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PART 1
World Drift Championships Inc.
WDC World Drift Championships Inc. is a company founded in 2002 with a unique strategy for producing and operating a professional Drifting franchise for domestic and international competitions. The Company has successfully integrated the impressive talents of its founders to pursue a core business focusing, first, on a well-marketed Drift team (Lateral G Racing) and presently it’s first WDC World Drift Championships event series to be held in 2005 in conjunction with Hard Drive. WDCs founders and managers include Motor Sport/Television entertainment executives Russell Naftal and Terence Jenkins.
The sport of drifting started in the mountains of Japan and has recently flourished into over 50 events in the US and around the world. Drifting is a high-skill, high-powered motor sport that calls for drivers to control a 450hp + car while it slides sideways at high speeds through a marked course. It is similar to rally racing, but is done on a closed course and judged on execution and style rather than who finishes the course fastest. Drifting takes all the thrilling moments of traditional motorsports and packs it together into non-stop competition.
The WDC events will be the feature attraction at Primedia’s 10 Hard Drive automotive lifestyle events which also include time attack auto cross, drag racing, car show, test drives, video game driving simulator pavilion, vendor midway and more. The first WDC event at Hard Drive will be held at the California Speedway in Los Angeles on March 10th and 11th. 2005
Founders:
RUSSELL NAFTAL
Award winning producer; Russell Naftal has a wide-ranging background. With a degree in advertising he first used his skills in the garment industry as a Designer/creative director designing children’s clothing for companies such as Nautica, Calvin Klein Kids, Absorba, and Doe Spun. Russell also designed and implemented those companies advertising/marketing campaigns and personally helped increase revenues to over 85 million dollars. After ten years of success, Russell moved to Los Angeles utilizing his talents as an illustrator and cartoonist, to position his way into the entertainment industry.
Russell was offered opportunities as a cartoonist with Hanna Barbera and Nickelodeon, but elected to pursue a career as a producer. Russell started as a segment producer for NBA entertainment and produced several projects including the NBA and NBC program “NBA Hollywood” featuring Jerry Sienfeld, Mathew Perry and Michael Jordan. Simultaneously Russell Co-founded a Broadband Distribution company called FuelNetworks, which was a pioneer in the unique implementation of video on demand, and had supporting partners such as J. Walter Thompson, Sun Micro Systems, Oracle, Exodus and Excite at Home. Russell used the combination of his relationships and strong experience in branded programming, and quickly found himself producing for Mandalay Entertainment in their Sports division.
At Mandalay Russell has produced and consulted a variety of programming including the highly-popular “WCW Superstar video series” for Warner Bros. A top-selling biographical series that focused on the stars of World Championship Wrestling. This video series won him several Telly Awards and Videographer Awards. Before long Russell had his own production division at Mandalay Sports where he had been developing and producing several projects for television, animation and features. Recent completed projects include “Shoot Out Online” featuring Peter Guber and Peter Bart. “The Catch” a short film by Philip Atlakson. edited the highly acclaimed hip-hop documentary, “Street Dreams”: Volume One for Chinavision Films, “Dogg Pound Uncut” the true story of the hugely successful west coast rap group, wrote, produced and edited two national commercials for “Strana Racing” and for ABC Family Executive Produced 39 episodes of the award winning children’s game show “Go For IT TV” at the time it was the number one rated kids program on the ABC Family network. In 2002 Russell brought in professional BMX rider and action sports producer, Todd Seligman to develop a Core Sports and Youth Culture Division Focusing on television, film and live events. a feature film currently in post production “SLEDGE” starring Ben Stiller, a surf documentary for Billabong one of the leading manufacturers in action sports, a Drifting reality show and Producing the feature film for Mandalay/DreamWorks “Kung Fu Theater”. Russell also has great ties within the music industry and is currently in business with highly successful Hip Hop star Ghost Face, who is making his acting debut in Russell’s feature film “Raccoonz” currently in early pre-production, starring Method Man, Indris Elba, and Ghost Face.
In addition to his television and film endeavors Russell is an owner and partner of a new motor sport league called “WDC” (World Drifting Championships Inc.) and a Drift team “Lateral G Racing”. “Lateral G Racing” along with its sponsored Mopar/Dodge Viper is currently the number one Drifting team in the USA. Lateral G Racing is one of the most publicized drifting teams with articles in every major automotive magazine and world wide distributed new papers, and broadcast television.
Russell has also been a branding consultant for multiple companies on a monthly retainer basis, including “Wild Heart Ranch”, Evander Holyfield, and Group Lotto. Russell continues to explore his cartooning abilities as well as his technology interest and currently holds a seat on the board of a Canadian Toy company.
TERENCE JENKINS
Professional Athlete
Terence has been in the entertainment and sports industry for over 17 years. Having grown up skateboarding and surfing in New Zealand and Australia it wasn’t until his family moved back to Liverpool, England did he start a prestigious cycling career and turned professional at the age of just seventeen. Terence is now recognized as one of the early Freestyle BMX pioneers and won the first ever European freestyle competition in Bristol, England. He competed amongst the top 10 riders in the world, all documented in magazines, books and television. Throughout his career he has represented and been sponsored by companies such as Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Cars, Toyota, Rover Cars, Kellogg’s, Haro Cycles and numerous other industry companies. Also because of a passion for performance cars he chose to tour with several different performance driving teams throughout Europe and even to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Producer
In 1994 Terence left England desiring a new location and new challenges. He set his sights on Los Angeles, California. Within two years he was managing extreme sports stunt teams producing half time shows for the NBA, NFL and MTV’s Spring Break, and co-produced 17-episodes of “Sports Rap” which the result was the EMI award winning Whistler snowboard series for the KSCI Network.
After years of being in front of the camera as an athlete he now found himself behind the cameras armed with a new passion for production. Terence went on to produce 30-episodes for Fox Sports Net and ESPN with ‘Xtreme Sport TV’ and ‘Mobile Skatepark Series’ plus ‘The Road to Narch’ a Nike documentary. He also produced 50-episodes of ‘Aggronation’ for Digital Entertainment Network. With an equal passion for cars in 2000 Terence produced ‘Street Fury-Blue’ the first domestic video to feature drifting in the US, shortly after he produced ‘Maximum Velocity’ also featuring the first ‘How to Drift’ segment.
Motorsports
Back in England in 1986 Terence a rally and road race fan pulled apart his first car with the goal of more speed and better handling. He personally tackled the project and with the guidance from friends who built Toyota Group A rally cars went with a cylinder overbore, swapped the cams and ported and polished the cylinder head fitted Twin Webber 40 DCOE. Suspension taken from a race Ford Capri Cosworth all wrapped with the Ford X-Pack body kit making for an unbeatable street car, he went on to build many other cars including a replica AC Cobra.
Terence always drove the cars he built (hard) and being a fan of rally racing he would head to the docks and industrial areas of Liverpool at night with friends and slide his car through he corners for fun. Accelerating to 2001 and little did he know that over thirteen years later the sliding (drifting) hasn’t stopped. Seeing the potential of drifting and the crossover to the action sports market he created Lateral G Racing, a team of three professional drivers two of which qualified to compete in the first ever D1 Grand Prix. Today Lateral G Racing backed by Mopar and is currently America’s number one drift team.
Hosting and emceeing
Terence is also an accomplished host and emcee for live events and television, having hosted and emceed live events for Details Magazine, NFL, NBA and MTV. He has emceed literally hundreds of action sports events around America and Europe plus the recent US D1 Grand Prix driver search and competitions. Recently he was hired to talk and educate thousands of Daimler Chrysler sales staff and managers across America regarding the latest technology in the new Magnum and 300 cars.
WDC/Hard Drive (RULES & Press Release)
PART 2
Competition Rules
Revised 19 January 2005
Contents
Description of Competition 2
Sanctioning 3
Cash Awards 3
GT4 Challenge 3
GT4 National Finals 5
Competitor Eligibility 7
Rules of Conduct 7
Competition Car Definition 8
Classifications 9
Preparation Rules
Tires 9
Technical Inspection 9
Rules Common to All Classes 9
Street 12
Touring 14
Modified 17
Unlimited 19
Appendix
Protest and Appeal 21
Description of Competitions
Hard Drive Competition consists of five elements:
1. Auto-Cross/Time Attack
2. Drag Racing (Zero to Zero)
3. Dyno Challenge
4. Audio Challenge
5. Car Show
The dynamic competition of Hard Drive is the Auto-Cross/Time Attack and Drag Racing, with car preparation rules tailored to you: the sport compact enthusiast.
In the Auto-Cross/Time Attack you race side-by-side with another competitor, running against the clock, on separate mirror image autocross courses. Racers/ participants compete throughout the day. Each participant is guaranteed a minimum of eight runs. The eight runs are divided between courses, four on the left and four on the right. The best time on the left course is combined with the best time on the right course, determining your finishing position.*
*Drivers will be given additional laps if time permits
In Drag Racing, you’ll compete in acceleration and braking runs that push the dynamic limits of your car. It’s called Zero to Zero or 0-0. Start with a Christmas tree, run against the clock, side-by-side with another competitor, in an effort to have the fastest time in your class. Stopping in a box just larger than your car challenges the machine and driver! Your best run determines finishing order in class. Each participant will be guaranteed a minimum of six runs on the drag strip. You will then take the best time out of the six runs, to use against the rest of the field in class.*
*Drivers will be given additional laps if time permits
Two or three driver competition cars are allowed (except GT4 Challenge)
All dynamic competitions are won by setting lowest elapsed time in your classification. You may compete in an event at any time during open competition hours.
All vehicles will be required to pass a stringent technical inspection process; anyone failing to meet with the standards set by Hard Drive will not be permitted to compete.
Sanctioning
Hard Drive is also the overall governing body for all competitions conducted in each city. Events also have individual sanctioning:
• Auto-Cross/Time Attack by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)
• Drag Racing 0-0 by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)
• Car Show by the National Custom Car Association (NCCA)
• Audio Challenge by the International Auto Sound Competition Association (IASCA)
• Dyno Challenge by Dyno Dynamics (DD)
Cash Awards, Points System
Hard Drive has a cash payout system for the top 5 performers in each of the five competitions.
Payouts are based on minimum of 20 competitors in class. Payouts will commence after impound at approximately 7:30 PM. Payment checks will be given only to the registered driver. You must present proof of Social Security or business Tax Identification Number (EIN, with copy of business license) and government issued photo ID.
In addition, trophies and other prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each vehicle class in each competition.
Competitors are able to compete in any event, even multiple events. In fact, as a Hard Drive competitor, you are eligible to go for the overall honors:
Gran Turismo 4 Challenge
This includes driving laps on the real driving simulator: Gran Turismo 4, exclusively on PlayStation 2.
The Hard Drive GT4 Challenge will identify the Ultimate Tuner, both car and driver at each Hard Drive tour stop and will determine a National Champion at the end of the season. The GT4 Challenge tests the competitor and his vehicle on all facets of tuner performance:
• Overall build, fit, finish and functionality
• Sound system installation and quality
• Horsepower and torque
• Acceleration and handling
GT4 Challenge is not just a measure of horsepower! It is a measure of the entire package. This is the thread that holds the diverse Tuner world together at Hard Drive. Any vehicle and driver can win it on any day because each participant is competing against comparable vehicles in each of the specific competitions.
GT4 Challenge consists of two main elements during the entire Hard Drive tour:
1. Individual Event Championship in each of nine cities
2. Invitation-only GT4 Challenge National Finals at the last Hard Drive in Los Angeles
GT4 Event Championship
The GT4 Challenge will take center stage at each event. Comprised of the five individual competitions around the Hard Drive site and a battle of video gaming skills, the GT4 Challenge will culminate in an awards ceremony at the final event, crowning the Ultimate Tuner.
1. An entry is considered one driver/one car. Multiple drivers per car are not allowed for GT4 Challenge.
2. Competitors in the GT4 Challenge must compete in six competitions at Hard Drive on the same day:
• Auto-Cross/Time Attack
• Drag Racing (0-0)
• Car Show
• Dyno Challenge
• Audio Challenge
• GT4 video game on PlayStation 2
3. GT4 Challenge participants compete alongside all entrants contending for individual event honors.
4. Access to VIP Hospitality Tent.
5. In each of the competitions, GT4 Challenge participants compete in a class determined according to the rules for each individual competition as determined by the sanctioning body (Hard Drive) (e.g., tires, number of cylinders, speaker size, type of modifications, etc.).
6. Competitors earn points based on final finishing position in class among all competitors in that class in each specific competition element. Points are distributed per event as follows:
Finish GT4 Finish GT4 Finish GT4
position points position points position points
1 250 10 160 19 90
2 240 11 150 20 80
3 230 12 160 21 70
4 220 13 150 22 60
5 210 14 140 23 50
6 200 15 130 24 40
7 190 16 120 25 30
8 180 17 110 26 20
9 170 18 100 27+ 10
6. Points accrue from each of the specific competitions to receive a final total GT4 Challenge score. A perfect score is 1,500 points for finishing first in class in each specific competition.
7. If a GT4 Challenge participant starts any individual competition, he receives at least a minimum score of 10 points for that competition in spite of not finishing (DNF = 10 points).
