Judging Criteria

Judging Criteria
THE RULES OF THE ROAD
START YOUR ENGINES – Introduction
Hello everyone! Thank you for your interest in the Catch My Drift Sofa King Awesome Series. If you need
clarification on any rules set forth herein, please email CMDriftJoe@gmail.com. All drivers and teams are
strongly encouraged to read these rules carefully. All rulings and interpretations of these rules on Drift Day will
be decided entirely by CMD and its tech staff. All decisions made by CMD and its tech staff are final.
KEEP IN TUNE – Points of Contact
Get the latest news and updates directly from the source via:
Instagram: @cmd_catchmydrift
Facebook: Catchmydriftllc
General and technical questions should be directed to: CMDriftJoe@gmail.com
ROADMAP – Table of Contents
• VEHICLE ELIGIBILITY
• 1.1 – Rubber
• 1.2 – Roll Cages
• PRACTICE
• QUALIFYING FORMAT
• 3.1 – Qualifying Criteria
• 3.2 – Qualifying Tie Breaker
• START LINE PROCEDURE
• 4.1 – Chicane
• 4.2 – Three-Strike Rule
• 4.3 – Initiation
• TANDEM JUDGING CRITERIA
• 5.1 – Lead Driver
• 5.2 – Chase Driver
• 5.3 – Tandem Zeros
• 5.4 – Tandem Initiations
• 5.5 – Tandem Contact and Collisions
• 5.6 – Vehicle Service During Tandem
• COMPETITION
• 6.1 – Competition Timeout Procedure
• PROTEST
• 7.1 – Protesting Cost
• 7.2 – Protesting Form
• CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS AND PURSE (separate document)
GENERAL
It is the driver’s responsibility to present their vehicle in the tech paddock and successfully pass inspection.
Failure to pass does not constitute a refund. Please refer to our website for our technical inspection form.
REV LIMITER
The number of drivers will be capped at 55. Fifty (50) season passes will be offered, and that is the only way to
obtain points for the series. Qualifying will be done in a knockout style, similar to Formula Drift, on Saturday. If
we sell out at 50, only five (5) additional spots will be available for each round. Your seat time is more important
than profit. The higher qualifying driver will always lead. Example: Driver 9 vs. Driver 24 — Driver 9 leads the
first run.
“Nice Car, What’s the Retail on One of Those?”
VEHICLE ELIGIBILITY
All cars must pass CMD’s technical inspection. Please refer to our Tech Inspection form on CMDrift.com. The
driver will receive a sticker after successfully passing inspection. That sticker must be attached to the vehicle.
Drivers must have a seat that is securely fastened to the vehicle with a minimum of four (4) fasteners using
OEM hardware, Grade 10.9 metric, or Grade 8 SAE hardware. If you are unsure: metric bolts are marked
“10.9,” and SAE bolts have six (6) lines on the head of the bolt.
If you have an OEM seat, the OEM seatbelt should be used. Most OEM seats are not compatible with
aftermarket harnesses. If you would like to use an aftermarket harness with a stock seat, prior approval is
required. An aftermarket fixed seat is recommended with a four- or five-point safety harness. The harness must
pass through the seat openings and have one common release point. The lap belts should be mounted rear of
the pelvis. The shoulder belts shall be wrapped around roll cage structure using a 3-bar adjuster, or mounted to
a bracket using Grade 5 or better hardware. Aftermarket seats with sliders are not approved. Either do it
correctly, or use what the manufacturer has provided.
Reference the image below for harness placement and angles.
DECAL PLACEMENT
Season pass drivers are required to have the CMD windshield banner displayed during competition. Season
pass drivers will be provided with the first banner. If an additional banner is needed, the cost will be $40.00.
There may be other contingency decals to be displayed for additional prizes.
1.1 – Rubber
There is no tire size limit for the Sofa King Awesome Series. Tires must be DOT compliant and 200 treadwear
or higher. We are aware of some tire manufacturers that exclude DOT numbers but produce tires equivalent to
DOT-certified versions. If you plan to run those tires, prior approval is required. If your tires do not have DOT
numbers, please reach out to our email for approval. We are trying to avoid drag slicks and pure racing tires.
