From SpeedTV.com
http://speedtv.com/articles/au...7867/

SCCA Pro Racing has announced that it will sanction the U.S. D1 Grand
Prix Drifting event Aug. 31 at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale,
Calif.

The first internationally recognized event of its kind in North
America, drifting is a car control sport that has drivers dancing
their cars on the edge without losing control. This translates to an
exciting brand of motorsports where driver skill is as important as
their properly set up competition car. Competitors are judged on how
well and how far they can slide (or drift) their ride without
spinning out of control.

These drivers display tremendous skill and, as a result, some have
been recruited to drive in other Japanese motorsports series such as
the Japanese GT Championship and the Japanese Touring Car
Championship. Many believe that competitors in the D1 Grand Prix are
the benchmark for drifting and car control worldwide.

Drifting has grown from an underground phenomenon in Japan to a
professional competition sport that is gaining popularity in the
United States.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to be involved in the D1
Grand Prix," said Mitch Wright, Vice President and General Manager of
SCCA Pro Racing. "This is a completely new and fresh form of
motorsports, unlike any other happening in the states. Because
drifting has exploded in other parts of the world, it is likely to
catch fire here as well."

The event will consist of two practice rounds, followed by the
competition from 7:30-9:30 p.m. (PT) under special lights. The
temporary D1 competition course will be set up in the middle of the
1/2-mile oval at Irwindale Speedway, while grandstand seating will
provide spectators with a full-view of the entire competition course.

Sixteen professional drift teams, who compete in the Japanese series,
will participate in the D1 Grand Prix full competition format. Some
of the drivers to look for include: Nobushige Kumakubo, Masatoshi
Asamoto, Ken Nomura, Takahiro Ueno, Yuuki Izumida, Kazahiro Tanaka,
Youichi Imamura Youichi, Katsuhiro Ueo, Nobuteru Taniguchi, Kazuya
Bai, Hayashida, Tomikuda and Seigou Yamamoto.

As the result of a drivers search competition June 15 at Irwindale
Speedway, eight additional drivers, from outside of Japan, were
invited to compete in the D1 Grand Prix. Following the search
competition, Keiichi Tsuchiya, the "Drift King," announced the eight
drivers who earned invitations. The eight drivers selected are: Ken
Gushi, Ernie Fixmer, Rich Rutherford, Samuel Hubinette, Daijiro
Yoshihara, Hubert Young, Calvin Wan and Bryan Norris.

D1 drivers will try to impress the "Drift King" Tsuchiya, along with
guest judges Manabu Orido, Suzuki and Daijiro Inada.

 

I also know that drifting representatives have been talking with the Chicago Region Solo Board about getting SCCA sanctioned drifting in the Chicago area.

I don't know what SCCA thinks it's getting into. How does automotive competition lend itself to a style judgement event. We might as well start hosting figure skating too.

At least with the D1 event, it's being run by Pro Racing, so it's got a good chance of either failure or digging a very deep financial hole, or both.

Does this make anybody else want to cancel their SCCA memberships?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Shmeek &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Does this make anybody else want to cancel their SCCA memberships?</TD></TR></TABLE>

NO! It is nice to see SCCA doing something which appeals to any1 born after 1960. Improved Vintage is certainly not.

SCCA Pro already has a good image in the young crowed with World Challenge. Makes sense to me.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Shmeek &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Does this make anybody else want to cancel their SCCA memberships?</TD></TR></TABLE>

No.


I think it is a smart idea to get into the drift scene on account of how popular it is now and how fast it's growing. I would rather see he SCCA put this on rather then some "side show" type armatures. Also, through the SCCA some "drifters" will be exposed to other forms of motorsports that they might enjoy and vice versa.

Have I participated in drift competitions? No. Do I like to watch? Yes. Would I enter a drift comp if offered? Sure.

 

I think I'm going to vomit.

damned ricers. Give me two space saver spares on the back of an old 510 and I'll show those punks drifting.

Let's see, what's next?

SCCA Pro race car stereo competition
SCCA Club neon washer nozzle spraying contest
SCCA Pro hydraulic car jumping series

 

hahaha... isn't this a slap to the face for some of you drift haters on this forum. I just drove a Skyline R33 GT (RB25DET, 4WS but no 4WD) at lunch time. Fun machine. Can't wait to take it to the track. I should be at D1GP on Sunday.

