Drifters upset with Formula D rule book

**RJF** · 07-04-2008, 04:24 PM

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/d...a-d-rule-book/

Professional drifting series, Formula D, is trying to quickly win over fans and competitors in order to become one of the top forms of motorsport in the United States. As folks have learned in the markets this past year, though, rapid growth does not come without some giant bumps in the road. It looks like Formula D has now slid into a wall with a few of its teams. Confusion surrounding the series rule book has come to a head in discussions at Drifting.com. The rules state that any change to a vehicle's OEM suspension design must be approved by Formula D. Of course, a visual inspection of every car lined up for a run at a Formula D event proves that no one is utilizing 100% OEM suspension components. Aftermarket coilovers, adjustable control arms and urethane bushings are all-too-,common modifications seen throughout the pits. Therefore, there must be a list available to competitors outlining the approved components for all competing vehicles. No such list is available, however. That means teams have no method of verifying that other competitors are following the rules, other than the fact an entry passed Formula D's own tech inspection. Current discussion is making a case for the use of vehicle technical sheets as found in series such as SCCA Speed World Challenge to list all allowable modifications for approved competition vehicles.

One particular team lies behind the call for rule revisions, while other concerned competitors back up their request for clarification. The vocal team is the group behind the Super Autobacs Nissan Skyline, which was recently deemed ineligible for competition by Formula D. The series organizers claim the Skyline features illegal front suspension modifications by using the OEM parts off a Nissan Laurel. However, the RWD Scion tC campaigning in the series is eligible despite also using suspension parts from another Toyota vehicle that shares the same chassis. The rules become particularly unclear when other vehicles are allowed to run with obviously altered suspension setups. 350Zs have altered the mounting points of their rear axles and Chevrolet Corvettes have converted from leaf springs to coilovers. Hopefully, Formula D can learn from this tussle and develop a fair and documented method of approving vehicle,s rather than leaving everyone in the dark.

*slothonaleash* · 07-04-2008, 04:33 PM

Why did they even turn drifting into a competition?

gotta240 · 07-04-2008, 04:40 PM

sweet. Show up with a bone stock 240 and win by default...

*Jordn* · 07-04-2008, 04:57 PM

I don't know much of the politics behind FD but it must be pretty good for them to have factory-backed cars in the championship, maybe worth bending the rules to make sure those cars get to drive.

*1five10* · 07-04-2008, 05:03 PM

That's the problem. Some feel the rules are being bent for some, but not others. Will see how it plays out. Vegas is next weekend.

svensko · 07-04-2008, 05:17 PM

Does this mean I get to put corny "crew" stickers on my stock S14 now?

Felipe · 07-04-2008, 05:17 PM

does it count if i paint some parts red?

lmao...

240XTC · 07-04-2008, 05:36 PM

Really funny. Seems as if politics is definitely an issue. Plain and simple, "they" are scared of they Autobacs Skyline and will nit pick on anything in order to make sure it doesnt become a threat to them. Hopefully in the future, guidelines will be set, the skyline will meet "the standards" to qualify and come out and kick ass.

*Z33dori* · 07-04-2008, 06:13 PM

yea this reset dispute is pretty bullshit.

being that alot of these cars have altered suspension.

i mean really.

*thefro526* · 07-04-2008, 06:21 PM

I say that's bullsh*t... Let be serious, modified suspension because they used components from a Nissan Laurel? It's pretty much the same damn car, we all know how nissan likes to share components from chassis to chassis. How bout Rhys Millen's GTO and solstice? they were as close to race cars as anyone can get with out being full on tube frame race cars. Then there's the Tanaka (?) corvette, I've never, ever, seen a front suspension like that before. IMO Formula D sucks, Let people run what ever they want as long as it's not tube framed and other crazy stuff.

norbac · 07-04-2008, 06:35 PM

theres a rule book? lol, everything is so modified anyways

626 FC3S · 07-04-2008, 06:39 PM

EVERY CAR MADE FOR DRIFTING AND BEEN MODIFIED FROM OEM!!!!!

