This is the rulebook for the 2011 season of TurboSCARTS on Turbo Sliders v2.0. SCARTS stands for Stock Car Auto Racing on Turbo Sliders, a league formed to simulate NASCAR. The following standards are to be followed by EVERY racer during scheduled league events to help keep the races flowing smoothly and accurately to realism.
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OVERVIEW OF THE VARYING SCARTS SERIES
There are several racing series that SCARTS holds championships for: Full Throttle Cup Series, Rising Star Series, Old Timers League, and the newly revised Turbocharged Series.
- Full Throttle Cup -
The SCARTS Full Throttle Cup Series is our premier series run over the course of 20 races. The top five drivers in points over the first fourteen races will qualify to contend for the six race 'Chase' to try claiming the Full Throttle championship. Trusted drivers that have proved themselves as rulebook followers and fair racers will be allowed to compete in the top level series.
- Rising Star -
The SCARTS Rising Star Series is the main secondary series of SCARTS featuring winless Full Throttle Cup drivers and newer drivers. New players that haven't had any racing experience will be required to race in this series if admins feel they need the seat time to learn the rules appropriately or are struggling with the car handling.
This series runs over the course of sixteen races, with the player earning the most points winning the series title. The series bans any drivers who have won Full Throttle Cup Series races in effort to level the competition for newer players and give other players the chance to taste the spoils of victory.
- Old Timers League -
This series developed by our very own DOC will be launched in 2011, featuring the longtime SCARTS veterans duking it out over the course of twelve races. Drivers elligible for this series must have run Full Throttle Cup races in the FT08 racecars run in Seasons 1-2. The driver that earns the most points will claim the OTL Series title.
- Turbocharged Truck Series -
The SCARTS Turbocharged Series was developed in 2010 to tie over a shortened Full Throttle Cup Series season into 2011. This series allowed us to develop the 'tire wear' feature among other innovations to be used this year in TurboSCARTS.
This year, the Turbocharged Series will return with a new twist: the series will be converted into a truck series. The series will be open to all drivers as a tie over series into 2012. It will begin roughly around Thanksgiving (give or take) and last through January 2012. It will be extended to a TEN race season, up from 8 races in 2010. The format will be much the same as Rising Star and OTL, the player with the most points wins the title over the ten race span.
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SCHEDULE
The racing schedules are fixed for all series in SCARTS for 2011 (with the possible exception of OTL). Racetimes for each series are detailed in their respective entry lists, but in short, Full Throttle Cup races will be run on Sundays at 5pm ET. Rising Star Series races will be run Wednesdays at 3pm ET. Old Timers League races are currently scheduled for 7pm ET on Monday nights, but that might be subject to change.
As for the 2011 Turbocharged Truck Series, racetimes are to be determined, but 5pm ET on Sundays (like Cup) is a good possibility.
Details on offweeks, tracks to be run, etc will be in each individual series' schedule.
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ENTRY LISTS
Entry lists for upcoming races will be posted roughly 5-7 days before a scheduled raceday. Each list will include a link to download that week's track to be raced.
Drivers should reply to each list with their entries providing what car sponsors they would like to drive in the races. This makes it easy for the server admin to prepare the race servers accurately in advance of each event.
Signing the lists aren't mandatory, but admins will NOT stop the server to pick a desired car for somebody that wasn't announced in advance. It'll be up to the admin to choose the car for the driver at that point.
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RACE EVENT FORMAT
The SCARTS Turbocharged Series follows a common race format: a practice session, qualifying, and the race. New to 2011, there is a different track for each of these sections, all downloadable in the track pack posted in the entry lists. Each of these sessions are described in detail below.
- PRACTICE -
The scheduled racetime for each race will always start with a practice session to get acquainted to the track. Practice will be run on a special course in most cases starting in the garage. That garage doubles as the place to repair and fuel during the session. Most practices will last for 15 minutes, with some races being longer or shorter if needed.
Since practice starts at the scheduled racetime, all drivers are expected to be in the server beforehand. This cuts back on wasted time for file transfers and quickens the event. (A 5:00pm ET start for Cup races means, arrive BEFORE 5pm, or you will miss practice.)
The practice session allows drivers to practice qualifying, fuel runs, tire wear, and racing to get a good feel for the track. You might want to try some qualifying runs during practice to hit fast times since the order that you qualify in the next session is dependent on how fast you run in practice. More on that in the 'Qualifying' section.
Practice is to be respected which means, if you are goofing around on the track like hitting people on purpose, or sitting idle anywhere where your car can be an obstruction to others, you will get in trouble or perhaps a refusal to qualify or even race.
*Practice Format:
- Once practice starts, late arrivals will be refused entry. NO restarts allowed.
- Each practice is 15 minutes long give or take if stated otherwise.
- Fuel and damage will be activated to test fuel runs and tire wear. Startfuel changes are allowed.
- Ghost mode is off.
- The fastest time you hit in practice will reflect your qualifying order. See below.
