1.  Welcome to 4^th Annual FFRL Pitstop

a.  Appreciation to Q-Ball and Judy for hosting this year’s Pitstop.

b.  Location next year.

i.  Will ask on the forums who would like to host in 2008.

ii.  Possible to rent hall in central area.

iii.  Ravenloff offering in 2008.

c.  About your binder

i.  The Raceski

ii.  Memo Pads

iii.  Personal driver stats in back

iv.  Setup log sheets

v.  Setup Guides

 (Ravenloff and Stubbs have already offered for the 2008, 5^th annual Pitstop.  The locations would be Toledo, OH which hosted the 1^st annual or in South Carolina.  If in Toledo, more probable would be a conference room in a nearby hotel to accommodate the increasing amount of drivers.  Sometime in February or March, we will open offerings further and do what we have done this year with the location pending on the amount of drivers able to participate.)

 

2.  Season 7 Website

a.  No Major changes to layout

 (Stubbs has commented that a picture of the group photo of the Pitstop to be on the front page of our website to show how unique we really are possibly having the pics in smaller format near the sponsors.)

 

b.  Moving to new hosting server later this year

i.  More Reliability

ii.  Larger bandwidth

iii.  Email/site spam protected

iv.  Forums will be down during transfer.

 (During the transition of moving the forums, it is possible the PHP forums will be updated to version 3 that is currently coming out of beta.  This is pending on the stability of the forums, and the ease of transferring 30 meg data files over.)

 

v.  All data/files uploaded to new server.

vi.  Drivers may request their own email account.

vii.  Chat room added

 

(Since the move of the web hosting won’t be till near the end of the 2007 season, the chat room will be a generic javascript room.)

 

c.  Car files

i.  High and Low Rez to be continued.

d.  Statistics

i.  Track data to be worked on this off-season

(1)  General screen shot of track

(2)  Track details including banking, mileage

(3)  Track history

(4)  Fastest Pole position for each series.

(5)  Fastest Race record for each series.

(6)  Schedule

(7)  2007 Race results

 (Race results is the winners of the latest race in all the divisions that ran that track.)

 

e.  Rules updated

f.  FFRL History to be completed

g.  FFRL Overview to be completed

h.  Driver Etiquette to be posted.

 (Though this won’t be on the main site till the 2008 season, Savina would really like to see it posted on the forums for the remainder of this season.)

 

i.  Will attempt on Sponsorship Package Deal

j.  Series ROTY and IP

i.  Does the Excel work for everyone?

ii.  Drivers prefer just totals without weekly data?

 (Generally speaking, most of the drivers do NOT like the spreadsheet for the Incident Points and the Rookie of the Year Challenge.  Have pointed out that it’s difficult to navigate through.  Possibly have simple page with totals and then another link that offers the spreadsheet so drivers can review when desired.  Point made and a reformat will take place.)

 k.  Forums

i.  Do they need reconfigured?

(1)  Instead of headings like “garage”, “series victory”, “setup”, “general” etc...  Have a section for each series with setup talk, garage, victory, etc.. under the appropriate series heading?

 (Was brought up that the forums need further looked at as far as placement goes.  Intstead of category title for Victory for example and each of the divisions listed under that; Magnum, Sportsman, CSCS, etc.. will have their own category for winners, garage talk, misc, etc..  Some drivers think the change would be good.  I think a basic diagram drawn up before it’s actually done so the drivers can see the change, agree on it, before Savina spends the hours moving things around.)

 

3.  Treasury

a.  Current balance is +$317.26

i.  Does not include donation from Redgar

ii.  Does not include ‘07 Storefront fees (approx $58)

(1)  Expenses not yet included

(a)  2007 Pitstop

(b)  Web hosting fee

(c)  Ventrilo

(d)  2007 Awards

(e)  Shipping of Awards

b.  Reiterate that this was our responsibility.

c.  Business Possibilities

d.  Ruger - DVD Raffle drawing

 (Ruger’s DVD raffle drawing raised $125 to help with the FFRL Expenses.  A very huge thank you for the effort.  Other drivers contributed on their own, and with the donation from Duck and Sav with the food for the Pitstop, raised just over $600 total.  These totals and adjustments will be inputed in the treasury report once the 2008 topics are opened on the forums.)

 

4.  FFRL as a business

a.  Non-profit vs. small business

b.  To enquire into Major sponsorship

i.  More likely to sponsor if a business

ii.  Can write off donations as a tax deduction

c.  Possibility to write off some expenses

d.  May yet seek start this year for upcoming expenses.