8. If a GT4 Challenge participant fails to start in any of the six competitions, they receive zero points for those competitions (DNS = 0 points).
9. The GT4 Challenge participant achieving the highest cumulative score wins the GT4 Challenge Championship at that particular Hard Drive event.
10. GT4 Challenge requires both Driver and Competition Vehicle meet established technical inspections and pass Hard Drive safety regulations.
11. The top three points scoring GT4 Challenge participants at each event are invited to participate at the GT4 Challenge National Finals taking place at the final Hard Drive event of the year.
12. In case of a tie in points among any of the top three finishers, participants will compete head-to-head in Sony PlayStation 2's GT4 until a definite winner is established.
GT4 Challenge National Finals
The final Hard Drive event of the season will be host to the invitation-only GT4 Challenge National Finals.
1. GT4 Challenge National Finals invitees will be extended to:
• The top three finishers at the first nine Hard Drive GT4 Challenges.
• GT4 Challenge National Finals field size is 27 maximum.
2. Invitees only receive one invitation to the GT4 Challenge National Finals. In the event that there is a GT4 Challenge participant that places in the top three at multiple Hard Drive event GT4 Challenge, they will retain all trophies and monetary winnings from that event, and their invitation to the National Finals will default to the next racer in line who does not already have an invitation.
3. Points for the GT4 Challenge National Finals will be scored as described for Individual Event Championships.
4. One GT4 Challenge National Finals Champion will be crowned at the final Hard Drive event of the year.
5. GT4 Challenge National Finals prizes will be awarded through the top three finishers at the final Hard Drive event.
6. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers.
Competitor Eligibility
• All competitors must have a valid driver’s license.
• Valid driver’s licenses forfeited as bond for a traffic citation must present the citation and government issued photo identification.
• Competitors are required to wear seat belts and helmets when driving in competition. Roll bars are recommended.
• A passenger is not allowed.
All participants, including competitors, workers, crew, and guests, must sign the Hard Drive waiver form. Credentials are issued to and must be displayed by those who have signed waivers.
In accordance with Hard Drive insurance guidelines, non-competing participants under the age of majority in the state in which the event is being conducted must have a completed Minor Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement. No notarization is required. One parent or legal guardian may execute at each event the release agreement for use only at that particular event. Minors may not attend Hard Drive as a crew member without a properly completed waiver. Competing participants under the age of majority in the state in which the event is being conducted must have completed a Minor Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity for each event in which they participate as a competitor.
Competition Rules, Definitions and Classifications
Driver/ Participant Responsibility and Conduct
A. Use of Alcohol or Narcotics. Any driver considered being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics shall be disqualified.
B. On-site check-in begins Friday at 12:00 PM and ends at 6:00 PM (8:00 AM to 12:00 PM for GT4 Challenge competitors).
C. Technical inspection must be completed by 7:00 PM Friday (12:00 PM Friday for GT4 Challenge).
D. Drivers meeting attendance mandatory at 7:00 AM sharp Saturday. Failure to attend results in immediate disqualification, forfeiture of entry fee and accrued points from previous events, and dismissal from the event site.
E. Any competitor with a known medical condition (including pregnancy) which could affect his/her ability to compete may do so only with the agreement of his/her personal physician.
F. Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and non-disruptive manner. Any driver/ participant who drives unsafely at or near the event location, or displays unsportsmanlike conduct, shall be disqualified forfeiting entry fees and risk legal prosecution. The driver/ participant/ entrant shall be responsible for the conduct of all family and crew members.
G. Helmets meeting the current or two immediately preceding Snell Foundation standards (SA or M) are acceptable and must be worn while on course. For 2005 this includes Snell 2000, Snell 1995, and Snell 1990.
H. The driver is responsible for the correct determination of the car’s class/category. If in doubt as to classification or concerning the conformity of the car or its equipment to the rules governing the class, he may submit a Request for Clarification to Hard Drive event officials. It is the driver’s responsibility to assure the proper number is on the car prior to competing. Numbers will be distributed at registration.
I. Pressurized gas and air bottles with a pressure in excess of 200 psi must have a protective structure around their gauge and valves.
Competition Car
A competition car is defined as any passenger automobile originally sold through normal car dealerships in the United States in quantities of at least 1,000 in a 12-month period in order to be eligible. The vehicle must have been capable of legal licensed operation on a public roadway in its original as-new condition. Vehicles may be modified (within Hard Drive rules and regulations) that may render them in non-compliance for public on-road use in the U.S.
With the exception of specific class-allowed modifications, all competition vehicles must retain manufacturers’ standard equipment in unmodified form and function. Basically, if the class rules do not specifically allow a modification, it is not allowed.
It is the responsibility of the competitor to prove that the vehicle conforms to Hard Drive regulations by use of the vehicle manufacturers’ shop service manual, owners manual, sales catalog, technical service bulletin, or other official manufacturer’s documentation.
There is a formal protest and appeal process to ensure fair and equitable competition.
Hard Drive reserves the right to modify the rules as deemed necessary for improved competition. Competitors may petition for rules clarifications, additions, and modifications at any time and will be granted after review by the Competition Board if judged to be in the best interest of Hard Drive. As stated by the founders of Hard Drive, “The nature of the dynamic competition shall be driven by the competitors.”
Classifications
There are four different classes for competition cars:
1. Street
2. Touring
3. Modified
4. Unlimited
Within the first three, Street, Touring and Modified, there are sub-categories for Professional and Amateur, yielding a total of seven race groups.
Professional or Amateur?
The difference is the tire you choose to run. Any driver competing on a tire with a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) treadwear rating (UTQGS) greater than 140 will be placed in the Amateur category.
A tire with a DOT rating equal to or less than 140 will place the driver in the Professional category.
The one tire with the lowest treadwear rating in a set will determine category. Any tire not stating a treadwear rating will be placed in the Unlimited class.
Race-only non-DOT conforming purpose-built or purpose-modified slick racing tires are allowed only in the Unlimited class.
1. Technical Inspection
1.1. Prior to competition all cars and driver equipment must undergo a technical inspection. The participant agrees that he/she bears the ultimate responsibility at all times to ensure the safety of participant’s vehicle; and to ensure that participant complies with all applicable Hard Drive rules. The participant/ driver agrees that he/she is in the best position to know about the construction and operation of participant’s vehicle, equipment and clothing and whether there has been compliance with all applicable Hard Drive rules.
2. Rules common to all classes
2.1. Appearance: All competition vehicles must be free of body damage, show no primer, have clean interior, exterior bodywork, and trunk and engine compartment.
2.2. Tire safety: Tires must be in good condition, with no cord or belts showing or cracks in the tread or sidewall. Each tire must have measurable tread depth at no less than two points on the tire which are 180 degrees apart around the circumference, and which are within the center one-half of the tread surface that normally contacts the ground. Tires may not have cord visible at any time during competition. Tires may not be re-grooved, nor may grooves be added to the tread pattern where none existed on the original tire.
2.3. Lose items: Floor mats and any lose interior items must be removed. Spare tires/ jacks/ tools must be removed unless positively fastened in place.
2.4. Driver restraints: Seat lap belts are required in all cars, and must be installed in cars with passive restraint systems that do not include a lap belt. Installation and the use of shoulder belts or harnesses is strongly recommended, however non-factory upper body restraints may only be used in open cars, cars with targa tops in the open position, or cars with T-tops in the open position when two conditions are met:
2.4.1. The roll structure must meet the requirements of 2.5 below.
2.4.2. The top of the roll structure may not be below the top of the driver’s helmet when the driver is in the normal driving position.
2.5. Roll bars/ cages (if installed): Roll bar construction to follow the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Solo II Roll Bar Standards (http://www.scca.com/Solo/Index.asp?reference=rules) at minimum, or better yet, SCCA General Competition Rules (GCR) section 18 (http://www.scca.com/Club/index.asp?reference=gcr) for roll cages.
2.6. Fuel: Only the fuel type specified in the owner’s and/or factory service manual may be used. Fuel will be tested for compliance.
2.7. No nitrous oxide.
2.8. Video cameras: Must be securely mounted if installed.
2.9. Hub caps: Snap on hub caps and trim rings must be removed.
2.10. Exhaust emissions: All competition vehicles must pass a static exhaust emissions test and found in compliance with federally mandated non-California emissions standards for the year of the vehicles manufacture.
2.11. SRS system: Supplemental Restrain Systems (air bags) may be defeated or removed. If removed, dash openings must be tastefully and safely covered, steering wheels must be replaced with an aftermarket wheel with the horn functional. Public street driven vehicles shall reactivate SSR systems when not in competition.
2.12. Steering wheel: Steering wheels may be substituted and any hardware required facilitating aftermarket steering wheel installation allowed. Defeating the collapsible steering column is forbidden.
2.13. Exhaust system: Exhaust systems must exit beneath the car and behind the driver. Sound not exceed 100 dBA measured 50’ from the competition vehicle by the organizer’s equipment. This will be the only form of measurement accepted and all competitors must abide by it.
2.14. Consumables: Brake pads, filters and fluids, also commonly available standard sized non-suspension fasteners, are allowed free replacement.
2.15. Battery: Any wet-cell battery moved from the manufacturer’s original location shall be in a non-conductive marine-type container or equivalent, and the hot terminal shall be insulated. All batteries (on-board power supplies) shall be attached securely to the frame or chassis structure independent of the marine-type container. NOTE: This will allow the use of gel cell or dry cell (AGM) batteries without a non-conductive marine-type container where applicable.
2.16. VIN: Vehicle must show at least two VIN plates and/or stampings to determine year of manufacture. Tenth digit designates the model year.
2.17. Air conditioners: May be removed in part or whole. Gaps created by removal of the condenser may be sealed.
2.18. Safety crush structure: Removal of any safety related item such as bumper crush structures, door beams, etc. is forbidden unless specifically authorized.
2.19. Traction control: Electronic traction control systems allowed only in Unlimited class unless as equipped from the original manufacturer.
2.20. Unstable vehicles: Vehicles with a narrow track and high center of gravity are excluded. Determination by Hard Drive officials is final and not protestable.
2.21. Alternate controls: Physically disabled drivers may use alternate vehicle controls and preparation items appropriate for the nature of their disability. In the case of a driver using alternate controls, extra care will be taken to ensure that the driver does have adequate control of the vehicle, and that the control mechanisms can stand up to competition use.
3. Street
3.1. Engine: Stock engine and internal components
3.1.1. Modification to the intake system up to and including the throttle body(ies). Specifically allows bolt-on aftermarket air filtration systems. Does not allow addition of supercharger or turbocharger.
3.1.2. Exhaust system modification allowed. Must not exceed 100 dBA measured 50’ from the competition vehicle by the organizer’s equipment. This will be the only form of measurement accepted and all competitors must abide by it.
3.1.3. Modifications to the engine management system are allowed. Aftermarket ‘chips’, piggyback ECUs available for retail sale, and signal conditioners are legal modifications. The OEM computer must continue to drive the ignition and fuel injection if so equipped.
3.1.4. Stand alone aftermarket engine management systems are NOT allowed.
3.1.5. Engine specification must remain as original. No alteration, substitution or modification to engine components other than allowed in 3.1.1, 3.1.2, and 3.1.3 above. Cylinder head, block and all other engine components must remain as specified in the car’s factory service manual or technical service bulletin.
3.1.6. Cylinder bore dimension must be as original, factory ‘first overbore’ specification, or in absence of a factory specification for first overbore, no greater than 0.030 inches from factory original specification. Sleeving is allowed.
3.1.7. Substitution of flexible vacuum and pressure lines allowed only as direct replacement and performing only the original function.
3.1.8. No updating or backdating of components. No engine swaps from a different model or common platform (like B18C Integra engine installed in a Civic). The burden of proof lies with the competitor.
3.2. Normally aspirated only; rotary, 4, 5 and 6 cylinder engines
3.2.1. No turbocharged or supercharged vehicles. No eight, ten or twelve cylinder engines.
3.3. Stock suspension
3.3.1. All suspension components (except shock absorbers) must utilize original equipment components and location points (see 3.3.2 for exception).
3.3.2. Any suspension shock absorber (damper) may be used provided it mounts in the identical position. Change in shock component dimensions is acceptable. Attachment points may not be altered with the specific exception of MacPherson strut camber plates (3.3.8) changing the location of the upper shock mount. Remote reservoir shocks are permitted; modification to body to facilitate remote canister installation may perform no other function. Remote reservoirs must not present a hazard to driver or event personnel.
3.3.3. Any suspension spring rate and free length is allowed (torsion bars or leaf springs may not convert to helically wound coil springs).
3.3.4. Threaded spring perches allowed. Addition of roller bearing spring perches in concentric spring/damper units allowed.
3.3.5. Either OEM or aftermarket parts designed specifically to adjust camber may be used to alter camber (this allows factory ‘crash bolts’).
3.3.6. Caster must remain within factory tolerance.
3.3.7. Toe angle is free. Links may not be modified or replaced to gain additional adjustment.
3.3.8. MacPherson strut suspensions may install aftermarket camber plates and spherical bearings (rod ends, ‘pillow balls’) directly attached to the camber plate.