They have got to be kidding

"to become one of the top forms of motorsport in the United States."

Really???

*ericcastro* · 07-04-2008, 06:47 PM

I always have talked shit about the stupidity and favortism of Formula D and praised D1.

this just proves it.

Formula D, the new NOPI

fucking idiots

(you like how i am misspelling the second word after stupidity

svensko · 07-04-2008, 06:50 PM

Isn't there a drifter that uses a stock S14?

Matej · 07-04-2008, 07:11 PM

Hahaha.

Hahahahahaha.

The only rules should be:
1. No cars without aero.
2. No cars with wheel gap and/or sunken wheels.
3. No cars with aero sitting more than 3" off the ground.

luftrofl · 07-04-2008, 07:12 PM

What? Formula D, stupid?

NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111111111oneoneone

spool_sample · 07-04-2008, 07:43 PM

LMFAO. Who the fuck cares about suspension being altered, it's fucking judged DRIFTING, not timed wheel-to-wheel competition.

The fact that there are even any rules to begin with beyond safety standards is hilarious in its own right.

*alexander500* · 07-04-2008, 07:50 PM

I read all 18 pages of that shit.

It seems that Formula D did not or has not been able to produce any

documentation on which teams/car/drivers have been pre-aproved to

modify the suspenion and to what extent, so you must assume they are

going off of their memory. What if SA petitioned for and recieved the

appoval to modify their vehicle and Formula D just forgot? If Formula D has

not been documenting they petitions for modification they don't have a

leg to stand on.

*KwKouki* · 07-04-2008, 07:59 PM

yet the tC is running rampant in RWD form.

IIIXziuR · 07-04-2008, 08:03 PM

Takatori & SA Drift FOR LIFE, NO MATTER WHAT!
Those are the nicest/coolest guys ever.

All this controversy with the R34 suspension is so asinine!
All these cars are modified, it's not like SA car has some kind of auto pilot button installed on the car. Just drift!

turns101 · 07-04-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericcastro

I always have talked shit about the stupidity and favortism of Formula D and praised D1.

this just proves it.

Formula D, the new NOPI

fucking idiots

(you like how i am misspelling the second word after stupidity

Eric, D1 is just as bad if not worse...

FD has been making serious efforts to do the right thing for more of the privateers.

I;m not saying they are perfect or better than anyones else though. As you can see, there are still politics in all the "pro" drift series..

norbac · 07-05-2008, 12:14 AM

FD seemed like a great alternative to D1 for the states, now its time for something better, ZILVIA DRIFT CHAMPION LEAGUE, support the ZDCL yall!!

xdarkrune · 07-05-2008, 01:06 AM

what a joke, epic fail

revat619 · 07-05-2008, 01:12 AM

Formula D is a joke. It ALWAYS has been.

xamraci · 07-05-2008, 01:14 AM

"The vocal team is the group behind the Super Autobacs Nissan Skyline, which was recently deemed ineligible for competition by Formula D. The series organizers claim the Skyline features illegal front suspension modifications by using the OEM parts off a Nissan Laurel."

Thats all I needed to read...and then the thoughts on the TC only strike further at this arguement...Watching a tech inspector walk thru a car and KNOWING that the altered factory dynamics of certain vehicles are being permitted kinda sent a bad feeling thru me when i was at FD in Atlanta this year

Some specifics would stiffen the competition in my opinion and make things a bit clearer atleast...

Another thing...the Saturn Skye...its like a Cage with some plastic panels...the rear suspension setup on that car doesnt seem to share the same characteristics of the stock vehicle...

Shawn shawn · 07-05-2008, 01:41 AM

I guess Autobacs didn't shove enough $$$$ in FD's face.

frosti108 · 07-05-2008, 02:02 AM

wow. honestly the rwd scion didnt raise any reg flags though>? lol you dont even have to do any reading to know there is loads of BS going on

who the hell in formula D has anything stock in their suspension anyway. thats fuqin stupid

240XTC · 07-05-2008, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spool_sample

LMFAO. Who the fuck cares about suspension being altered, it's fucking judged DRIFTING, not timed wheel-to-wheel competition.