 

5.  FFRL Storefront

a.  Items to be re-worked to remove date

b.  Diamond Series with new artwork

c.  Adding posters

i.  Pitstop collection

d.  Framed Art (or smaller posters)

i.  Motivational work with drivers

(1)  champion

(2)  excellence

(3)  driven

(4)  respect

(5)  focus

(6)  triumph

e.  Item markup remains at 8%

i.  .80 cents of $10

ii.  Profits stay at cafepress to pay storefront capability

f.  2008 Calendar

i.  Are stats enjoyed?

ii.  Calendar size same as 2007 (17 X22)

 (Two things of note: For the 2008 calendar, drivers overall would like the continuation of their stats.  The calendar will consist of active drivers since it is becoming near impossible to include all drivers under this format.  Or I may work on a new layout/design.  It was also mentioned that if there are drivers who would like a personal item created for themselves like a coffee mug or shirt of their grandchildren, etc...  we can put that together for them and place it in the customized area of the store.  Pictures will have to be of good quality since the images need to be quite large for the templates used.)

 

6.  Roster

a.  Series Averages

i.  Sportsman Cup Avg. = 14

ii.  Magnum Cup Avg. = 12

iii.  CSCS Avg. = 9.7

iv.  Diamond Avg. = 11.4

b.  More advertisement in off season at the following locations

i.  SuperSpeedway

ii.  MasGraphix

iii.  Sim Racing Design

iv.  US Pits

v.  Rubins Racin

 (Everyone is encouraged to visit those places to make comments about this league if they so desire.  Word of mouth is the best advertisement when it comes to sim racing.)

 

c.  Change in non-active Status

i.  In smaller series, instead of 3 weeks letter, 4^th week inactive will change to 2 weeks letter, 3^rd week inactive

 (Passed.)

 

7.  Server

a.  Starting in off-season, server will be up 24/7

b.  Default ADMIN password will be used

i.  Allows drivers to make all necessary changes

ii.  Allows drivers to enter the server even if a race is going on

iii.  ADMIN password will be changed prior to scheduled race.

c.  Schedule of Mods

i.  Thus (after race) - Monday (Magnum)

ii.  Mon (after race) - Wednesday (Sportsman)

iii.  Wed (after race) - Thursday (alternate series)

(On the Thursdays that the “alternate series” does not run, the server will be up for that series for practice.  Series that have bye weeks, will have the server set up for the upcoming next track to allow for even more testing dates.)

 

d.  Decision is to do away with “irregular testing”

e.  Will be a period that it’s down to rebuild.

 

8.  Administration

a.  Looking for individual to help Savina on series races that take place at road courses.

i.  Ruger at Sportsman race was a huge help

(Was actually Billy the Kid’s idea and missed adding it in.  Was recognized at the Pitstop.)

 

b.  Looking for individual that has knowledge of racing, can deter between over aggressive, holding a line, etc. to be a backup IP referee.

i.  Must save replays after race.

ii.  Racing in that series is okay but not necessary

(Was moved to the floor that the person who may help watch should NOT be an active driver in that series.)

 

iii.  Will not include IP that assistant admin is involved with

iv.  Primary function will be a third decision if IP is contested

v.  Response time within 24 hours.

c.  Explanation of how IP’s are looked at

i.  Racing Line is OFF

ii.  Racing grooves determine position of cars

iii.  Know when turn entry begins, ends                     

  

9.  Racing for Autism

a.  To take place in April

b.  Hosted by the FFRL for FFRL / Soar drivers

c.  Put together by BG Rocket #35

d.  Cost approx $5-$10

i.  All proceeds to go to charity

ii.  Paypal account will be drawn up

iii.  Save paypal receipt for tax purposes

(Since the FFRL is part of this, we would hope to see a good crowd of FFRL Drivers in the mix for this charity race.  BG Rocket is planning on being the admin for the SOAR’s group and has mentioned that he would like Savina as the admin for the FFRL Drivers.)

 

10.  FFRL Special Events

a.  Shootout

i.  First race in February that includes driver who were past champions, past Shootout winner,  and pole sitters in ALL series of the FFRL.

b.  All-Star OPEN

i.  Condensed race at Lowe’s for drivers in main CUP series who have not won a race.

ii.  Do we include alternate Series as well?

(Voted down.)