3.3.9. Control arm, anti-roll bar, tension rod, swing arm, and toe control link bushings may be replaced with any polymer, non-metallic material such as polyurethane or Delrin. On composite bushings, the amount of metallic material may not increase.
3.3.10. No other bearings may be installed in addition to factory specification with the exception of 3.3.4 and 3.3.8.
3.4. Stock transmission/ drivetrain
3.4.1. Internal modification to the gearbox is expressly forbidden.
3.4.2. May utilize any bolt-on aftermarket flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. Must maintain the original number of clutch discs.
3.4.3. Substitution of final drive ratio allowed by replacement of the ring and pinion only. This does not authorize change of drop gears or spur gears in the transmission.
3.4.4. Addition or modification to limited slip or positive locking differential allowed.
3.4.5. Welding differential spider gears to solidly lock the assembly is forbidden.
3.5. Wheels and tires
3.5.1. Any size wheel and tire combination is allowed, but it must clear bodywork and suspension pieces through its entire range of travel (vertical and steering angle). Resulting offset changes are acceptable.
3.5.2. No wheel spacers.
3.5.3. Modifications to bodywork to facilitate wheel/tire installation is allowed with either molded fender flairs or substitution of bodywork.
3.5.4. Wheels and tires must not protrude beyond the bodywork when viewed from above.
3.5.5. Bolt pattern may not be changed from original specification
3.5.6. Substitution of wheel bolts for wheel studs and nuts is allowed. Aluminum wheel nuts are allowed.
3.6. Brakes
3.6.1. Brake pads are free to substitute (2.15).
3.6.2. Substitution of OEM rubber flexible brake lines for Teflon lines with braided stainless steel protection is encouraged. Safe installation is mandatory.
3.6.3. Substitution of brake disc or drum is allowed as long as dimensionally identical to OEM component. Drilled and/or slotted rotors allowed.
3.6.4. Updating or backdating rear axle drum brakes for OEM disc brakes within the same manufacturer is allowed (passenger sedan, coupe or hatchback, not truck). Aftermarket rotor of identical OE dimensions is acceptable, may be slotted and/or cross-drilled.
3.6.5. Hydraulic bias valve may be modified, removed or substituted. May not be driver adjustable or accessible.
3.6.6. Handbrake hardware may be removed.
3.7. Battery
3.7.1. May be replaced with one smaller, but not moved from it’s original position. Must comply with 2.16.
4. Touring
4.1. Engine: Stock engine and internal components
4.1.1. Modification to the intake system up to and including the throttle body(ies). Specifically allows bolt-on aftermarket air filtration systems. Does not allow addition of supercharger or turbocharger to OE normally aspirated applications.
4.1.2. Exhaust system modification allowed. Must not exceed 100 dBA measured 50’ from the competition vehicle by the organizer’s equipment. This will be the only form of measurement accepted and all competitors must abide by it.
4.1.3. Modification to the engine management system is allowed. Aftermarket ‘chips’, piggyback ECUs available for retail sale, and signal conditioners are legal modifications. The OEM computer must continue to drive the ignition and fuel injection if so equipped.
4.1.4. Stand alone aftermarket engine management systems are NOT allowed.
4.1.5. Engine specification must remain as original. No alteration, substitution or modification to engine components other than allowed in 4.1.1, 4.1.2, and 4.1.3 above. Cylinder head, block and all other engine components must remain as specified in the car’s factory service manual or technical service bulletin.
4.1.6. Cylinder bore dimension must be as original, factory ‘first overbore’ specification, or in absence of a factory specification for first overbore, no greater than 0.030 inches from factory original specification. Sleeving is allowed.
4.1.7. Substitution of flexible vacuum and pressure lines allowed only as direct replacement and performing only the original function.
4.1.8. No updating or backdating of components. No engine swaps from a different model or common platform (like B18C Integra engine installed in a Civic). The burden of proof lies with the competitor.
4.2. OE Turbocharged, supercharged, V8 and V10 engines allowed
4.2.1. Does not allow bolt-on aftermarket turbocharger and supercharger kits to an engine originally normally aspirated from the factory.
4.2.2. Addition, modification or substitution of an intercooler system allowed.
4.2.3. Modification or substitution of wastegate allowed. Exhaust gas must rejoin main exhaust system to be processed by a catalytic converter (if originally installed) and not dump ahead of the driver.
4.2.4. Aftermarket electronic control systems for wastegate actuation and/or timed engine idle shut-down period are allowed.
4.2.5. No alteration or substitution of the turbo or supercharger internal/external systems unless specifically authorized.
4.3. Stock suspension
4.3.1. All suspension components (except shock absorbers) must utilize original equipment components and location points (see 4.3.2 for exception).
4.3.2. Any suspension shock absorber (damper) may be used provided it mounts in the identical position. Change in shock component dimensions is acceptable. Attachment points may not be altered with the specific exception of MacPherson strut camber plates (4.3.8) changing the location of the upper shock mount. Remote reservoir shocks are permitted; modification to body to facilitate remote canister installation may perform no other function. Remote reservoirs must not present a hazard to driver or event personnel.
4.3.3. Any suspension spring rate and free length is allowed (torsion bars or leaf springs may not convert to helically wound coil springs).
4.3.4. Threaded spring perches allowed. Addition of roller bearing spring perches in concentric spring/damper units allowed.
4.3.5. Either OEM or aftermarket parts designed specifically to adjust camber may be used to alter camber (this allows factory ‘crash bolts’).
4.3.6. Caster must remain within factory tolerance.
4.3.7. Toe angle is free. Links may not be modified or replaced to gain additional adjustment.
4.3.8. MacPherson strut suspensions may install aftermarket camber plates and spherical bearings (rod ends, ‘pillow balls’) directly attached to the camber plate.
4.3.9. Control arm, anti-roll bar, tension rod, swing arm, and toe control link bushings may be replaced with any polymer, non-metallic material such as polyurethane or Delrin. On composite bushings, the amount of metallic material may not increase.
4.3.10. No other bearings may be installed in addition to factory specification with the exception of 4.3.4 and 4.3.8.
4.4. Stock transmission/ drivetrain
4.4.1. Internal modification to the gearbox is expressly forbidden.
4.4.2. May utilize any bolt-on aftermarket flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. Must maintain the original number of clutch discs.
4.4.3. Substitution of final drive ratio allowed by replacement of the ring and pinion only. This does not authorize change of drop gears or spur gears in the transmission.
4.4.4. Addition or modification to limited slip or positive locking differential allowed.
4.4.5. Welding differential spider gears to solidly lock the assembly is forbidden.
4.5. Wheels and tires
4.5.1. Any size wheel and tire combination is allowed, but it must clear bodywork and suspension pieces through its entire range of travel (vertical and steering angle). Resulting offset changes are acceptable.
4.5.2. No wheel spacers.
4.5.3. Modifications to bodywork to facilitate wheel/tire installation are allowed with either molded fender flairs or complete substitution of bodywork.
4.5.4. Wheels and tires must not protrude beyond the bodywork when viewed from above.
4.5.5. Bolt pattern may not be changed from original specification
4.5.6. Substitution of wheel bolts for wheel studs and nuts is allowed. Aluminum wheel nuts are allowed.
4.6. Brakes
4.6.1. Brake pads are free to substitute (2.15).
4.6.2. Substitution of OEM rubber flexible brake lines for Teflon lines with braided stainless steel protection is encouraged. Safe installation is mandatory.
4.6.3. Substitution of brake disc or drum is allowed as long as dimensionally identical to OEM component. Drilled and/or slotted rotors allowed.
4.6.4. Updating or backdating rear axle drum brakes for OEM disc brakes within the same manufacturer is allowed (passenger sedan, coupe or hatchback, not truck). Aftermarket rotor of identical OE dimensions is acceptable, may be slotted and/or cross-drilled.
4.6.5. Hydraulic bias valve may be modified, removed or substituted. May not be driver adjustable or accessible.
4.6.6. Handbrake hardware may be removed.
4.7. Battery
4.7.1. May be replaced with one smaller, but not moved from it’s original position. Must comply with 2.16.
5. Modified
5.1. Engine: Modified engine and internal components allowed
5.1.1. Modification to the intake system up to and including the throttle body(ies). Specifically allows bolt-on aftermarket air filtration systems.
5.1.2. Exhaust system modification allowed. Must not exceed 100 dBA measured 50’ from the competition vehicle by the organizer’s equipment. This will be the only form of measurement accepted and all competitors must abide by it.
5.1.3. Modifications to the engine management system is allowed. Aftermarket ‘chips’, piggyback ECUs available for retail sale, and signal conditioners are legal modifications. The OEM computer must continue to drive the ignition and fuel injection if so equipped.
5.1.4. Stand alone aftermarket engine management systems are allowed.
5.1.5. Substitution of flexible vacuum and pressure lines allowed only as direct replacement and performing only the original function.
5.1.6. Updating/ backdating engine components allowed.
5.1.7. Block must remain as originally OEM built, internal components may change.
5.1.8. Cylinder heads may be changed though only within the same OE manufacturer. No aftermarket cylinder heads.
5.1.9. Camshaft is free
5.1.10. Rotary engine intake and exhaust modification is permitted.
5.1.11. No engine block swaps from a different model or common platform (like B18C Integra engine installed in a Civic). The burden of proof lies with the competitor.
5.2. Turbocharged, supercharged, V8 and V10 engines allowed
5.2.1. Aftermarket turbocharger and supercharger kits allowed.
5.2.2. Addition, modification or substitution of an intercooler system allowed.
5.2.3. Modification or substitution of wastegate allowed. Exhaust gas must rejoin main exhaust system to be processed by a catalytic converter (if originally installed) and not dump ahead of the driver.
5.2.4. Aftermarket electronic control systems for wastegate actuation and/or timed engine idle shut-down period are allowed.
5.2.5. Alteration, modification and substitution of turbocharger/ supercharger allowed.
5.3. Modified suspension
5.3.1. Suspension components, configuration and chassis mounting points may be modified.
5.3.2. Any suspension shock absorber (damper) may be used. Change in shock component dimensions is acceptable. Remote reservoir shocks are permitted; modification to body to facilitate remote canister installation may perform no other function. Remote reservoirs must not present a hazard to driver or event personnel.
5.3.3. Driver adjustable and/or real-time variable damping allowed.
5.3.4. Any suspension spring is allowed. Torsion bars or leaf springs may convert to helically wound coil springs.
5.3.5. Threaded spring perches allowed. Addition of roller bearing spring perches in concentric spring/damper units allowed.
5.3.6. Either OEM or aftermarket parts designed specifically to adjust camber may be used to alter camber (this allows factory ‘crash bolts’).
5.3.7. Caster setting free.
5.3.8. Toe angle is free, links may be modified or replaced to alter toe.
5.3.9. Suspension bearings may be converted to spherical or cylindrical stainless steel or other material.
5.4. Modified transmission/ drivetrain
5.4.1. Internal modification to the gearbox is permitted. Ratios changed conversion to dog-engagement synchronizers allowed.
5.4.2. May utilize any bolt-on aftermarket flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. Multi-plate clutch discs allowed.
5.4.3. Transmission coolers may be added or modified.
5.4.4. Conversion from cable operated to hydraulic clutch release bearing actuation allowed.
5.4.5. No-lift shift mechanisms allowed.
5.4.6. Substitution of final drive ratio allowed.
5.4.7. Addition or modification to limited slip or positive locking differential allowed.
5.4.8. Purpose-built spools permitted.
5.4.9. Welding differential spider gears to solidly lock the assembly is forbidden.
5.5. Wheels and tires
5.5.1. Any size wheel and tire combination is allowed, but it must clear bodywork and suspension pieces through its entire range of travel (vertical and steering angle). Resulting offset changes are acceptable.
5.5.2. Wheel spacers permitted, must be declared on technical inspection sheet.
5.5.3. Modifications to bodywork to facilitate wheel/tire installation are allowed with either molded fender flairs or complete substitution of bodywork.
5.5.4. Wheels and tires must not protrude beyond the bodywork when viewed from above.
5.5.5. Bolt pattern may not be changed from original specification
5.5.6. Substitution of wheel bolts for wheel studs and nuts is allowed. Aluminum wheel nuts are allowed.
5.6. Brakes
5.6.1. Brake pads are free to substitute (2.15).
5.6.2. Substitution of OEM rubber flexible brake lines for Teflon lines with braided stainless steel protection is encouraged. Safe installation is mandatory.
5.6.3. Brake system modification permitted. Any size or style of rotor and/or caliper.
5.6.4. Must remain hydraulically actuated.
5.6.5. Addition of mechanical or hydraulic bias adjuster permitted.
5.6.6. Handbrake hardware may be removed.
5.7. Battery
5.7.1. May be replaced with one smaller, and/ or moved from it’s original position. Must comply with 2.16.
6. Unlimited
6.1. Extreme modifications permitted, however tube frame construction forbidden.
6.2. Roll bars: Roll bar or cage installation conforming to the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Solo II Roll Bar Standards (http://www.scca.com/Solo/Index.asp?reference=rules) at minimum, or better yet, SCCA General Competition Rules (GCR) section 18 (http://www.scca.com/Club/index.asp?reference=gcr) for roll cages is highly recommended.