- QUALIFYING -
Following the practice session, qualifying will be held to determine the starting grid for the race. Each driver will go out individually to qualify. The order everyone goes out to qualify will be set from slowest to fastest drivers from practice. As was for practice, a special course qualifying course will be used to auto-position the slowest to fastest cars in line on pitroad. (DO NOT DRIVE AROUND ON THE GRID. Once you complete your qual run, please follow the cones into the infield.) Each driver will be given 'two full laps' to hit the fastest laptime possible. The quicker of the two laps will be accounted for as the qualification time. Qualifying will follow practice directly after. Noone may leave to run additional laps.
Some SCARTS races will cap drivers at a certain limit. Drivers in the top 8 in points from the previous race will be guaranteed a start in the next race (excluding Daytona for FT) while everybody else will be at risk to leave the server if their qualifying lap is slower than everyone else's. That elligibility may fluctuate from week to week so keep up to date on the standings in the event we have knockout qualifying.
After qualifying, we will choose pitstalls in the order of speed from qualifying. More on that in an upcoming section.
*Qualifying Format:
- Fuel and damage off
- Feel autostarts io pitroad in position, don't move.
- Two qualifying laps, the faster of the two counts.
- The warmup lap begins as soon as you leave your pitstall. The next time by the start/finish line starts the two lap clock.
- The order to qualify will be dependent on your fastest lap from practice. Those that missed practice will qualify first, followed by those that ran in practice. The slowest cars will qualify next and go in order of next fastest, to next fastest, to fastest.
- One car on the track at a time. Everyone else must wait in line in the pits. Those not supposed to be on the track will be DQ'd from qualifying and possibly kicked from the event if the current qualifier's run gets affected.
- We will run 'Knockout Qualifying' in some races when we have more qualifiers than alloweable spots for the race. The top 8 in points from last race will be guaranteed a spot (after Daytona), while everyone else is at risk to miss it.
- Pitstalls will be selected following the session in the order of fastest to slowest.
If for some reason qualifying ever gets cancelled due to server problems or time constraints, the starting order would be set by current series points from most to least.
- RACE -
The race will follow immediately after qualifying concludes. Once the race begins, the field will be auto-set double file in pitlane, since each race will use yet another special version of the track. Pace orderly off of pitlane and pull into the backstretch grid for the race formation. More details on the race will be explained in an upcoming section of this rulebook.
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KEY THINGS TO KNOW FOR RACES
Before racing, there are some important things to discuss before entering into a race.
- RACING STYLE -
SCARTS is a racing series you can't take lightly and immaturely. We are a fairplay league which thrives on players who love competition and can live without cheating and rough gameplay. This unique community of players allows us to be able to simulate NASCAR in many ways. If you are someone who likes to bend the rules, cut people off, and cheat your way to victory, you won't last in SCARTS and you won't be welcome.
-ADMINS-
Admins in SCARTS races will be notated with asteriks ** around the player name. These guys are considered role models of SCARTS and vow to uphold the rules of the league by punishing those who bend the rules. Admins have the right to issue out black flag penalties as well as judge racing behavior for penalties following each race. No retaliation on admins will be tolerated in the races at any time for any reason. The only retaliation allowed is for on-track situations only, never administrative decisions you are upset about.
- FLAGS -
There are several colored flags that represent various race conditions used in SCARTS. They mean pretty much what you think they mean from many kinds of motorsports, but here they are detailed below.
- Green Flag: When green is out, we are racing for position.
- Yellow Flag: When yellow is out, we are pacing on the racetrack as a result of somebody wrecking and calling 'YEL'
- Red Flag: When red is out, we are stopped on the racetrack waiting on somebody.
- Black Flag: When 'Black Flag' is called, it is directed at one particular driver as a penalty for an action on the racetrack. More details about black flags in an upcoming section.
- White Flag: Final lap of the race, time to get up on the wheel to win!
- PIT SPECS -
SCARTS has a standard 600 seconds for fuel load. That value is used in all series for 2011.
When pitting, fueling up to max will take up to six seconds. Repairing the car will take up to 14 seconds to repair to max.
For 2011, TurboSCARTS is introducing 'repair only' pitstops. Turbo Sliders has built in support for repairing your damage without taking on additional fuel by holding down the 'fire key'. The fire key is usually used in battles to launch missiles. Even though the missiles don't fire in SCARTS races, that key still responds and allows you to hold it down to make repairs without taking on additional fuel. Even more than before, finding a good balance between fuel and damage for the final run to the checkers will be key to victory.
- PITSTALLS -
Every track will have numbered pitstalls that we use to make pitstops in.
Following qualifying before the race, pitstalls will be chosen by players in the order of fastest qualifying time. Its advantageous to get a good lap in to pick a good pit stall for easy entry, exit, or both for that matter. Players may pick any of the stall numbers available. Whichever stall you choose, you MUST stick to that numbered stall for the entire race.