 

iii.  To include Pole Award

c.  All-Star Challenge

i.  Includes all winners in CUP series, past champions, past All-Star winners.

ii.  To take place at special track (SBP or Revamped)

iii.  Open setups

iv.  To include Pole Award

v.  Do we include alternate Series as well?

(Voted down.)

 

d.  Pole Award

i.  All drivers attending All-Star Open and Challenge

ii.  Replaces current “pole award” for both Cup Series

iii. Setup

(1)  Practice period is reset to reset times and speeds

(2)  Each driver separately enters the field to complete:

(a)  warm up lap

(b)  1^st green lap

(c)  pit entrance with full 4 tire change

(d)  returns to track for warmup

(e)  completes 1 more lap under green.

(f)  Lowest total time/speed is winner.

 (Within the full size replay window, you can see the lap speed of each lap the driver has acquired.  Take these total laps and divide for the average.)

 

(3)  Reconfigured to give drivers who normally don’t qualify in front to have a chance

(4)  Based on skill with pit entry, exit, and following speeds

iv.  Open setups are used

 (Some confusion on this topic but the overall effect of it was welcomed.  Generally, drivers like the idea that ALL that are in the OPEN and the CHALLENGE can compete for the pole award even if they are not strong pole runners usually.  Currently, the driver with the most Pole’s in the Sportsman and Magnum receive a small plaque in the awards banquet.  This change will give ONE driver a change to collect the Pole award which will be a larger plaque given at years end.  Those drivers in the OPEN will have their times recorded, and those in the CHALLENGE will have their times recorded.  The best overall time including pit, will be the winner.

It was also brought to the floor that once a driver reaches halfway in their laps, another driver can enter the field.  This was voted down due to possibility of a spin from the first interrupting the outcome of the second or hooking on a draft.)

 

e.  FFRL Indy 500

i.  Repeated for 2^nd FFRL 500

ii.  Continues at a full 100% race

iii.  May include top 2 drivers for awards

 (2 awards was voted down to save the league on expenses)

 

f.  FFRL Rookie of the Year Challenge

i.  Remains unchanged for 2008 season

g.  FFRL Chase for the Cup

i.  Current

(1)  Sportsman Cup

(a)  Duck, Redgar, and Lucky

(2)  Magnum Cup

(a)  Duck, Q-Ball, Ruger, Grunt, Billy the Kid, Lucky, Sean

(3)  400 points plus back-up policy

(4)  Chase Celebration for Magnum Drivers

(a)  Extended Happy Hour

(b)  Drivers in chase, lineup facing grandstand with nose of car against Outside wall

(c)  Point leader in Center

(d)  Drivers with least amount of Points on the ends

(e)  Savina to announce the 2007 Chase Lineup

(f)  Once lineup is complete, Drivers burn their tires for appreciation to the fans.

(The Chase celebration was voted down HIGHLY so as to not separate the drivers from the rest of the field.  Will NOT go into discussion on the forums.)

 

ii.  Suggestion from Bone-Driver to add “top # of drivers”

(1)  2006 Chase included driver entered on provisional points

(Brought to discussion at the Pitstop.  Based on previous Chase years, some drivers entered the Chase based on provisional points which was highly frowned upon. )

 

iii.  Do we increase current 5 pt spread to 10 pts?

iv.  Do we add # of wins for additional pts?

(1)  3 or 5 pts?

v.  Current - drivers are separated by 5 points per position

(Majority ruled to leave it alone and continue with what we currently have in place.)

 

vi.  Nascar

(1)  Top 12

(2)  10 pts per win

(3)  1^st place Jeff Gordon with 300+ pt lead starts 2^nd in chase

(4)  4^th place Jimmie Johnson will lead Chase

(5)  Nascar community claiming it unfair.

vii.  Nascar top 10 configuration for 2006

(1)  400 pts or top 10 for 43 drivers

viii.  If continuing with this procedure, totals should be at least cut in the portion with current driver totals

(1)  EX1: If 17 drivers = 40%

(a)  160 pts

(b)  Top 4 drivers

(2)  EX2: If 12 drivers = 28%

(a)  112 pts

(b)  Top 3 drivers

(3)                EX3: If 22 drivers = 51%

(a)  204 pts.

