ADMISSION | DETAILS | WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE | REGISTRATION | FORMAT | SCHEDULE | OTHER ACTIVITIES | MISC |
REGISTERED DRIVERS | TRACK INFO | DRIVING DIRECTIONS | LODGING & RESTAURANTS |

2008 PRO/AM Drift East Divisional Championship Event presented by Mazda
held in conjunction with GTLIVE and the KONI Challenge Series on October 3-5, 2008
on the 1.1 Mile Patriot Course at VIRginia International Raceway.


ADMISSION:
Admission is required for all drivers, crew, and spectators per track policy. You can purchase your advance tickets here. Includes admission to all activities at the track (see 'Other Activities' below for more information).
3-day Super Ticket: Advance: $40 Gate: $50
Friday: Advance: $20 Gate: $20
Saturday: Advance: $20 Gate: $25
Sunday: Advance: $20 Gate: $25


DETAILS:
Practice sessions, qualifying, and competition rounds will take place only in turns 10, 9, 8, and 7 running clockwise (in front of the Patriot timing and scoring tower). New for 2008; since the series has now been split in half across the Mississippi River, both the PRO/AM and Formula Drift non-point scoring drivers will compete together for one competition (as opposed to the previous 2 years of 2 competitions). The competition format will be a standard Top16 single elimination round which will progress down the ladder until a winner is declared.

Qualifying and competition rounds will be judged by a 3-member panel for this event. Judges to be announced shorty. Judged criteria includes; entry speed into the turns, overall speed carried throughout the judged portion of the run, drift angle (the bigger, the better – without sacrificing speed), clipping points (apex of the turns), use of the entire track (performed in a controlled manner). Extra points can be awarded to drivers at the discretion of the individual judges and may include, but are not limited to, close proximity to barriers, amount of tire smoke, tire smoke that causes a change in the following driver’s line, and if minor contact is made with an object, but the drift is still maintained (i.e. bumper gently tagging a barrier).

2009 Formula Drift Professional Series licenses will be awarded at the discretion of the Formula Drift approved judges, in accordance with Formula Drift and their on-site representatives. The judges for this event will be Ernie Fixmer (current Formula Drift Judge), JR Gittin (Formula Drift driver, currently 10th in points), and Mike Schneider (USDrift judge).

Drivers meetings are mandatory for ALL participants in order to drive on track for that session. Attendance will be taken and failure to attend will forfeit your right to participate in that session. Grounds speed limit is 10 mph and paddock speed limit is 5mph, both will be strictly enforced. Event is held rain or shine.

Please refer to the 2008 PRO/AM Drift Rulebook for specific information regarding the 2008 PRO/AM Drift East Divisional Championship Event. Note: Please read the new rulebook to ensure proper compliance. For any additional questions or information, please visit the PRO/AM website. For information on the Formula Drift Professional Series, please visit the Formula Drift website.

In addition, there is now a Team Drift Event being held on Sunday. Registration for this event is included with all drivers' entries. Teams can consist from 3-5 vehicles and will be loosley judged, possibly even by randomly selected spectators. This event is designed to be more entertaining and enjoyable for the competitors after all their hard work competiting in the PRO/AM. Drivers not wanting to participate in the Team Drift Event are welcome to still partake in the Sunday practice session for additional track time.


WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE:
QUALIFIED DRIVERS:
This group consists of drivers who have attended one or more 2008 PRO/AM Qualifier Events and scored high enough to qualify for entry to the 2008 PRO/AM Drift East Divisional Championship Event. There are currently 53 qualified drivers, 33 East Divisional and 20 West Divisional. This list can be found on the main page of the PRO/AM website. Qualified East Coast Divisional drivers are awarded the benefit of a full event refund upon participation in this event.

NON-POINT SCORING FORMULA DRIFT PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS:
This group consists of drivers who either (a.) previously held a full season license (not a provisional license) in the Formula Drift Professional Series prior to the current season or (b.) currently possess a valid 2008 Formula Drift Professional Series full or provisional license and have not earned at least 1 point in the current season.