When a YEL is called, pitlane closes for a brief time. The field then lines up along the backstretch grid to await the command to pit. Once the field is together, the admin will call PIT to signify that pitlane is now open. Please form up single file leaving the grid 1-2-3-4-5, etc to have an orderly single file entry into the pits. The pitstall numbers count down towards 1. Do NOT drive through multiple pit boxes before you stop in your stall so we can avoid run-on collisions. If you hit someone, you will go to the rear on the next restart.
You MUST park your car completely in the box (all sides of your car must be inside the box). Yes guys, INSIDE the box. You may need to practice pitting properly to avoid losing time. This will be fully enforced during yellow flags where multiple guys pit. If you are caught pitting illegally, it will be a tail end of the line penalty on the next restart. If you are pitting by yourself under caution, admins won't be so picky if you are a little bit off in your box since you'll be tail end anyways.
Practice, practice, practice pitstops so you are efficient. And don't forget to use the fire key to make repairs only if you choose.
- YELLOW FLAGS (CAUTIONS) -
When someone crashes into the retaining wall or collects other players in a crash, drivers can call a yellow flag to slow down the field to a crawl. Once yellow flag (YEL) is called, the field is frozen in their current running positions. Whatever position the caution caller is when he gets back up to speed will be his new running spot, it isn't necessarily last place. Drivers must slow up as soon as yellow is called, no racing to the line.
Once caution is out, pull into the backstretch grid and park in the stall that matches your current running position. Once the field is all together, the race admin will call out 'PIT'. This represents pit lane being open for pit stops. The field may choose to pit or not to pit, however the driver who called the yellow flag will be required to make a stop in pit lane and take 'at least' a splash of fuel.
(NOTE: We didn't require this rule in the Turbocharged Series. It will be enforced as it was in the past. Call the yellow, you must make a pitstop.) It will be ok to gain position in the pits if you are the yellow caller.
If a driver makes a pitstop before pitlane is announced as open, the driver will get a lap down penalty.
So after pitstops open up, the next time the field reaches the backstraight, each driver will park sequentially from 1-12 in the order they reach the stalls. This grid forms the double file restart correctly so that players are positioned in the right lines for the upcoming restart. Odd positions such as 3rd, 5th and 7th are required to restart in the inside lane while even number positions (2nd, 4th, 6th) restart in the outside line. The first person to the line will park in #1 always, 2nd place will park in #2, 3rd place in #3, and so on until the whole field is caught up and in their correct numerical place. Also at this point, any lapcars given a lap back may do so and then park in the next available number on the grid. Once the field is completely set, the admin will announce the restart and then at that point, the leader may choose to swap lanes with 2nd place if desired. Rows 2 and back must stay in their correct position for the restart. We will restart next time to the line unless the admin decides to add a lap for whatever reason.
Leading up to the restart, do NOT lay back to get a run, ESPECIALLY if there are other cars stating behind you. That isn't fair to them and we will redo the restarts over and over until it's done right. If one person continually does this, we will kick you out of the race. All drivers MUST stick CLOSE behind the car restarting in front of you to have an accurate, realistic restart. And make sure NOT to pass the guy in front of you in line until after the start/finish line. Doing so will result in a lap down penalty handed out during the next caution or end of race.
Cautions are legal on every lap except for the final lap. The caution can be ignored once the 'final lap' is announced.
- BLACK FLAGS -
As mentioned above, black flags are issued to drivers who commit a violation to the rulebook or make unsportsmanlike moves around fellow racers. Only a race admin with asteriks next to their player name (i.e. **Burn**) are allowed to give out black flag penalties.
Here are some examples of what will get you a black flag penalty:
-> Passing the car starting in front of you before the start/finish line at the race start.
-> Passing the car restarting in front of you before the start/finish line on each race restart.
-> Shoving somebody below the apron cutting off their driving line.
-> Failing to pit while under caution if you are the caution caller.
-> Parking in the wrong pitstall number.
-> Pitting while pits are closed or right after a person calls YEL.
-> Ramming other racers in pitlane at full speed. Honest accidents will not be penalized.
-> Miss the committment cone (if present) and caught doing so.
- RED FLAGS -
Occassionally, an admin may call a 'red flag' during the race. These are allowed during the entire race except for Green-White-Checkered finishes. These are ONLY TO BE CALLED by admins, and they will usually be for players who have unexpected disconnections from the server or for issuing penalties. If a red is called, positions are frozen the moment RED is called in the server, and we will all halt on the double file restart grid along the backstretch. Any non-admin that has to leave for some reason, pull your car off the track and mention that you have to go (maybe type 'wait') and the admin will announce the red flag. DON'T CALL IT YOURSELF.
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THE RACE
As stated above, the race will follow immediately after qualifying's conclusion, using the race version of that track. Being on time is important as we will start the race punctually. Before the admin 'starts the race', you may make adjustments to your Startfuel for the start of the race. Damage cannot be adjusted. This section describes the format for each SCARTS race.