(b)  Top 5 drivers

(4)  All drivers can still adopt backup policy

(5)  Do not like above figures

ix.  Alternate Chase policy

(1)  # of drivers X 25 pts to set total (current 40 pts)

(2)  Max of 400 pts

(3)  10 pts for position

(4)  3 or 5 pts for win

(5)  continue with backup policy

(a)  Nascar adopting Alternate FFRL policy

(i)  400 pts entry

(ii)  Results after California Race

1)  Jeff Gordon - 5110

2)  Tony Stewart -5100

3)  Denny Hamlin - 5090

4)  Carl Edwards - 5080

5)  Matt Kenseth - 5070

6)  Jimmie Johnson - 5060

7)  Jeff Burton - 5050

8)  Kyle Busch - 5040

9)  Clint Bowyer - 5030

10)  Martin Truex - 5020

11)  Kurt Busch - 5010

12)  Kevin Harvick -5000

(iii)  With Win Bonus

1)  Jeff Gordon - (4) 5122 (5130)

2)  Tony Stewart - (3) 5109 (5115)

3)  Denny Hamlin - (1) 5093 (5095)

4)  Carl Edwards - (2) 5086 (5090)

5)  Jimmie Johnson - (6) 5078 (5090)

6)  Matt Kenseth - (1) 5073 (5075)

7)  Jeff Burton - (1) 5053 (5055)

8)  Kyle Busch - (1) 5043 (5045)

9)  Clint Bowyer - (0) 5030

10)  Martin Truex - (1) 5023 (5025)

11)  Kurt Busch - (2) 5006 (5010)

12)  Kevin Harvick - (1) 5003 (5013)

(iv)  Sportsman Cup 2007 if applied

1)  Duck - 5020 (9)(5047/5065)

2)  Redgar - 5010 (2)(5016/5020)

3)  Lucky Dog - 5000 (1)(5003/5005)

4)  Note Duck w/60 pt lead over Lucky

(v)  Magnum Cup 2007 if applied

1)  Duck     - 5060 (9)(5087/5105)

2)  Q-Ball - 5050 (7)(5071/5085)

3)  Ruger - 5040 (3)(5049/5055)

4)  Grunt - 5030 (2)(5036/5040)

5)  Billy - 5020 (2)(5026/5030)

6)  Lucky Dog - 5010 (1)(5013/5015)

7)  Sean - 5000 (1)(5003/5005)

8)  Note Duck w/100 pt lead over Sean

(After much discussion on possible Chase changes; Lucky, Billy, Q-Ball, Stubbs, Savina say to leave the Chase alone since it IS working.)

 

x.  Few PM’s wishing Stubbs was entered into the Chase.

(1)  100% attendance

(2)  Cannot make “Chase” personal

(3)  Backup policy needs to be difficult because it gives drivers who were not in the point spread a second chance.

(4)  With #of cars on the field, cannot decrease total for top five finishes

(Possible change to Backup Policy.  Lucky Dog concerned that the policy maybe a little difficult forcing drivers to have at least 1 win to enter.  A reminder that the backup policy, without it, drivers who didn’t fit into the points wouldn’t have a chance.  However, instead of “C” where a driver has 3 wins, we can possibly change it to a definition of “0" wins but with an exceptionally high top five ratio.  Further discussion to take place.)

                       

11.  Rule Changes / Updates / Policies

a.  Admin thrown Black Flags are not removed with Lucky Dog.  Driver receiving an Admin Black Flag must race the leader for return to lead lap.

i.  If driver has an Admin BF PLUS laps down, driver can receive Lucky Dog passes until the Admin BF remains.

ii.  Admin Black Flags include:

(1)  Reckless driving under caution

(2)  Jumping the Starts

(3)  If 2 laps or more down on last 10 laps and driver does not pit.

(4)  Special circumstances that are not regular

b.  All Car Numbers are to be of same size and legible

c.  Entry and Exit of pits must be self explanatory

i.  Driver can continue to be creative, but must include “entering pits” or “exiting pits” in their autochat.

(Brought to the floor that the messages need to be two separate chats.  Not # driver is entering/exiting pits.  Majority agreed.)

  

d.  Drivers logging in less than 15 minutes prior to Qualifying, forfeits their qualifying attempt.

i.  If driver qualifies anyways, will receive admin BF at start of race.

(Voted down.)

 

e.  If driver causes a caution in the last 10 laps of a race, that driver must pit on 2^nd time by with either pit service or drive through.

i.  Most drivers know if they were at fault or not

ii.  Savina will look at the replay as quickly as possible.

iii.  Ventrilo update will be very helpful.

(Voted down.  Savina had commented that sometimes making a spur of the moment decision is quite difficult without a full review of the situation.  With that, it could be possible that a wrong decision could be made effecting the drivers outcome and championship performance.)