Bead locks; screwing tires to the wheel; gluing tires; VHT soaking your tires; etc. are prohibited. If caught, this is
an automatic disqualification. Center-lock, mono-lug, and center-lug wheels are not allowed.
1.2 – Roll Cages
Roll cages are not required, but they are certainly encouraged.
PRACTICE
All participants are encouraged to practice in tandem format, even with a delayed start so you can see the pace
of other drivers. The standard “lead” and “follow” lanes will be present. If a driver chooses to do a single (solo)
run, please run in the lead line. Someone may follow you, but they will give space.
QUALIFYING FORMAT
Drivers will complete up to two non-consecutive qualifying runs in order of the current Championship standing
(Rank #1 goes first). The Knockout Qualifying Format (KQF) will be implemented and will populate the Top 32
bracket.
Qualifying will consist of a maximum of two (2) runs:
• Run One: Locks in the Top 24 drivers based on qualifying score.
• Run Two: All drivers who are not in the Top 24 after Run One must complete one additional qualifying run
to determine the remaining Top 32 bracket positions.
• Drivers outside the Top 24 cannot earn a bracket position higher than those already secured by the Top 24
after Run One.
• Example: If 28 drivers are registered, the 24 highest scoring drivers from Run One are locked into bracket
positions. The remaining drivers must run again to determine the final bracket positions.
3.1 – Qualifying Criteria
Line – Drivers will be judged on their ability to fill outside zones and reach touch-and-go areas with the rear of
their vehicles, and on their ability to achieve inside clipping points with the front of their vehicles.
Angle – Drivers will be judged on their ability to complete the course while maintaining a high degree of angle
that allows them to maintain pace in areas that are not deemed decel zones.
Deductions will be made for the following: Double initiation; bobbles; wall taps; tire off course; missing
zones and clips; straightening; off line; lack of angle.
Style – Style evaluates how the vehicle behaves throughout the entire course. Style is separated into two
categories: Fluidity and Commitment.
Commitment – Commitment refers to forward momentum throughout the course. Ideally, the vehicle maintains
momentum outside of decel zones while approaching walls and course outlines with confidence and dedication.
Deductions will be made for the following: Off- or part-throttle prior to initiation; initiating beyond the latest
initiation point; slowing outside of decel zones; timid approach to walls or course outlines.
Fluidity – The style judge will assess how quickly angle is achieved, how smoothly the driver achieves angle,
and whether the desired amount of angle is achieved.
Deductions will be made for the following: Slow rotations; stepped rotations (adding angle in small
increments); inaccurate rotations (adding or subtracting angle mid-corner).
Line – 30 points. Line points may be broken up by sectors at each course and deal with zones, clips, and
touch-and-go areas.
Angle – 30 points. Angle points may be broken up by sectors at each course and deal with zones, clips, and
touch-and-go areas.
Style – 40 points. Style points are separated into Fluidity (20) and Commitment (20) and are judged from the
start line through the finish line.
If a driver makes any of the following mistakes during a qualifying run, the driver will not receive a score for that
run and the run will be considered INCOMPLETE: spinning out; opposite drift (drifting with the opposite angle
required at that point on course); hood, hatch, trunk, and/or doors opening during a run.
3.2 – Qualifying Tie Breaker
In the event of a tie in qualifying, the following tie breaker order will be implemented. If qualifying cannot be
completed (rain-out or other circumstances), qualifying order will be established by previous round ranking. If
weather does not cause cancellation but impacts qualifying, judges may adjust judging criteria and will
disseminate changes to spotters and drivers.
• Tie Breaker 1: Style Score
• Tie Breaker 2: Angle Score
• Tie Breaker 3: Line Score
• Tie Breaker 4: Previous round or season ranking
4. START LINE PROCEDURE
The start line will be controlled by a grid operator. The grid operator will solicit the readiness of each driver. At
that time, the operator will raise their hands to signal “ready.” The follow driver may leave the line at any time
after the grid operator’s hands are raised, but may not impede the lead driver’s line in any way. This will be
demonstrated at the mandatory driver meeting.
4.1 – Chicane
Chicanes may be used this season at the discretion of the judging panel. If the lead driver hits one or more
cones within the starting chicane, the battle will be restarted by either the grid operator or a trackside flagger.
The location of the grid operator and flaggers will be determined at the driver meeting prior to competition.