- PACE LAP -
The race starts our cars in double file formation down pitlane. Once the race begins, pull around to the backstretch grid staying in formation. Once everyone has pulled around to the grid and parks in position, we will begin pacing towards the green flag. Competitors are required to stay in line and not accelerate until the race leader gets around near the start/finish line. You may NOT pass the guy in front of you in line until after you pass the start/finish line. Passing the guy beside you is legal if your line gets a run. The polesitter will have lane preference at the start. The outside front row starter will start in the lane opposite the polesitter.
Those taking off at the start ignoring the pace lap will be booted from the server if behavior doesn't immediately improve. YOU MUST pace.
- LEADING A LAP DURING THE FIRST 20 LAPS -
Despite a rules change for points, the bonus points remain the same for The first 20 laps of each race will be an opportunity for every driver to earn five bonus points for the championship by leading one of the first 20 laps. Changing startfuel before the race is your chance to strategize for how to get up front during that period. Once 20 laps are completed, the lap bonus disappears.
-HALFWAY BONUS-
Racing for halfway is a race in itself as somebody can earn another five bonus points for leading that lap. The official halfway mark will be announced in the race if its unclear as to when it is in a 201 lap race for example.
-PITTING-
As the field is racing under green flag, drivers may choose to make pitstops whenever they want. You may make a pitstop at whatever speed you want to enter pitlane, as long as you aren't caught missing the committment cone. That penalty will be handed out by an admin on the next caution if you are caught. Drilling it into your heads now, YOU MUST ENTER PIT LANE WITHOUT HITTING OR MISSING THE COMMITTMENT CONE!!!
As described in the yellow flag section, pit road will be closed when somebody calls the yellow flag (YEL). Pits will remain closed until the race admin gives the ok to open the pits saying PIT. Pits remain open after PIT is announced, so drivers can choose to pit after the main PIT statement while still pacing under caution.
Drivers must also park in their assigned pitstall chosen after qualifying. Drivers must completely park in their pistall or admins may call the driver out on a 'tail end of the line' black flag penalty.
Once pitstalls open under caution, the next time by the field will park along the grid placed in the backstretch to set the double file restart. Drivers will park in that grid sequentially in the order they reach the grid (not to be confused with pitstall number choices.)
-GREEN WHITE CHECKER-
If a caution flies near the end of the race, three attempts at a Green-White-Checkered finish (a two lap shootout to the checkered flag after a caution). If a competitor calls a YEL near the end of the race and we are not able to restart by 2 laps to go, we will pace the race to the checkered flag and then do our first GWC attempt. Pacing it to the line will keep check on people cheating their fuel expecting the race to go GWC before completing 100% distance. The caution caller will not be allowed to call another caution after that, but others may if they wreck. If the restart hits the final lap, yellows are again banned and the caution caller will be parked. The yel must be called on the first lap of the restart, and it will be reviewed on tape. The caution caller will be placed last car on the lead lap for every ensuing GWC restart. The GWC restarts will be planned ahead of time in the server so that we can race them if necessary, and they will be fuel free.
-LUCKY DOGS-
The first car one lap down of the leader may be granted a free pass to earn one lap back when the caution comes out. If a caution caller already a lap down calls a caution, even if he is the first one a lap down, earning a lap back won't be allowed. Drivers can only earn a lap back if somebody else calls the YEL. The 'lucky dog' driver must restart the race last car on the lead lap always, even if the driver doesn't pit.
Other cars a lap down may choose to take a 'wavearound' as well given that they do NOT make a stop in pitlane to take fuel.
-LAST LAP-
Once the white flag is drawn to signify the final lap, no cautions are allowed to be called. Those who wrecked may not block the racetrack to ruin the final lap for everyone else.
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POINTS SYSTEM
TurboSCARTS is debuting a new points system to be used during the Turbocharged Series as a test.
The championship will be determined by the driver who scores the most points in six races. Now the season is 8 races long, but only the six best results will be counted towards the championship. So this means, if somebody races 7 or 8 races, any extra finishes that are better than your worst result may be substituted in place of the bad one. If the worst result happened to award more points (bonuses), drivers may choose to scrap the replacement race and retain the race that awarded more points.
If qualifying is ever cancelled due to time constraints to get the race started, we will start the races by points standing from most to least points. Drivers without points will start in the back in order of connection to the server. Only the first race of the season will be points set by last year's final standings in all three series.
Players are entitled to score EVERY point they earn unless there is a big issue with one driver's behavior brought up after the race. If so, a panel of admins will discuss the issue and ARE ABLE to dock points if the infraction is unanimous.
If you want details on the new values for points, visit the TurboSCARTS Points System located in the Rulebook category.
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SUMMARY
TurboSCARTS is making a huge swing at realism, and it would be great to see a nice showing supporting the new tire wear feature. Don't worry, lag won't be much of a factor anymore with Shyguy and others hosting, so I urge you all to give it a shot.