 

f.  Do we adopt the policy to ALLOW racing back to the line on the last five laps of the race?

(A unanimous decision was in against this idea thinking it will further encourage aggressive driving in the closing laps of the race.)           

 

g.  Bone-Driver suggestion - No passing till 2^nd lap

i.  Discussion

(A very in depth topic.  Some think that waiting till the 2^nd lap is just prolonging what is to happen.  Based on Incident points review, most accidents don’t happen till the 2^nd or 3^rd lap after a restart.  Other think that making it wait till the 2^nd lap will allow for drivers to get their tires warm and get the field separated a tad.  Possible testing in the off-season and ONLY for the Sportsman Cup.  Further discussion to take place on the forums to determine if we move ahead and attempt this in the off-season.)

 

h.  Entering Pits

i.  If you enter the access road or cross the commitment line, you MUST continue with your pit stop.

(Agreed upon.  In the race after the Pitstop, we witnessed driving under yellow improved as drivers moved up to the pace when some entered the pits.)

 

ii.  Intentional fakes are permitted but frowned upon.  The Nascar software does not take things into perspective and if the driver who is faking a pit is passed at the line and returns to the field without pitting, the driver who passed would be flack flagged which would have to be removed.

 

i.  Ventrilo

i.  Reminder that Ventrilo is an optional addition

ii.  Comments and behavior

(1)  General

(2)  Should drivers who use abusive comments be banned for 1 month?

(Will go into forums for further discussion.)

(Another rule that was brought up by a driver: Driver’s handle should reflect the same as what they go by.  Or, on their forum signature, have it state both handle and whatever they prefer to use.  Admits that he/she doesn’t know that ex: Mike Jarvie is “Oddball” or Gary Taylor is “Ruger”.  Many leagues force real names and real names only.  Not to go that far, but make it known who each is to simplify communication.)

 

12.  Being Alert

a.  When leader catches the pace under caution and notifies field of pace location, has dramatically helped in bringing field to pace.

b.  Pit Boxes

i.  Problem continues.  Drivers can enter their pit box 1 spot prior to their stall and leave through 1 box after.

ii.  Drivers are NOT to drive through pit road boxes.

(1)  Could receive Admin BF if chaos results or damage to other drivers cars.

iii.  Pay attention to who is in front and behind you in your lineup.

iv.  Entering pit road

(1)  If your pit box is near the front, drive on the right side of pit road

(2)  If you pit bit box is near the back, drive on the left side of pit road

(3)  Keep in mind of driver’s position whom you are following down pit road

v.  Exiting pit road

(1)  Drivers exiting pit road should attempt to merge to far right lane IF POSSIBLE

c.  Under Pace

i.  Drivers are required to keep to the field in a safe distance

(1)  Keep in mind that the drivers behind you may need service to their cars.  Falling back prevents them from entering pits in a timely fashion for extended service or for a race out of pit road for position.

ii.  Drivers may zig zag their lineup under caution to avoid a possible check up

iii.  If driver in front of you pits, you need NOT to wait for them to pass the start finish line to catch the field.  Once they cross the white “pit entrance” line, you may pass without penalty from the game.

iv.  If driver in front of you pits on an access road, you should be able to continue without passing penalty.

d.                   Auto Chat Messages

i.  Templates included in your folder to cut out and place on your monitor screen for easy viewing.

(1)  Lines that end with a “!” (Exclamation mark suggest that you can put a “$” at the end of your chat to avoid hitting the ENTER key.

(2)  Lines that have “#___” suggest that you finish your line with the “#” symbol so upon hitting that chat message, you can just type in the car number and then hit Enter.

(Further discussed... under green flag conditions, drivers are not signaling entering or exiting pits as a strategic move.  Was moved that this should be necessary since sometimes drivers are entering or exiting in front of other drivers who are not aware of their actions and sometimes have to abruptly alter their course to avoid accidents.  Will vote on as possible rule.)

 

13.  FFRL Overall

a.  Green flag starts have improved greatly with drivers remaining at pace speed until the flag drops.

b.  Race restarts have been very minimal and drivers have done an exceptional job in making it possible.

c.  Cautions have been a problem in the 2007 season for both Magnum Cup and Sportsman Cup Divisions.

d.  Magnum Cup

i.  26 races

(1)  11.9 avg number of drivers

(2)  229 cautions (avg. 9 cautions per race)

(3)  101 of 229 (avg. 4 cautions per race) are solo spins not including spins that did not bring out a caution

e.  Sportsman Cup

i.  28 races

(1)  13.9 avg. number of drivers

(2)  202 cautions (avg. 7.2 cautions per race)

(3)  35 of 202 (avg. 1.25 per race) are solo spins not including spins that did not bring out a caution

f.  Incident Points have shown to decrease aggressive driving and make driver aware of decisions.

i.  Possible Change to Incident Point Policy

(1)  Remove 3 pt penalty for first 5 and last 5 laps

(Voted to keep this in place.)