The fact that there are even any rules to begin with beyond safety standards is hilarious in its own right.

Yeah. True to that man! They're forgetting what the drift is about. What ever gets you to that perfect speed, style, and finesse. Judges will make the best call upon who deserves to win.

Quote:

Originally Posted by norbac

FD seemed like a great alternative to D1 for the states, now its time for something better, ZILVIA DRIFT CHAMPION LEAGUE, support the ZDCL yall!!

Hell yeah man!!!... then ZDCL vs. FD .... Im down for that!

luftrofl · 07-05-2008, 02:24 AM

Wait... doesn't the Corvette run coilovers? That's a change from OEM

DMaxUSA · 07-05-2008, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn shawn

I guess Autobacs didn't shove enough $$$$ in FD's face.

Thats what alot of the drivers/companies/teams in Japan are thinking.....Another big issue is that a lot of Japanese drivers are coming the U.S. to drift, but they aren't getting the points they deserve, most likely to make it "fair" for the American drivers. Maybe Formula D is afraid of a swarm of Japanese drivers taking over the series (and possibly upsetting all the domestic companies, i.e. Mopar, Ford, etc)

07-04-2008, 04:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
RJF Super Administrator & Bean Counter Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Lone Tree, CO Posts: 2,035 Trader Rating: (0)	Drifters upset with Formula D rule book http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/d...a-d-rule-book/ Professional drifting series, Formula D, is trying to quickly win over fans and competitors in order to become one of the top forms of motorsport in the United States. As folks have learned in the markets this past year, though, rapid growth does not come without some giant bumps in the road. It looks like Formula D has now slid into a wall with a few of its teams. Confusion surrounding the series rule book has come to a head in discussions at Drifting.com. The rules state that any change to a vehicle's OEM suspension design must be approved by Formula D. Of course, a visual inspection of every car lined up for a run at a Formula D event proves that no one is utilizing 100% OEM suspension components. Aftermarket coilovers, adjustable control arms and urethane bushings are all-too-,common modifications seen throughout the pits. Therefore, there must be a list available to competitors outlining the approved components for all competing vehicles. No such list is available, however. That means teams have no method of verifying that other competitors are following the rules, other than the fact an entry passed Formula D's own tech inspection. Current discussion is making a case for the use of vehicle technical sheets as found in series such as SCCA Speed World Challenge to list all allowable modifications for approved competition vehicles. One particular team lies behind the call for rule revisions, while other concerned competitors back up their request for clarification. The vocal team is the group behind the Super Autobacs Nissan Skyline, which was recently deemed ineligible for competition by Formula D. The series organizers claim the Skyline features illegal front suspension modifications by using the OEM parts off a Nissan Laurel. However, the RWD Scion tC campaigning in the series is eligible despite also using suspension parts from another Toyota vehicle that shares the same chassis. The rules become particularly unclear when other vehicles are allowed to run with obviously altered suspension setups. 350Zs have altered the mounting points of their rear axles and Chevrolet Corvettes have converted from leaf springs to coilovers. Hopefully, Formula D can learn from this tussle and develop a fair and documented method of approving vehicle,s rather than leaving everyone in the dark. __________________ *Zilvia.net...Where the Truth Hurts and Pain Builds Character* __________________________________________________ ______ http://zilvia.net http://boostaholic.org http://gtrzilla.com

07-04-2008, 05:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
svensko Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Clemson Posts: 308 Trader Rating: (0)	Does this mean I get to put corny "crew" stickers on my stock S14 now? __________________ your = possessive, you're = contraction. Get it right.

