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1)
WELCOME
TO 5TH ANNUAL FFRL PITSTOP
a)
Appreciation to Stubbs and his wife, Rita, for hosting
this year’s Pitstop.
b)
Location
next year.
i)
In
April, discussion will begin on next year’s hosting.
ii)
Pending
on participants, may rent conference room in hotel.
iii)
Driver
wishing to host must be active in 2008 season.
iv)
Doc
already offered for 2009.
c)
About
your binder.
i)
Letter
from Billy the Kid.
ii)
Personal
Driver stats for those that are here.
iii)
DVD that
includes all N2003 updates.
iv)
Magnum
vs. Sportsman spreadsheet
v)
Setup
log sheets
vi)
Memo pads
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A topic came up giving the idea about
having the Pitstop in a central area, at
that area, each and every year either by
renting a conference room in one of the
hotels or at a park system nearby.
This way drivers always know where it is and
can plan for it. We can always bring
that into discussion onto the forums in
April. Attendees enjoyed having the
DVD that has all the updates, mods, setups,
etc... for the game. Would save them
all a great deal of time if they have to
reinstall the game. The 3 ring binder
contained about 14 pages of notes for next
year, personal driver stats, memo pads,
setup log sheets, etc...
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2)
CHALLENGES THIS YEAR
a)
Server
i)
Constant
disconnects/game freezes
ii)
Forced
deletion of bye weeks to re-run races
iii)
Led to
purchase of a T1 HP Proliant Server
(1)
Issues
now seem resolved.
b)
Increase
of drivers
c)
Move to
new hosting server. (seems slow at time)
d)
Setup of
new forums.
e)
Anti-cheat Software
f)
Family
life.
3)
FFRL
WEBSITE
a)
Overall,
not pleased with keeping it updated.
i)
Not the
abundance of work, but lack of time.
ii)
Either
need to find a new way to do write-ups or only do one
series per week.
iii)
Is the
website easy to navigate around?
b)
Chat
room to be added before the 2008 Awards Ceremony.
c)
Car
Files
i)
Would
like to group car files.
With the sporadic entry of files, it is a
challenge to remove, regroup, re-zip, and re-add the
files back.
ii)
Will
remain as 3 schemes per series which includes special
event races.
(1)
Car file
restrictions to be added
(a)
Pit
crews only 512 x 512
(b)
Cars
only 1024 x 1024
(c)
Only
High rez cars to be posted
(d)
Keep as executable file or post as
.car file?
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Drivers prefer to keep the format the way it
is with the executable file for easier
installation.
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d)
Track
data
(1)
Has been
completed as promised last year.
(a)
Valuable
source to see the last race results.
(b)
Updating
needed for track winners, speed records
e)
Sponsorship packages have been posted.
i)
Current
sponsors will be re-enlisted until I get their logos
on/in game.
f)
ROTY and IP
i)
Was
mentioned last year that using the EXCEL made it
difficult to navigate around.
Attempting to figure a way for easier navigation
that will show results and stats.
g)
Driver’s
10 Questions
i)
Will be
removing the “questionnaire” from the site.
ii)
New
plans are being made for a driver spotlight.
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Keeping the 10 Questions. Stubbs
wishes to take over doing the questionnaires
and then sending them our way. We will
also do the new plans for a driver spotlight
that will include more personal information.
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4)
FFRL
STOREFRONT
a)
Closing
shop at Cafepress and moving to Zazzle.
i)
Competitive prices
ii)
Better
selection of goods
iii)
Forced
limitation of markup at 10%.
(1)
Proceeds
go back to the FFRL
iv)
No
charge for Storefront using Zazzle.
v)
Some
items are:
(1)
Sculptures (Have a cardboard cutout of your car)
(2)
Keychains
(3)
Ties
(4)
Shoes
(5)
Business
cards and Profile cards
(6)
Skateboards
(7)
Larger
selection of apparel and colors.
b)
Re-creating the store takes a large amount of time.
Hope to have it finished before the start of the
2009 season.
c)
Calendars going back into production
i)
May have
scheduled printed directly on Calendar days
ii)
Will
include birthdays for active drivers
iii)
Active
drivers will have stats displayed
iv)
Unsure
of price
v)
Will
remain as 11 x 17 size. (folds out to 22 x 17)
5)
SERVER
a)
May
attempt to host Ventrilo
i)
Savings
of $100 per year
ii)
Will
have to watch bandwidth closely to see if it interferes
with races.
