In an effort to attract more drivers to RaceDepartment there are going to be a number of significant changes to GT5 Club racing. The changes will involve both the basic format of events as well as the types of race on offer. They are designed to appeal to both experienced and inexperienced drivers, making it easier to get involved in the thrill of racing against real people instead of the games AI.
On the topic of experience, I would like to remind everyone that RaceDepartment's Club races are open to drivers of all abilities. It doesn't matter how good you are or whether you have raced online once or a thousand times. The Club events are not about winning, they're about having fun. We're a friendly bunch and most of us are more then willing to give help and advice to new drivers, if required.
Below is a list of changes that will be implemented in the coming weeks. Any additional changes will be added here as and when they are decided.
Format Changes
Schedule: The days on which events are held will change to Thursday and Sunday. This will hopefully allow those with work/education commitments on weekdays to take part on the weekend instead. It will also allow for a number of 'special' event types due to having more time available on Sundays.
Recommended Garage: Cars from the Recommended Garage will still be used, but will no longer be guarenteed each week or fixed to a particular day. This change is required to incorporate other changes.
Cars for a Week: The same car (or class of cars) will often be used for both of a week's events. This will make practicing easier and make events more 'affordable', particularly for those new to the game when races require expensive cars.
Qualifying Session: The qualifying session will be dropped from the event format. Instead, the practice session will be extended to thirty (30) minutes and will be followed directly by the races. This change may be revisited if attendence improves. (ie, when a qualifying session becomes worthwhile.)
New Event Types
Double Distance: This event type will have a single race roughly equivilent to double the usual distance. (ie, one fourty (40) minute race instead of two twenty (20) minute races.) It will also include a mandatory pit stop.
Surprise!: The car and/or track for this event type will not be revealed until just before the event is due to start. The idea is to promote adaptation and level the playing field with regards to practice time.
Free Choice: For this event type, restrictions involving power, weight and PP points will be listed in the event thread. Drivers are then free to choose any car they like, inlcuding 'standard' cars, that meet those restrictions.
Endurance: Edurance events will be exclusive to Sundays and will involve races of no less than one hour in length, and potentially much longer. They may include both mandatory and voluntary pit stops.
Track Days: This event type is designed to be a social rather than competitive experience. Drivers will meet up at a track and simply have fun! Ad hoc races, car/track practice, drifting, doughnuts... anything goes! It will also be a great time for experienced drivers to teach others and exchange tips and advice.
On the topic of experience, I would like to remind everyone that RaceDepartment's Club races are open to drivers of all abilities. It doesn't matter how good you are or whether you have raced online once or a thousand times. The Club events are not about winning, they're about having fun. We're a friendly bunch and most of us are more then willing to give help and advice to new drivers, if required.
Below is a list of changes that will be implemented in the coming weeks. Any additional changes will be added here as and when they are decided.
Format Changes
Schedule: The days on which events are held will change to Thursday and Sunday. This will hopefully allow those with work/education commitments on weekdays to take part on the weekend instead. It will also allow for a number of 'special' event types due to having more time available on Sundays.
Recommended Garage: Cars from the Recommended Garage will still be used, but will no longer be guarenteed each week or fixed to a particular day. This change is required to incorporate other changes.
Cars for a Week: The same car (or class of cars) will often be used for both of a week's events. This will make practicing easier and make events more 'affordable', particularly for those new to the game when races require expensive cars.
Qualifying Session: The qualifying session will be dropped from the event format. Instead, the practice session will be extended to thirty (30) minutes and will be followed directly by the races. This change may be revisited if attendence improves. (ie, when a qualifying session becomes worthwhile.)
New Event Types
Double Distance: This event type will have a single race roughly equivilent to double the usual distance. (ie, one fourty (40) minute race instead of two twenty (20) minute races.) It will also include a mandatory pit stop.
Surprise!: The car and/or track for this event type will not be revealed until just before the event is due to start. The idea is to promote adaptation and level the playing field with regards to practice time.
Free Choice: For this event type, restrictions involving power, weight and PP points will be listed in the event thread. Drivers are then free to choose any car they like, inlcuding 'standard' cars, that meet those restrictions.
Endurance: Edurance events will be exclusive to Sundays and will involve races of no less than one hour in length, and potentially much longer. They may include both mandatory and voluntary pit stops.
Track Days: This event type is designed to be a social rather than competitive experience. Drivers will meet up at a track and simply have fun! Ad hoc races, car/track practice, drifting, doughnuts... anything goes! It will also be a great time for experienced drivers to teach others and exchange tips and advice.