NON-QUALIFIED DRIVERS:
This group consists of drivers who either (a.) failed to attend a 2008 PRO/AM Qualifier Event or (b.) failed to qualify at a 2008 PRO/AM Qualifier Event.


REGISTRATION:
Registration deadline is 11:59PM on Tuesday, September 30th, 2008. Click here to register (note: although it is on the NASA site, you do not need to be a member in order to participate in this event. You may however need to create an account on their website). No refunds* are available for this event. Driver's who register incorrectly (i.e. Qualified registration, when not actually a qualified driver) will not be issued a refund. On-site registrations are available pending spaces remain, however there will be a late fee charge of $100 added to the price of registration (note: qualified drivers who fail to pre-register and choose to pay on-site are not eligible for a refund).

QUALIFIED DRIVERS:
Registration = $200 refundable* (a check for the full event registration refund will ONLY be issued for pre-registered drivers upon arrival and participation in the PRO/AM East Coast Divisional Championship Event)

NON-POINT SCORING FORMULA DRIFT PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS:
Registration = $200

NON-QUALIFIED DRIVERS:
Registration = $500


FORMAT:
Practice sessions will take place on a full track configuration. Qualifying and tandem elimination rounds will use only turns 10, 9, 8, and 7. The qualifying and tandem elimination rounds will be judged by a 3-member panel for this event. Judged criteria includes; entry speed into the turns, overall speed carried throughout the judged portion of the run, drift angle (the bigger, the better – without sacrificing speed), clipping points (apex of the turns), and use of the entire track (performed in a controlled manner). The judged sections of the track will be the same for qualifying and tandem eliminations, and will be discussed in detail at the drivers' meeting.

On tandem runs, the aforementioned factors will still be used, with the addition of the leading and following cars maintaining their respective lead or pursuit over the other driver. Passes are not required for a winning run, however, if the lead driver has gone off line and the following driver executes the pass in a safe manner or to prevent a crash, that is acceptable. The “One More Time” clause will only be used once per match-up. Extra points can be awarded to drivers at the discretion of the individual judges and may include, but are not limited to, close proximity to barriers, amount of tire smoke, tire smoke that causes a change in the following driver’s line, and if minor contact is made with an object but the drift is still maintained (i.e. bumper gently tagging a barrier on purpose and under control).


SCHEDULE:
***All drivers' meetings will be held at the drivers' registration booth at the red barn located next to the Patriot Course paddock.

FRIDAY:
10:00AM - Driver and crew setup
1:00PM - Registration/Check-in
1:00PM - Technical Inspections
2:30PM - Drivers' meeting (MANDATORY)
3:00PM - Practice session begins
6:00PM - Practice session ends

SATURDAY:
1:15PM - 1:25PM Drivers' meeting (MANDATORY)
1:35PM - 2:35PM Practice session
2:50PM - Drivers' meeting (MANDATORY)
3:05PM - 4:35PM Qualifying
5:05PM - 6:35PM Top 16 Eliminations
6:45PM Awards

SUNDAY:
1:30PM - 1:40PM Drivers' meeting (MANDATORY)
1:55PM - 3:15PM Team Drift Practice session
3:30PM - 3:40PM Drivers' meeting (MANDATORY)
3:45PM - 5:30PM Team Drift Competition
5:40PM - Award ceremony