6)
ROSTER
a)
Series
Averages
i)
Magnum =
16 (12 in 2007)
ii)
Sportsman = 19 (14 in 2007)
iii)
CSCS = 7
(9.7 in 2007)
iv)
IROC =
11 (11.4 in 2007)
b)
Do we continue with $5 charge for
re-activation? (No charges as of yet)
c)
Drivers
who are inactive at the start of the “Chase”, are not
permitted to re-activate in that series.
d)
Advertisement across the five main community forums will
help.
e)
Need to
lower cautions.
f)
Appoint
“Public Relations” title for FFRL
i)
Keeping
info of the FFRL accurate on the 5 main community forums
g)
Appoint
“Members” title for FFRL
i)
Creates
welcome thread for new drivers
ii)
Watches
activity status of drivers
(1)
Driver
follow up
(a)
Example:
Where has West, Robert_A, etc.. been?
(2)
Possible
that if we keep up and reach out to the drivers, they
will feel more welcomed.
We have seemed to lose that.
(a)
Ex.
Driver’s not saying “hi” or “welcome” when others sign
on to race.
A little effort can go a long way.
(3)
After a
drivers misses two races, contact is made quickly.
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Remove the info for the Public Relations and
instead of "members", call it public
relations. We, the FFRL, needs to get
back into the "personal" touch that we used
to have. Make it a habit to keep in
touch with the members who go out of touch.
The FFRL project that is to remain untitled
at the time, will help in that aspect.
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7)
ADMINISTRATION
a)
Heartfelt thanks to Ruger, Bone, and Billy for their
time and dedication in helping administrate the races.
b)
Would
like to continue Race admin’s for the 2009 season.
i)
Duck –
admins Sportsman in 2009
ii)
Need
Magnum admins
iii)
Need
IROC admins
iv)
Need 4th
series admins
c)
Recap of
Race admin duties
i)
Must
save replay after race.
ii)
Review
race IP’s with Savina after race.
iii)
Understanding of server commands.
iv)
Server
password during race time is confidential
v)
Must be
forum active or at least know how to use the forums
vi)
Be
willing to review and handle grievances
8)
TREASURY
a)
Current
balance is +$22.78
i)
Does not
include:
(1)
2008
Awards
(2)
2008
Award Shipping
(3)
Ventrilo
(possibly can remove)
(4)
Domain
renewal
(5)
2008
Pitstop supplies
b)
Sponsorship can be a big help
i)
Are the
packages too much?
ii)
Is what
offered good or not good enough?
9)
FFRL
SPECIAL EVENTS
a)
FFRL
Shootout
i)
Switch
to Expert Setup forced
ii)
Continue
with ’08 style format
(1)
70 laps
(20 + 50)
iii)
NASCAR
switching format in 09 season.
We are not following.
b)
FFRL
ALL-STAR Challenge
i)
Switch
to Expert Setup forced
ii)
Adding
“secret ballot” vote for entry into the Challenge
iii)
The FFRL
OPEN and CHALLENGE will run on two different nights.
iv)
Format
needs revised due to 2008 disaster.
(1)
Problems
with mandatory pit in first section
(a)
Several
drivers caught with yellow on/in pit road
(2)
Too many
cautions
(3)
Game
crashed
v)
Format
Suggestions
(1)
Keep
Original format but remove mandatory pit in first
segment
(a)
Includes field inversion
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Ignore 'format 2' and instead of removing
the mandatory pit in the first segment, make
it so drivers have the first 16 laps to do
their green flag pit. Auto chat or
ventrilo must be used to signal to the
admins that the pitting has begun. If
caught under the yellow, it's part of the
racing.
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(2)
Format
2:
(a)
Divide
field into 3 groups.
21 drivers eligible in ‘08
(i)
Each
group is randomly picked (7 cars each)
(ii)
Each
group runs a 10% race (or about 30-40 laps)
(iii)
Top 4 in
each group advance
(iv)
Final 12
compete in 70 or 80 lap finale
c)
FFRL
INDY 500
i)
Format
changed to 1X Pitstop.
ii)
Single file restart?
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The INDY 500
will go under single file restart where all
cars, one lap down or more, will be required
to pit 2nd or 3rd time by. This is to
mimic the INDY CAR format a little more.
We will allow the Lucky Dog to take place in
this special event.
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d)
FFRL
Rookie of the Year Challenge
i)
Adding
to rule, if drivers plays a part in punting another
driver, that driver is void of receiving this award
and/or the Sportsman Award.
ii)
Format
unchanged for 2009 season
e)
FFRL
Chase for the Cup
i)
Current
lineup:
(1)
Magnum
(a)
Duck,
Billy, Sidewall, Stubbs, Sean, Joey, Redgar
(2)
Sportsman
(a)
Duck,
ST-NSC, Kyle, BG Rocket
ii)
Suggested by ST-NSC to allow “top # of drivers”
(1)
Brought
up in ’07 by Bone and voted down
(2)
Based on previous Chase years, some
drivers were entering the Chase based on provisional
points.