 

(2)  All starts/restarts consist of 5 laps at 2 pt penalty

(a)  Dramatic decline in 2007 season with accident happening on opening/closing of race.  Most accident appear after first yellow and within 3 laps after.  Increasing the restart lap period, we hope, will have the same effects on the 3 point policy we have currently in place.

(This idea was not entirely thrown out, but most seemed to frown on the idea.  May go into discussion.  Was even brought up instead of 5 laps, make it 3.)

 

(3)  Incident Point’s allowed per Series

(a)  Magnum Cup (7)

(b)  Sportsman Cup (8)

(c)  Alternate Series (7) *note: only 10 races

(For the Magnum, Billy the Kid mentioned to bring it down to “5" total.  Will go into discussion to either keep it at 7 or move it down to either 5 or 6.  In the Sportsman, most wanted to keep it at “10" with the solo spin counts adding in.  Alternate Series, good with “7".)

 

(4)  Solo spins

(a)  1 solo spin w/out contact is FREE

(b)  Each additional solo spin is 1pt. ???

(c)  Solo in restart lap period is 1pt unless it’s their first.

(d)  Solo w/contact in restart lap period is 1 pt

(i)  Though a solo with contact could cause serious damage to other drivers, a solo spin is NOT considered over aggressive driving therefore only 1 point is received.

(5)  Each race that is clean remains at a 2 point removal.

(6)  5 different times in 2007 season (both Magnum and Sportsman) a driver has been benched 1 race.

(All in strong favor with solo spins, especially the Magnum Cup.)

                                                                       

14.  MAGNUM .vs. SPORTSMAN

a.  Which series is the better of the two when it comes to cautions?

b.  See Magnum vs Sportsman work sheet

c.  Division that is better will:

i.  Pick the track for the Awards Ceremony

ii.  Pick the MOD for the Awards Ceremony

iii.  Solid Division drivers may qualify to start the race up front.

(1)  Drivers that are not in that Series forfeit Qualifying

(2)  Drivers that race in BOTH series may qualify at LOWER speeds.

(3)  Are either 1^st or 2^nd when handing out awards at the 2007 Awards Ceremony

(The FFRL Sportsman Drivers have earned this honor.  Drivers who are Sportsman alone (ex: Oddball, Pegleg, Desi, Redgar, Bman, CamBurr, etc..) will have to go into discussion to determine which track they wish to run and what settings are to be used.  Only those will qualify at full speed while those who race in both (ex: Duck, Q-Ball, Bone, etc...) will qualify at slow speeds.  Those not in the Sportsman will forfeit their qualifying efforts to start the race as the Sportsman Drivers lead the field to green.)

           

15.  Battling the Spins

a.  Each 3 ring folder consists of:

i.  Setup Log Sheets

ii.  Setup Guides:

(1)  Beginner

(2)  Advanced

(3)  Complete

(4)  Misc. Useful Information

b.  Setup Log Sheets

i.  Will be in pdf format for download and printing if driver runs out of sheets.

ii.  Keeping track of race history is a hard habit to get into but can be very helpful next time at track

iii.  Exporting your setup in HTML format will export all critical data to your “imports_exports” folder.

(1)  Can either Print the sheet and fix within your folder

(2)  Can manually input the information in Pencil so you can easily correct or change the setup down the road.

iv.  Has sections for race and qualifying history for each track.

c.                   Setup Guides

i.  Start with Beginner

(1)  Get familiar with the basic changes of the car.  These changes can dramatically change overall driving experience and produce quick and easy results.

(2)  All text in RED are changes you can make throughout the race if making changes in pit road.

ii.                   Advanced Guide

(1)  Once familiar with the BEGINNER manual, and are familiar with what those changes can do, the ADVANCED provides further changes to fine tune.

 

(2)  All text in RED are changes you can make throughout the race if making changes in pit road.

iii.                  Complete Guide

(1)  Information gathered consists of the ADVANCED guide and from the Nascar ULTIMATE Chassis setup guide located at Raceline Central.