4.2 – Three-Strike Rule
• A strike will be given if, as a lead driver, you hit one or more cones within the chicane.
• An additional strike will be given for each subsequent cone strike.
• On the third restart, if the lead driver hits a cone, they will be awarded an automatic INCOMPLETE.
• Judges and/or officials may call for a restart if, in their determination, a driver exhibited unsportsmanlike
behavior. Criteria will be discussed in the driver meeting.
• If the chase driver hits a cone—whether intentionally or accidentally—no restart will be initiated.
4.3 – Initiation
• The vehicle must be sideways as it passes the last initiation point.
• Initiation points are designated by a set of three (3) cones placed on track.
• If a competitor’s vehicle is not sideways by the third standing cone, they will receive an automatic zero.
• All drivers are limited to a two-move initiation prior to the third cone.
5. TANDEM JUDGING CRITERIA
Drivers will be paired against each other in a single-elimination bracket. A battle consists of two runs, with each
driver taking a turn as the lead driver. The driver with the number closest to #1 will lead on the first run and
follow on the second.
The lead car is expected to target as close to a 100-point qualifying run as possible. This criteria will be set forth
by the judges in the driver meeting. The lead driver should expect deductions for any mistakes made.
The chase car is expected to follow the line of the lead car and essentially use the lead car as a “moving
clipping point.” During the chase, the follow car should try to match or better the lead car’s angle. The chase car
is encouraged to be as close as possible and should expect deductions for mistakes. Forced errors caused by
the lead driver are not cause for point deductions to the chase car.
In general, the chase driver is expected to mimic the line of the lead driver while matching or bettering the
angle. The chase driver is encouraged to follow as closely as possible and may be protected if the lead driver
makes a mistake that causes the chase driver to make a mistake. However, if the lead driver makes a mistake
and it is deemed possible for the chase driver to adjust (compensate) and the chase driver does not, the chase
driver may receive a deduction.
If a vehicle is broken or retired and does not make the starting grid by the call to battle, the remaining driver
must make a bye run to move on. The same track rules apply to the lone driver as in tandem (don’t hit cones,
two-move initiation, and be sideways by the last initiation cone).
“Mimic” is generally applied to the Line criteria because judges want the chase driver to follow the location,
timing, and rate of rotation during transitions to produce the best and most exciting tandem action. If the lead
driver has poor angle, judges do not want the chase driver to mimic poor angle; instead, the chase driver should
show dominance by bettering the angle where possible.
Judges will watch both Run 1 and Run 2. They will compare both lead runs and both chase runs, then
determine which driver was better overall once both runs are completed.
If one judge votes for Driver A, one judge votes for Driver B, and one judge votes for One More Time (OMT)
due to a lack of majority vote, an OMT will automatically be called. OMT calls are not intended for poorly
executed battles. Judges reserve the right to make judgment calls on battles with multiple mistakes and/or
deductions and declare a winner.
5.1 – Lead Driver
5.1.A Lead Driver Expectations
• Run a 100-point qualifying run.
• Deliver a chaseable lead run.
• Follow all zones/clips/deceleration zones.
5.1.B Lead Driver Deductions
• Shallow angle.
• Incorrect line.
• Poor transitions.
• Trying to “get away” from the chase driver by compromising line, angle, or style.
5.2 – Chase Driver
5.2.A Chase Driver Expectations
• Initiate no later than the lead car.
• Maintain proximity.
• Match or better the lead car’s angle.
• Match the lead car’s line and transitions.
5.2.B Chase Driver Deductions
• Cutting the line compared to the lead car.
• Less angle than the lead car.
• Location and timing of initiation.
• Transition timing and overall driving compared to the lead car.
5.3 – Tandem Zeros
• Two (2) or more tires off track.
• Loss of drift exhibited by the car straightening.
• Over-rotating and spinning out.
• Jettisoning improperly secured auto parts, such as hoods, doors, trunk lids, fenders, and even wings. Auto
parts separated due to contact within the battle do not constitute a point deduction.
• Failure to be at the starting line when it’s your time to run. If you are just in time, you are late. Out of respect
to your fellow competitors, please be ready a few minutes early. You will be required to be back in your
station 15 minutes after completing your previous run. The only exception is if contact occurred in the
previous battle; this will be communicated to the driver.
