Ferrari Challenge Cup - Canceled

[Dr_Watson]

This is something I've been meaning to do since getting GT5. Now that I had some time off to prepare things I'd like to get rolling on it. If you are unfamiliar the Ferrari Challenge is a race series run for Ferrari customers. Here's the official overview:

The Ferrari F430 Challenge is specifically designed for Ferrari owners who are not professional racers, but are looking to race the most exciting and technologically advanced purpose-built Ferrari racers while perfecting their skills in a friendly yet competitive environment.

Cars used in the F430 Challenge retain the same overall appearance and 490 horsepower engine as road-going Ferraris, while incorporating a number of significant track-oriented modifications and a host of new features not previously seen in Challenge cars. All preparation and support is handled exclusively by authorized Ferrari dealer teams. Modifications are tightly restricted, and all engines are strictly stock and sealed to put the emphasis on driver capability.

I've read through the rule book and setup things for GT5.
The 458 was just introduced this year (Road&Track actually just drove it this month) but they've been running the 430 since 2007.
So I'd like to start with only the Ferrari F430 Challenge; and if things go well, work on introducing the 458 in a second season.

Unfortunately GT5 over-specs the car.
The real F430 Challenge car has 490 HP SAE @ 8,500 rpm; and 343 ft lb @ 5,250 rpm.
After an oil change and engine break-in GT5 puts the car at 520HP @ 9,000 rpm; and 359 ft lb @ 5500.
This means it's going to need a restrictor plate to trim 30 hp.

So sticking true to the real technical specs the car will be:
Ferrari F430 '06 (P)

Suitable base tune for the car if anyone needs it.

Body/Chassis
Weight Reduction stage 3
Window Weight Reduction
Chassis Reinforcement
Ballast: 17kg (placed wherever you want)
Minimum Weight: F430 Challenge = 1225 Kg

Engine
Factory sealed, no modifications allowed.
The use of a power limiter to achieve max hp of 490 is required.

Intake
Factory stock, no modifications allowed.

Exhaust
Factory stock, no modifications allowed.

Turbo
Forced Induction is not permitted.

Transmission
Transmission will remain stock.
No modifications allowed.

Drivetrain
Twin-Plate Clutch
Semi-Racing Flywheel
Adjustable LSD

Suspension
Height-Adjustable Sports Kit

*note the real tech specs say:
"Under no circumstances must the camber exceed the following maximum levels: Front -4°; Rear -3.15°

So I guess we just have a gentleman's agreement not to go over the limits, though I think anything more than that in GT5 isn't useful anyway.

Tires
Racing Hard

--------------------------------------------
Race Rules:
As usual Standard GTP OLR rules apply.
Clean racing will be the standard. If upon replay-verification it is deemed by steward(s) that a driver caused an incident worthy of a penalty; the offending driver will be penalized post-race. A penalty will be +30 seconds (about the cost of a drive-through in pit lane) added to a driver's total finishing time.

Race Room will be configured so that:
All aids except ABS & TC are prohibited (*note: the real challenge car has ABS and TC with off|low|high settings)
Grip Reduction = Real
Penalties = Off
Damage = Light for Sprint race / Heavy for Main event
No False Start Check

At the appropriate time I'll open a public room and post the number in here.

Each "Race Day" will consist of 2 races run back-to-back.
Race 1 will be a short sprint race with grid positions decided by qualification times.
Race 2 will be a slightly longer main event with grid positions decided by reversing the finishing order of Race 1.
In both races pit stops are optional.
Points will be awarded for Race 1 and Race 2 individually.

Timing:
Race Room will open at 1 PM Eastern for warm-up
Races will begin at 2 PM Eastern

Qualifying will be conducted in the following manner:
Qualifying room will be open at 7 PM Eastern the Friday night before the race
You'll have a 4 lap race by yourself on the track observed for clean racing.
The first lap is warm-up with the best clean flyer from laps 2 and 3 will place a driver on the grid. 4th lap is cool-down and will not count.
If you cannot make the official time on Friday, please just send me a PM. I'm available most days after 6pm Eastern and I'll will also be available Saturday morning before the race if you need to qualify.
The 14 drivers with the best qualifying times will take part in the "Race Day" @ 2 PM Eastern on Saturday.
We will line up in qualification order and begin the sprint race.


Race Sechedule:
As for the schedule, I'd like to do Saturday afternoon races beginning labor day weekend (sept 3rd).

