DEFINITION
A solo run is any run with one car alone on the course. It is the format of qualifying and of all practice sessions, and it occasionally happens in eliminations when an opponent's car is dead in the box (see: Bye Run).
Judges score solo runs on the absolute merits of line, angle, style and speed.
HISTORY & ORIGIN
Solo runs are the original drift competition format, predating tandem battles. Early 1990s Japanese events were solo-only.
TECHNIQUE BREAKDOWN
Driver enters on the judges' signal, runs the prescribed line through all clipping points and zones, and crosses the finish gate. There is no chase pressure and no proximity scoring.
PRO TIPS & COMMON MISTAKES
• Treat solo runs as the cleanest expression of your style. Judges look for consistency, not theatrics.
• Common mistake: pushing for an extreme angle that loses speed. Speed counts.
His final solo run posted the highest score of the qualifying session.