(2)  Use this guide ONLY when totally familiar with what changes can do in other two guides.

(3)  Plays more with Rebound and Compression.

(a)  Can dramatically change overall feel of the car and hinder other spots. 

(4)  All text in RED are changes you can make on Pit Road.

d.  Discussion.       

(The setup guides for both Beginner and Advanced will be converted to .pdf and posted on the website for download and printing.  The “complete” guide is only available to those at the Pistop.  The “setup log” as well as the “autochat” templates will also be converted to .pdf for download.)

 

16.  Rfactor

a.  6 drivers have tested

b.  Drivers opinions

c.  Will the FFRL run a small series in 2008?

i.  $50 for game

ii.  Graphically enhancive

iii.  No setups

(Based on comments from the eight testers, the FFRL will NOT be taking up a series in Rfactor.  We will continue to use Nascar2003 by Papyrus.)

            

17.  FFRL Divisions and Series

a.  Magnum and Sportsman

i.  Track .ini will be altered for each series to provide accurate race lengths.

ii.  Both Series will run at either 40% or 45%

(1)  Currently run Magnum at 40 at tracks lower than 2.0 miles and 45% for tracks 2.0 miles or more.

(2)  Increasing Sportsman race lengths does NOT necessarily mean longer races. 

(a)  40 or 45% of a 300 mile event for Sportsman compared to 40 or 45% of a 500 mile event for Magnum.

iii.  Track .ini’s will be on the website for download

(1)  Default .ini

(2)  Reconfigured .ini

(3)  Downloading track .ini files are OPTIONAL.  Once logging onto the server and the race starts, the correct mileage/laps will show.  It will be beneficial to drivers to update their .ini if practicing and wish to know accurate fuel/laps/tire wear.

iv.  Track .ini’s will only have mileage and distance fixed/changed.  Grip, pit road speeds, etc.. will remain default to the track developer specs.

(This is a very important aspect that will take place in the FFRL.  Currently the divisions run their races based on the actual “cup” lengths.  Several times throughout the season, the series laps were incorrect to what they were supposed to race.  Drivers will need to discuss whether to race at 40 or 45%.  45% is favored by Duck to allow “pit strategy” in longer tracks like Michigan and Talladega.  Samples will be provided in discussion on the forums to help determine the race lengths.)          

 

b.  Tracks                                      

i.  Continuing with Safer Barrier as Main Track Supplier

ii.  May substitute some track with Revamped.

c.  CSCS

i.  Will continue for 1 more year to complete it’s 2 year cycle.

ii.  Mod remains with 1970 v2

iii.  New track lineup with the Historical tracks remaining

(1)  Darlington (Southern 500)

(2)  Riverside ??

iv.  North Carolina Fairgrounds was greatly applauded by drivers attending with their first experience at a dirt track.

 

d.  DIAMOND SERIES

i.  Lowest attendance in 3 years.

ii.  In 2008 season, run this series first?

iii.  Series in 4^th year cycle.  Possible Series Change?

(1)  Keep as it’s currently run?

(a)  History shows, even with other leagues, drivers enjoy racing the CTS Trucks.

(2)  Replace series with?

(a)  Indy Car

(i)  follows current INDY schedule

(ii)  Series name keeps “Diamond” with new logo.

(b)  Late Model

(i)  New mod released with positive reviews

(ii)  Tracks are short paved and dirt

(iii)  Series name “Extreme”

(c)  Trans-Am

(i)  Bring back old Extreme Series

(ii)  Tracks are 90% road courses.

(iii)  Uses PTA Physics

(iv)  Last run in 2005

(In this series, an Assistant Admin would be necessary to help with the road courses.  This is the original EXTREME Series.)

 

(d)  IROC                           

(i)  Team Series

(ii)  Both driver points are accumulated for total point value rather than individual effort.

(iii)  Iroc cars with fixed setup racing at 5 tracks twice.

(iv)  Team that wins, both drivers are awarded.

(v)  Teams have identical car colors with name on sides

(vi)  Last run in 2004

(e)  Aero88 and new 1990 Mod

(i)  Kinda resembles CUP series

(If drivers wish to bring back the Aero88 or bring in the 1990 mod, these two series will also be known as the CSCS.  The first, 1970 will run one half of the season while the other will run the 2^nd half.)

 

(3)  If current MOD is kept, do we revert back to tracks 1.5 miles or more?