0. Practice Race @ Nürburgring GP/D - August 27th
Sprint: 10 Laps (22 ½ miles)
Main: 16 Laps (36 miles)
--------------
1. TnJF
2. outlaw4rc
3. paulmac2k9
--------------
Complete Results and Photos


A real championship is 6 races which will take place on the following tracks:
1. Laguna Seca Raceway - September 3rd
Sprint: 11 Laps (25 miles)
Main: 18 Laps (40 miles)
--------------
1. El_Aliens69
2. outlaw4rc
3. Wardez
--------------
Complete Results and Photos

2. Grand Valley Speedway - September 10th
Sprint: 8 Laps (24 ½ miles)
Main: 14 Laps (43 miles)
--------------
1. outlaw4rc
2. El_Aliens69
3. TnJF
--------------
Complete Results and Photos

3. Nürburgring GP/F - September 17th
Sprint: 8 Laps (25 ½ miles)
Main: 14 Laps (45 miles)
--------------
1. outlaw4rc
2. El_Aliens69
3. BrosifDuder
--------------
Complete Results and Photos


Season Canceled



Championship Points:
We'll use the official point scheme:
30 points to the 1st
24 points to the 2nd
20 points to the 3rd
16 points to the 4th
12 points to the 5th
10 points to the 6th
8 points to the 7th
6 points to the 8th
4 points to the 9th
2 points to the 10th and all others

In order to score any points, a driver must be officially classified as having started a race, that is, having taken the green flag at the start.

I am going to deviate from the rule book on one thing, everyone can have a bye week. Only a driver's best 5 Race Days will count toward championship points. If a driver runs all six I'll automatically drop the lowest score from the championship total. I feel this helps everyone deal with having a real life.

--------------------------------------------
If you would like to take part please post in the following format:

Forum Name (PSN) - Body Color

Please post any suggestions or questions in the thread.
--------------------------------------------

Registered Drivers:
1. Dr_Watson (TnJF) - Rosso Monza
2. Ruta (Ruta_Barracuda) - Matte Dark Green
3. bluesix (Remy_K) - Giallo Modena
4. Sylon (Sylon08) - Blu Abu Dhab
5. BlingBlaine (BlingBlaine) - Matte Yellow
6. Outlaw4wrc (outlaw4rc) - Rosso Corsa
7. Rhino_WJB (Rhino_WJB) - White
8. Forcednduckshn (Forcednduckshn) - TBD
9. Alien96 (El_Aliens69) - Tunisian Tan Metallic
10. Gromus96 (gromus9696) - Chrome
11. TopGear313 (iRtheSTIG) - Pearl White
12. paulmac2k9 (paulmac2k9) - Sky Blue
13. MÜLE_9242 (MULE_9242) - Nero Carbonio
14. Marcus Garvey (Marcus__Garvey) - Bianco Avus
15. Jay_B_II ( Jay2DaB329) - Rosso Dino
16. C-ZETA (V16T91) - Indy Yellow Pearl
17. Wardez (Wardez) - Yellow
18. Hollowxeyes (HoLLoWXEyEs) - Cobalt Blue Metalilic

 

[leowan731]

I would love to join but I don't know if I can fully commit to it.

 

[Jakwe]

I would like to join once I find out what these times are like for the UK

 

[Dr_Watson]

I would like to join once I find out what these times are like for the UK

I'm 5 hours behind London.

 

[RMX]

I'd Love to join but don't know how reliable I'll be in making the events on a saturday (i'm usually outta town since the weather is still nice/👎)

 

[Ruta]

Wow, now this is something I had been wanting to do for a long time, but never really got around to! Saturday is turning into my race day, so count me in. Driving with you and the others in the Viper Series helped me learn a lot in tuning and racing, so hopefully you'll see an improved Ruta in this series

PSN: Ruta_Barracuda
Car color: Matte Dark Green

 

[bluesix]

It looks interesting, i'm in!! 👍
So are we going to race on your lounge or on a public lobby?

PSN: Remy_K
Car Color: Giallo Modena

 

[Sylon]

I'll give this a try! I have a majority of that schedule off, so I'll do my best to make all the races.


PSN: Sylon08
Color: Blu Abu Dhabi



Edit: You know, I just realized, why the hell can't you change the wheels on this car? You can't even paint them!

 

[Dr_Watson]

Glad to have you aboard.
OP updated.

It looks interesting, i'm in!! 👍
So are we going to race on your lounge or on a public lobby?

I'll open a lobby and post the number in here.

Edit: You know, I just realized, why the hell can't you change the wheels on this car? You can't even paint them!

haha, I like the Ferrari wheels so I didn't even check... No one controls their image like Ferrari. 👍

 

[BlingBlaine]

BlingBlaine
matte yellow

***Recommending heavy damage***

 

[Sylon]

***Recommending heavy damage***

I disagree, heavy damage is such a pain. Especially for a racing series that is modeled after something that is supposed to be for fun. Heavy damage takes a lot of that "fun" out of it.

