To expand on the knockout qualifying idea, we could have 2 races. The top 11 or 12 qualifiers (depends on if someone in the series uses the gamestop car) go into Drop's room for the race. The bottom 11 would then either race in someone elses room at the same time, or race in Drop's room after the first race ends. The top room would race for full points, and the bottom room would race for half points (half points would also apply to those leading a lap/the most laps and getting pole).
If we went through with this I'd be happy to have people use my room to set their qualifying times with me watching (maybe a pre-determined number of laps to set their time). My lounge could also be used for the bottom 11 to race in, since I'd already be on everyone's friend list from the qualifying.