Difference between revisions of "Beginners guide to GPVWC"

Revision as of 10:52, 2 January 2016

This guide is designed to provide a basic guide to joining the GPVWC, as well as outlining our main competitions.

Overview of the GPVWC

The GPVWC is an online sim racing league that has running since 2000 and offers great racing along with a friendly and welcoming community. We currently use rFactor and rFactor 2 and provide a range of competitions open to drivers of all levels and experience:

Superleague - GPVWC's top series is the Superleague, which takes place every two weeks on Thursdays. The Superleague is an F1 based series and incorporates a unique team management system that allows teams to sign contracts with drivers, compete for sponsors, develop their cars and engines over the course of the season.
Supercup - Supercup is GPVWC's second level series and involves intermediate formula cars with equal performance, equivalent to GP2 and Super Formula. The Supercup includes a basic team management and driver contract system designed to provide a stepping stone to the Superleague. Supercup features two races per event (one Feature and one Sprint) and takes place on the Wednesday prior to the Superleague Grand Prix of that week.
Formula Challenge - Formula Challenge is GPVWC's third level series. The series uses lower formula cars with equal performance equivalent to GP3 and F3. Formula Challenge features two small races of equidistant length and runs on the Tuesday prior to the Superleague Grand Prix of that week.
Open Series - Open Series is GPVWC's entry level series and is the ideal place to get your first taste of GPVWC action. The series uses the same lower formula cars that Formula Challenge uses however only features one Formula Challenge length race per evening. Open Series also runs on the Tuesday prior to the Superleague Grand Prix of that week and crosses over with Formula Challenge Free Practice and Qualifying.
World Sport Series - The World Sport Series is GPVWC's one-make tin-top series featuring EnduRacers' Flat6 mod. The series features two short races per evening and success ballast leading to a fun challenge every other Wednesday.
International Touring Cup - The International Touring Cup is GPVWC's touring car series with a variety of vehicles to drive. Three short races take place during the events and with success ballast added on top, every other Monday has never been this full of action!
World GT Series - The World GT series is GPVWC's GT racing series, featuring a variety of GTE-based vehicles battling throughout a challenging 1-hour long race in every event. These powerful cars provide the thrills on every fourth Thursday.
Atlantic Series - The Atlantic Series is GPVWC's American-style open wheel racing series featuring ISI's Dallara DW12 mod for rFactor 2. GPVWC's newest series provides high-speed action every other Tuesday.
Masters Series - The format of the Masters Series varies from year to year. Featuring drivers from all disciplines at GPVWC, the Master Series is the ultimate drivers' challenge at GPVWC.

Getting Started

If you're new to GPVWC there are 3 easy steps to follow to get you ready to compete:

Step 1 - Registering

The first thing you need to do is to register with us, which is a quick and easy process and is completely free of charge. Signup is split into two parts – forum signup and driver registration. Sign up up for our forum can be done here and gives you access to our friendly community, as well as lots of helpful information. After you've signed up for the forum you then need register as a driver on our main site, which is done by simply completing the form at the bottom of our registration page here.

Step 2 - Getting our mods

Once you've signed up the next thing you'll need to do is get your rFactor and/or rFactor 2 setup with all the files it needs to run in our championships. In order to avoid unnecessary problems, we recommend that you use a clean installation of rFactor/rFactor 2 without any other mods (rFactor Lite (found here) and rFactor 2 Lite (found here) are ideal for this).

For downloading files, the league uses a program called Simsync Pro that will download all GPVWC related game files and keep them updated at the touch of a button. Our custom Simsync program can be downloaded from our downloads section here. Once downloaded, simply install Simsync in your rFactor main folder, run the program from there and select the series you want (Note you may have to run the program as administrator, especially if your game is in C:\Program Files - simply right click the icon and choose 'Run as administrator'). When running simsync please ensure that you have '2015 Basic Files' and 'RFE & rFScan' selected along with the desired series files. The simsync password for all 2015 mods is GPVWC2015.

Please note that for 2015, our rFactor series will be running with the RFE Weather plugin which adds several exciting elements to the rFactor engine as well as rFScan anti-cheat software. These plugin files can be downloaded through Simsync. Please note that the RFE plugin is designed to work with an original CD/DVD version or original Trymedia version of rFactor.exe and also requires Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Runtime redistributable package and Microsoft .NET framework 4 or higher installed on your computer. More details about preparing your system for our 2015 mods can be found in this forum post.