• Being at fault for contact that results in the other car making a major mistake is unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Hitting a rear zone marker with any part of the car that is forward of the center of the rear wheel.
• A chase car intentionally not chasing a lead driver after an INCOMPLETE run by the other is subject to a
zero.
• A run consisting of multiple mistakes that is deemed an un-chaseable lead will be awarded a zero.
• Three consecutive restarts from chicane cones or an official’s call. If a follow driver does something that
results in a zero, the lead driver must still complete the lap or both drivers will receive a zero.
• If the lead driver does something that results in a zero, the lap is over at that point and the follow car is no
longer required to complete the lap.
• If either driver has a tire de-bead that was not the result of a collision. Watch your tire pressures!
5.4 – Tandem Initiation
• Single-file initiation: the lead driver may initiate using any method they desire.
• The lead driver has the right of way from the start line to the initiation point.
• The lead driver must exhibit a fully committed approach to the initiation point and will be held accountable if
any mistakes or issues arise between the start line and the initiation point.
• The chase driver must not impede the lead driver in any way; doing so will put the chase driver at a
disadvantage.
• The chase driver may position their vehicle anywhere behind the lead vehicle as long as it does not impede
the lead vehicle’s ability to initiate.
• Violations of procedure may result in a restart.
5.5 – Tandem Contact and Collisions
5.5.A Lead Vehicle
If the lead driver goes offline, loses drift, or has a change in momentum that causes the chase driver to collide
with the lead driver, the lead driver may be deemed at fault. Each judge will use their discretion and assign fault.
5.5.B Chase Vehicle
If the chase driver collides with the lead driver while the lead driver is meeting all lead driver requirements and
adhering to all zones, then the chase driver may be deemed at fault.
5.5.C Damage Due to Collision
If you are damaged due to your competitor and are judged not at fault, you will be allotted 20 minutes to fix your
vehicle. You will not be required to use your competition timeout at that time. Judges may grant additional time
based on impact. The driver judged to be at fault is not permitted to touch their vehicle unless they use a
competition timeout, if one is available.
If the car deemed not at fault cannot be fixed within the allotted time, that car will move on in the bracket but will
not be allotted more time to fix the vehicle or compete. Example: Car B hits Car A in the Great 8. Car A cannot
be repaired. Car A moves on to the Final 4 but is not permitted to battle in the Final 4. Car B is out in the Great
8.
If this occurs in the final battle of the evening, CMD reserves the right to award extra time to the car judged not
at fault. A running, driving, sideways battle is the desired result of the day’s competition.
No use of other vehicles. The car you qualify with is the only car you can use in competition.
5.5.D Tandem Tire De-bead or Damage
Vehicles are not permitted to leave the line with a tire exhibiting a de-beaded condition. Rear tire changes will
not be allowed during a competition timeout unless de-beading has occurred. Rim or tire damage due to a
collision with another vehicle may be granted a tire change allowance. If the chase driver has a rear tire
de-bead due to contact and/or collision avoidance with the lead driver, both drivers may change tires. If a front
tire becomes damaged, the Ops Manager or Tech Director may allow the vehicle to change the impacted front
tire to ensure the spectacle remains strong for attendees.
5.6 – Vehicle Service During Tandem
Competitors’ cars are not to be serviced in any way between the chase and lead runs of a battle. No service,
alteration, adjustment, tire change, fueling, cool down, tire pressure adjustment, suspension adjustment, or any
other service is permitted. Rear tires are required to make two consecutive runs.
COMPETITION
Teams may call a one-time competition timeout to make necessary repairs. Competition timeouts are not to be
used for strategic purposes—repairs only. Only the driver or designated team representative may request a
competition timeout. Teams will not be granted a timeout if it is believed to be unwarranted. Competition
timeouts are a maximum of ten (10) minutes.
Tire changes are not permitted during a competition timeout unless a collision has occurred that makes a tire
change mandatory to continue. Competition timeouts are for repairs only; no tire pressure or suspension setting
adjustments are permitted.
Drivers who fail to make the 10-minute call will be disqualified and will forfeit to the opposing driver. Teams may
only use one (1) competition timeout per round. A competition timeout may be called by the Ops Manager if a
vehicle is not present in grid. This latitude is granted to determine if additional time will create a solid ending.
The run of the show must go on!