Boring oval racing? Well lemme tell you this amigo, TurboSCARTS is close quarters racing that will make your fingers bleed.... Ready to race?[/size]
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VERSION
-2011 TurboSCARTS Rulebook (v0.1 - March 7, 2011)
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OVERVIEW OF THE VARYING SCARTS SERIES
There are several racing series that SCARTS holds championships for: Full Throttle Cup Series, Rising Star Series, Old Timers League, and the newly revised Turbocharged Series.
- Full Throttle Cup -
The SCARTS Full Throttle Cup Series is our premier series run over the course of 20 races. The top five drivers in points over the first fourteen races will qualify to contend for the six race 'Chase' to try claiming the Full Throttle championship. Trusted drivers that have proved themselves as rulebook followers and fair racers will be allowed to compete in the top level series.
- Rising Star -
The SCARTS Rising Star Series is the main secondary series of SCARTS featuring winless Full Throttle Cup drivers and newer drivers. New players that haven't had any racing experience will be required to race in this series if admins feel they need the seat time to learn the rules appropriately or are struggling with the car handling.
This series runs over the course of sixteen races, with the player earning the most points winning the series title. The series bans any drivers who have won Full Throttle Cup Series races in effort to level the competition for newer players and give other players the chance to taste the spoils of victory.
- Old Timers League -
This series developed by our very own DOC will be launched in 2011, featuring the longtime SCARTS veterans duking it out over the course of twelve races. Drivers elligible for this series must have run Full Throttle Cup races in the FT08 racecars run in Seasons 1-2. The driver that earns the most points will claim the OTL Series title.
- Turbocharged Truck Series -
The SCARTS Turbocharged Series was developed in 2010 to tie over a shortened Full Throttle Cup Series season into 2011. This series allowed us to develop the 'tire wear' feature among other innovations to be used this year in TurboSCARTS.
This year, the Turbocharged Series will return with a new twist: the series will be converted into a truck series. The series will be open to all drivers as a tie over series into 2012. It will begin roughly around Thanksgiving (give or take) and last through January 2012. It will be extended to a TEN race season, up from 8 races in 2010. The format will be much the same as Rising Star and OTL, the player with the most points wins the title over the ten race span.
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SCHEDULE
The racing schedules are fixed for all series in SCARTS for 2011 (with the possible exception of OTL). Racetimes for each series are detailed in their respective entry lists, but in short, Full Throttle Cup races will be run on Sundays at 5pm ET. Rising Star Series races will be run Wednesdays at 3pm ET. Old Timers League races are currently scheduled for 7pm ET on Monday nights, but that might be subject to change.
As for the 2011 Turbocharged Truck Series, racetimes are to be determined, but 5pm ET on Sundays (like Cup) is a good possibility.
Details on offweeks, tracks to be run, etc will be in each individual series' schedule.
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ENTRY LISTS
Entry lists for upcoming races will be posted roughly 5-7 days before a scheduled raceday. Each list will include a link to download that week's track to be raced.
Drivers should reply to each list with their entries providing what car sponsors they would like to drive in the races. This makes it easy for the server admin to prepare the race servers accurately in advance of each event.
Signing the lists aren't mandatory, but admins will NOT stop the server to pick a desired car for somebody that wasn't announced in advance. It'll be up to the admin to choose the car for the driver at that point.
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RACE EVENT FORMAT
The SCARTS Turbocharged Series follows a common race format: a practice session, qualifying, and the race. New to 2011, there is a different track for each of these sections, all downloadable in the track pack posted in the entry lists. Each of these sessions are described in detail below.
- PRACTICE -
The scheduled racetime for each race will always start with a practice session to get acquainted to the track. Practice will be run on a special course in most cases starting in the garage. That garage doubles as the place to repair and fuel during the session. Most practices will last for 15 minutes, with some races being longer or shorter if needed.
Since practice starts at the scheduled racetime, all drivers are expected to be in the server beforehand. This cuts back on wasted time for file transfers and quickens the event. (A 5:00pm ET start for Cup races means, arrive BEFORE 5pm, or you will miss practice.)
The practice session allows drivers to practice qualifying, fuel runs, tire wear, and racing to get a good feel for the track. You might want to try some qualifying runs during practice to hit fast times since the order that you qualify in the next session is dependent on how fast you run in practice. More on that in the 'Qualifying' section.
Practice is to be respected which means, if you are goofing around on the track like hitting people on purpose, or sitting idle anywhere where your car can be an obstruction to others, you will get in trouble or perhaps a refusal to qualify or even race.
*Practice Format:
- Once practice starts, late arrivals will be refused entry. NO restarts allowed.
- Each practice is 15 minutes long give or take if stated otherwise.
- Fuel and damage will be activated to test fuel runs and tire wear. Startfuel changes are allowed.
- Ghost mode is off.
- The fastest time you hit in practice will reflect your qualifying order. See below.