 

[BlingBlaine]

heavy damage makes the races more intense. consiquences for your actions. is this not a realistic series? I just dont understand the massive dislike for repricussional damage. lol

 

[Torzilla]

Has this started yet? I want to get in

 

[Dr_Watson]

Has this started yet? I want to get in

September start. Schedule is in the OP.

I disagree, heavy damage is such a pain. Especially for a racing series that is modeled after something that is supposed to be for fun. Heavy damage takes a lot of that "fun" out of it.

I agree with you. I've yet to see heavy damage produce any better racing. It generally only produces rage-quits.
Light damage is on and it carries enough penalty for my taste. But if enough people are interested in Heavy Damage I am ok with turning it on. But I need some convincing.

edit:
I've also added a practice race on the Nürburgring GP/D (DTM) layout so anyone that is interested can get a feel for the competition and race format.

 

[Torzilla]

Can I suggest 2 shorter races instead of 1 long race? Ive raced in series with this before and it helps with people not getting left in the back and stuck spinning hot laps for 40 minutes.

 

[Dr_Watson]

Can I suggest 2 shorter races instead of 1 long race? Ive raced in series with this before and it helps with people not getting left in the back and stuck spinning hot laps for 40 minutes.

I was actually tossing around that idea (since the real series does run 2 races). And I think in the spirit of keeping it real I'm going to do that.

The real series runs 2 qualification runs but I think that's overkill and needlessly complicated. So we'll be doing something similar to what GP2 does; the first race is a short sprint, then reverse the finishing order of race 1 for a slightly longer (~25%) second race.

 

[Forcednduckshn]

Thanks for the PM Watson!!

I would LOVE to run this series, and will definitely make it to a least a couple of races. The only issue I have is the TIME that these races take place. Mid-Day Sunday is just the absolute WORST time for me to have plans like this. I totally understand the time allowing the European folks to get in on the action, so please, don't make scheduling adjustments solely for my by benefit. It just stinks that I can't run a whole series because of it!

Either way, I look forward to mixing it up with you guys when I can!

And stay tuned, I'll be shooting out a PM and making a post soon for yet another race league, but will take place likely at nights, during the week. And it will be 100% spec, no tuning at all...should be epic!

Looking forward to flogging some Ferrari's around! 👍

 

[Dr_Watson]

Nice. mate... always glad to have you aboard.

btw It's Saturday not Sunday. With Football season starting I figured it would be prudent to avoid the drunken binge that is a Sunday in America.

I'm flexible on time to a certain extent, but I do like to keep it not to early for west coasters and not too late for Europe. And my wife needs me to keep my evenings free.

 

[OutlawQuadrnt]

I've always wanted to race the F430 in a racing series. I'm in!

PSN: outlaw4rc
Car Color: Rosso Corsa

For once, I'm not going with my usual colors. I just have to have my Ferrari in red.

 

[Forcednduckshn]

Time to a certain extent, but I do like to keep it not to early for west coasters and not too late for Europe. And my wife needs me to keep my evenings free.

Bow chicka bow-wow

 

[Dr_Watson]

I've always wanted to race the F430 in a racing series. I'm in!

PSN: outlaw4rc
Car Color: Rosso Corsa

For once, I'm not going with my usual colors. I just have to have my Ferrari in red.

added to the OP.

I know the feeling... I can't resist a red Ferrari either.

 

[BrosifDuder]

With Football season starting I figured it would be prudent to avoid the drunken binge that is a Sunday in America.

I was just thinking how I wanted to race a fast, Italian stallion. However, you forgot that Saturday is also a drunken football day in America and with me living in a Big Ten college town I am obligated to tailgate like a 21 year old every home game.

 

[Rhino_WJB]

This looks like a good series and I would be happy to take part.

430 is one of my favourite cars: stunning aesthetics with performance to match.

I have participated in other racing series in the past (including some Ferrari Challenges), and though not usually the fastest, I guarantee you clean driving and adherence with OLR rules.

It was mentioned that a schedule is in the OP. I cannot see this, though it may be due to me using GTP's iPod app. Is there a link to the race dates and track list?

EDIT: Found the race schedule. My PSN ID is Rhino_WJB and I will be likely using a white colour (not at my PS3 so do not know the chip name yet).

 

[BlingBlaine]

September start. Schedule is in the OP.



I agree with you. I've yet to see heavy damage produce any better racing. It generally only produces rage-quits.
Light damage is on and it carries enough penalty for my taste. But if enough people are interested in Heavy Damage I am ok with turning it on. But I need some convincing.

you keep saying the word "Real" for some reason like automatic damage repairability is non fiction. i am going to have to back out unless heavy damage is on. The only people opposing it are obviously not clean drivers and I dont race with people like that.

Is this a sim race or not? Everything in this thread is authentic besides damage what gives.