07-04-2008, 05:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
240XTC Zilvia Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: DriftCity, S.Cali Posts: 223 Trader Rating: (4)	Really funny. Seems as if politics is definitely an issue. Plain and simple, "they" are scared of they Autobacs Skyline and will nit pick on anything in order to make sure it doesnt become a threat to them. Hopefully in the future, guidelines will be set, the skyline will meet "the standards" to qualify and come out and kick ass. __________________

07-04-2008, 06:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
Z33dori BAD MOTHER FUCKER Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lima, Ohio Age: 19 Posts: 2,296 Trader Rating: (2)	yea this reset dispute is pretty bullshit. being that alot of these cars have altered suspension. i mean really. __________________ 240atlanta.com / OhioDrifting.com / Zilvia.net

07-04-2008, 06:39 PM	#12 (permalink)
626 FC3S Zilvia Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pasadena Age: 23 Posts: 270 Trader Rating: (0)	EVERY CAR MADE FOR DRIFTING AND BEEN MODIFIED FROM OEM!!!!! They have got to be kidding "to become one of the top forms of motorsport in the United States." Really??? __________________

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07-04-2008, 04:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
slothonaleash Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Age: 16 Posts: 458 Trader Rating: (2)	Why did they even turn drifting into a competition?

07-04-2008, 04:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 2,984 Trader Rating: (5)	sweet. Show up with a bone stock 240 and win by default...

07-04-2008, 04:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jordn Cup of tea anyone? Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Peterborough, England, UK, Across the pond. Age: 26 Posts: 225 Trader Rating: (0)	I don't know much of the politics behind FD but it must be pretty good for them to have factory-backed cars in the championship, maybe worth bending the rules to make sure those cars get to drive.

07-04-2008, 05:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
1five10 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The OC Posts: 514 Trader Rating: (0)	That's the problem. Some feel the rules are being bent for some, but not others. Will see how it plays out. Vegas is next weekend.

07-04-2008, 05:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
Felipe Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Gabriezzzel Age: 29 Posts: 345 Trader Rating: (0)	does it count if i paint some parts red? lmao...

07-04-2008, 06:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
thefro526 Just Your Local Drift Hero Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Jersey Age: 17 Posts: 155 Trader Rating: (1)	I say that's bullsh*t... Let be serious, modified suspension because they used components from a Nissan Laurel? It's pretty much the same damn car, we all know how nissan likes to share components from chassis to chassis. How bout Rhys Millen's GTO and solstice? they were as close to race cars as anyone can get with out being full on tube frame race cars. Then there's the Tanaka (?) corvette, I've never, ever, seen a front suspension like that before. IMO Formula D sucks, Let people run what ever they want as long as it's not tube framed and other crazy stuff.

07-04-2008, 06:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
norbac Zilvia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: a nice place Posts: 165 Trader Rating: (0)	theres a rule book? lol, everything is so modified anyways

07-04-2008, 06:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
ericcastro 626DRIFT Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Are you suggesting coconuts migrate? Age: 32 Posts: 1,982 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: ericcastro	I always have talked shit about the stupidity and favortism of Formula D and praised D1. this just proves it. Formula D, the new NOPI fucking idiots (you like how i am misspelling the second word after stupidity

07-04-2008, 06:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
svensko Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Clemson Posts: 308 Trader Rating: (0)	Isn't there a drifter that uses a stock S14? __________________ your = possessive, you're = contraction. Get it right.

07-04-2008, 07:11 PM	#15 (permalink)
Matej Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kansas City Age: 20 Posts: 3,399 Trader Rating: (4)	Hahaha. Hahahahahaha. The only rules should be: 1. No cars without aero. 2. No cars with wheel gap and/or sunken wheels. 3. No cars with aero sitting more than 3" off the ground. __________________ HEARD YOU BROKE YOUR HEART AGAIN.

07-04-2008, 07:12 PM	#16 (permalink)
luftrofl Zilvia Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Area (510) Posts: 298 Trader Rating: (0)	What? Formula D, stupid? NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111111111oneoneone __________________ Engrish is funny in Japan. In America, it's for stupid fanboys.