For the World GT series, you will need to download UnitedRacingDesign's highly acclaimed EnduranceRacingX EGT mod prior to using Simsync Pro. This is a payware mod, which you can purchase for a relatively small price at the URD website here

Step 3 - Joining a team

After you've registered and have rFactor and/or rFactor 2 set up, the last thing to do to get started is to join a team. Unless you have a pre-arranged drive, then the best way to go about this is to introduce yourself in our forum and check out the Job Centre section. If you are brand new to racing or the league then our Open Series is usually the best place to establish yourself and catch the attention of team managers.

In order to sign up with an existing team, you'll need to use the driver contract system on the main site. To do this you need to do the following steps:

First of all login to your user area on the main site.
Next look at the menus on the right side of the page and under 'General' click where it says 'Enter Driver Market'.
Select the competition you are looking to join and confirm - this will register your interest in the series and your name will be added to the list of available drivers.
Now you must wait for a team manager to offer you a contract and then accept it to formally join a team. Please note that depending on the competition, you may need to obtain a license before entering any official test or race sessions for your new team.

Further details of each Series

Open Series

Open Series is the league's entry level series. There is no contract system in place and you do not require a racing licence to partake in the series.

Key features of the Open Series:

Lower Formula cars (Eg F3, GP3)
Run on the rFactor 2 platform
Race times (Tuesdays):
- Free Practice: 10 minutes, 19:00 GMT/BST
- Qualification: 5 minutes, 19:10 GMT/BST
- Race: 19:15 GMT/BST
Round format:
- Qualifying format: Unlimited laps, parc ferme (all except fuel, brake settings and front wing locked)
- Race format: One short race with formation lap.
- Driver aids allowed: Traction Control (Low), ABS (Low) and Auto-Clutch
Season format:
- Season: 18 races – February to October
- Points system: None
Eligibility: Only drivers who are not competing in any Career Ladder event may take part in Open Series.
Licensing: None
Drivers can choose from a selection of colourful liveries.
Races usually feature live race stewards and from time to time a live broadcast on YouTube.
Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.

Formula Challenge

Formula Challenge is the league's third level Career Ladder series. The contract system is fairly flexible in Formula Challenge and you can join or leave teams more freely than in Superleague. Also note that all regular Formula Challenge drivers must have a race license that can be obtained by making a very small donation to the league.

Key features of the Formula Challenge:

Lower Formula cars (Eg Formula BMW, F2, GP3)
Run on the rFactor 2 platform
Race times (Tuesdays):
- Free Practice: 20 minutes, 19:15 GMT/BST
- Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:35 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 19:50 GMT/BST
- Race 1: 19:55 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 20:25 GMT/BST
- Race 2: 20:30 GMT/BST
Round format:
- Qualifying format: Unlimited laps, parc ferme (all except fuel, brake settings and front wing locked)
- Race format: Two short races which both include a formation lap. Reverse grid (down to 20th place) used in Race 2.
- Driver aids allowed: Traction Control (Low) ABS (Low) and Auto-Clutch
Season format:
- Season: 18 rounds – February to October
- Points system: First 15 places - 25pts, 20pts, 16pts, 13pts, 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 4pts, 3pts, 2pts, 1pt.
Eligibility: Only drivers who have not competed in any higher GPVWC competitions for four rounds or more are allowed to take part in the Formula Challenge.
Licensing: All drivers are required to hold a valid race license which costs £1 for 2015.
Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast via YouTube.
Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
Full rules can be found here.

Supercup

The Supercup is the league's second tier Career Ladder series. It has a basic team management system like Formula Challenge allowing driver contracts to be handled more liberally. Also note that all Supercup drivers must have a race license that can be obtained by making a small donation to the league.

Key features of the Supercup:

Intermediate formula cars (eg GP2, Super Formula)
Run on the rFactor 2 platform
Race times (Wednesdays):
- Free Practice: 20 minutes, 19:15 GMT/BST
- Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:35 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 19:50 GMT/BST
- Feature Race: 19:55 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 20:50 GMT/BST
- Sprint Race: 20:55 GMT/BST
Round format:
- Qualifying format: Unlimited laps, parc ferme (all except fuel, brake settings, boost and front wing locked)
- Race format: Two races (one feature and one sprint) which both include a formation lap. Reverse grid (down to 10th place) used in the Sprint Race.
- Driver aids allowed: Auto-Clutch
Season format:
- Season: 18 rounds – February to October.
- Points system: First 15 places - 25pts, 20pts, 16pts, 13pts, 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 4pts, 3pts, 2pts, 1pt.
Eligibility: Only drivers who are not competing in a Primary driver role in the Superleague are allowed to take part in the Supercup.
Licensing: All Primary/Reserve drivers are required to hold a valid race license which costs £5 for 2015.
Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast via YouTube.
Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
Full rules can be found here.