OTHER ACTIVITIES:
GT Sim Race: The GT Sim Race brings you closer to the racing action than you ever thought possible by offering passenger rides in the hottest cars with the coolest drivers. Participation is free.
Red Line Time Attack: Time attack has grown tremendously over the last few years and Redline is quickly becoming a battleground for the hottest cars in the country.
Tarzan's Lapping Sessions: Not happy going to a race event unless you can get on the track yourself? If you have a helmet and street legal car you can get time on the world famous Miller and VIR tracks.
Mazda Drift Experience: Mazda will be bringing their three car Formula Drift Team Drift competition drift team for five 20-minute ride along sessions. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Grand Am Koni Challenge: The Koni Challenge features battles in two different classes including sports cars from Mazda, Acura, Ford, Nissan and BMW.
Karting Zone: Almost every successful professional racing driver in the world today got their start in karting. You'll get your chance to test your skills at both Miller's and VIR's world-class tracks.
SCCA Auto-X: Auto-X is the most fun, cost-effective and safest way to get into racing. It requires enormous amounts of skill and teaches a lot, yet all you need is your street car to do it.
WRX Track Attack: WRX Track Attack gives you the chance to be one of the first to get behind the wheel off the new 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX, or 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI at Virginia.
GT Live Fan Festivals: In 2006 GT LIVE started the concept of Fan Festivals. Now we are taking the game to a new level. Rather than us being involved in each individual Fan Festival, we'll put you in charge.
GT Live Model Search: GT LIVE will be holding a model search contest at our events in 2008 and pick 4 finalists and 2 alternates in each city.


MISC:
Volunteers interested in helping out with this event, please email brian@proamdrift.com. All volunteers must be 18+ years old.
Sponsorship inquiries for this event should be directed to brian@proamdrift.com or call 804-545-2822.
All media requests must be approved by GTLive and you can apply here.


REGISTERED DRIVERS: (36 current as of 11:00PM EST on 9.30.2008)

Doug Artus (IL)	Clinton Florcyzk (IL)	Mike Pollard (MN)	Jayitr "Sammy" Sritongkham (GA)
Brian Wilkerson (MD)	Matt Waldin (PA)	Gary Simmons (VA)	Jodin Lejuene (GA)
Ryan Clemens (MN)	Ron Ewerth (NC)	Jonathan Voskinarian (NJ)	Kiely Mackey (SC)
Stewart Leask (TX)	Dennis Mertzanis (PA)	James Lauther (VA)	Lee Alexander (VA)
Daniel Willie (GA)	Rob Fallowes (SC)	Nathan Brasz (VA)	Jose Duarte (NJ)
James Robinson (OH)	Zachary Catlin (VA)	Zoltan Hajdu (FL)	Mike Feiock (IN)
Doug Van Den Brink (NC)	James Evans (MD)	Marc Rozzo (PA)
Chris Orsini (NC)	Rodrigo Campos (NJ)	Daniel Savage (VA)
Ali Aljibouri (VA)	Greg Blair (NC)	Max Hellstern (DE)
William "Bill" Cook (IN)	John Wagner (PA)	Russell Walker (TX)

TRACK INFO:
VIRginia International Raceway
1245 Pine Tree Road
Alton, VA 24520

Phone: 434-822-7700
Fax: 434-822-8033

12 miles east of Danville, VA
20 miles west of South Boston, VA
15 minutes from Danville Regional Airport
One hour from Raleigh-Durham or Greensboro, on the NC state line
Mild climate permitting year-round operation

GPS COORDINATES:
The turn from the public road into VIR is located at N36.54984 W79.19271, (in hddd.ddddd format) or N36i 32’ 59.4” W79i 11’ 33.7” (in hddi mm’ ss.s” format)


DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

Driving from Roanoke, VA

• Take US 220 South towards Martinsville, approx. 50 miles
• Exit onto US 58 East to Danville, VA, continue through Danville, approx. 40 miles
• Turn right onto VA-62 South to Milton, NC, through the traffic light and onto NC-57 South.
• Continue one half mile and turn left onto Race Track Road. VIR is 1 mile on the left

Driving from Richmond, VA

• Take I-95 South, 22 miles
• Take I-85 South, 56 miles
• Take US 58 West near South Hill, 70 miles
• Turn left on VA-62 South to Milton, NC, through the traffic light and onto NC-57 South.
• Continue one half mile and turn left onto Race Track Road. VIR is 1 mile on the left