 

WTF?

What I can't understand is why SCCA would want to get involved in this. I see no problem with 'drift contests' just like I see no problem with kaa shows, but why would the SCCA want to get involved?? Selling their soul.

Why doesn't the SCCA just sponsor cars shows, drift events and street races?

 

Come on Frank, you know this is the RRAX forum not a Drift forum. Granted H-T could use a drift forum, but honestly drifting isn't something that Hondas are a good choice for (hence the lack of drifting interest by Honda drivers).

No need to start another pointless arguement.

For the record, I wouldn't take that Skyline on the track with a welded strut shaft.

 

SCCA = Sports Car Club Of America. They include rallying, autocross, club raccing and TSD rallies. Why not drifting? Its becoming a popular activity, and big for the SCCA recognizing it and stepping up to get involved and show these kids a legitimate outlet for their desire to try something.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1gTeg90 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">damned ricers. Give me two space saver spares on the back of an old 510 and I'll show those punks drifting.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Then get out there and do it.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">SCCA Pro race car stereo competition
SCCA Club neon washer nozzle spraying contest
SCCA Pro hydraulic car jumping series</TD></TR></TABLE>

Drifting is a driving event. These are not.

Try to be a little open minded guys - I wouldnt participate in any drifting, but i appreciate the hard work that goes into the events. They're enthusiasts just like us.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Geratol &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Common Frank, you know this is the RRAX forum not a Drift forum</TD></TR></TABLE>

No but i will support discussion on it provided the events are sanctioned by some organization, and not some dipshits jackassing around on public streets late at night.

 

Hey guys, get off your high horse and get with the program. As a hardcore roadracer and auto-xer, I was happy to see Pro racing get involve heavily with the tuning scene with SV World Challenge.
Mitch knows his **** and when he steers the competition towards the market, it can only be good for the racers down the road.

As far as drifting goes, it's completely new to me but if it is the start of a automobile trend, it's a great way to keep it off the street and bring it to mainstream racing.
I agree that a loose car drifting down turn 2 at Mosport is the way a drift is suppose to happen, but it must be neat to see 800+ RWD cars controlling lurid slides in a controlled enviroment. Hey, this ain't street racing so quit bitching.

to sanctioned racing events

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">SCCA = Sports Car Club Of America. They include rallying, autocross, club raccing and TSD rallies. Why not drifting? Its becoming a popular activity, and big for the SCCA recognizing it and stepping up to get involved and show these kids a legitimate outlet for their desire to try something.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

I see your point, and I agree that it is good that someone is letting these ricers, F&F crazies AND legitimate drifiting drivers/fans have a safe place to do their thang.

I think a good number of people don't like the 'atmosphere' or the type of people attracted to these events. It's no different than a trained musician who can't stand MTV and that whole scene. Purists have a hard time accepting change.....

One last thing: drifting isn't racing, like some have mentioned. It's just another driving event.

 

Ok RJ beat me to the reply

 

Well, if SCCA makes an official drifting class, will the discussion of that be valid here then? heheh.

You guys might think I'm loud mouth about certain issues. But I hate all the illegal street racings, careless canyon carving, street drifting practice. I believe we (this forum) should be more friendly and steer the clueless people the right way, not be so quick to bash them and turn them away.

 

what would make it valid here, this isnt an SCCA forum, its RR/AX. DE hav a lot to do with RR, i dont see that with drifting.

for the record, i have no problems with professional and organized drift events, like i have no problems with drag events at drag strips. but i have no interest in either.

 

This is a Road Racing/autox forum.

There isn't any racing going on at a drifting event, nor is there any autoxing.

Maybe we need a drifting forum.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">SCCA = Sports Car Club Of America. They include rallying, autocross, club raccing and TSD rallies. Why not drifting? Its becoming a popular activity, and big for the SCCA recognizing it and stepping up to get involved and show these kids a legitimate outlet for their desire to try something.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Autocross, road race, and rally are also timed or head-to-head competition, not judged and entirely subjective. The real "winner" is based upon the opinion of another. No Thanks.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Then get out there and do it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Trust me, if I had a RWD, I probably would. Then again, I think I'd rather spoon out one of my eyeballs.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Drifting is a driving event. These are not.</TD></TR></TABLE>

OK, how 'bout

SCCA Burnout and Do-nut in the Parking Lot series, or

SCCA Pro Street Racing??