- QUALIFYING -
Following the practice session, qualifying will be held to determine the starting grid for the race. Each driver will go out individually to qualify. The order everyone goes out to qualify will be set from slowest to fastest drivers from practice. As was for practice, a special course qualifying course will be used to auto-position the slowest to fastest cars in line on pitroad. (DO NOT DRIVE AROUND ON THE GRID. Once you complete your qual run, please follow the cones into the infield.) Each driver will be given 'two full laps' to hit the fastest laptime possible. The quicker of the two laps will be accounted for as the qualification time. Qualifying will follow practice directly after. Noone may leave to run additional laps.
Some SCARTS races will cap drivers at a certain limit. Drivers in the top 8 in points from the previous race will be guaranteed a start in the next race (excluding Daytona for FT) while everybody else will be at risk to leave the server if their qualifying lap is slower than everyone else's. That elligibility may fluctuate from week to week so keep up to date on the standings in the event we have knockout qualifying.
After qualifying, we will choose pitstalls in the order of speed from qualifying. More on that in an upcoming section.
*Qualifying Format:
- Fuel and damage off
- Feel autostarts io pitroad in position, don't move.
- Two qualifying laps, the faster of the two counts.
- The warmup lap begins as soon as you leave your pitstall. The next time by the start/finish line starts the two lap clock.
- The order to qualify will be dependent on your fastest lap from practice. Those that missed practice will qualify first, followed by those that ran in practice. The slowest cars will qualify next and go in order of next fastest, to next fastest, to fastest.
- One car on the track at a time. Everyone else must wait in line in the pits. Those not supposed to be on the track will be DQ'd from qualifying and possibly kicked from the event if the current qualifier's run gets affected.
- We will run 'Knockout Qualifying' in some races when we have more qualifiers than alloweable spots for the race. The top 8 in points from last race will be guaranteed a spot (after Daytona), while everyone else is at risk to miss it.
- Pitstalls will be selected following the session in the order of fastest to slowest.
If for some reason qualifying ever gets cancelled due to server problems or time constraints, the starting order would be set by current series points from most to least.
- RACE -
The race will follow immediately after qualifying concludes. Once the race begins, the field will be auto-set double file in pitlane, since each race will use yet another special version of the track. Pace orderly off of pitlane and pull into the backstretch grid for the race formation. More details on the race will be explained in an upcoming section of this rulebook.
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KEY THINGS TO KNOW FOR RACES
Before racing, there are some important things to discuss before entering into a race.
- RACING STYLE -
SCARTS is a racing series you can't take lightly and immaturely. We are a fairplay league which thrives on players who love competition and can live without cheating and rough gameplay. This unique community of players allows us to be able to simulate NASCAR in many ways. If you are someone who likes to bend the rules, cut people off, and cheat your way to victory, you won't last in SCARTS and you won't be welcome.
-ADMINS-
Admins in SCARTS races will be notated with asteriks ** around the player name. These guys are considered role models of SCARTS and vow to uphold the rules of the league by punishing those who bend the rules. Admins have the right to issue out black flag penalties as well as judge racing behavior for penalties following each race. No retaliation on admins will be tolerated in the races at any time for any reason. The only retaliation allowed is for on-track situations only, never administrative decisions you are upset about.
- FLAGS -
There are several colored flags that represent various race conditions used in SCARTS. They mean pretty much what you think they mean from many kinds of motorsports, but here they are detailed below.
- Green Flag: When green is out, we are racing for position.
- Yellow Flag: When yellow is out, we are pacing on the racetrack as a result of somebody wrecking and calling 'YEL'
- Red Flag: When red is out, we are stopped on the racetrack waiting on somebody.
- Black Flag: When 'Black Flag' is called, it is directed at one particular driver as a penalty for an action on the racetrack. More details about black flags in an upcoming section.
- White Flag: Final lap of the race, time to get up on the wheel to win!
- PIT SPECS -
SCARTS has a standard 600 seconds for fuel load. That value is used in all series for 2011.
When pitting, fueling up to max will take up to six seconds. Repairing the car will take up to 14 seconds to repair to max.
For 2011, TurboSCARTS is introducing 'repair only' pitstops. Turbo Sliders has built in support for repairing your damage without taking on additional fuel by holding down the 'fire key'. The fire key is usually used in battles to launch missiles. Even though the missiles don't fire in SCARTS races, that key still responds and allows you to hold it down to make repairs without taking on additional fuel. Even more than before, finding a good balance between fuel and damage for the final run to the checkers will be key to victory.
- PITSTALLS -
Every track will have numbered pitstalls that we use to make pitstops in.
Following qualifying before the race, pitstalls will be chosen by players in the order of fastest qualifying time. Its advantageous to get a good lap in to pick a good pit stall for easy entry, exit, or both for that matter. Players may pick any of the stall numbers available. Whichever stall you choose, you MUST stick to that numbered stall for the entire race.
When a YEL is called, pitlane closes for a brief time. The field then lines up along the backstretch grid to await the command to pit. Once the field is together, the admin will call PIT to signify that pitlane is now open. Please form up single file leaving the grid 1-2-3-4-5, etc to have an orderly single file entry into the pits. The pitstall numbers count down towards 1. Do NOT drive through multiple pit boxes before you stop in your stall so we can avoid run-on collisions. If you hit someone, you will go to the rear on the next restart.
