Section IV.
Before actual competition begins, there will be a morning practice session where drivers can familiarize themselves with the track layout, surface, and driving line. Controlled Practice” works best for large events, with or without multiple classes. It ensures that each driver will get ample practice time without having to deal with lap traffic. It also groups drivers by equipment level (when classes are used) so that all drivers on the track at a given time are driving against their peers. Controlled practice eliminates over-saturation (too many cars on the track to allow any driver to get opportunities to run clean laps.) and enables drivers to practice without having to stand amongst a crowd or a clogged driver’s stand.
NOTE: For smaller events, an alternative method is by doing Open Practice. For details on this method, check the Ruleset Downloads page.
Advantages to Controlled Practice:
- Limited cars on the track allow drivers to practice without traffic
- All drivers get guaranteed practice time on the track
- Each driver will have a set starting time for their practice
- Drivers will be on the track with equally-skilled peers in the same class
Details to consider when using Controlled Practice:
- Time must be equal for all groups
- Classes with many drivers should be split to avoid over saturation (traffic)
- First practice groups will wait longer before qualifying begins
- Overall practice time will be longer than one “open” practice session
A. Equipment level or the driver entry list can be used to divide the drivers into smaller, manageable groups for the controlled practice session.
B. Driving Groups should be specified before the event begins.
C. Group size should also be relative to overall track size:
1. For small tracks, groups should be no more than five (5) drivers per group.
2. For medium tracks, groups should be no more than ten (10) drivers per group.
3. For large tracks, groups should be no more than fifteen (15) drivers per group.
D. Drivers should not be on the track at any time unless their group is called for controlled practice.
E. All controlled practice groups should get equal time on the track before qualifying begins.
F. If a particular driving line will be focused upon by the judges, the event staff should do a short “line demonstration” beforehand to show all competitors which drifting line to practice. That way all drivers will know what the judges will be looking for during qualifying/tandem battle. The best time to do this is right before you start the controlled practice session.
G. If a driver’s group is not called for controlled practice, that driver should not be on the track at that time.
H. Only drivers that are actually entered in competition are allowed in the morning practice session, since these are the drivers that need to familiarize themselves with the course.
I. Only vehicles that are actually entered in competition are allowed on the course during the morning practice session. After qualifying, the lunch break practice session will usually be “open.” Thus spectators and competitors can use other drift vehicles on the course.