Driving from Raleigh, NC

• Take US 70 Bypass West to I-85 South
• Turn right onto US 501 Bypass North, becomes US 501
• Stay on US 501 to Roxboro, approx. 27 miles
• Turn left onto Court St. in Roxboro,
• Turn right onto NC-57, 17 miles
• Turn right onto Race Track Rd. VIR is 1 mile on the left

Driving from Greensboro, NC

• Take US 29 North, 45 miles
• Turn onto US 58 East towards South Boston, 5 miles
• Turn right onto VA-62 South to Milton, NC, through the traffic light and onto NC-57 South.
• Continue one half mile and turn left onto Race Track Road. VIR is 1 mile on the left

LODGING & RESTAURANTS:

CASWELL COUNTY	DANVILLE, VA	SOUTH BOSTON, VA
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Hotels and Suites 101 Express Drive Reidsville, NC 336-361-4000 73 rooms including suites, Free HSI, Free Breakfast 6am-10am. Fitness Room, Outdoor Pool(seasonal). Business Center and Jacuzzi & Whirlpool Suites Available. Campground Hyco Lake 62 South from Hwy 58; 336.599.4343; Size: 40 Lots; Dumping station available. The Woodside House (3 miles from VIR) 1939 Highway 57; 336.234.9689; 6 bedrooms, sleeps 12; Luxurious private whole house rental, perfect for VIR groups. Restaurants: Aunt Millie's 249 Broad Street Milton, NC 27305 Phone 336-234-0240 Yancey’s Soul Food and Barbeque 139 Broad Street, Milton NC 27305 Phone 336-234-0010	Accomodations: Best Western 1292 South Boston Road 434.483.5000 Courtyard by Marriott 2136 Riverside Drive; 434.791.2661; Number of rooms: 92; Free in-room high-speed internet, business center, fitness center, pool, suites, restaurant on site. Comfort Inn and Suites 100 Tower Drive (off Route 58); 434.793.2000; Number of Rooms: 118; Free breakfast, in-room high-speed internet, pool, full service restaurant, live entertainment, whirlpool suites. Fall Creek Farm 2556 Green Farm Road; 434.791.3297; Bed and breakfast with individual log cabins. Hampton Inn 2130 Riverside Drive (Route 58); 434.793.1111; Number of Rooms: 59; Breakfast, pool, cable & fitness center. Holiday Inn Express 2121 Riverside Drive (Route 58); 434.793.4000; Number of Rooms: 93; Free in-room high-speed internet, free breakfast bar, pool & offsite fitness. Ramada Inn Stratford 2500 Riverside Drive (Route 58); 434.793.2500; Number of Rooms: 157; Restaurant, complementary breakfast, outdoor pool, pets allowed & cable. Sleep Inn (8 miles from VIR) 1483 South Boston Road (Route 58); 434.793.6090; Number of rooms: 76; Breakfast, trailer parking, internet, pool, restaurant & lounge on site. Restaurants: Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 434.797.9464 - 3415 Riverside Drive Danville VA 24541 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar 434.791.4805 - 410 Old Mount Cross Road - National chain, casual dining, variety of food. El Vallarta 434.791.4491 - 418 Westover Place - Authentic Mexican restaurant with ABC permits. The Gaslight Grille 434.797.9501 - 102 Tower Drive (within the Comfort Inn and Suites) - Live music on weekends, great food and service. Casual atmosphere. Ham‘s Restaurant 434.797.1433 - 2373 Riverside Dr. (next to Super 8 Motel) - Casual sports bar. Soups and Sandwiches. Takeout available. International House of Pancakes (IHOP) 434.793.5476 - 101 Teal Ct. - National chain, breakfast 24 hours. Joe and Mimma’s 434.799.5763 - 3336 Riverside Dr. (Riverside Shopping Center) - Authentic Italian cuisine with excellent food and great service. Los Tres Magueyes 434.792.0601 - 2818 Riverside Dr. (across from Value City) - Mexican cuisine with ABC permits. Dine in or carry out. Mayflower Seafood Restaurant 434.792.8817 - 2320 Riverside Dr. - Fresh seafood, very good, family atmosphere. Closed on Mondays. Take-out available. Miyako Japanese Steak & Seafood 434.799.2599 - Danville Plaza by Value City. Japanese Hibachi style cooking at your table. Outback Steakhouse 434.792.0781 - 111 Enterprise Dr. - National chain, casual steakhouse. Ramada Inn Stratford Restaurant 434.793.2500 - 2500 Riverside Dr. (Located in the Ramada Inn Stratford) - AAA 2-Diamond. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Red Lobster Seafood Restaurant 434.793.9641 - 370 Mall Dr. - National chain, seafood. Rock-Ola Café 434.793.1848 x140 Crown Dr. - National chain, casual dining, variety of food. Ruby Tuesday’s 434.791.2977 - 3585 Riverside Drive – National chain, variety of food. Short Sugar’s Barbeque 434.793.4800 - 2215 Riverside Dr. - Good barbeque sandwiches and plates. Take out available. Sir Richard’s Steakhouse & Lounge 434.822.6444 - 1513 South Boston Road - Steaks, seafood, heavy hors d' oeuvres. Lunch (Sun - Fri) and dinner (Wed - Sat). Banquets and catering. Texas Steakhouse & Saloon 434.791.4419 - 2925 Riverside Dr. - National chain, casual steakhouse, very good food. Transportation: Enterprise Rent-a-Car 434.791.2000/800.325.8007 - 3045 Riverside Drive Toyota Rent-a-Car 434.822-0300 - 4780 Riverside Drive Herndon Limousine Service 434.792-1521 - 1-888-689-6180 - 4824 Old Richmond Road; Danville, VA; Currently only have stretch limos and sedans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week D & M Bus Company and Gibson 434-792-1316 x130 Carolyn Court; Danville, Va Eagle Parlor Tours 434-792-7305 x111 Canterbury Road; Danville, Va Yellow Cab Company 434.791.1666 Danville Taxi 434.793.5671 Amtrak Danville, VA; 800.872.7245	Accommodations: Berry Hill Plantation Resort 434-517-7000 3105 River Road Berry Hill Plantation Resort evokes a sense of plantation life, offering 92 luxury guest rooms, dining, spa, indoor pool, and recreational activities. Coopers Landing Inn & Traveler's Tavern 434-374-2866 801 Virginia Avenue Clarksville, VA 23927 Four room Bed & Breakfast with casual fine dining, outside patio and bar with live music, and a full service tavern. Days Inn Highway 58 West; 434.572.4941; Numbers of Rooms: 76; Free continental breakfast, pool, HBO, high-speed internet (Wi-Fi), refrigerator & microwave. Holiday Inn Express Highway 58 East; 434.575.4000; Number of Rooms: 66; Breakfast, refrigerator, pool, microwave oven & exercise room. The Tacrea House 14246 River Road South Boston, Virginia 24592 (434) 753-2510 Bed & Breakfast Quality Inn 1/2 mile off Route 58 on Rt 360; 434.572.4311; Number of Rooms: 52; Breakfast, pool, cable & restaurant. Staynearby.com Listing of local accommodations including private residences for rent, cabins, efficiencies, and more Restaurants: Four Oaks Restaurant & Lounge 434.572.2066 1633 Seymour Drive Hill's Tavern 434.572.4467 817 Wilborn Avenue Paesano's 434.575.8001 2001 Seymour Drive Molasses Grill 434-476-6265 – 21 South Main Street Ernie’s 434.572.3423 - 1010 John Randolph Blvd. (Located at the junction of Rt. 360 and Hamilton Blvd.) - Open Tuesday through Sunday 11:00am and 9:00pm. Varied menu with family style atmosphere. Bistro 1888 434.572.1888 - 221 Main Street - Southside Virginia's only AAA 3 Diamond restaurant offers a wide selection of infused New American Cuisine in a cozy, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Full liquor license. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 5 - 10 p.m. Reservation.