6.3. Engine: Modified engine and internal components including swaps between manufacturers, platforms or configuration.
6.3.1. Any intake system.
6.3.2. Exhaust system modification allowed. Must not exceed 100 dBA measured 50’ from the competition vehicle by the organizer’s equipment. This will be the only form of measurement accepted and all competitors must abide by it.
6.3.3. Modifications to the engine management system is allowed. Aftermarket ‘chips’, piggyback ECUs available for retail sale, and signal conditioners are legal modifications
6.3.4. Stand alone aftermarket engine management systems are permitted.
6.3.5. Updating / backdating of components allowed as well as engine swaps from a different model or common platform (like B18C Integra engine installed in a Civic).
6.3.6. Engine location is free.
6.3.7. Firewall (bulkhead) between driver and powertrain, as well as fuel system mandatory. Only metal to separate passenger compartment from other systems.
6.4. Modified suspension
6.4.1. Suspension components, configuration and chassis mounting points may be modified.
6.4.2. Any suspension shock absorber (damper) may be used provided it mounts in the identical position. Attachment points may be altered. MacPherson strut camber plates allowed. Remote reservoir shocks permitted; modification to body to facilitate remote canister installation may perform no other function. Remote reservoirs must not present a hazard to driver or event personnel.
6.4.3. Driver adjustable and/or real-time variable damping allowed.
6.4.4. Any suspension spring is allowed. Torsion bars or leaf springs may convert to helically wound coil springs.
6.4.5. Threaded spring perches allowed. Addition of roller bearing spring perches in concentric spring/damper units allowed.
6.4.6. Either OEM or aftermarket parts designed specifically to adjust camber may be used to alter camber (this allows factory ‘crash bolts’).
6.4.7. Caster setting free.
6.4.8. Toe angle is free, links may be modified or replaced to alter toe.
6.4.9. Suspension bearings may be converted to spherical or cylindrical stainless steel or other material.
6.5. Modified transmission/ drivetrain
6.5.1. Conversion from front wheel drive to rear wheel or all wheel drive permitted.
6.5.2. Traction control legal.
6.5.3. Internal modification to the gearbox is permitted. Ratios changed and conversion to dog-engagement synchronizers allowed.
6.5.4. May utilize any flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. Multi-plate clutch discs allowed.
6.5.5. Conversion from cable operated to hydraulic clutch release bearing actuation allowed.
6.5.6. No-lift shift mechanisms allowed.
6.5.7. Substitution of final drive ratio allowed.
6.5.8. Addition or modification to limited slip or positive locking differential allowed.
6.5.9. Purpose-built spools permitted.
6.5.10. Welding differential spider gears to solidly lock the assembly is forbidden.
6.6. Wheels and tires
6.6.1. Any size wheel and tire combination is allowed, but it must clear bodywork and suspension pieces through its entire range of travel (vertical and steering angle). Resulting offset changes are acceptable.
6.6.2. Wheel spacers permitted, must be declared on technical inspection sheet.
6.6.3. Modifications to bodywork to facilitate wheel/tire installation are allowed with either molded fender flairs or complete substitution of bodywork.
6.6.4. Wheels and tires must not protrude beyond the bodywork when viewed from above.
6.6.5. Bolt pattern may not be changed from original specification
6.6.6. Substitution of wheel bolts for wheel studs and nuts is allowed. Aluminum wheel nuts are allowed.
6.7. Brakes
6.7.1. Brake pads are free to substitute (2.15).
6.7.2. Substitution of OEM rubber flexible brake lines for Teflon lines with braided stainless steel protection is encouraged. Safe installation is mandatory.
6.7.3. Brake system modification permitted. Any size or style of rotor and/or caliper.
6.7.4. Must remain hydraulically actuated.
6.7.5. Addition of mechanical or hydraulic bias adjuster permitted.
6.7.6. Handbrake hardware may be removed, modified or added.
6.8. Battery
6.8.1. May be replaced with one smaller, and/ or moved from it’s original position. Must comply with 2.16.
Protest and Appeal
1.1 Right of Protest
Any participant has the right to file a protest provided that they comply with all the procedures set forth by the sanctioning body. All participants are strongly encouraged to settle any disputes peacefully and informally. Disregard for the behavioral guidelines outlined elsewhere in the rules may result in immediate summary disqualification.
1.2 Request of Informal Inquiry
If a participant has the reason to believe that another competitor has violated the rules, the participant may verbally request an Informal Inquiry. If the inquiry does not resolve the matter, then a formal protest must be lodged within the allotted time. There is no cost for an Informal Inquiry.
1.2.1 A minimum of the following officials will be in attendance at each event. You must contact one of the following officials. Protests, informal or formal, cannot be heard by any other person.
Officials will be named in the supplemental rules distributed at on-site registration.
1.3 Finality
All decisions of the officials are final. By signing the registration form, the participant acknowledges that he/she shall abide by all decisions of the officials
1.4 Official Protest Procedure
Protests must be submitted in writing and signed by the authorized entrant and must be delivered to the Race Director (or Official 1) within 30 minutes of the completion of the timed event last run.
Each protest will be accompanied by a protest fee of $2,500. $2,000 will be returned to the protesting party if the protest is ultimately sustained.
The protest must identify the specific rule, by paragraph number being violated. Failure to identify a pertinent rule will result in the protest being overturned.
In the event that the protest procedures are not followed or the protest is found by the judges to be without merit; the judges may elect to withhold the entire protest fee.
1.5 Judgment
The officials will take the matter under advisement and will begin an investigation. Both teams involved are required to provide technicians if deemed necessary by the officials.
The officials will author a decision within 24 hours and that decision shall be final. There are no appeals.
PART 3
PRIMEDIA LAUNCHES HARD DRIVE –THE ULTIMATE AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE
-PRIMEDIA Leverages Automotive Expertise Across Titles to Create Premiere Automotive Lifestyle Event Series -
-10-City Tour to Feature The World Drift Championships, Auto Cross/Time Attack, Drag Racing, Car Show, Audio Challenge, Dyno Challenge, Gran Turismo™ 4 Challenge and More -
New York, NY (January 20, 2005) – PRIMEDIA Inc. (NYSE: PRM), the leading targeted media company, today announced the launch of a new automotive lifestyle event series, Hard Drive. Poised to be the premier car culture event in 2005, Hard Drive (www.harddrivelive.com) combines the most popular motor sport trends from around the world with key car culture/lifestyle elements in a fast-pace, engaging environment. Hard Drive leverages the formidable automotive expertise of PRIMEDIA. With more than 50 brands serving the automotive market, including Super Street, Import Tuner, Sport Compact Car, Hot Rod, Motor Trend, and European Car, PRIMEDIA has the broadest reach to automotive enthusiasts of any media company.
“Hard Drive represents the next evolution of dynamic driving events,” said Howard Lim, senior vice president, group publisher, PRIMEDIA International Automotive Group. “We are combining the hottest automotive trends with the expertise of PRIMEDIA’s titles to create an experience that will change the standard for automotive events.”
The Hard Drive event series is home to the fastest growing motor sport in the world with the launch of the World Drift Championships (WDC), where the sport’s top professional drifters compete for the championship title.
Hard Drive is a multi-dimensional, interactive driving and lifestyle event that also features officially sanctioned racing and show car competitions, a gaming pavilion, live music, DJs, model contests, a vendor midway and more. A main attraction of Hard Drive will be performance car test drives. These “ride ‘n drives” will give attendees the chance to put new and future models of manufacturers’ vehicles to the test on autocross tracks, including models such as the Dodge SRT 4, VW GTI and Jetta A5, among others.
To add to the excitement, Sony PlayStation® will crown the ultimate tuner in a national competition at Hard Drive. Challengers compete in the five Hard Drive automotive events plus, Gran Turismo™ 4, the real driving simulator competition, to win “Top Dog” honors.
“Hard Drive goes far beyond cool cars and pretty girls – we put people in the driver’s seat. By letting guys race their own cars in professionally run competitions, test drive the newest vehicles and then watch the world’s best drifters, Hard Drive appeals to the passion of performance driving.” said Lou Mohn, President of PRIMEDIA’s Consumer Automotive Group.
Main featured attractions slated for each Hard Drive event include:
• World Drift Championships Series – features the top international and American professional drifters in the only true drifting championship in the U.S.;
• Performance Test Drives – attendees can try out the latest stock and tuned vehicles;
• Auto-Cross/Time Attack – SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) sanctioned. Open to all, timed auto-cross events pit driver against driver on two identical tracks with multiple classes, multiple runs, top prize money and a national championship at stake;
• Zero-Zero – SCCA sanctioned 1/4 mile track open to all comers with multiple classes, multiple runs, top prize money and a national championship at stake;
• Car Show – NCCA (National Custom Car Association) sanctioned. Displays of the best built, modified and prepared vehicles in multiple classes with top prize money for winners;
• Dyno Challenge – Dyno Dynamics sanctioned. Contestants let the cars do the talking, as the latest in Dyno technology shows what car has the top running specs;
• Audio Challenge – IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association) sanctioned. Entrants put their audio system to the test;
• Gran Turismo 4 Gaming Pavilion and Gran Turismo 4 Challenge for “Top Dog” Honors – contestants compete in five automotive events and in GT 4 real driving simulator competition to be named the ultimate tuner;
• Model Competition – bikini competition to search for and crown the Hard Drive Diva;
• Exhibitor and Vendor Midway – for attendees to see and buy the latest performance products designed to make their ride go fast and look and sound great;
• Live Music.
All competitions will award prize money with the National Championship Finals scheduled for Los Angeles on October 7-8, 2005.
These Hard Drive events will be supported by: Car Audio and Electronics, European Car, eurotuner, Honda Tuning, Import Tuner, Sports Compact Car, Super Street and Turbo High Tech Performance.
The Hard Drive event series is a joint partnership between leading automotive lifestyle publisher PRIMEDIA, Inc. and automotive event specialists Event Solutions International Inc (ESI). Hard Drive joins PRIMEDIA's new Tuner After Dark and Tuner Bash Spring Break events in expanding the company’s portfolio of industry-leading events.
Hard Drive will be promoted nationally in print and online throughout 2005 in PRIMEDIA’s automotive and action sports titles: Automobile Magazine, Car Audio and Electronics, European Car, eurotuner, Honda Tuning, Import Tuner, Motor Trend, Skateboarder, Sports Compact Car, Super Street, Surfing, Turbo High Tech Performance. In addition, Hard Drive has retained NXTagency, the premier youth culture marketing firm, for promoting to young automotive enthusiasts.
2005 Hard Drive Event Schedule
Los Angeles California Speedway March 11-12
Phoenix Cricket Pavilion April 15-16
San Francisco Alameda Point May 13-14
Dallas Texas Motor Speedway May 27-28
Atlanta Atlanta Motor Speedway June 10-11
Boston Gillette Stadium July 8-9
New Jersey Englishtown Raceway July 22-23
Chicago To Be Announced August 5-6
Miami Homestead Miami Speedway August 19-20
Los Angeles California Speedway October 7-8
About PRIMEDIA
PRIMEDIA is the leading targeted media company in the United States. With 2003 revenues of $1.3 billion, our properties comprise more than 200 brands that connect buyers and sellers in more markets than any other media company through our print publications, Web sites, events, newsletters and video programs in four market segments:
• Enthusiast Media includes more than 120 consumer magazines, their Web sites and About.com, and is the #1 special interest magazine publisher in the U.S. with well-known brands such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Creating Keepsakes, In-Fisherman, Power & Motoryacht, Hot Rod, Snowboarder, Stereophile and Surfer.
• Consumer Guides is the #1 publisher of free consumer guides in the U.S. with Apartment Guide, Auto Guide and New Home Guide and is the #1 distributor of free consumer publications through its proprietary distribution network in more than 16,000 locations.
• Business Information is a leading information provider in more than 20 business market sectors with more than 60 magazines, 108 Web sites, 23 events, and 53 directories and data products.
• Education includes Channel One, a proprietary network to secondary schools; Films Media Group, a leading source of educational videos; and Interactive Medical Network, a continuing medical education business.
About ESI
Event Solutions International, Inc. is one of the largest event management companies producing 2,000 consumer, mobile marketing, motor sports, press and training events a year. ESI is client oriented and results driven with extensive experience and expertise in event concept development, logistics and on site implementation. Some of ESI’s discerning clients include: Audi/VW, BMW, Dodge, Ford, GM, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin, AOL, BBDO, Crispen Porter, JWT and Octagon.
About NXTagency
With extensive experience in youth culture marketing and understanding of the various lifestyles that support it, NXTagency has a unique perspective in achieving effective consumer marketing, public relations and creative initiatives. With proven experience successfully marketing products to youth culture, NXTagency has developed crucial relationships that can be used to further their clients’ brands within the Gen-Y/X demographics in unique, authentic and creative ways.
For more information about Hard Drive and its producers please visit http://www.harddrivelive.com, http://www.primedia.com, http://www.eventsolutions.net, http://www.nxtagency.com
World Drift Championships Inc.