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'Top drivers' shot down for a third time.
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iii)
Current
– drivers are separated by 5 pts per position.
(1)
Do we
follow NASCAR and do away with the 5pt and go with 10pt
per win?
(a)
Majority ruled in ’07 to leave
format alone.
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With more experienced drivers entering the
FFRL, and with the increased roster, it has
been decided at the Pitstop to use the new
format. All drivers entering the Chase
will start with 5000 points. Each win
will consists of 10 points.
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f)
FFRL
Honors Race (NEW)
i)
Race to
take place every 6th week on Tuesday (or
alternating Thurs) Nights
ii)
Requirements:
(1)
Top 3
drivers of each race/series per 6 weeks
iii)
Mod yet
to be determined
iv)
Setup:
(1)
Fantasy
track
(2)
No
damage
(3)
Fixed
setup
(4)
No
points, no awards, just bragging rights
v)
Used as
morale booster with no stress on racing.
Just fun.
10)
RULE
CHANGES / UPDATES / POLICIES
a)
Reiterate Admin thrown black flags
i)
Reckless
driving under caution
ii)
Jumping
the starts
iii)
If 2
laps or more down on last 10 laps and driver does not
pit
iv)
Unusual
circumstances
b)
Driver
logging in less than 15 min before qualify
i)
Driver
logging with less than 15 min remaining must forfeit
qualifying
ii)
If driver qualifies, he/she is BF
at drop of green.
Lucky Dog available.
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Instead of giving the Black Flag which may
cause some havoc on the start of the race,
the admin will subtract 1 lap from the
driver who qulaifies.
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iii)
Logging
in with just minutes to go does not allow driver to
adapt to racing conditions and other drivers on the
track.
Possible problem on starts.
c)
Provisionals
i)
Provisional only to be given if driver makes the FFRL
aware of his/her absence.
ii)
Topic on
the forums will be created for such.
iii)
Drivers who do not show, or do not
make the community aware, will not receive provisional
points.
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All Pitstop attendees were in high favor of
this. Drivers who can't make the race,
have until the end of the race to make their
post. This will allow those who arrive
late and can't make it, to still have the
chance to receive provisional points.
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iv)
With the above listed, do we change
the current provisional point system from (last place
position X2), or go with 1 position under last place?
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All Pitstop attendees are in huge favor of
changing the provisional to 1 position after
last place.
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d)
Driver
Handles / Names
i)
Drivers
are to keep same handle or name on all:
(1)
Player
Info in N2003
(2)
Ventrilo
(3)
Forums
ii)
Drivers
not currently set up in that fashion will need to edit
their info for the 2009 season.
On the forums, we can edit.
iii)
Much
confusion on who is who across the community.
e)
Intentional Wrecking
i)
Current:
(1)
1st
time offense: Driver is fined 50pts.
(2)
2nd
time offense: Driver is DQ’d without provisionals
(3)
If
offense occurs after 50% of race completion, driver is
DQ’d.
(4)
Further
aggravation could lead to league ban.
ii)
Adjustment:
(1)
Driver
is ejected and DQ’d from race without provisional
points.
(2)
Driver
benched for following race with provisional points.
(3)
Void of
receiving ROTY award.
(4)
Void of
receiving Sportsman award.
(5)
Further aggravation could lead to
league ban.
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Further adjusted: The drivers will NOT
receive provisional points for the race they
are benched. Also noted, after the
first offense, the driver is put on
probation with all Series within the FFRL.
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f)
Connection Quality
i)
For all
series, if driver has a poor connection during practice
and wishes to continue to race, he/she must forfeit the
qualifying session and start in the rear of the field.
If the quality of the connection does not
increase within the first 20 laps, the driver must park
his/her car.
Race administrators have the right to eject a
driver who refuses to park.
The quality of the connection is determined by
the ability to race the driver and the driver racing the
field.
g)
Benching
i)
Stricter
policy
(1)
Magnum –
2nd time benched, dropped from series.
(a)
Sean
suggested that if benched 2nd time, 3 weeks
off. If
benched a 3rd time, then dropped from series.
(2)
Sportsman – 2nd time benched, 2 weeks off.
3rd time benched, 3 weeks off.
4th time, dropped from series.