(Currently, in the Diamond Series, the track schedule consists of tracks 1.0 miles or longer.)                                                                                  

                                               

e.  SPORTSMAN SERIES

i.  Will continue to use GNS mod

ii.  Continues with Expert Setups if available

iii.  Race length increase but with correct race mileage

iv.  Decreased total points allowed in Incident Points

(Decreased total points was voted down in earlier discussion.)

 

v.  Will follow Nascar Busch Series schedule

vi.  Updated Mexico and Montreal

vii.  Continues with current run setup including pit stops at X2, fixed setups, moderate damage

 

f.  MAGNUM CUP SERIES

i.  Schedule to reflect Nascar Nextel (Sprint) Series

ii.  Will be using the COT mod from SuperSpeedway.net to be released in approximately 20 days.

iii.  COT Mod uses the CUP physics that are currently run.

iv.  COT cars may alter setups slightly with aerodynamics

v.  Need to reduce the amount of solo spins

(1)  Hopefully new IP policy and Setup guides will fight loose conditions

vi.  How do we make the Magnum Cup Series the ELITE series that it’s supposed to be?

(1)  Invitational Only?

(a)  May sway drivers from joining

(b)  Drivers must race in Sportsman Series for 1 year prior to receiving invitation?

(2)  Driving Test to gain entry?

(3)  Written Test based on Rookie School to gain entry?

(4)  Should there be a requirement to enter the series?

(5)  Are all drivers currently in the Magnum “grandfathered” in?

(6)  Discussion.

(A very difficult discussion and some ideas were thrown about.  Doc - keep with a test like we did in 2003.  Al Jr. - Force 1 year in Sportsman.  Bman - race in the first 10 Sportsman and then Admin discussed to see if Magnum entry is possible.  Q-Ball - Admin decision based on race experience in the Sportsman.  All good ideas but counter scenarios were thrown in to make it difficult to decide like “what if they can only race on Monday’s?”  “Lucky used as an example based on last year’s Sportsman to this year in Magnum on how much he has improved.”  In general, we all think we’re at a stalemate.)

 

vii.  Will not be applying changes to the series like “real weather” until the cautions are put under control.

viii.  Impound Races

(1)  In Nascar, there are about a handful of races that are called “impound races” where drivers, once they qualify, are not permitted to change anything on their cars and are forced to race with what they qualified with.

(2)  Would bringing this “extra feature” to the Magnum Cup Series be welcomed?

(a)  Impossible to tell if drivers actually qualify with their race setup.  Can open the door with honest mistakes from the driver leaving their qualifying setup in it’s slot.  Or purposely leaving the Q setup in. 

(b)  Could make these “impound races” a fixed setup race to guarantee drivers are qualifying and racing with the same setup.  Since it is a fixed setup, drivers will not be allowed to alter the car.   Aids are permitted if need be to help stabilize the setup.

(Impound Races were STRONGLY voted down.  Even one driver said it was a “stupid little idea.”  LOL, wow.  Then Billy said in further discussion, “Just drop it and move on.”  LOL.)

 

18.  OFF-SEASON

a.  After the current season is over with, 2 weeks prior the Awards Ceremony will take place.  Time is needed to gather all the information and get the awards ordered, shipping, and photos taken.

b.  For the Magnum Cup, with the NEW COT Mod, drivers will need new cars painted.  Please do not wait till the last minute to get your order in.  Oddball, for almost every driver in the FFRL, has created a COT car with their number based on information he has gotten from the forums.  A reason why he picked that paint scheme is also explained for each driver.  These cars were done so you have cars in the off-season testing and if you wish to keep that paint scheme, you can.  It is not Mandatory to keep it.

c.  After the Awards Ceremony, we will need a short break to have all the new mods (if necessary) and tracks (again if necessary) loaded on the server.

d.  Server will be up 24/7 in the off-season

e.  A schedule will be posted

f.  Possible OPEN Servers for race testing allowing the N2003 community to enter the race without signing up with the FFRL.

i.  Need to show what we are all about

ii.  Possibly posting the info about running the open server on the major community threads.

g.  Each OFF-SEASON practice race will be slightly shorter than actual race dates.

h.  Two weeks prior to season start, all Series will be running practice at set setup.

i.  One week prior to season start, OPEN servers will be closed.

j.  All drivers will need to submit an application for the 2008 year to keep track of Series Entries and update personal information.

(New application will be needed also to make sure we have the correct birth dates.  The application will be reformulated to allow a different entry of this data.)

                                   

19.  Season 7, 2008

a.  Season starts in February with the FFRL Shootout

 

20.  Close Meeting.