Crowex Master's Series - One Off Event Races Template

Introducing a templated format for online racing in GTAO.

PC has had an active online events scene in the two years since the game launched. As part of that, we have developed a templated approach to GTAO racing that takes most of the preparatory work out of hosting. These events can be run with minimal setup, and don't need a whole season behind them - they are there to test out ideas, to race one off concepts, or just to get something going that otherwise may not happen.  

Why Crowex?

It's a very simple answer. Crowex is the GTA Universe's equivalent of Rolex, the luxury Swiss watchmaker. The more you can tie your event back to the thematic aspects of modern racing, the more competitors feel engaged with it - it's the illusion of it being real.

Rolex has a long and storied tradition of involvement in sports and extreme activity. They sponsor Sir Jackie Stewart, former F1 world champion; and Mark Webber, 9x F1 Grand Prix winner and 2015 WEC champion.

www.rolex.com/rolex-and-sports/motor-sports.html 

They title sponsor Formula 1, and provide timekeeping for 24hrs of Le Mans, the World Endurance Championship, Daytona, and Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Suggested use: Crowex as title sponsor
Alternate use: Crowex as official timekeeper of the event.

Format

You should lay out the following for any participants:
What - What is the event about? For example: "A 30 lap race simulating the 24hrs of Le Mans"
When - Simple. Date and time, in UTC. NoDo draws its membership from around the globe, so using a standardised time code like UTC/GMT makes sense.
Where - The track.

Cars - This is crucial, because along with the track and the date/time, cars are the main reason people enter an event. Cars should be disclosed upfront along with any limitations. This may be downgrades, as per SAGTC; or it may be prescribed body parts, as per Grimreaper's Sultan RS I6 event. Drivers should have a reasonable expectation of a) balance and b) consistency - changing the cars from when they signup to when they race will only cause issues as drivers feel like they've been mislead.

Laps - How many laps will the drivers need to complete. If you are adding a formation lap for flavour - and, if you are using a stunt grid, I recommend you do - phrase it as "X Laps + 1 Formation lap"

Pits - Most NoDO races use pitstops as a way of simulating the tyre wear, and fuel consumption, that play deciding roles in modern motorsports. Again, like using Crowex, this is mostly for flavour - it feels authentic to the racers. It can also bring the tactical elements of pitstops into play for the races. One of the most popular strategies in motor racing is the "undercut", where a car pits later or earlier than its rival and passes them this way rather than in an on-track overtake. Drivers should always be encouraged to think of pit stops as opportunities to add an extra layer to their race.

Format wise, it's up to the event host. I use a rule of every 10 lap bloc = 1 pit stop. So, laps 1-10 = 1, 11-20 = 2, 21-30 = 3 and so on. A 24 lap race would therefore need 3 stops. I also try and put a buffer between pits, say 3 laps, so that it's not just a back to back exercise. The timing of the pit stop matters.

It's also circuit dependent but generally we are using respawning in pits as a way of simulating the time taken. Most stunt tracks now have a secondary checkpoint in the pit lane. Having drivers stop on the checkpoint then respawn their car fixes any damage, and also adds time to a pit stop. This adds to the feel of a pit stop being an actual benefit to the driver, as well as being an authentic time delay.

Participants: Is this open to a full 30? Is it in teams of 2 or 3 or more? Are teams assigned? Do you need pitwatchers and cameramen?

Rules - Are you using any rules beyond NoDo crew rules, such as a safety car, curb boost limits, FPS limits or the like? Then you need to let drivers know upfront.

Signups - The last formal/structured thing. You need to explain the format for people participating in your event. Will you prescribe certain teams, and if so, on what basis? Would you hold places for someone because of their association with a team in the NoDo Pitlane? Is the event prioritising newbies? Oldbies? Make it clear so people aren't disappointed.

Other considerations

The first question you should be able to answer is - why are you running a Master's event? Are you looking to test a concept to see if it'll work across a season? Or just because as a one off it will be fun? Either are completely valid, but the question is for you so you can manage it.

For example, if your intent is to run a trial simulation for a longer event, then you need to consider what sort of metrics you have for success and, if relevant, do you want feedback from people? How would you collect it?

If it's a one off, ask beforehand - is this a concept you genuinely think people want, or is this just an esoteric laugh? Do people need to really see if the RE7B is faster than the Vacca? Is the rocket Voltic really an ideal car for a tight city track? Hell, even "is this serious or LMAO?" is a good question to ask.

The actual template

Crowex Logo: vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/gtawiki/images/a/a1/Crowex-Logo.svg/revision/latest?cb=20150428135025

Title:
What:
When:
Where:
Cars:
Participants:
Laps:
Pits:
Additional Rules:
Signups:

Team TBC driving a TBC in <colour scheme>
1. <name>
2. <name>

For reference, here are some links to events that are open to signup, or that have already happened:

CURRENT EVENTS:

[PC] Crowex Master's Series - nodoGP


COMPLETED EVENTS:

Crowex Master's - Blaine County Classics
Crowex Master's - Spa-Francorchamps
Crowex Master's - Circuit de la Arsthe
Crowex Master's - YouTool 3 Way
Crowex Master's - Gran Premio d'Italia
Crowex Master's - Retro Comet Cup
Crowex Master's - GT1 Supers