(3)
Thursday
Series – 2nd time benched, dropped from
series.
h)
Practice
Sessions
i)
On pre-race practice sessions, only
first 30 minutes are to be used for “hot lapping”.
Drivers continuing to do so, and causing grief to
other drivers, may be asked to park their car for the
remainder of the session.
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For clarification, "hot lapping" is allowed
between 7:00pm EST to 7:30pm EST.
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i)
Pacing
i)
Must
adapt to no tolerance on pacing.
ii)
Driver
who spins, or hits another driver without damage caused,
must re-pit 3rd time by.
If on 3rd lap around, driver will be
black flagged from Race Admin staff.
No Lucky Dog.
iii)
If
driver creates damage because of reckless pacing, driver
is black flagged without being granted the Lucky Dog.
iv)
Drivers
are to maintain a steady speed and in-line.
(1)
Are
permitted to lineup in a zigzag formation until last lap
of yellow.
(2)
Spinning
tires are not permitted
(3)
Swerving
vehicles are not permitted
(a)
Disruptive pacing creates ripple effects through the
field
(4)
Pacing
to be incorporated into Incident Points
j)
Late
hits under Caution
i)
Late =
several seconds later
ii)
Driver
who makes contact to a driver that was involved in the
caution, after a lengthy delay, will acquire incident
points that are related to that incident.
Factors will include:
(1)
Did the
driver have enough time and room to either slow or move
to another side of the track.
(2)
Did the
driver involved in the initial incident move in front of
the driver without making sure path was clear?
(a)
Does the driver who moved into
oncoming traffic also acquire points?
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Yes. An example of this: If a
driver has his second spin on a restart,
under the new IP policy, it will cost
him/her 1 point. If that driver starts
to move and in the process cuts in front of
oncoming cars, he/she will receive double
the points to make it 2. Example B: A
driver creates an incident. The driver
who was spun waits for the field to pass.
While sitting there, another driver comes
along and runs into him while there was
plenty of room at the bottom of the track.
The driver who created the incident would
receive 2 points and the driver who did the
late hit would also receive 2 points.
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k)
Owning
Up to the Incident
i)
(Backed
by Joey, Ram) Based on honor system.
If an incident occurs and the driver is
definitely at fault, the driver is to reply with “MINE”.
Driver who admits fault to pit 2nd
time by.
(1)
Could
cause rifts amongst the field or arguments.
(2)
Race
admins cannot be expected to review and give an
“accurate” reading of the fault.
(3)
Argued that if drivers “own” up, it
will force them to think right then instead of afterward
watching the replay.
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Owning up to an incident has been overruled.
There are too many times where a driver may
think he/she caused it but after the replay,
it's clearly seen that they have not.
It may also lead to "improper whisper
chats". Instead of this honor system,
the FFRL will put in place the "3 spins and
park it rule".
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l)
Incident
Point Revisions
i)
Current:
(1)
1st
solo spin = free
(2)
2nd
solo spin = 1pt.
(3)
Solo
spins with contact = 1 pt.
(4)
Solo
spins with contact in first 5 laps, or on restarts = 2
pts.
(5)
Incident
= 1 pt.
(6)
Incident
on restarts = 2 pts.
(7)
Incident
on first/last 5 laps = 3 pts.
(8)
Clean
race (more than 50%) = -2 pts.
(9)
Clean
race (less than 50%) = -1 pt.
ii)
Revision
(1)
1st
solo spin = free (must be prior to any other spin)
(2)
2nd
and more solo spins = 1 pt. each.
(3)
Solo
spin with contact = 1.5 pts each.
(4)
Solo
spins on restarts = 2 pts.
(5)
Solo
spins with contact in first/last 5 laps = 2.5 pts.
(6)
Incident
= 2 pts.
(7)
Incident
on restarts = 2.5 pts.
(8)
Incident
on first/last 5 laps = 3.0 pts.
(9)
Pacing,
turning another car without damage = 2 pts.
(10)
Pacing,
causing damage to another car = 3 pts.
(11)
Clean
race (more than 50%) = -2.5 pts.
(12)
Clean
race (under 50%, damaged) = -1.5 pts.
(13)
Clean race (under 50%, retired) =
-1 pt.
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For FFRL discussion. Those at the
Pitstop were in favor. But since this
will effect the league overall, we are going
to go for a majority decision.
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iii)
Adding
“race points” to Incident Points
(1)
Each
incident point received, 5 pts are removed from race
total.
(a)
Suggested by ST-NSC.
Backed by Sean, Ruger, Joey, Griff.
Opposed by Oddball.