07-04-2008, 07:43 PM	#17 (permalink)
spool_sample Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: OH Age: 21 Posts: 272 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: spool_sample	LMFAO. Who the fuck cares about suspension being altered, it's fucking judged DRIFTING, not timed wheel-to-wheel competition. The fact that there are even any rules to begin with beyond safety standards is hilarious in its own right.

07-04-2008, 07:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
alexander500 A$$pennies Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Maryland Age: 27 Posts: 223 Trader Rating: (2)	I read all 18 pages of that shit. It seems that Formula D did not or has not been able to produce any documentation on which teams/car/drivers have been pre-aproved to modify the suspenion and to what extent, so you must assume they are going off of their memory. What if SA petitioned for and recieved the appoval to modify their vehicle and Formula D just forgot? If Formula D has not been documenting they petitions for modification they don't have a leg to stand on.

07-04-2008, 07:59 PM	#19 (permalink)
KwKouki Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Key West, FL Age: 27 Posts: 1,901 Trader Rating: (1)	yet the tC is running rampant in RWD form. __________________

07-04-2008, 08:03 PM	#20 (permalink)
IIIXziuR Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Jersey! Age: 23 Posts: 1,349 Trader Rating: (1)	Takatori & SA Drift FOR LIFE, NO MATTER WHAT! Those are the nicest/coolest guys ever. All this controversy with the R34 suspension is so asinine! All these cars are modified, it's not like SA car has some kind of auto pilot button installed on the car. Just drift! __________________ My Name is Ruiz. I am not a Bro-Bag.

07-05-2008, 12:14 AM	#22 (permalink)
norbac Zilvia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: a nice place Posts: 165 Trader Rating: (0)	FD seemed like a great alternative to D1 for the states, now its time for something better, ZILVIA DRIFT CHAMPION LEAGUE, support the ZDCL yall!!

07-05-2008, 01:12 AM	#24 (permalink)
revat619 Retired General Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,991 Trader Rating: (0)	Formula D is a joke. It ALWAYS has been. __________________ www.PandaGarage.com

07-05-2008, 01:14 AM	#25 (permalink)
xamraci Zilvia Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Alabama Age: 24 Posts: 183 Trader Rating: (0)	"The vocal team is the group behind the Super Autobacs Nissan Skyline, which was recently deemed ineligible for competition by Formula D. The series organizers claim the Skyline features illegal front suspension modifications by using the OEM parts off a Nissan Laurel." Thats all I needed to read...and then the thoughts on the TC only strike further at this arguement...Watching a tech inspector walk thru a car and KNOWING that the altered factory dynamics of certain vehicles are being permitted kinda sent a bad feeling thru me when i was at FD in Atlanta this year Some specifics would stiffen the competition in my opinion and make things a bit clearer atleast... Another thing...the Saturn Skye...its like a Cage with some plastic panels...the rear suspension setup on that car doesnt seem to share the same characteristics of the stock vehicle... __________________ http://www.2amracing.com/Images/volksmall.jpg

07-05-2008, 01:41 AM	#26 (permalink)
Shawn shawn Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Atl. Posts: 8 Trader Rating: (0)	I guess Autobacs didn't shove enough $$$$ in FD's face.

07-05-2008, 02:02 AM	#27 (permalink)
frosti108 Zilvia Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: exton PA ocean city NJ Posts: 259 Trader Rating: (1)	wow. honestly the rwd scion didnt raise any reg flags though>? lol you dont even have to do any reading to know there is loads of BS going on who the hell in formula D has anything stock in their suspension anyway. thats fuqin stupid __________________ 89 240sx. 'turbo single' 88 200sx. 'se-v6'

07-05-2008, 02:24 AM	#29 (permalink)
luftrofl Zilvia Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Area (510) Posts: 298 Trader Rating: (0)	Wait... doesn't the Corvette run coilovers? That's a change from OEM __________________ Engrish is funny in Japan. In America, it's for stupid fanboys.