charge a lil extra so we could use that money for PRIZES or as Prize money

(I could go on and rant more but i gotta get back to studying!!..lol ^_^
mybad if there are mistakes ill fix it later!
Hope this helps out!)

[Grenade180sx]

id have to disagree on certain aspects.

REGARDLESS of skill levels, people who run TD are wanting to make a career out of drifting or have the goal of going pro.

How can grassroots guys afford a series,
SIMPLE
each event is held by SEPARATE organizers,but is ran as a series,

SO Inland drift would manage and maintain there facility for there round, then JD would manage and fund there round at Willow like i said everyone is hosting events now, it can be done, but with the mindset of only the good drivers will run certain series grassroots drifting will not progress any further.

-if its an 8 round series with 5-10k purse on the line what would make it not worth it? and obviously it wouldnt be held all in one week.

-tracks vary, thats like saying HTM doesnt compare in speed to irwindale because irwindale is faster, does that make HTM any less of a challenging track? NO.

point is the series can be done aslong as all partners/ organizers see eye to eye and it will keep drifting fun, but also open doors of many drivers who havent particpated in other socal drift events becuase of the "comfort zone" i am one of those people who havent ran a Top Drift event because ive never had the chance too, does that make me any less of a good driver??? No. and i can promise id do well in that series too.

If we all looked at this series as making the california scene even more tight knitt, then we can approach with the idea of benefitting all organizations.

so its the organizers call.

[Mute]

hmmm... D1 Underground Southern California Drift Cup ... D1U SCDC ... hmmmm...I kinda like it...and we do have sponsors that want us to do more with our Underground...maybe i should be talking to some people...

[UNITEDMASTER]

Im not trying to be negative at all,but there is so much politics & BS when you try to work with certain organizations (NO NAMES). I think the handfull of upstart organizers should stick together/work together & try to make it happen if this is what you want. When is this sit down gonna happen I personally would rather speak in person. I have so much more to say I dont want to type it.


FLYBERT- May I ask what is your drift spirit, to go PRO, or do you drift for the fun. Im just curious

[SUPERSTAR]

This all can work if you guys chose to do it.

8 rounds, 8 event hosts and some really sick prizes.

There will always be the yaaay and the naaayers in anything you do in life.

But I would like to see this happen, with an awesome ending.

[UNITEDMASTER]

^^^^^ There it is!!!!!

[Flybert]

FLYBERT- May I ask what is your drift spirit, to go PRO, or do you drift for the fun. Im just curious

I drift solely for fun. I just started my real career and I have no desire to make a career out of drifting. It requires too much money to do your first season and most pro drifters I know are broke. If a sponsor saw me drive and put me in a FD/D1GP car, flew me out to the events, and all I had to do was drive, I would consider going pro. Otherwise, it's not worth it to me.

[SHARKERIOcoupe]

this CAN happen.
when is the more serious dinner?
so the blueprints can come out

of coarse, EVERYONE is "already doing it, or has done it"

but if everyone does it together?
well. its come so close
what do you guys think is going on?
...they say politics, money, marketing...
so what can we do?

[DudeYourSoOOJDM]

REGARDLESS of skill levels, people who run TD are wanting to make a career out of drifting or have the goal of going pro.


Not all of us. I'm perfectly fine driving TopDrift forever. The competition level will always be there whether it's People that are up and coming (Tommy, Matt and the gang) or people already Pro or who have been pro (Forrest, JTP, Henry).

To me running FD is just out of reach, I'd like to drive D1 this year but I've already missed the first 2 rounds.

I've come to the realization that doing practice days with people with High skill level is completely unrealistic besides doing All Star Bash. There's just too many events these days.

I'd love to have different competitions at different tracks, but even having a decent job/budget.....I just cant seem to make time to make it to any events besides TopDrift/ASB and the event's I've done for Naoki.

If all the organizers can get together, make events spaced out and not conflicting......Count me in!