WDC World Drift Championships Inc. is a company founded in 2002 with a unique strategy for producing and operating a professional Drifting franchise for domestic and international competitions. The Company has successfully integrated the impressive talents of its founders to pursue a core business focusing, first, on a well-marketed Drift team (Lateral G Racing) and presently it’s first WDC World Drift Championships event series to be held in 2005 in conjunction with Hard Drive. WDCs founders and managers include Motor Sport/Television entertainment executives Russell Naftal and Terence Jenkins.
The sport of drifting started in the mountains of Japan and has recently flourished into over 50 events in the US and around the world. Drifting is a high-skill, high-powered motor sport that calls for drivers to control a 450hp + car while it slides sideways at high speeds through a marked course. It is similar to rally racing, but is done on a closed course and judged on execution and style rather than who finishes the course fastest. Drifting takes all the thrilling moments of traditional motorsports and packs it together into non-stop competition.
The WDC events will be the feature attraction at Primedia’s 10 Hard Drive automotive lifestyle events which also include time attack auto cross, drag racing, car show, test drives, video game driving simulator pavilion, vendor midway and more. The first WDC event at Hard Drive will be held at the California Speedway in Los Angeles on March 10th and 11th. 2005
Founders:
RUSSELL NAFTAL
Award winning producer; Russell Naftal has a wide-ranging background. With a degree in advertising he first used his skills in the garment industry as a Designer/creative director designing children’s clothing for companies such as Nautica, Calvin Klein Kids, Absorba, and Doe Spun. Russell also designed and implemented those companies advertising/marketing campaigns and personally helped increase revenues to over 85 million dollars. After ten years of success, Russell moved to Los Angeles utilizing his talents as an illustrator and cartoonist, to position his way into the entertainment industry.
Russell was offered opportunities as a cartoonist with Hanna Barbera and Nickelodeon, but elected to pursue a career as a producer. Russell started as a segment producer for NBA entertainment and produced several projects including the NBA and NBC program “NBA Hollywood” featuring Jerry Sienfeld, Mathew Perry and Michael Jordan. Simultaneously Russell Co-founded a Broadband Distribution company called FuelNetworks, which was a pioneer in the unique implementation of video on demand, and had supporting partners such as J. Walter Thompson, Sun Micro Systems, Oracle, Exodus and Excite at Home. Russell used the combination of his relationships and strong experience in branded programming, and quickly found himself producing for Mandalay Entertainment in their Sports division.
At Mandalay Russell has produced and consulted a variety of programming including the highly-popular “WCW Superstar video series” for Warner Bros. A top-selling biographical series that focused on the stars of World Championship Wrestling. This video series won him several Telly Awards and Videographer Awards. Before long Russell had his own production division at Mandalay Sports where he had been developing and producing several projects for television, animation and features. Recent completed projects include “Shoot Out Online” featuring Peter Guber and Peter Bart. “The Catch” a short film by Philip Atlakson. edited the highly acclaimed hip-hop documentary, “Street Dreams”: Volume One for Chinavision Films, “Dogg Pound Uncut” the true story of the hugely successful west coast rap group, wrote, produced and edited two national commercials for “Strana Racing” and for ABC Family Executive Produced 39 episodes of the award winning children’s game show “Go For IT TV” at the time it was the number one rated kids program on the ABC Family network. In 2002 Russell brought in professional BMX rider and action sports producer, Todd Seligman to develop a Core Sports and Youth Culture Division Focusing on television, film and live events. a feature film currently in post production “SLEDGE” starring Ben Stiller, a surf documentary for Billabong one of the leading manufacturers in action sports, a Drifting reality show and Producing the feature film for Mandalay/DreamWorks “Kung Fu Theater”. Russell also has great ties within the music industry and is currently in business with highly successful Hip Hop star Ghost Face, who is making his acting debut in Russell’s feature film “Raccoonz” currently in early pre-production, starring Method Man, Indris Elba, and Ghost Face.
In addition to his television and film endeavors Russell is an owner and partner of a new motor sport league called “WDC” (World Drifting Championships Inc.) and a Drift team “Lateral G Racing”. “Lateral G Racing” along with its sponsored Mopar/Dodge Viper is currently the number one Drifting team in the USA. Lateral G Racing is one of the most publicized drifting teams with articles in every major automotive magazine and world wide distributed new papers, and broadcast television.
Russell has also been a branding consultant for multiple companies on a monthly retainer basis, including “Wild Heart Ranch”, Evander Holyfield, and Group Lotto. Russell continues to explore his cartooning abilities as well as his technology interest and currently holds a seat on the board of a Canadian Toy company.
TERENCE JENKINS
Professional Athlete
Terence has been in the entertainment and sports industry for over 17 years. Having grown up skateboarding and surfing in New Zealand and Australia it wasn’t until his family moved back to Liverpool, England did he start a prestigious cycling career and turned professional at the age of just seventeen. Terence is now recognized as one of the early Freestyle BMX pioneers and won the first ever European freestyle competition in Bristol, England. He competed amongst the top 10 riders in the world, all documented in magazines, books and television. Throughout his career he has represented and been sponsored by companies such as Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Cars, Toyota, Rover Cars, Kellogg’s, Haro Cycles and numerous other industry companies. Also because of a passion for performance cars he chose to tour with several different performance driving teams throughout Europe and even to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Producer
In 1994 Terence left England desiring a new location and new challenges. He set his sights on Los Angeles, California. Within two years he was managing extreme sports stunt teams producing half time shows for the NBA, NFL and MTV’s Spring Break, and co-produced 17-episodes of “Sports Rap” which the result was the EMI award winning Whistler snowboard series for the KSCI Network.
After years of being in front of the camera as an athlete he now found himself behind the cameras armed with a new passion for production. Terence went on to produce 30-episodes for Fox Sports Net and ESPN with ‘Xtreme Sport TV’ and ‘Mobile Skatepark Series’ plus ‘The Road to Narch’ a Nike documentary. He also produced 50-episodes of ‘Aggronation’ for Digital Entertainment Network. With an equal passion for cars in 2000 Terence produced ‘Street Fury-Blue’ the first domestic video to feature drifting in the US, shortly after he produced ‘Maximum Velocity’ also featuring the first ‘How to Drift’ segment.
Motorsports
Back in England in 1986 Terence a rally and road race fan pulled apart his first car with the goal of more speed and better handling. He personally tackled the project and with the guidance from friends who built Toyota Group A rally cars went with a cylinder overbore, swapped the cams and ported and polished the cylinder head fitted Twin Webber 40 DCOE. Suspension taken from a race Ford Capri Cosworth all wrapped with the Ford X-Pack body kit making for an unbeatable street car, he went on to build many other cars including a replica AC Cobra.
Terence always drove the cars he built (hard) and being a fan of rally racing he would head to the docks and industrial areas of Liverpool at night with friends and slide his car through he corners for fun. Accelerating to 2001 and little did he know that over thirteen years later the sliding (drifting) hasn’t stopped. Seeing the potential of drifting and the crossover to the action sports market he created Lateral G Racing, a team of three professional drivers two of which qualified to compete in the first ever D1 Grand Prix. Today Lateral G Racing backed by Mopar and is currently America’s number one drift team.
Hosting and emceeing
Terence is also an accomplished host and emcee for live events and television, having hosted and emceed live events for Details Magazine, NFL, NBA and MTV. He has emceed literally hundreds of action sports events around America and Europe plus the recent US D1 Grand Prix driver search and competitions. Recently he was hired to talk and educate thousands of Daimler Chrysler sales staff and managers across America regarding the latest technology in the new Magnum and 300 cars.
WDC/Hard Drive (RULES & Press Release)
PART 2
Competition Rules
Revised 19 January 2005
Contents
Description of Competition 2
Sanctioning 3
Cash Awards 3
GT4 Challenge 3
GT4 National Finals 5
Competitor Eligibility 7
Rules of Conduct 7
Competition Car Definition 8
Classifications 9
Preparation Rules
Tires 9
Technical Inspection 9
Rules Common to All Classes 9
Street 12
Touring 14
Modified 17
Unlimited 19
Appendix
Protest and Appeal 21
Description of Competitions
Hard Drive Competition consists of five elements:
1. Auto-Cross/Time Attack
2. Drag Racing (Zero to Zero)
3. Dyno Challenge
4. Audio Challenge
5. Car Show
The dynamic competition of Hard Drive is the Auto-Cross/Time Attack and Drag Racing, with car preparation rules tailored to you: the sport compact enthusiast.
In the Auto-Cross/Time Attack you race side-by-side with another competitor, running against the clock, on separate mirror image autocross courses. Racers/ participants compete throughout the day. Each participant is guaranteed a minimum of eight runs. The eight runs are divided between courses, four on the left and four on the right. The best time on the left course is combined with the best time on the right course, determining your finishing position.*
*Drivers will be given additional laps if time permits
In Drag Racing, you’ll compete in acceleration and braking runs that push the dynamic limits of your car. It’s called Zero to Zero or 0-0. Start with a Christmas tree, run against the clock, side-by-side with another competitor, in an effort to have the fastest time in your class. Stopping in a box just larger than your car challenges the machine and driver! Your best run determines finishing order in class. Each participant will be guaranteed a minimum of six runs on the drag strip. You will then take the best time out of the six runs, to use against the rest of the field in class.*
*Drivers will be given additional laps if time permits
Two or three driver competition cars are allowed (except GT4 Challenge)
All dynamic competitions are won by setting lowest elapsed time in your classification. You may compete in an event at any time during open competition hours.
All vehicles will be required to pass a stringent technical inspection process; anyone failing to meet with the standards set by Hard Drive will not be permitted to compete.
Sanctioning
Hard Drive is also the overall governing body for all competitions conducted in each city. Events also have individual sanctioning:
• Auto-Cross/Time Attack by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)
• Drag Racing 0-0 by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)
• Car Show by the National Custom Car Association (NCCA)
• Audio Challenge by the International Auto Sound Competition Association (IASCA)
• Dyno Challenge by Dyno Dynamics (DD)
Cash Awards, Points System
Hard Drive has a cash payout system for the top 5 performers in each of the five competitions.
Payouts are based on minimum of 20 competitors in class. Payouts will commence after impound at approximately 7:30 PM. Payment checks will be given only to the registered driver. You must present proof of Social Security or business Tax Identification Number (EIN, with copy of business license) and government issued photo ID.
In addition, trophies and other prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each vehicle class in each competition.
Competitors are able to compete in any event, even multiple events. In fact, as a Hard Drive competitor, you are eligible to go for the overall honors:
Gran Turismo 4 Challenge
This includes driving laps on the real driving simulator: Gran Turismo 4, exclusively on PlayStation 2.
The Hard Drive GT4 Challenge will identify the Ultimate Tuner, both car and driver at each Hard Drive tour stop and will determine a National Champion at the end of the season. The GT4 Challenge tests the competitor and his vehicle on all facets of tuner performance:
• Overall build, fit, finish and functionality
• Sound system installation and quality
• Horsepower and torque
• Acceleration and handling
GT4 Challenge is not just a measure of horsepower! It is a measure of the entire package. This is the thread that holds the diverse Tuner world together at Hard Drive. Any vehicle and driver can win it on any day because each participant is competing against comparable vehicles in each of the specific competitions.
GT4 Challenge consists of two main elements during the entire Hard Drive tour:
1. Individual Event Championship in each of nine cities
2. Invitation-only GT4 Challenge National Finals at the last Hard Drive in Los Angeles
GT4 Event Championship
The GT4 Challenge will take center stage at each event. Comprised of the five individual competitions around the Hard Drive site and a battle of video gaming skills, the GT4 Challenge will culminate in an awards ceremony at the final event, crowning the Ultimate Tuner.
1. An entry is considered one driver/one car. Multiple drivers per car are not allowed for GT4 Challenge.
2. Competitors in the GT4 Challenge must compete in six competitions at Hard Drive on the same day:
• Auto-Cross/Time Attack
• Drag Racing (0-0)
• Car Show
• Dyno Challenge
• Audio Challenge
• GT4 video game on PlayStation 2
3. GT4 Challenge participants compete alongside all entrants contending for individual event honors.
4. Access to VIP Hospitality Tent.
5. In each of the competitions, GT4 Challenge participants compete in a class determined according to the rules for each individual competition as determined by the sanctioning body (Hard Drive) (e.g., tires, number of cylinders, speaker size, type of modifications, etc.).
6. Competitors earn points based on final finishing position in class among all competitors in that class in each specific competition element. Points are distributed per event as follows:
Finish GT4 Finish GT4 Finish GT4
position points position points position points
1 250 10 160 19 90
2 240 11 150 20 80
3 230 12 160 21 70
4 220 13 150 22 60
5 210 14 140 23 50
6 200 15 130 24 40
7 190 16 120 25 30
8 180 17 110 26 20
9 170 18 100 27+ 10
6. Points accrue from each of the specific competitions to receive a final total GT4 Challenge score. A perfect score is 1,500 points for finishing first in class in each specific competition.
7. If a GT4 Challenge participant starts any individual competition, he receives at least a minimum score of 10 points for that competition in spite of not finishing (DNF = 10 points).