You MUST park your car completely in the box (all sides of your car must be inside the box). Yes guys, INSIDE the box. You may need to practice pitting properly to avoid losing time. This will be fully enforced during yellow flags where multiple guys pit. If you are caught pitting illegally, it will be a tail end of the line penalty on the next restart. If you are pitting by yourself under caution, admins won't be so picky if you are a little bit off in your box since you'll be tail end anyways.
Practice, practice, practice pitstops so you are efficient. And don't forget to use the fire key to make repairs only if you choose.
- YELLOW FLAGS (CAUTIONS) -
When someone crashes into the retaining wall or collects other players in a crash, drivers can call a yellow flag to slow down the field to a crawl. Once yellow flag (YEL) is called, the field is frozen in their current running positions. Whatever position the caution caller is when he gets back up to speed will be his new running spot, it isn't necessarily last place. Drivers must slow up as soon as yellow is called, no racing to the line.
Once caution is out, pull into the backstretch grid and park in the stall that matches your current running position. Once the field is all together, the race admin will call out 'PIT'. This represents pit lane being open for pit stops. The field may choose to pit or not to pit, however the driver who called the yellow flag will be required to make a stop in pit lane and take 'at least' a splash of fuel.
(NOTE: We didn't require this rule in the Turbocharged Series. It will be enforced as it was in the past. Call the yellow, you must make a pitstop.) It will be ok to gain position in the pits if you are the yellow caller.
If a driver makes a pitstop before pitlane is announced as open, the driver will get a lap down penalty.
So after pitstops open up, the next time the field reaches the backstraight, each driver will park sequentially from 1-12 in the order they reach the stalls. This grid forms the double file restart correctly so that players are positioned in the right lines for the upcoming restart. Odd positions such as 3rd, 5th and 7th are required to restart in the inside lane while even number positions (2nd, 4th, 6th) restart in the outside line. The first person to the line will park in #1 always, 2nd place will park in #2, 3rd place in #3, and so on until the whole field is caught up and in their correct numerical place. Also at this point, any lapcars given a lap back may do so and then park in the next available number on the grid. Once the field is completely set, the admin will announce the restart and then at that point, the leader may choose to swap lanes with 2nd place if desired. Rows 2 and back must stay in their correct position for the restart. We will restart next time to the line unless the admin decides to add a lap for whatever reason.
Leading up to the restart, do NOT lay back to get a run, ESPECIALLY if there are other cars stating behind you. That isn't fair to them and we will redo the restarts over and over until it's done right. If one person continually does this, we will kick you out of the race. All drivers MUST stick CLOSE behind the car restarting in front of you to have an accurate, realistic restart. And make sure NOT to pass the guy in front of you in line until after the start/finish line. Doing so will result in a lap down penalty handed out during the next caution or end of race.
Cautions are legal on every lap except for the final lap. The caution can be ignored once the 'final lap' is announced.
- BLACK FLAGS -
As mentioned above, black flags are issued to drivers who commit a violation to the rulebook or make unsportsmanlike moves around fellow racers. Only a race admin with asteriks next to their player name (i.e. **Burn**) are allowed to give out black flag penalties.
Here are some examples of what will get you a black flag penalty:
-> Passing the car starting in front of you before the start/finish line at the race start.
-> Passing the car restarting in front of you before the start/finish line on each race restart.
-> Shoving somebody below the apron cutting off their driving line.
-> Failing to pit while under caution if you are the caution caller.
-> Parking in the wrong pitstall number.
-> Pitting while pits are closed or right after a person calls YEL.
-> Ramming other racers in pitlane at full speed. Honest accidents will not be penalized.
-> Miss the committment cone (if present) and caught doing so.
- RED FLAGS -
Occassionally, an admin may call a 'red flag' during the race. These are allowed during the entire race except for Green-White-Checkered finishes. These are ONLY TO BE CALLED by admins, and they will usually be for players who have unexpected disconnections from the server or for issuing penalties. If a red is called, positions are frozen the moment RED is called in the server, and we will all halt on the double file restart grid along the backstretch. Any non-admin that has to leave for some reason, pull your car off the track and mention that you have to go (maybe type 'wait') and the admin will announce the red flag. DON'T CALL IT YOURSELF.
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THE RACE
As stated above, the race will follow immediately after qualifying's conclusion, using the race version of that track. Being on time is important as we will start the race punctually. Before the admin 'starts the race', you may make adjustments to your Startfuel for the start of the race. Damage cannot be adjusted. This section describes the format for each SCARTS race.
- PACE LAP -
The race starts our cars in double file formation down pitlane. Once the race begins, pull around to the backstretch grid staying in formation. Once everyone has pulled around to the grid and parks in position, we will begin pacing towards the green flag. Competitors are required to stay in line and not accelerate until the race leader gets around near the start/finish line. You may NOT pass the guy in front of you in line until after you pass the start/finish line. Passing the guy beside you is legal if your line gets a run. The polesitter will have lane preference at the start. The outside front row starter will start in the lane opposite the polesitter.