My point was all of these are completely subjective in their method of determining the winner. Give me a 1/8 mile circle that requires the cars to complete one full lap, never leaving a "drift" state, where the winner completes the lap in the least amount of elapsed time, then you have a competition. Otherwise, it's jackassery in a car.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Try to be a little open minded guys - I wouldnt participate in any drifting, but i appreciate the hard work that goes into the events. They're enthusiasts just like us.</TD></TR></TABLE>

A lot of people spend a lot of money on street cars, and I respect their passion, yet the SCCA doesn't do car shows. A lot of people spend a lot of time and money on drag cars, yet there's no drag racing in SCCA.

I just have a hard time understanding the appeal of powersliding a car around a corner. Maybe the 12-year-old in me would think "wheeeee" the first time or two, but WTF, man. SCCA Pro??? It's all about money.

A lot of people like to smoke crack. It's really popular. Let's sanction it, and maybe get some judges. Hey, there's a lot of money that goes into crack, y'all had better respect is and quit hatin'.

 

this is awesome! I hope the Chicago region approves it. I'm so tired of all the cool stuff happening in Cali.
And drifting isn't just some crazies sliding around. It takes a whole lot of driving skill and ability to pull some of these manuvers off. Check out some videos of it, and you'll see.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris N &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">One last thing: drifting isn't racing, like some have mentioned. It's just another driving event.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Me thinks it could be most accurately described at a "display" or a "show," but certainly never a race.

 

Anything that brings motorsports to the public eye is going to be good for everyone involved. I just don't like the judging aspect of it. Because of that I can't consider it a true motorsport.

 

Do you guys think X games competition are silly then? i mean, when some one pulls a phat trick, it will be obvious to the judges.

Drifts can be harder to judge... as there is only so much one can do. But the team format and such is easier. I'm sure they will figure something out.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1gTeg90 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Me thinks it could be most accurately described at a "display" or a "show," but certainly never a race. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Methinks I completely agree with you.

To my fellow chicagoan - I'm sure it takes a good deal of driving talent/skill. No question there. But, it isn't racing, there is no 'goal' or way to measure who is better, faster or the most clean. It is all very subjective and all about style points. That right there makes it completely and utterly NOT motorsports related, and the SCCA is (has been??) all about motorsports events.

There are two types of people who are interested in going to drag, drifting and car shows.

The ones who enjoy the activity and could be considered enthusiasts/pros/fans.

The others are the F&F stunnas, young kids and street racers. They tend to give things a bad name. Why do imports have a bad name? It certainly isn't because of the types of people who frequent this forum. It is because of irresponsible, ignorant people who think 'spirited driving' is the equivalent of an HPDE. That's my main problem.

But if the SCCA is hosting these events, i'm sure they will be well run. I just hope I don't see street races AND street drifters. Then again I see bike clubs all doing wheelies down the freeway and all kinds of other reckless stuff.

Aw hell, the world is going to ****. what am i complaining about???

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GhettoRacer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do you guys think X games competition are silly then? i mean, when some one pulls a phat trick, it will be obvious to the judges.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I guess it's just me, but I really have zero interest in "X-games" and could care less whom is better than whom on a skateboard or bicycle. Maybe drifting should be an "x-game."


Modified by 1gTeg90 at 11:56 PM 8/29/2003

 

Frank, stuff like the X games...

I see that as pop culture. It's 'cool' to like the x games apparently. I'm not cool. I see drifting in a similar light. This isn't a knock on those things, but they aren't for everyone.

It is no different than a classically trained musician being pissed that a heavy metal band that plays four chords ONLY can make 100's of millions, while the best damned clarinet player in the world makes about $100,000. Fair? Probably not. But popularity has its perks I suppose.

I'd go to a drifting event to see some pros, not to see some stunnas trying it out

 

I do think that it's a motorsport, but I see where some of you are coming from. The actual competitions aren't racing, but the car control skills can definately come in handy in real races.
it's not like it's completely pointless.