8. If a GT4 Challenge participant fails to start in any of the six competitions, they receive zero points for those competitions (DNS = 0 points).
9. The GT4 Challenge participant achieving the highest cumulative score wins the GT4 Challenge Championship at that particular Hard Drive event.
10. GT4 Challenge requires both Driver and Competition Vehicle meet established technical inspections and pass Hard Drive safety regulations.
11. The top three points scoring GT4 Challenge participants at each event are invited to participate at the GT4 Challenge National Finals taking place at the final Hard Drive event of the year.
12. In case of a tie in points among any of the top three finishers, participants will compete head-to-head in Sony PlayStation 2's GT4 until a definite winner is established.
GT4 Challenge National Finals
The final Hard Drive event of the season will be host to the invitation-only GT4 Challenge National Finals.
1. GT4 Challenge National Finals invitees will be extended to:
• The top three finishers at the first nine Hard Drive GT4 Challenges.
• GT4 Challenge National Finals field size is 27 maximum.
2. Invitees only receive one invitation to the GT4 Challenge National Finals. In the event that there is a GT4 Challenge participant that places in the top three at multiple Hard Drive event GT4 Challenge, they will retain all trophies and monetary winnings from that event, and their invitation to the National Finals will default to the next racer in line who does not already have an invitation.
3. Points for the GT4 Challenge National Finals will be scored as described for Individual Event Championships.
4. One GT4 Challenge National Finals Champion will be crowned at the final Hard Drive event of the year.
5. GT4 Challenge National Finals prizes will be awarded through the top three finishers at the final Hard Drive event.
6. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers.
Competitor Eligibility
• All competitors must have a valid driver’s license.
• Valid driver’s licenses forfeited as bond for a traffic citation must present the citation and government issued photo identification.
• Competitors are required to wear seat belts and helmets when driving in competition. Roll bars are recommended.
• A passenger is not allowed.
All participants, including competitors, workers, crew, and guests, must sign the Hard Drive waiver form. Credentials are issued to and must be displayed by those who have signed waivers.
In accordance with Hard Drive insurance guidelines, non-competing participants under the age of majority in the state in which the event is being conducted must have a completed Minor Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement. No notarization is required. One parent or legal guardian may execute at each event the release agreement for use only at that particular event. Minors may not attend Hard Drive as a crew member without a properly completed waiver. Competing participants under the age of majority in the state in which the event is being conducted must have completed a Minor Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity for each event in which they participate as a competitor.
Competition Rules, Definitions and Classifications
Driver/ Participant Responsibility and Conduct
A. Use of Alcohol or Narcotics. Any driver considered being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics shall be disqualified.
B. On-site check-in begins Friday at 12:00 PM and ends at 6:00 PM (8:00 AM to 12:00 PM for GT4 Challenge competitors).
C. Technical inspection must be completed by 7:00 PM Friday (12:00 PM Friday for GT4 Challenge).
D. Drivers meeting attendance mandatory at 7:00 AM sharp Saturday. Failure to attend results in immediate disqualification, forfeiture of entry fee and accrued points from previous events, and dismissal from the event site.
E. Any competitor with a known medical condition (including pregnancy) which could affect his/her ability to compete may do so only with the agreement of his/her personal physician.
F. Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and non-disruptive manner. Any driver/ participant who drives unsafely at or near the event location, or displays unsportsmanlike conduct, shall be disqualified forfeiting entry fees and risk legal prosecution. The driver/ participant/ entrant shall be responsible for the conduct of all family and crew members.
G. Helmets meeting the current or two immediately preceding Snell Foundation standards (SA or M) are acceptable and must be worn while on course. For 2005 this includes Snell 2000, Snell 1995, and Snell 1990.
H. The driver is responsible for the correct determination of the car’s class/category. If in doubt as to classification or concerning the conformity of the car or its equipment to the rules governing the class, he may submit a Request for Clarification to Hard Drive event officials. It is the driver’s responsibility to assure the proper number is on the car prior to competing. Numbers will be distributed at registration.
I. Pressurized gas and air bottles with a pressure in excess of 200 psi must have a protective structure around their gauge and valves.
Competition Car
A competition car is defined as any passenger automobile originally sold through normal car dealerships in the United States in quantities of at least 1,000 in a 12-month period in order to be eligible. The vehicle must have been capable of legal licensed operation on a public roadway in its original as-new condition. Vehicles may be modified (within Hard Drive rules and regulations) that may render them in non-compliance for public on-road use in the U.S.
With the exception of specific class-allowed modifications, all competition vehicles must retain manufacturers’ standard equipment in unmodified form and function. Basically, if the class rules do not specifically allow a modification, it is not allowed.
It is the responsibility of the competitor to prove that the vehicle conforms to Hard Drive regulations by use of the vehicle manufacturers’ shop service manual, owners manual, sales catalog, technical service bulletin, or other official manufacturer’s documentation.
There is a formal protest and appeal process to ensure fair and equitable competition.
Hard Drive reserves the right to modify the rules as deemed necessary for improved competition. Competitors may petition for rules clarifications, additions, and modifications at any time and will be granted after review by the Competition Board if judged to be in the best interest of Hard Drive. As stated by the founders of Hard Drive, “The nature of the dynamic competition shall be driven by the competitors.”
Classifications
There are four different classes for competition cars:
1. Street
2. Touring
3. Modified
4. Unlimited
Within the first three, Street, Touring and Modified, there are sub-categories for Professional and Amateur, yielding a total of seven race groups.
Professional or Amateur?
The difference is the tire you choose to run. Any driver competing on a tire with a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) treadwear rating (UTQGS) greater than 140 will be placed in the Amateur category.
A tire with a DOT rating equal to or less than 140 will place the driver in the Professional category.
The one tire with the lowest treadwear rating in a set will determine category. Any tire not stating a treadwear rating will be placed in the Unlimited class.
Race-only non-DOT conforming purpose-built or purpose-modified slick racing tires are allowed only in the Unlimited class.
1. Technical Inspection
1.1. Prior to competition all cars and driver equipment must undergo a technical inspection. The participant agrees that he/she bears the ultimate responsibility at all times to ensure the safety of participant’s vehicle; and to ensure that participant complies with all applicable Hard Drive rules. The participant/ driver agrees that he/she is in the best position to know about the construction and operation of participant’s vehicle, equipment and clothing and whether there has been compliance with all applicable Hard Drive rules.
2. Rules common to all classes
2.1. Appearance: All competition vehicles must be free of body damage, show no primer, have clean interior, exterior bodywork, and trunk and engine compartment.
2.2. Tire safety: Tires must be in good condition, with no cord or belts showing or cracks in the tread or sidewall. Each tire must have measurable tread depth at no less than two points on the tire which are 180 degrees apart around the circumference, and which are within the center one-half of the tread surface that normally contacts the ground. Tires may not have cord visible at any time during competition. Tires may not be re-grooved, nor may grooves be added to the tread pattern where none existed on the original tire.
2.3. Lose items: Floor mats and any lose interior items must be removed. Spare tires/ jacks/ tools must be removed unless positively fastened in place.
2.4. Driver restraints: Seat lap belts are required in all cars, and must be installed in cars with passive restraint systems that do not include a lap belt. Installation and the use of shoulder belts or harnesses is strongly recommended, however non-factory upper body restraints may only be used in open cars, cars with targa tops in the open position, or cars with T-tops in the open position when two conditions are met:
2.4.1. The roll structure must meet the requirements of 2.5 below.
2.4.2. The top of the roll structure may not be below the top of the driver’s helmet when the driver is in the normal driving position.
2.5. Roll bars/ cages (if installed): Roll bar construction to follow the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Solo II Roll Bar Standards (http://www.scca.com/Solo/Index.asp?reference=rules) at minimum, or better yet, SCCA General Competition Rules (GCR) section 18 (http://www.scca.com/Club/index.asp?reference=gcr) for roll cages.
2.6. Fuel: Only the fuel type specified in the owner’s and/or factory service manual may be used. Fuel will be tested for compliance.
2.7. No nitrous oxide.
2.8. Video cameras: Must be securely mounted if installed.
2.9. Hub caps: Snap on hub caps and trim rings must be removed.
2.10. Exhaust emissions: All competition vehicles must pass a static exhaust emissions test and found in compliance with federally mandated non-California emissions standards for the year of the vehicles manufacture.
2.11. SRS system: Supplemental Restrain Systems (air bags) may be defeated or removed. If removed, dash openings must be tastefully and safely covered, steering wheels must be replaced with an aftermarket wheel with the horn functional. Public street driven vehicles shall reactivate SSR systems when not in competition.
2.12. Steering wheel: Steering wheels may be substituted and any hardware required facilitating aftermarket steering wheel installation allowed. Defeating the collapsible steering column is forbidden.
2.13. Exhaust system: Exhaust systems must exit beneath the car and behind the driver. Sound not exceed 100 dBA measured 50’ from the competition vehicle by the organizer’s equipment. This will be the only form of measurement accepted and all competitors must abide by it.
2.14. Consumables: Brake pads, filters and fluids, also commonly available standard sized non-suspension fasteners, are allowed free replacement.
2.15. Battery: Any wet-cell battery moved from the manufacturer’s original location shall be in a non-conductive marine-type container or equivalent, and the hot terminal shall be insulated. All batteries (on-board power supplies) shall be attached securely to the frame or chassis structure independent of the marine-type container. NOTE: This will allow the use of gel cell or dry cell (AGM) batteries without a non-conductive marine-type container where applicable.
2.16. VIN: Vehicle must show at least two VIN plates and/or stampings to determine year of manufacture. Tenth digit designates the model year.
2.17. Air conditioners: May be removed in part or whole. Gaps created by removal of the condenser may be sealed.
2.18. Safety crush structure: Removal of any safety related item such as bumper crush structures, door beams, etc. is forbidden unless specifically authorized.
2.19. Traction control: Electronic traction control systems allowed only in Unlimited class unless as equipped from the original manufacturer.
2.20. Unstable vehicles: Vehicles with a narrow track and high center of gravity are excluded. Determination by Hard Drive officials is final and not protestable.
2.21. Alternate controls: Physically disabled drivers may use alternate vehicle controls and preparation items appropriate for the nature of their disability. In the case of a driver using alternate controls, extra care will be taken to ensure that the driver does have adequate control of the vehicle, and that the control mechanisms can stand up to competition use.
3. Street
3.1. Engine: Stock engine and internal components
3.1.1. Modification to the intake system up to and including the throttle body(ies). Specifically allows bolt-on aftermarket air filtration systems. Does not allow addition of supercharger or turbocharger.
3.1.2. Exhaust system modification allowed. Must not exceed 100 dBA measured 50’ from the competition vehicle by the organizer’s equipment. This will be the only form of measurement accepted and all competitors must abide by it.
3.1.3. Modifications to the engine management system are allowed. Aftermarket ‘chips’, piggyback ECUs available for retail sale, and signal conditioners are legal modifications. The OEM computer must continue to drive the ignition and fuel injection if so equipped.
3.1.4. Stand alone aftermarket engine management systems are NOT allowed.
3.1.5. Engine specification must remain as original. No alteration, substitution or modification to engine components other than allowed in 3.1.1, 3.1.2, and 3.1.3 above. Cylinder head, block and all other engine components must remain as specified in the car’s factory service manual or technical service bulletin.
3.1.6. Cylinder bore dimension must be as original, factory ‘first overbore’ specification, or in absence of a factory specification for first overbore, no greater than 0.030 inches from factory original specification. Sleeving is allowed.
3.1.7. Substitution of flexible vacuum and pressure lines allowed only as direct replacement and performing only the original function.
3.1.8. No updating or backdating of components. No engine swaps from a different model or common platform (like B18C Integra engine installed in a Civic). The burden of proof lies with the competitor.
3.2. Normally aspirated only; rotary, 4, 5 and 6 cylinder engines
3.2.1. No turbocharged or supercharged vehicles. No eight, ten or twelve cylinder engines.
3.3. Stock suspension
3.3.1. All suspension components (except shock absorbers) must utilize original equipment components and location points (see 3.3.2 for exception).
3.3.2. Any suspension shock absorber (damper) may be used provided it mounts in the identical position. Change in shock component dimensions is acceptable. Attachment points may not be altered with the specific exception of MacPherson strut camber plates (3.3.8) changing the location of the upper shock mount. Remote reservoir shocks are permitted; modification to body to facilitate remote canister installation may perform no other function. Remote reservoirs must not present a hazard to driver or event personnel.
3.3.3. Any suspension spring rate and free length is allowed (torsion bars or leaf springs may not convert to helically wound coil springs).
3.3.4. Threaded spring perches allowed. Addition of roller bearing spring perches in concentric spring/damper units allowed.
3.3.5. Either OEM or aftermarket parts designed specifically to adjust camber may be used to alter camber (this allows factory ‘crash bolts’).
3.3.6. Caster must remain within factory tolerance.
3.3.7. Toe angle is free. Links may not be modified or replaced to gain additional adjustment.
3.3.8. MacPherson strut suspensions may install aftermarket camber plates and spherical bearings (rod ends, ‘pillow balls’) directly attached to the camber plate.