Those taking off at the start ignoring the pace lap will be booted from the server if behavior doesn't immediately improve. YOU MUST pace.
- LEADING A LAP DURING THE FIRST 20 LAPS -
Despite a rules change for points, the bonus points remain the same for The first 20 laps of each race will be an opportunity for every driver to earn five bonus points for the championship by leading one of the first 20 laps. Changing startfuel before the race is your chance to strategize for how to get up front during that period. Once 20 laps are completed, the lap bonus disappears.
-HALFWAY BONUS-
Racing for halfway is a race in itself as somebody can earn another five bonus points for leading that lap. The official halfway mark will be announced in the race if its unclear as to when it is in a 201 lap race for example.
-PITTING-
As the field is racing under green flag, drivers may choose to make pitstops whenever they want. You may make a pitstop at whatever speed you want to enter pitlane, as long as you aren't caught missing the committment cone. That penalty will be handed out by an admin on the next caution if you are caught. Drilling it into your heads now, YOU MUST ENTER PIT LANE WITHOUT HITTING OR MISSING THE COMMITTMENT CONE!!!
As described in the yellow flag section, pit road will be closed when somebody calls the yellow flag (YEL). Pits will remain closed until the race admin gives the ok to open the pits saying PIT. Pits remain open after PIT is announced, so drivers can choose to pit after the main PIT statement while still pacing under caution.
Drivers must also park in their assigned pitstall chosen after qualifying. Drivers must completely park in their pistall or admins may call the driver out on a 'tail end of the line' black flag penalty.
Once pitstalls open under caution, the next time by the field will park along the grid placed in the backstretch to set the double file restart. Drivers will park in that grid sequentially in the order they reach the grid (not to be confused with pitstall number choices.)
-GREEN WHITE CHECKER-
If a caution flies near the end of the race, three attempts at a Green-White-Checkered finish (a two lap shootout to the checkered flag after a caution). If a competitor calls a YEL near the end of the race and we are not able to restart by 2 laps to go, we will pace the race to the checkered flag and then do our first GWC attempt. Pacing it to the line will keep check on people cheating their fuel expecting the race to go GWC before completing 100% distance. The caution caller will not be allowed to call another caution after that, but others may if they wreck. If the restart hits the final lap, yellows are again banned and the caution caller will be parked. The yel must be called on the first lap of the restart, and it will be reviewed on tape. The caution caller will be placed last car on the lead lap for every ensuing GWC restart. The GWC restarts will be planned ahead of time in the server so that we can race them if necessary, and they will be fuel free.
-LUCKY DOGS-
The first car one lap down of the leader may be granted a free pass to earn one lap back when the caution comes out. If a caution caller already a lap down calls a caution, even if he is the first one a lap down, earning a lap back won't be allowed. Drivers can only earn a lap back if somebody else calls the YEL. The 'lucky dog' driver must restart the race last car on the lead lap always, even if the driver doesn't pit.
Other cars a lap down may choose to take a 'wavearound' as well given that they do NOT make a stop in pitlane to take fuel.
-LAST LAP-
Once the white flag is drawn to signify the final lap, no cautions are allowed to be called. Those who wrecked may not block the racetrack to ruin the final lap for everyone else.
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POINTS SYSTEM
TurboSCARTS is debuting a new points system to be used during the Turbocharged Series as a test.
The championship will be determined by the driver who scores the most points in six races. Now the season is 8 races long, but only the six best results will be counted towards the championship. So this means, if somebody races 7 or 8 races, any extra finishes that are better than your worst result may be substituted in place of the bad one. If the worst result happened to award more points (bonuses), drivers may choose to scrap the replacement race and retain the race that awarded more points.
If qualifying is ever cancelled due to time constraints to get the race started, we will start the races by points standing from most to least points. Drivers without points will start in the back in order of connection to the server. Only the first race of the season will be points set by last year's final standings in all three series.
Players are entitled to score EVERY point they earn unless there is a big issue with one driver's behavior brought up after the race. If so, a panel of admins will discuss the issue and ARE ABLE to dock points if the infraction is unanimous.
If you want details on the new values for points, visit the TurboSCARTS Points System located in the Rulebook category.
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SUMMARY
TurboSCARTS is making a huge swing at realism, and it would be great to see a nice showing supporting the new tire wear feature. Don't worry, lag won't be much of a factor anymore with Shyguy and others hosting, so I urge you all to give it a shot.
Boring oval racing? Well lemme tell you this amigo, TurboSCARTS is close quarters racing that will make your fingers bleed.... Ready to race?[/size]
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VERSION
-2011 TurboSCARTS Rulebook (v0.1 - March 7, 2011)
Last edited by Burnout on Fri Mar 11, 2011 11:43 am; edited 3 times in total