(b)
Ex:
Driver receives 5 IP’s in one night, and also finishes
in 2nd where the driver would receive 170
pts. After
being charged for IP’s, driver will now receive 145 pts
which is just below 7th position.
(c)
5 pts
too high?
4? 3?
(d)
If
adding “charge to race points” to the IP policy, drivers
who are benched will NOT receive new provisional point
policy.
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Pitstop attendees are in favor of this new
policy. Savina doesn't like the idea
about charging twice for the same penalty.
This policy is primarily geared towards
those running for points. If a driver
takes a win by causing incidents, his point
total will reflect the incidents.
Decision was to keep with 5 points.
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11)
SCHOOL
OF CHAMPIONS
a)
Dropping.
b)
Focusing
on Teams should offer more help on a larger scale.
12)
GOOD
HANDS AWARD
a)
There
are some drivers in this league who have an outstanding
record when it comes to incident points.
Bone, Griff, and Redgar come quickly to mind.
And those drivers should be acknowledged and
deserve to be.
Therefore, we are creating a new award that the
driver will receive a plaque at the year’s end for their
recognition.
b)
Driver’s
jelly/name also on main page of website.
c)
Safety
Rating going into effect.
i)
Average
amount of IP’s subtracted from 15 (15 absolute best)
ii)
Total is
then figured into the amount of races that driver has
raced.
(1)
Ex 1:
Driver “A” raced 20 of 20 races.
His average IP is 2.0 giving him a safety rating
of 13. (15 – 2).
13 x (20/20) = 13.
(2)
Ex 2:
Driver “B” raced 6 of 20 races.
His average IP is 1.5 giving him a safety rating
of 13.5.
(15 – 1.5).
13.5 x (6/20) = 4.05.
(3)
Clearly
shown, driver A wins even though his average is slightly
worse.
Racing in a lesser amount will not better rating.
(4)
Will
look into the formula a little closer
d)
Clean
races do not remove points for averages.
e)
If “tie”
drivers with most races wins.
f)
Award
spreads among Magnum and Sportsman Cup Divisions
g)
Will reset after each season
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The overall idea was welcomed, but the
formula needs to be worked. Should the
award be given to the Magnum and Sportsman,
or an overall value? In order to be
fair, most agree that it should be for both
a Magnum and Sportsman driver since the
conditions in both series are different.
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13)
FFRL
OVERALL
a)
Tracks
i)
Staring
in the 2009 season, some tracks will be noted as “final”
meaning there will not be any further updates for at
least 3-5 years.
ii)
Partnered with “SaferBarrier”, will continue to use
their projects
iii)
A zip
file containing all default tracks will be posted on the
download page
(1)
To allow
drivers to erase all tracks if they so wish
iv)
Track
event names to be renamed to winning Driver sponsored
cars.
(1)
No more
than 2 per driver
(2)
Main
event names are to remain
(a)
Daytona
500
(b)
Brickyard 400
(c)
Pepsi
400, etc..
(3)
Drivers,
cannot substitute event names with new car schemes for
next year.
You want the recognition, keep the sponsor.
v)
If
Sponsorship comes to play, sponsorship will take
precedence.
vi)
Track .ini
files for Magnum and Sportsman will remain different
(1)
Proven
to be more accurate and welcomed
vii)
Default
tracks (duplicate tracks), are being removed from server
(1)
Driver
logging on cannot switch to another version of _____.
b)
Existing
Problems / Solving
i)
Pacing
(1)
Spinning
tires
(2)
Swerving
(act of warming up tires)
(3)
Irregular pacing while typing to chat
(4)
Bumping/Ramming drivers in front
ii)
Pacing –
what’s being done
(1)
Rule in
place for spinning tires, and swerving.
(2)
Black
Flag being more enforced in 09 season for contact that
brings damage
(3)
PIT 3rd
time by for spinning driver in front that does not bring
out damage.
(a)
If on 3rd
lap, driver will be BF.
(4)
Pacing
has been included into the Incident Points
(5)
Drivers
using autochat “Pace in ___” has helped dramatically.
iii)
Quantity
of cautions
(1)
In all
series
(2)
Drivers
need to be more alert when approaching an incident.
(3)
Too many
“late” hits
iv)
Quantity
of cautions – what’s being done
(1)
Reviewed/Changed Incident Points for more driver
awareness
(2)
We have
changed from ‘expert’ to ‘fast’ setups for Sportsman
(a)
Much
improvement on spins
(3)
Discussion of changes to the Magnum Cup Series
(4)
Discussion of changes to the Sportsman Cup Series
(5)
Safety
Rating going into place with recognition
v)
Pitting
(1)
Has
improved with drivers being more aware of rules on pit
road.