Superleague

The Superleague is the league's top level Career Ladder series and includes a more complex system of team management. Teams have an simulated operating budget from which to develop their cars, hire drivers and pay suppliers. Team managers are allowed to have only 3 drivers signed to their team at any time, plus an emergency driver on a one month contract. Test Drivers may take part in an exclusive server to earn their teams valuable Research and Development points for the cars. Note that all Superleague drivers must have a race license that can be obtained by making a donation to the league.

Key features of the Superleague:

Formula One based series
Run on the rFactor 2 platform
Test/Race times (Thursdays):
- Official Test Session: 30 minutes, 19:15 GMT/BST
- Free Practice: 20 minutes, 19:15 GMT/BST
- Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:35 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 19:50 GMT/BST
- Race: 19:55 GMT/BST
Round format:
- Qualifying format: Unlimited laps, parc ferme conditions (all except fuel, boost, brake settings and front wing locked).
- Race format: Full Grand Prix distance and includes a formation lap.
- Driver aids allowed: Auto-Clutch.
Season format:
- Season: 18 races – February to October.
- Points system: First 15 places - 25pts, 20pts, 16pts, 13pts, 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 4pts, 3pts, 2pts, 1pt.
- Testing: There is a Young Driver Test at the end of the year where teams can evaluate drivers for the following year.
Eligibility: Any driver is able to take part in Superleague as long as they hold a valid race contract and licence.
Licensing: All Primary/Reserve drivers are required to hold a valid race license which costs £10 for 2015.
Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast via YouTube.
Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
Full rules can be found here.

World Sport Series

The World Sport Series is the league's One-Make series. Teams are allowed to hire up to four drivers at a time without the need for reserve or emergency contracts.

Key features of the World Sport Series:

Porsche Supercup based series
Run on the rFactor 2 platform
Race times (Wednesdays):
- Free Practice: 20 minutes, 19:15 GMT/BST
- Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:35 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 19:50 GMT/BST
- Race 1: 19:55 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 20:20 GMT/BST
- Race 2: 20:25 GMT/BST
Round format:
- Qualifying format: Unlimited laps, parc ferme conditions (all except fuel locked).
- Race format: Two short races which both include a formation lap. Reverse grid (down to 20th place) and used in Race 2. Penalty weight applied to top five in championship for Race 1 and top five in Race 1 for Race 2.
- Driver aids allowed: Auto-Clutch.
Season format:
- Season: 8 rounds – March to July.
- Points system: First 15 places - 25pts, 20pts, 16pts, 13pts, 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 4pts, 3pts, 2pts, 1pt.
Eligibility: Any driver is able to take part in the World Sport Series as long as they hold a valid race contract.
Licensing: None
Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast via YouTube.
Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
Full rules can be found here.

International Touring Cup

The World Sport Series is the league's touring car series. Teams are allowed to hire up to four drivers at a time without the need for reserve or emergency contracts.

Key features of the International Touring Cup:

Touring Car based series
Run on the rFactor 2 platform
Race times (Mondays):
- Free Practice: 20 minutes, 19:15 GMT/BST
- Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:35 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 19:50 GMT/BST
- Race 1: 19:55 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 20:15 GMT/BST
- Race 2: 20:20 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 20:40 GMT/BST
- Race 3: 20:45 GMT/BST
Round format:
- Qualifying format: Super pole, parc ferme conditions (all except fuel and brake settings locked).
- Race format: Three short races which all include a formation lap. Reverse grid (down to 15th place) and used in Race 3. Penalty weight applied to top five in championship for Race 1 and top five in Race 1 and Race 2 for Race 2 and Race 3 respectively.
- Driver aids allowed: Auto-Clutch.* Season format:
- Season: 6 rounds – August to October.
- Points system: First 15 places - 25pts, 20pts, 16pts, 13pts, 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 4pts, 3pts, 2pts, 1pt.
Eligibility: Any driver is able to take part in the International Touring Cup as long as they hold a valid race contract.
Licensing: None
Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast via YouTube.
Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
Full rules can be found here.