3.3.9. Control arm, anti-roll bar, tension rod, swing arm, and toe control link bushings may be replaced with any polymer, non-metallic material such as polyurethane or Delrin. On composite bushings, the amount of metallic material may not increase.
3.3.10. No other bearings may be installed in addition to factory specification with the exception of 3.3.4 and 3.3.8.
3.4. Stock transmission/ drivetrain
3.4.1. Internal modification to the gearbox is expressly forbidden.
3.4.2. May utilize any bolt-on aftermarket flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. Must maintain the original number of clutch discs.
3.4.3. Substitution of final drive ratio allowed by replacement of the ring and pinion only. This does not authorize change of drop gears or spur gears in the transmission.
3.4.4. Addition or modification to limited slip or positive locking differential allowed.
3.4.5. Welding differential spider gears to solidly lock the assembly is forbidden.
3.5. Wheels and tires
3.5.1. Any size wheel and tire combination is allowed, but it must clear bodywork and suspension pieces through its entire range of travel (vertical and steering angle). Resulting offset changes are acceptable.
3.5.2. No wheel spacers.
3.5.3. Modifications to bodywork to facilitate wheel/tire installation is allowed with either molded fender flairs or substitution of bodywork.
3.5.4. Wheels and tires must not protrude beyond the bodywork when viewed from above.
3.5.5. Bolt pattern may not be changed from original specification
3.5.6. Substitution of wheel bolts for wheel studs and nuts is allowed. Aluminum wheel nuts are allowed.
3.6. Brakes
3.6.1. Brake pads are free to substitute (2.15).
3.6.2. Substitution of OEM rubber flexible brake lines for Teflon lines with braided stainless steel protection is encouraged. Safe installation is mandatory.
3.6.3. Substitution of brake disc or drum is allowed as long as dimensionally identical to OEM component. Drilled and/or slotted rotors allowed.
3.6.4. Updating or backdating rear axle drum brakes for OEM disc brakes within the same manufacturer is allowed (passenger sedan, coupe or hatchback, not truck). Aftermarket rotor of identical OE dimensions is acceptable, may be slotted and/or cross-drilled.
3.6.5. Hydraulic bias valve may be modified, removed or substituted. May not be driver adjustable or accessible.
3.6.6. Handbrake hardware may be removed.
3.7. Battery
3.7.1. May be replaced with one smaller, but not moved from it’s original position. Must comply with 2.16.
4. Touring
4.1. Engine: Stock engine and internal components
4.1.1. Modification to the intake system up to and including the throttle body(ies). Specifically allows bolt-on aftermarket air filtration systems. Does not allow addition of supercharger or turbocharger to OE normally aspirated applications.
4.1.2. Exhaust system modification allowed. Must not exceed 100 dBA measured 50’ from the competition vehicle by the organizer’s equipment. This will be the only form of measurement accepted and all competitors must abide by it.
4.1.3. Modification to the engine management system is allowed. Aftermarket ‘chips’, piggyback ECUs available for retail sale, and signal conditioners are legal modifications. The OEM computer must continue to drive the ignition and fuel injection if so equipped.
4.1.4. Stand alone aftermarket engine management systems are NOT allowed.
4.1.5. Engine specification must remain as original. No alteration, substitution or modification to engine components other than allowed in 4.1.1, 4.1.2, and 4.1.3 above. Cylinder head, block and all other engine components must remain as specified in the car’s factory service manual or technical service bulletin.
4.1.6. Cylinder bore dimension must be as original, factory ‘first overbore’ specification, or in absence of a factory specification for first overbore, no greater than 0.030 inches from factory original specification. Sleeving is allowed.
4.1.7. Substitution of flexible vacuum and pressure lines allowed only as direct replacement and performing only the original function.
4.1.8. No updating or backdating of components. No engine swaps from a different model or common platform (like B18C Integra engine installed in a Civic). The burden of proof lies with the competitor.
4.2. OE Turbocharged, supercharged, V8 and V10 engines allowed
4.2.1. Does not allow bolt-on aftermarket turbocharger and supercharger kits to an engine originally normally aspirated from the factory.
4.2.2. Addition, modification or substitution of an intercooler system allowed.
4.2.3. Modification or substitution of wastegate allowed. Exhaust gas must rejoin main exhaust system to be processed by a catalytic converter (if originally installed) and not dump ahead of the driver.
4.2.4. Aftermarket electronic control systems for wastegate actuation and/or timed engine idle shut-down period are allowed.
4.2.5. No alteration or substitution of the turbo or supercharger internal/external systems unless specifically authorized.
4.3. Stock suspension
4.3.1. All suspension components (except shock absorbers) must utilize original equipment components and location points (see 4.3.2 for exception).
4.3.2. Any suspension shock absorber (damper) may be used provided it mounts in the identical position. Change in shock component dimensions is acceptable. Attachment points may not be altered with the specific exception of MacPherson strut camber plates (4.3.8) changing the location of the upper shock mount. Remote reservoir shocks are permitted; modification to body to facilitate remote canister installation may perform no other function. Remote reservoirs must not present a hazard to driver or event personnel.
4.3.3. Any suspension spring rate and free length is allowed (torsion bars or leaf springs may not convert to helically wound coil springs).
4.3.4. Threaded spring perches allowed. Addition of roller bearing spring perches in concentric spring/damper units allowed.
4.3.5. Either OEM or aftermarket parts designed specifically to adjust camber may be used to alter camber (this allows factory ‘crash bolts’).
4.3.6. Caster must remain within factory tolerance.
4.3.7. Toe angle is free. Links may not be modified or replaced to gain additional adjustment.
4.3.8. MacPherson strut suspensions may install aftermarket camber plates and spherical bearings (rod ends, ‘pillow balls’) directly attached to the camber plate.
4.3.9. Control arm, anti-roll bar, tension rod, swing arm, and toe control link bushings may be replaced with any polymer, non-metallic material such as polyurethane or Delrin. On composite bushings, the amount of metallic material may not increase.
4.3.10. No other bearings may be installed in addition to factory specification with the exception of 4.3.4 and 4.3.8.
4.4. Stock transmission/ drivetrain
4.4.1. Internal modification to the gearbox is expressly forbidden.
4.4.2. May utilize any bolt-on aftermarket flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. Must maintain the original number of clutch discs.
4.4.3. Substitution of final drive ratio allowed by replacement of the ring and pinion only. This does not authorize change of drop gears or spur gears in the transmission.
4.4.4. Addition or modification to limited slip or positive locking differential allowed.
4.4.5. Welding differential spider gears to solidly lock the assembly is forbidden.
4.5. Wheels and tires
4.5.1. Any size wheel and tire combination is allowed, but it must clear bodywork and suspension pieces through its entire range of travel (vertical and steering angle). Resulting offset changes are acceptable.
4.5.2. No wheel spacers.
4.5.3. Modifications to bodywork to facilitate wheel/tire installation are allowed with either molded fender flairs or complete substitution of bodywork.
4.5.4. Wheels and tires must not protrude beyond the bodywork when viewed from above.
4.5.5. Bolt pattern may not be changed from original specification
4.5.6. Substitution of wheel bolts for wheel studs and nuts is allowed. Aluminum wheel nuts are allowed.
4.6. Brakes
4.6.1. Brake pads are free to substitute (2.15).
4.6.2. Substitution of OEM rubber flexible brake lines for Teflon lines with braided stainless steel protection is encouraged. Safe installation is mandatory.
4.6.3. Substitution of brake disc or drum is allowed as long as dimensionally identical to OEM component. Drilled and/or slotted rotors allowed.
4.6.4. Updating or backdating rear axle drum brakes for OEM disc brakes within the same manufacturer is allowed (passenger sedan, coupe or hatchback, not truck). Aftermarket rotor of identical OE dimensions is acceptable, may be slotted and/or cross-drilled.
4.6.5. Hydraulic bias valve may be modified, removed or substituted. May not be driver adjustable or accessible.
4.6.6. Handbrake hardware may be removed.
4.7. Battery
4.7.1. May be replaced with one smaller, but not moved from it’s original position. Must comply with 2.16.
5. Modified
5.1. Engine: Modified engine and internal components allowed
5.1.1. Modification to the intake system up to and including the throttle body(ies). Specifically allows bolt-on aftermarket air filtration systems.
5.1.2. Exhaust system modification allowed. Must not exceed 100 dBA measured 50’ from the competition vehicle by the organizer’s equipment. This will be the only form of measurement accepted and all competitors must abide by it.
5.1.3. Modifications to the engine management system is allowed. Aftermarket ‘chips’, piggyback ECUs available for retail sale, and signal conditioners are legal modifications. The OEM computer must continue to drive the ignition and fuel injection if so equipped.
5.1.4. Stand alone aftermarket engine management systems are allowed.
5.1.5. Substitution of flexible vacuum and pressure lines allowed only as direct replacement and performing only the original function.
5.1.6. Updating/ backdating engine components allowed.
5.1.7. Block must remain as originally OEM built, internal components may change.
5.1.8. Cylinder heads may be changed though only within the same OE manufacturer. No aftermarket cylinder heads.
5.1.9. Camshaft is free
5.1.10. Rotary engine intake and exhaust modification is permitted.
5.1.11. No engine block swaps from a different model or common platform (like B18C Integra engine installed in a Civic). The burden of proof lies with the competitor.
5.2. Turbocharged, supercharged, V8 and V10 engines allowed
5.2.1. Aftermarket turbocharger and supercharger kits allowed.
5.2.2. Addition, modification or substitution of an intercooler system allowed.
5.2.3. Modification or substitution of wastegate allowed. Exhaust gas must rejoin main exhaust system to be processed by a catalytic converter (if originally installed) and not dump ahead of the driver.
5.2.4. Aftermarket electronic control systems for wastegate actuation and/or timed engine idle shut-down period are allowed.
5.2.5. Alteration, modification and substitution of turbocharger/ supercharger allowed.
5.3. Modified suspension
5.3.1. Suspension components, configuration and chassis mounting points may be modified.
5.3.2. Any suspension shock absorber (damper) may be used. Change in shock component dimensions is acceptable. Remote reservoir shocks are permitted; modification to body to facilitate remote canister installation may perform no other function. Remote reservoirs must not present a hazard to driver or event personnel.
5.3.3. Driver adjustable and/or real-time variable damping allowed.
5.3.4. Any suspension spring is allowed. Torsion bars or leaf springs may convert to helically wound coil springs.
5.3.5. Threaded spring perches allowed. Addition of roller bearing spring perches in concentric spring/damper units allowed.
5.3.6. Either OEM or aftermarket parts designed specifically to adjust camber may be used to alter camber (this allows factory ‘crash bolts’).
5.3.7. Caster setting free.
5.3.8. Toe angle is free, links may be modified or replaced to alter toe.
5.3.9. Suspension bearings may be converted to spherical or cylindrical stainless steel or other material.
5.4. Modified transmission/ drivetrain
5.4.1. Internal modification to the gearbox is permitted. Ratios changed conversion to dog-engagement synchronizers allowed.
5.4.2. May utilize any bolt-on aftermarket flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. Multi-plate clutch discs allowed.
5.4.3. Transmission coolers may be added or modified.
5.4.4. Conversion from cable operated to hydraulic clutch release bearing actuation allowed.
5.4.5. No-lift shift mechanisms allowed.
5.4.6. Substitution of final drive ratio allowed.
5.4.7. Addition or modification to limited slip or positive locking differential allowed.
5.4.8. Purpose-built spools permitted.
5.4.9. Welding differential spider gears to solidly lock the assembly is forbidden.
5.5. Wheels and tires
5.5.1. Any size wheel and tire combination is allowed, but it must clear bodywork and suspension pieces through its entire range of travel (vertical and steering angle). Resulting offset changes are acceptable.
5.5.2. Wheel spacers permitted, must be declared on technical inspection sheet.
5.5.3. Modifications to bodywork to facilitate wheel/tire installation are allowed with either molded fender flairs or complete substitution of bodywork.
5.5.4. Wheels and tires must not protrude beyond the bodywork when viewed from above.
5.5.5. Bolt pattern may not be changed from original specification
5.5.6. Substitution of wheel bolts for wheel studs and nuts is allowed. Aluminum wheel nuts are allowed.
5.6. Brakes
5.6.1. Brake pads are free to substitute (2.15).
5.6.2. Substitution of OEM rubber flexible brake lines for Teflon lines with braided stainless steel protection is encouraged. Safe installation is mandatory.
5.6.3. Brake system modification permitted. Any size or style of rotor and/or caliper.
5.6.4. Must remain hydraulically actuated.
5.6.5. Addition of mechanical or hydraulic bias adjuster permitted.
5.6.6. Handbrake hardware may be removed.
5.7. Battery
5.7.1. May be replaced with one smaller, and/ or moved from it’s original position. Must comply with 2.16.
6. Unlimited
6.1. Extreme modifications permitted, however tube frame construction forbidden.
6.2. Roll bars: Roll bar or cage installation conforming to the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Solo II Roll Bar Standards (http://www.scca.com/Solo/Index.asp?reference=rules) at minimum, or better yet, SCCA General Competition Rules (GCR) section 18 (http://www.scca.com/Club/index.asp?reference=gcr) for roll cages is highly recommended.
