DriftLive.com took some time to speak with Naoki Kobayashi (Owner/Operator of Drift Association) about the Formula D Pro-am Series in and tried to clear up some of the details.
Why Pro-Am?
There are several reasons behind the formation of the Formula D Pro-Am Series. To begin with, Formula D needed a reliable system for licensing pro drivers. Another reason for the series is to help create drivers that are better prepared to enter pro-level competition. Finally, the series is meant to give regional competitors a place to compete on a national level and something larger (if they wish) to aim for. Naoki also expressed his concern with some of the amateur series’ that have popped up this year promising much, but falling short for the competitors, fans and sponsors. Formula D Pro-Am will be tied into the Formula D pro series and working with trusted regional organizations, create a national series similar to the SCCA Auto cross Championships.
Pro-Am Format in 2006:
Through a series of competitions, each region (West, Midwest, South and East) will select 8 drivers to compete at the final Pro-am Nationals event.
The competition format for the regional events will be single elimination and only require an SA2000 helmet & SFI approved driving suit. The competition format for the Pro-Am Nationals event will be tandem elimination and the car safety/driver safety regulations will be the same as the Formula D Pro Series.
Pro-Am Format in 2007 and beyond:
Starting in 2007, each regional organization will select 8 drivers to compete at the final Pro-am Nationals event. A series of competition events will be held by each of the following organizations; Drift Association (West), US Drift (East), South East Drift Association (East), Just Drift (West), Club FR (Midwest), Daily Drifter (South).
The competition format for the regional events will be single elimination and only require an SA2000 helmet & SFI approved driving suit. The competition format for the Pro-Am Nationals event will be tandem elimination and the car safety/driver safety regulations will be the same as the Formula D Pro Series.
More information:
Effective August of 2006, the only way to receive a Formula D pro license will be through the Pro-Am series or through petition. Formula D Pro Licenses will be granted to those who are successfully at the Formula D Pro-Am Nationals.
In an effort to lessen the financial strain on drivers, the single elimination format was chosen for the regional competitions. Naoki hopes that Formula D Pro-Am will be able to acquire sponsorship in order to help drivers competing in the Nationals. He mentioned that he’d like to see safety equipment manufactures help prepare the drivers who have proven themselves in their region. Naoki would also like to see sponsors arrange transportation for drivers competing in the Nationals, which may take place in Utah later this year.
For more information on the Formula D Pro-Am series, visit the Formula D Pro-Am web site.