6.1 – Competition Timeout Procedure
Drivers and teams may not perform any work on the vehicle prior to an official being onsite and starting the
10-minute timer. External visual inspection is allowed; however, no touching, pulling, or “massaging” of the
vehicle will be permitted. It’s a family show.
The 10-minute clock starts when the official tells the driver/team to begin, not when the vehicle arrives at the
location.
Ten (10) minutes will run out if your vehicle is:
• Not safe to drive.
• Not safely/adequately repaired.
• Not ready to drive to the burnout box.
PROTEST
To protest a judge’s call, you must speak with the Ops Manager or Competition Director. They will speak to the
judges before allowing a protest to move forward. Drivers are not permitted to approach the judges’ tower for
any reason once battles have commenced. Approaching the judges will result in an automatic disqualification
and dismissal of any lodged protest. The crew members of the disqualified driver are also included. Likewise, if
a crew/team member approaches the judges’ tower, it will result in an automatic disqualification for the driver.
Judges have a 10-minute time limit from the moment the protest form is turned in to render a decision and relay
it to the liaison for dissemination. After the decision is rendered, battles will resume.
The liaison will deliver the decision to the driver and provide the reasoning given by the judges. The judges’
ruling is final and not subject to appeal. Any subsequent debate or argument over the ruling is a waste of time;
therefore, any approach or perceived movement toward the judges’ tower may be interpreted as hostile. This
can result not only in disqualification for the event, but may endanger a driver’s ability to continue in the series.
The Ops Manager and judges may make themselves available for discussion after the conclusion of the event.
You cannot protest a subjective call or a section of a run.
Example: You cannot protest “I had more angle through this section” or “I had more style.” These are subjective
and not open for dispute.
You can protest hard qualifying, score-based criteria only.
Example A: Driver A made a mistake that should equal an automatic zero, or Driver A made a mistake that was
scored a zero and should not have been.
Example B: Driver A caused Driver B’s mistake by doing something prohibited (e.g., “Driver A slowed in a
non-deceleration zone and caused Driver B to go off track.”).
Media footage collected outside of our approved media team and judges’ tower is not approved for protest
review. Cell phone footage is not admissible—do not bring us media for a protest. It will not be used.
Do not approach the judges, event staff, or your competitor during the event for the sole purpose of debating a
judgment call. It has been stressed prior, and here it is again: DO NOT APPROACH THE JUDGES for any
reason during the event, or you will be disqualified. If you have questions/comments/concerns about your battle
but are not protesting, wait until the event is completed and then request to discuss it with the judges or track
staff.
Drivers: CMD staff encourages you to be proactive with your crew, team members, and fans by explaining the
severity of the penalty if anyone in your contingent approaches the judges’ tower. Arguing that you cannot
control your people will not end in a satisfactory result for you or your race team. The driver will have five (5)
minutes to explain their reasoning to the judges, then will leave the judging tower for review. The decision will
be relayed. We want this process expedited for the benefit of the show.
We will livestream on YouTube for review.
Protest timing: within 15 minutes from the end of the run.
7.1 – Protesting Cost
The protesting fee is $200 cash and must be submitted with the protest form. All fees must be paid before the
judges will render a decision. If the original result is overturned, your $200 will be returned. If the call stands,
you forfeit the $200 regardless of reason.
7.2 – Protesting Form
Presented ONLY by the driver (if others are with you, you will not be heard). Presented within 15 minutes of the
run. Form must be signed by the driver. Driver must present $200 cash with the form at the time of protest. Must
show armband as proof they are the driver. Below is an example of the form; one will be provided in your driver
packet.
Name of Driver - ___________________________________
Name of Driver Representative - _____________________________________
Protest cannot be based on subjective or hearsay information.
Is your reasoning for protest a subjective one? _______________.
Section of the track for discussion / video pull or livestream timestamp: ________
_______________________________.
Description of reason for protest:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
By signing below, you acknowledge that if your protest is found to be invalid, you
will forfeit the $200.00.
If the decision is overturned, you will be refunded the $200.00 protest fee, and y
ou will be granted another protest form should you need it in the future.
_X___________________________ Date ___/___/___
Driver or Driver’s representative’s signature
__X____________________________ Date ___/___/___ Staff member accepting the $
200.00 protest fee