6.3. Engine: Modified engine and internal components including swaps between manufacturers, platforms or configuration.
6.3.1. Any intake system.
6.3.2. Exhaust system modification allowed. Must not exceed 100 dBA measured 50’ from the competition vehicle by the organizer’s equipment. This will be the only form of measurement accepted and all competitors must abide by it.
6.3.3. Modifications to the engine management system is allowed. Aftermarket ‘chips’, piggyback ECUs available for retail sale, and signal conditioners are legal modifications
6.3.4. Stand alone aftermarket engine management systems are permitted.
6.3.5. Updating / backdating of components allowed as well as engine swaps from a different model or common platform (like B18C Integra engine installed in a Civic).
6.3.6. Engine location is free.
6.3.7. Firewall (bulkhead) between driver and powertrain, as well as fuel system mandatory. Only metal to separate passenger compartment from other systems.
6.4. Modified suspension
6.4.1. Suspension components, configuration and chassis mounting points may be modified.
6.4.2. Any suspension shock absorber (damper) may be used provided it mounts in the identical position. Attachment points may be altered. MacPherson strut camber plates allowed. Remote reservoir shocks permitted; modification to body to facilitate remote canister installation may perform no other function. Remote reservoirs must not present a hazard to driver or event personnel.
6.4.3. Driver adjustable and/or real-time variable damping allowed.
6.4.4. Any suspension spring is allowed. Torsion bars or leaf springs may convert to helically wound coil springs.
6.4.5. Threaded spring perches allowed. Addition of roller bearing spring perches in concentric spring/damper units allowed.
6.4.6. Either OEM or aftermarket parts designed specifically to adjust camber may be used to alter camber (this allows factory ‘crash bolts’).
6.4.7. Caster setting free.
6.4.8. Toe angle is free, links may be modified or replaced to alter toe.
6.4.9. Suspension bearings may be converted to spherical or cylindrical stainless steel or other material.
6.5. Modified transmission/ drivetrain
6.5.1. Conversion from front wheel drive to rear wheel or all wheel drive permitted.
6.5.2. Traction control legal.
6.5.3. Internal modification to the gearbox is permitted. Ratios changed and conversion to dog-engagement synchronizers allowed.
6.5.4. May utilize any flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. Multi-plate clutch discs allowed.
6.5.5. Conversion from cable operated to hydraulic clutch release bearing actuation allowed.
6.5.6. No-lift shift mechanisms allowed.
6.5.7. Substitution of final drive ratio allowed.
6.5.8. Addition or modification to limited slip or positive locking differential allowed.
6.5.9. Purpose-built spools permitted.
6.5.10. Welding differential spider gears to solidly lock the assembly is forbidden.
6.6. Wheels and tires
6.6.1. Any size wheel and tire combination is allowed, but it must clear bodywork and suspension pieces through its entire range of travel (vertical and steering angle). Resulting offset changes are acceptable.
6.6.2. Wheel spacers permitted, must be declared on technical inspection sheet.
6.6.3. Modifications to bodywork to facilitate wheel/tire installation are allowed with either molded fender flairs or complete substitution of bodywork.
6.6.4. Wheels and tires must not protrude beyond the bodywork when viewed from above.
6.6.5. Bolt pattern may not be changed from original specification
6.6.6. Substitution of wheel bolts for wheel studs and nuts is allowed. Aluminum wheel nuts are allowed.
6.7. Brakes
6.7.1. Brake pads are free to substitute (2.15).
6.7.2. Substitution of OEM rubber flexible brake lines for Teflon lines with braided stainless steel protection is encouraged. Safe installation is mandatory.
6.7.3. Brake system modification permitted. Any size or style of rotor and/or caliper.
6.7.4. Must remain hydraulically actuated.
6.7.5. Addition of mechanical or hydraulic bias adjuster permitted.
6.7.6. Handbrake hardware may be removed, modified or added.
6.8. Battery
6.8.1. May be replaced with one smaller, and/ or moved from it’s original position. Must comply with 2.16.
Protest and Appeal
1.1 Right of Protest
Any participant has the right to file a protest provided that they comply with all the procedures set forth by the sanctioning body. All participants are strongly encouraged to settle any disputes peacefully and informally. Disregard for the behavioral guidelines outlined elsewhere in the rules may result in immediate summary disqualification.
1.2 Request of Informal Inquiry
If a participant has the reason to believe that another competitor has violated the rules, the participant may verbally request an Informal Inquiry. If the inquiry does not resolve the matter, then a formal protest must be lodged within the allotted time. There is no cost for an Informal Inquiry.
1.2.1 A minimum of the following officials will be in attendance at each event. You must contact one of the following officials. Protests, informal or formal, cannot be heard by any other person.
Officials will be named in the supplemental rules distributed at on-site registration.
1.3 Finality
All decisions of the officials are final. By signing the registration form, the participant acknowledges that he/she shall abide by all decisions of the officials
1.4 Official Protest Procedure
Protests must be submitted in writing and signed by the authorized entrant and must be delivered to the Race Director (or Official 1) within 30 minutes of the completion of the timed event last run.
Each protest will be accompanied by a protest fee of $2,500. $2,000 will be returned to the protesting party if the protest is ultimately sustained.
The protest must identify the specific rule, by paragraph number being violated. Failure to identify a pertinent rule will result in the protest being overturned.
In the event that the protest procedures are not followed or the protest is found by the judges to be without merit; the judges may elect to withhold the entire protest fee.
1.5 Judgment
The officials will take the matter under advisement and will begin an investigation. Both teams involved are required to provide technicians if deemed necessary by the officials.
The officials will author a decision within 24 hours and that decision shall be final. There are no appeals.
PART 3
PRIMEDIA LAUNCHES HARD DRIVE –THE ULTIMATE AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE
-PRIMEDIA Leverages Automotive Expertise Across Titles to Create Premiere Automotive Lifestyle Event Series -
-10-City Tour to Feature The World Drift Championships, Auto Cross/Time Attack, Drag Racing, Car Show, Audio Challenge, Dyno Challenge, Gran Turismo™ 4 Challenge and More -
New York, NY (January 20, 2005) – PRIMEDIA Inc. (NYSE: PRM), the leading targeted media company, today announced the launch of a new automotive lifestyle event series, Hard Drive. Poised to be the premier car culture event in 2005, Hard Drive (www.harddrivelive.com) combines the most popular motor sport trends from around the world with key car culture/lifestyle elements in a fast-pace, engaging environment. Hard Drive leverages the formidable automotive expertise of PRIMEDIA. With more than 50 brands serving the automotive market, including Super Street, Import Tuner, Sport Compact Car, Hot Rod, Motor Trend, and European Car, PRIMEDIA has the broadest reach to automotive enthusiasts of any media company.
“Hard Drive represents the next evolution of dynamic driving events,” said Howard Lim, senior vice president, group publisher, PRIMEDIA International Automotive Group. “We are combining the hottest automotive trends with the expertise of PRIMEDIA’s titles to create an experience that will change the standard for automotive events.”
The Hard Drive event series is home to the fastest growing motor sport in the world with the launch of the World Drift Championships (WDC), where the sport’s top professional drifters compete for the championship title.
Hard Drive is a multi-dimensional, interactive driving and lifestyle event that also features officially sanctioned racing and show car competitions, a gaming pavilion, live music, DJs, model contests, a vendor midway and more. A main attraction of Hard Drive will be performance car test drives. These “ride ‘n drives” will give attendees the chance to put new and future models of manufacturers’ vehicles to the test on autocross tracks, including models such as the Dodge SRT 4, VW GTI and Jetta A5, among others.
To add to the excitement, Sony PlayStation® will crown the ultimate tuner in a national competition at Hard Drive. Challengers compete in the five Hard Drive automotive events plus, Gran Turismo™ 4, the real driving simulator competition, to win “Top Dog” honors.
“Hard Drive goes far beyond cool cars and pretty girls – we put people in the driver’s seat. By letting guys race their own cars in professionally run competitions, test drive the newest vehicles and then watch the world’s best drifters, Hard Drive appeals to the passion of performance driving.” said Lou Mohn, President of PRIMEDIA’s Consumer Automotive Group.
Main featured attractions slated for each Hard Drive event include:
• World Drift Championships Series – features the top international and American professional drifters in the only true drifting championship in the U.S.;
• Performance Test Drives – attendees can try out the latest stock and tuned vehicles;
• Auto-Cross/Time Attack – SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) sanctioned. Open to all, timed auto-cross events pit driver against driver on two identical tracks with multiple classes, multiple runs, top prize money and a national championship at stake;
• Zero-Zero – SCCA sanctioned 1/4 mile track open to all comers with multiple classes, multiple runs, top prize money and a national championship at stake;
• Car Show – NCCA (National Custom Car Association) sanctioned. Displays of the best built, modified and prepared vehicles in multiple classes with top prize money for winners;
• Dyno Challenge – Dyno Dynamics sanctioned. Contestants let the cars do the talking, as the latest in Dyno technology shows what car has the top running specs;
• Audio Challenge – IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association) sanctioned. Entrants put their audio system to the test;
• Gran Turismo 4 Gaming Pavilion and Gran Turismo 4 Challenge for “Top Dog” Honors – contestants compete in five automotive events and in GT 4 real driving simulator competition to be named the ultimate tuner;
• Model Competition – bikini competition to search for and crown the Hard Drive Diva;
• Exhibitor and Vendor Midway – for attendees to see and buy the latest performance products designed to make their ride go fast and look and sound great;
• Live Music.
All competitions will award prize money with the National Championship Finals scheduled for Los Angeles on October 7-8, 2005.
These Hard Drive events will be supported by: Car Audio and Electronics, European Car, eurotuner, Honda Tuning, Import Tuner, Sports Compact Car, Super Street and Turbo High Tech Performance.
The Hard Drive event series is a joint partnership between leading automotive lifestyle publisher PRIMEDIA, Inc. and automotive event specialists Event Solutions International Inc (ESI). Hard Drive joins PRIMEDIA's new Tuner After Dark and Tuner Bash Spring Break events in expanding the company’s portfolio of industry-leading events.
Hard Drive will be promoted nationally in print and online throughout 2005 in PRIMEDIA’s automotive and action sports titles: Automobile Magazine, Car Audio and Electronics, European Car, eurotuner, Honda Tuning, Import Tuner, Motor Trend, Skateboarder, Sports Compact Car, Super Street, Surfing, Turbo High Tech Performance. In addition, Hard Drive has retained NXTagency, the premier youth culture marketing firm, for promoting to young automotive enthusiasts.
2005 Hard Drive Event Schedule
Los Angeles California Speedway March 11-12
Phoenix Cricket Pavilion April 15-16
San Francisco Alameda Point May 13-14
Dallas Texas Motor Speedway May 27-28
Atlanta Atlanta Motor Speedway June 10-11
Boston Gillette Stadium July 8-9
New Jersey Englishtown Raceway July 22-23
Chicago To Be Announced August 5-6
Miami Homestead Miami Speedway August 19-20
Los Angeles California Speedway October 7-8
About PRIMEDIA
PRIMEDIA is the leading targeted media company in the United States. With 2003 revenues of $1.3 billion, our properties comprise more than 200 brands that connect buyers and sellers in more markets than any other media company through our print publications, Web sites, events, newsletters and video programs in four market segments:
• Enthusiast Media includes more than 120 consumer magazines, their Web sites and About.com, and is the #1 special interest magazine publisher in the U.S. with well-known brands such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Creating Keepsakes, In-Fisherman, Power & Motoryacht, Hot Rod, Snowboarder, Stereophile and Surfer.
• Consumer Guides is the #1 publisher of free consumer guides in the U.S. with Apartment Guide, Auto Guide and New Home Guide and is the #1 distributor of free consumer publications through its proprietary distribution network in more than 16,000 locations.
• Business Information is a leading information provider in more than 20 business market sectors with more than 60 magazines, 108 Web sites, 23 events, and 53 directories and data products.
• Education includes Channel One, a proprietary network to secondary schools; Films Media Group, a leading source of educational videos; and Interactive Medical Network, a continuing medical education business.
About ESI
Event Solutions International, Inc. is one of the largest event management companies producing 2,000 consumer, mobile marketing, motor sports, press and training events a year. ESI is client oriented and results driven with extensive experience and expertise in event concept development, logistics and on site implementation. Some of ESI’s discerning clients include: Audi/VW, BMW, Dodge, Ford, GM, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin, AOL, BBDO, Crispen Porter, JWT and Octagon.
About NXTagency
With extensive experience in youth culture marketing and understanding of the various lifestyles that support it, NXTagency has a unique perspective in achieving effective consumer marketing, public relations and creative initiatives. With proven experience successfully marketing products to youth culture, NXTagency has developed crucial relationships that can be used to further their clients’ brands within the Gen-Y/X demographics in unique, authentic and creative ways.
For more information about Hard Drive and its producers please visit http://www.harddrivelive.com, http://www.primedia.com, http://www.eventsolutions.net, http://www.nxtagency.com
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