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Selecting
Which Drifting Events to Attend
November
9, 2006
As
we near the end of 2006, it's been another great year for drifting in the
United States. With the start of 2007 comes yet another season of drifting
competitions, but this time with much more choices in terms of which events
to attend. So far, we've heard of Formula D returning, but also arriving in
the USA drift scene are the D1 USA Series, IDC, and Nopi. Will there be
enough to go around for all in 2007? Probably not, so here's what we think
you (as drivers) should do to ensure the best possible season for yourselves
and your sponsors, family, and friends.
With so many drifting series next year, how does a driver choose which
drifting series to attend?
Do the research. Check their websites. Talk to other drivers. Look in import magazines for articles and feedback on the series.
Take a look at who sponsors the event, whether they're national companies like McDonalds or small time import parts companies
or tuning shops that are just starting out. Check out where the event gets
its publicity from. Is the event featured regularly on TV, the internet,
magazines, etc? Will the series provide you and your sponsors with enough
publicity? Currently Formula D and D1 are where America's top drivers
participate, meaning that's where the real competition is. Both of these
series also get the best news coverage at present.
Should a driver be exclusive to any one series, or should they participate in any and all events they can?
Assuming you have an unlimited budget it may or may not be beneficial to spread out too thin. Check the schedules to make sure they don't overlap and check the geographical location for each event because traveling takes money and time.
If you've already checked into the media coverage that each series will
receive for the season, you'll have a better idea of which events benefit
you in terms of exposure best. There's no need to "double-dip" to
get identical media exposure by competing in multiple series, but by
competing in more events, you get that many more chances secure yourself a
win and land valuable media exposure as the top driver at an event. As
a driver, you're basically trying to sell yourself. Just like promoting any product, you'll want to use your advertising (entry fees and operating expenses in this case) budget most efficiently.
Does a drifting series have the right to say that a driver can only compete in their series alone? What rights
do drivers have?
The series can make provisions for the drivers if they think that participating in other series will jeopardize the integrity of their series; especially if their sponsors request it. More than likely they cannot justify this, but in the "new" world of drifting who knows.
If this is the case, do your research and select the series that best fits
with your budget and your objectives.
How can a driver avoid getting ripped off when entering competitions? How can you ensure that an organization pays out what they say they will? Would should you do if they don't?
Read
over your entry forms and instruction manuals carefully. I'd advise against
entering any competitions that have disclaimers placed onto the prize
payouts (ie. $5,000 grand prize* if there is a minimum of 100 competitors,
etc.). Once you decide to enter, keep a copy of the entry form, rule book,
and any advertising pieces (posters, flyers, internet ads, etc.) that you
can get your hands on. If the event promoter defaults on what they promised
in the advertising, at least you'll have some proof to call foul on.
One
of the best things you can do as an independent is to raise hell to the media and fans (and other
drivers) if you get stiffed by an event promoter. The
drifting community is very internet savvy and I'm sure that all other
potential drivers across the US would be glad that you tipped them off about
an event series that failed to pay out.
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