(2)
Use of
autochat “enter/exiting pits” has increased –
improvement
c)
FFRL
Community Forums
i)
Not
enough veterans being involved – the community is part
of the family
d)
Race
Inspector
i)
Creates
a cleaner race environment
ii)
May sway
in preventing newer drivers to join
(1)
Each new
driver will have 1 month free to make a decision
e)
Improvements
i)
Upgrading to T1 Server
ii)
Additional race admins to each series.
iii)
Improved
Chase setup
iv)
Forcing
single file for opening lap on road courses
v)
Newer
drivers are community involved
vi)
Server
now up 24/7 for each series
vii)
Adding
anti-cheat software
14)
MAGNUM
.vs. SPORTSMAN
a)
Which
series is the better of the two when it comes to
cautions?
b)
See
“magnum vs sportsman” worksheet
c)
Division
that is better will:
i)
Pick the
track for the Awards Ceremony
ii)
Make the
setup
iii)
Pick the
Mod
iv)
Qualify
for the event.
All others must forfeit the qual. Attempts.
(1)
Allows
winning Series to lead the field for the Final race of
the season.
v)
As of
Richmond
(1)
Magnum
averages 10 cautions per race
(2)
Sportsman averages 9 cautions per race
(3)
Both
divisions higher than last year
(4)
Magnum
has improved overall in ratio
(a)
Compare
to 2007 stats
(b)
As of
Richmond, Magnum currently leads
15)
ADDING
AN ADDITIONAL “ROOKIE” SERIES
a)
Brought
up several times within the forums so vet drivers can
help teach, if possible, rookie drivers in that series.
b)
No
points, no awards, no stats.
Just racing.
c)
We, Duck
and Sav, are hard pressed in creating another night
i)
Only
possibility, and pushing it, is to have it on Thursday
nights opposite the Thursday night series races.
d)
Most
posts are geared towards open setups.
COT mod.
e)
AI’s present?
|
Though the idea was plausible, doing so
would be difficult. Using the
alternate Thursdays wouldn't be the answer
since it's only alternating the tracks.
It's been implied that the server is open 7
days a week and during that time, anyone
could make arrangements for teaching, or
being helped.
|
16)
REPLACING THE 1970 CSCS SERIES
a)
Has run
it’s 2 year course
b)
Possible
replacements:
i)
Diamond
Series – (Craftsman Trucks)
(1)
New ’09
mod
(2)
Forced
cockpit
(3)
1.5 mile
track or larger
(4)
Fixed
setups
ii)
Late
Model
(1)
Forced
cockpit
(2)
Dirt
tracks (usually small tracks)
(3)
Fixed
setups
iii)
INDY Car
(1)
Forced
cockpit
(2)
Follows
schedule of Indy Car (variety of tracks)
(3)
Fixed –
or – Open setups
iv)
Extreme
Series – (Trans-Am/TPTCC)
(1)
Forced
cockpit
(2)
Road
course + one SS
(3)
Open
setups
v)
CSCS
Series – (Aero88 mod)
(1)
Forced
cockpit
(2)
1.5 mile
track or larger
(3)
Fixed
setups
vi)
All race
lengths in the range from Sportsman to Magnum in length
|
Will go to vote for series. It was
mentioned that to use the same scoring
system that the 2008 IROC Series now uses to
insure competitive racing.
|
17)
IROC
SERIES
a)
1st
year running, interesting points format
b)
Changes:
i)
Add 1
point for pole position
c)
Track
changes:
i)
Replace
Daytona R/C with Watkins Glen Long (w/boot)
ii)
Replace
Atlanta with Texas
iii)
Replace
Chicagoland with Richmond
iv)
Replace
Indianapolis with Darlington
v)
Replace
Daytona with California
d)
Each
track run twice for 10 race season
e)
Moderate damage?
|
Entering discussion about changing the IROC
to moderate.
|
18)
SPORTSMAN CUP SERIES
a)
COT mod
expected in late 2010
b)
Change
to Nationwide 08 mod? (originally done by SS.net)
i)
Based
off of the NNC mod
ii)
If
moving to new Nationwide 08 mod, will keep for at least
2 years
c)
Schedule
to be changed to run before Magnum
d)
Continuing with Chase format
i)
Suggestions given to split the series into 2 parts
ii)
Ran it
that way for years, same drivers winning both sections
iii)
With
‘Chase’, more drivers have a chance/opportunity
e)
Keep
‘FAST’ setup
f)
Change
Incident Points from 10 to 8
i)
Change
in benching
(1)
2nd
bench – out 2 races, 3rd bench – out 3, 4th
– out of series
g)
Enforce
single file on tracks less than 1 mile?
