A League of Leagues: An Idea

I'm am currently in the ITCC, and I am way out-classed. I'm getting better, but I can't drive anywhere near as good as those guys can. I really am not racing, I'm just driving on the same course.

The idea I have is for one big league with several divisions. The reason behind this is, the drivers would, over time, sort themselves out by driving ability. I've seen this done for different things, and it may be one somewhere within the realm of GT5, but I don't know where. For those that may not know what I'm talking about, yet (cause, let's face it, this post isn't but so clear), let me give an example.

Let's say we get 40 drivers interested in this. Everyone submits a time trial and the drivers are split into 4 division, with 10 drivers each. The top division, (Division I?) runs the season in Prototypes. DII in GT. DIII in Touring, DIV in RMed Cappuccinoes. These are just ideas, everything is negotiable.

At the end of each small season (4-6 weeks) the bottom two drivers from divisions I-III drop down a division. The top two from II-IV, move up a division.

Everything is negotiable. Maybe there are 3 divisions, maybe 6. Maybe we have 8 drivers per division, maybe 16. Maybe we move 2 drivers up/down, maybe 4.

My only recommendations would be that every division has configurable aerodynamics, transmission, and suspension, and that the cars be competitive. The higher division cars should be faster and less forgiving of driver mistakes, the lower division cars should be slower and more forgiving.

If the divisions are small enough, I could see more than one of them racing at the same time on the same track. But that really isn't any sort of requirement for this. The only requirement I would put forward is that all the division race on the same night. So if a driver moves from one to the other, they don't have to drop out because it is a bad night for them.

Is this a really really bad idea?

Sounds fun. After taking a shot with the real racers here it would be fun to get on track with buddies somewhat on same level as me, so we could get a bit more equal race on.

Like I said in the ITCC thread I ran a series back in GT1 & 2 called EZGT which was based on self handicapping (similar to scratch golf). It wasn't division based, it was strictly skill based using HP limits centered around a goal time. For example a really good driver running fast times needed less HP, where as slow driver was allowed to add HP until he reach the goal time. The system requires honesty and plenty of testing plus constant retesting as the season wears on in order to make sure drivers don't improve to the point where they are now outclassing their original testing results. It really turns into a pride thing: getting your best results with the least amount of power.

If people are interested I could supply more details and help guide someone on how to run it... but I don't have time to start such a series myself. However I would be able to drive in it

This sounds like a really good idea, but it seems very difficult to organise, let alone get enough drivers to fill divisions.

JMII

I ran a series back in GT1 & 2 called EZGT which was based on self handicapping (similar to scratch golf). It wasn't division based, it was strictly skill based using HP limits centered around a goal time.

Click to expand...

Interesting. Does this produce much door-to-door racing? The only analog I have is arcade mode with my eight year-old son. I spot him plenty of power, but we only see each other at the start, and briefly if I catch up and pass. It feels more like putting in time trails at the same time.

Vol Jbolaz

Interesting. Does this produce much door-to-door racing? The only analog I have is arcade mode with my eight year-old son. I spot him plenty of power, but we only see each other at the start, and briefly if I catch up and pass. It feels more like putting in time trails at the same time.

Click to expand...

It produces VERY similar lap times, like down to the thousands. Keep in mind this was GT1 so the laps were run in time trail mode then sent via email, we didn't actually race together online.

The problem with your son in arcade mode might be due to "boost" or catch up feature, turn that off. Also this system assumes some basic driving skills, if your son can pass the license test that should be good enough.

Also you can't just guess at HP level, it requires testing... And lots of it. that's the whole point of self-handicapping, but it's a system that must followed in order for it to work. If everyone follows the same system the results will be similar regardless of skill level. I ran this series for 7 seasons, including a team based version and we always had close times.