World GT series

The World Sport Series is the league's GT racing series. Teams are allowed to hire up to four drivers at a time without the need for reserve or emergency contracts.

Key features of the World GT series:

GT Sprint based series
Run on the rFactor 2 platform
Test/Race times (Thursdays):
- Official Test Session: 30 minutes, 19:15 GMT/BST
- Free Practice: 20 minutes, 19:15 GMT/BST
- Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:35 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 19:50 GMT/BST
- Race: 20:00 GMT/BST
Round format:
- Qualifying format: Unlimited laps, parc ferme conditions.
- Race format: One-hour race and includes a formation lap.
- Driver aids allowed: Auto-Clutch.
Season format:
- Season: 7 races – March to July.
- Points system: First 15 places - 25pts, 20pts, 16pts, 13pts, 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 4pts, 3pts, 2pts, 1pt.
Eligibility: Any driver is able to take part in the World GT series as long as they hold a valid race contract.
Licensing: None
Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast via YouTube.
Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
Full rules can be found here.

Atlantic Series

The Atlantic Series is the league's American-style open wheel racing series, new for 2015. Teams are allowed to hire up to four drivers at a time without the need for reserve or emergency contracts.

Key features of the Atlantic Series:

IndyCar based series
Run on the rFactor 2 platform
Test/Race times (Tuesdays):
- Free Practice: 20 minutes, 19:15 GMT/BST
- Qualification: 10-25 minutes, 19:35 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 19:50 GMT/BST
- Race: 20:00 GMT/BST
Round format:
- Qualifying format: Parc ferme (all except fuel, brake settings and front wing locked). Road courses: 1x 15 minute session followed by 1x 5 minute session for top 6 of first part, unlimited laps. Ovals: 1x 10 minute session, maximum 4 timed laps.
- Race format: 50% IndyCar distance race including formation lap and rolling start
- Driver aids allowed: Auto-Clutch
Season format:
- Season: 8 races – May to September.
- Points system: First 30 classified finishers - 50pts, 40pts, 35pts, 32pts, 30pts, 28pts, 26pts, 24pts, 22pts, 20pts, 19pts, 18pts, 17pts, 16pts, 15pts, 14pts, 13pts, 12pts, 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 5pts, 5pts, 5pts, 5pts, 5pts.
Eligibility: Any driver is able to take part in the Atlantic Series as long as they hold a valid race contract.
Licensing: None
Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast via YouTube.
Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
Full rules can be found here.

Masters Series

In recent times, the format of the Masters Series has varied from year to year; in 2016, the Masters Series will feature Audi TT Cup cars. Teams are allowed to hire up to four drivers at a time without the need for reserve or emergency contracts.

Key features of the Masters Series:

Multiple Disciplines
Run on the rFactor 2 platform
Race times (Sundays):
- Free Practice: 20 minutes, 19:15 GMT/BST
- Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:35 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 19:50 GMT/BST
- Feature Race: 19:55 GMT/BST
- Warm-Up / Break: 5 minutes, 20:50 GMT/BST
- Sprint Race: 20:55 GMT/BST
Round format:
- Qualifying format: Unlimited laps
- Race format: Two races (one feature and one sprint) which both include a formation lap. Reverse grid (down to 10th place) used in the Sprint Race.
- Driver aids allowed: Auto-Clutch
Season format:
- Season: 5 rounds throughout January
- Points system: First 15 places - 25pts, 20pts, 16pts, 13pts 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 4pts, 3pts, 2pts, 1pt.
Eligibility: Any driver is able to take part in the Masters Series as long as they hold a valid race contract.
Licensing: None
Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast via YouTube.
Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
Full rules can be found here.

Winter Competitions

There is usually a Winter Series to accompany the annual Race of Champions at the end of the year. Unfortunately at this time, nothing has been announced. Check out the forum for details when they arrive.

@@ Line 265: / Line 265: @@
 **Sprint Race: 20:55 GMT/BST
 * Round format:
-** Qualifying format: ''Unlimited laps, parc ferme''
+** Qualifying format: ''Unlimited laps''
 ** Race format: ''Two races (one feature and one sprint) which both include a formation lap. Reverse grid (down to 10th place) used in the Sprint Race.''
 ** Driver aids allowed: ''Auto-Clutch''