|
Enforcing single file was voted down at the
Pitstop. Dover is one example that
drivers can run double file. Taking it
away will take away some of the racing
atmosphere.
|
19)
MAGNUM
CUP SERIES
a)
Continuing with COT mod
b)
Setup
remains unchanged
i)
45%
length
ii)
Realistic damage
iii)
2X
pitstops
iv)
Open
setups
c)
Keep at
realistic damage, or move to moderate to reflect more of
the COT cars?
i)
In NASCAR, COT cars can take more
of a beating then previous cup cars
|
Voted at Pitstop to leave "realistic" in
place. Moving to moderate may be the
result of more aggressive driving.
Keeping at realistic will encourage drivers
to keep their cars off the wall.
|
d)
Move in
“Impound Races”?
i)
NASCAR
track events that have impound rules:
(1)
April
Talladega
(2)
May
Richmond
(3)
July
Daytona
(4)
Sept.
Richmond
(5)
Oct.
Taladega
ii)
Adding impound races to the Magnum
Series will use forced fixed “Expert” Setups.
e)
Magnum
to become Invitation Only
i)
Hard
change, but needed to make the Magnum the elite series
it should be.
ii)
All
drivers currently in the Magnum will go under review
iii)
All
drivers in the FFRL, (active and non) will go under
review
iv)
Review
board:
(1)
Consists
of 5 members.
(a)
Each
member will privately check who they think fits the
Magnum Series
(i)
3 votes
“yes” gets driver in.
v)
Drivers
with positive review will receive a “Magnum
Certification” email.
(1)
Certification is good for 1 year.
vi)
If driver receives a certification
for the 2009 season and does not participate in that
series, the driver will have to go back under review in
2010 while participating in any of the three other
series.
|
Drivers who are currently in the Magnum, and
are not selected by the 5 panel
administration, will have an explanation by
each admin who had voted him/her out.
This way, the driver knows what to improve
for a return to the Magnum Series.
With the Magnum Certification, there will be
2 different ones. One would be the
"year" certification where the driver would
go back under review following that year.
The other would be "lifetime" certification
where the driver no longer needs to go under
review.
|
vii)
New
drivers entering the FFRL:
(1)
Has to
check off section on application showing interest in the
Magnum.
(2)
For an
undetermined period of time, driver is reviewed by the 5
panel board.
(a)
Review
is decided by the amount of incident points, the race
ability of the driver, the ability to pass or not pass,
sportsman like conduct, adheres to rules and policies of
the FFRL.
(i)
Review
may take as little as 6 weeks up to 1 year.
(3)
If
driver is certified to move up to the Magnum series
prior to season end, the driver will take 90% of points
total and gained IP’s with him/her.
(a)
If in
ROTY, points will remain unchanged.
f)
Suggested to mandate a 2 hours of practice per driver on
the server.
i)
Opposed to forcing.
20)
BRINGING VIRTUALITY TO THE FFRL
|
Before going into deep detail, what is
listed below is a rough draft. We do
have a VMS guidebook somewhat ready that
goes into deep detail of the contracts,
bankrupts, prices, etc... With the
discussion at the Pitstop, every driver
there loved the idea and sees how this could
bring a lot to the FFRL. Besides what
is listed below, some changes were brought
up: Each car number and sponsor will
stay with the driver.
|
a)
Allows
drivers to interact with the FFRL on a business like
format.
Members can be drivers, owners, or both.
Drivers that do not race in other series, or wish
to just manage a team, has every opportunity to do so.
Or you could even be a driver looking for a team
banner to run under.
b)
Uses the
monies gained per race.
c)
Drivers
i)
Can be
drivers or driver/owners
d)
Owners
i)
Can
drive for self, or not drive at all
e)
Opens a
whole new door to community involvement into the FFRL.
f)
If
Driver:
i)
Joins a
team, contracted by a team, or is self employed
ii)
Winnings
per race go to team owner
iii)
Driver
receives a salary per race
(1)
Bonus
for win
(2)
Bonus
for championship, etc…
iv)
Signs contract with team owner
|
Contract should state the length of the
contract.
|
v)
If
contracted, can only be released by team by either:
(1)
Not
fulfilling contract agreements
(2)
Joint
decision by team, owner, and driver (I think)
(3)
Owner
has gone bankrupt releasing you from contract
vi)
May have
to switch car numbers if team has purchased their
maximum 4.
vii)
May
negotiate for salary (minimums are set and driver cannot
be paid less)
g)
Part-Time Driver:
i)
Part
time drivers must submit a list of races they are
expected to run.
Failure to report on those races will result in
fines to the team owner.
h)
If Team
Owner:
i)
Can
purchase up to 4 numbers for maximum of 4 driver team
ii)
Numbers
are owned by the FFRL, not by the team.
iii)
Race
prize money is awarded to the Team Owner
iv)
If owner
is also driver, he/she may not pay himself/herself
salary
v)
Starts
off with salary base:
(1)
# of
events (car entry + shop fees) X .5
vi)
Is
responsible in purchase of car numbers, car entry, shop
costs, salary, repairs to cars, initial car costs, and
fines.
vii)
Can sell
cars and numbers in a designate area of the forums if
going broke.
viii)
Object:
to be the most successful/profitable team in the FFRL.
i)
Contracts:
i)
Contracts to drivers are to include:
(1)
Expected
average finish (top 4, top 5, top 10, top 20, etc)
(2)
Salary
per race
(3)
Maximum
amount of missed races allowed
(4)
Length
of the contract
j)
Fines:
i)
Fines
are charged to the Team Owner for the following:
(1)
A
driver, or team, was entered for an FFRL sanctioned
event, but the entered driver did not qualify nor
participate in the race.
(2)
A full
time team did not enter a race in its regular series
(3)
A part
time team did not enter a race, although the race was on
the list of their schedule
(4)
Fines
may be deducted ay any time, for any reason at the
discretion of an FFRL Administrator.
k)
Other notes:
|
Note: If a driver is fired/forced to
leave a team and wishes to start their own,
the driver will be given the prorated salary
as listed above PLUS their salary they have
earned with the team.
It has also been stated that when the owner
purchases a car for their driver, that is
ONLY ONE car with ONE paint scheme.
This will give drivers something to shoot
for and EARN additional cars to run on the
field. If they are not making their
owner money, why should they be rewarded?
|
i)
A Team
owner who has a Magnum driver contracted, who also races
in the Sportsman, does not have to purchase another car.
If a Sportsman driver moves up to the Magnum
series, a new car will need to be purchased.
Cars in the Thursday night series also have to be
purchased.
ii)
Drivers,
at the time, are NOT required to be part of the virtual
system. The
system is designed to bring a whole new aspect into the
FFRL. If a
driver does not wish to be part of, but just race, then
he/she must choose this option on the application.
(1)
Those
drivers may still be listed as a private owner/driver
within the system.
iii)
Teams
can go bankrupt
(1)
If team
goes bankrupt, they lose all sponsorship and must finish
the season with non-sponsored cars.
(a)
Not set
in stone
iv)
The
“dollar” will be renamed for the virtual system and will
become the official currency of the FFRL.
v)
Small
Example:
(1)
Private
Driver/Owner
(a)
Starting
salary for Magnum
(i)
36 x
(car entry 10,000 + shop costs 25,000) x .5 = $630,000
(2)
Purchase
of Magnum car = 240,000 (bal. = 390,000)
(3)
Registration of number = 2,500 (bal. = 387,500)
(4)
Salary
(none for driver/owner)
(5)
Fines
(none)
(6)
Comes in
5th at race event $174,000 (bal. = 561,500)
(7)
Blows
engine after taking the checkered $60,000 (bal. =
501,000)
vi)
Damage plays a large part in
virtual system.
Fees are to be accessed.
|
As mentioned before, this is just a
preliminary outline of the format.
Once the manual has been put in place, we
can move forward into descriptive
discussion.
|
21)
OFF-SEASON
a)
Awards
ceremony to take place on December 10th,
Wednesday at 8pm EST.
i)
Fun race
to take place following
ii)
Within
the week, awards will be shipped out.
b)
For the
Sportsman Cup, if we move to the new mod, new paint
schemes will be needed.
Do not wait till the last minute to make your
order for new cars.
Using same cars will not be possible.
New template.
c)
Following Awards ceremony, roughly two week bye for
rest.
i)
Practice
and testing to begin on December 22nd, Monday
for once a week.
d)
Practice
races in off-season will be shorter.
e)
Two
weeks prior to season start, all Seies will be running
practice at set setup.
f)
One week
prior to season start, OPEN servers will be closed.
g)
All
drivers will need to submit an application for the new
2009 year to keep track of Series Entries and update
personal information.
22)
SEASON
8, 2009
a)
Season
starts on February 9th, Monday with the FFRL
Shootout.
23)
CLOSE
MEETING
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