I drive with a group of experienced drivers and we ONLY drive with heavy damage with our SIM cars for the pure enjoyment of REALISM. Light damage is on when we race modified cars. We believe damage on produces a more white knuckle experience you just dont find with damage light.

If you wanna hold true to your realistic approach to this series i am highly recommending heavy damage.

ps how you gunna catch up to the leader if hes 15-20 seconds ahead, Heavy damage leaves that back door open to surprise where anything can happen, even on the last lap with a 30 second lead. Realism=Fun. Remember this is GT5 not NFS.

How about a poll?

 

[Dr_Watson]

OP Updated... I've been mulling over the idea of throwing in a bye week so I'm going to deviate from the rule book and only count 5 races toward the championship. So if you have a bad weekend or need to skip a week it's not going to cost you in the standings.

I was just thinking how I wanted to race a fast, Italian stallion. However, you forgot that Saturday is also a drunken football day in America and with me living in a Big Ten college town I am obligated to tailgate like a 21 year old every home game.

Sorry to hear you live in NCAA country. Don't eat too many nachos, cheesy beer breath is nasty.

you keep saying the word "Real" for some reason like automatic damage repairability is non fiction. i am going to have to back out unless heavy damage is on. The only people opposing it are obviously not clean drivers and I dont race with people like that.

Is this a sim race or not? Everything in this thread is authentic besides damage what gives.

I drive with a group of experienced drivers and we ONLY drive with heavy damage with our SIM cars for the pure enjoyment of REALISM. Light damage is on when we race modified cars. We believe damage on produces a more white knuckle experience you just dont find with damage light.

If you wanna hold true to your realistic approach to this series i am highly recommending heavy damage.

ps how you gunna catch up to the leader if hes 15-20 seconds ahead, Heavy damage leaves that back door open to surprise where anything can happen, even on the last lap with a 30 second lead. Realism=Fun. Remember this is GT5 not NFS.

How about a poll?

I'll add a Poll. Since we're running two sprint races rather than one long one I'm ok either way.

And in answer to your query; GT5 is still more game than sim. It's light-years ahead of a NFS arcade romp... but no where near even 10 year old simulations on the PC.
GT's aerodynamics are still a joke, the cockpits are terrible, abs can't be mandated, tire wear is exaggerated, tuning has very little to do with reality, tire modeling is so weak you can't even change pressures, etc...

So as far as GT is concerned I try and squeeze as much fun as I can out of close and competitive clean competition. Since we're working with an inferior product as far as realism goes.

 

[BlingBlaine]

Sorry to hear you live in NCAA country. Don't eat too many nachos, cheesy beer breath is nasty.
OP Updated... I've been mulling over the idea of throwing in a bye week so I'm going to deviate from the rule book and only count 5 races toward the championship. So if you have a bad weekend or need to skip a week it's not going to cost you in the standings.




I'll add a Poll. Since we're running two sprint races rather than one long one I'm ok either way.

And in answer to your query; GT5 is still more game than sim. It's light-years ahead of a NFS arcade romp... but no where near even 10 year old simulations on the PC.
GT's aerodynamics are still a joke, the cockpits are terrible, abs can't be mandated, tire wear is exaggerated, tuning has very little to do with reality, tire modeling is so weak you can't even change pressures, etc...

So as far as GT is concerned I try and squeeze as much fun as I can out of close and competitive clean competition. Since we're working with an inferior product as far as realism goes.

Uh this is the ONLY simulator on console. GT5 The real driving simulator. Its in the title. This is all we have for simulation racing. Sounds like you are more of the fun over realism player.

For someone using words like...joke, terrible, exaggerated, weak, inferior, you dont sound like your satisfied with this game. You must be using a controller.

 

[BrosifDuder]

Uh this is the ONLY simulator on console. GT5 The real driving simulator. Its in the title. This is all we have for simulation racing. Sounds like you are more of the fun over realism player.

For someone using words like...joke, terrible, exaggerated, weak, inferior, you dont sound like your satisfied with this game. You must be using a controller.

👎

 

[Dr_Watson]

Uh this is the ONLY simulator on console. GT5 The real driving simulator. Its in the title. This is all we have for simulation racing. Sounds like you are more of the fun over realism player.

For someone using words like...joke, terrible, exaggerated, weak, inferior, you dont sound like your satisfied with this game. You must be using a controller.

Of course I prefer realism... but that isn't possible so we work with what Polyphony gives us.

Oh btw... Forza is actually better but I don't want an Xbox.
Also Codies big sim franchises for Dirt and F1 are IMO on par with GT5 for realism.

 

[Rhino_WJB]

Had a few laps at the Nurb GP/D track this afternoon in a new F430 prepped for the Challenge events. Enjoyed the run out and certainly needed the practice!

Could I ask the organiser to consider forcing mics off during qualifying and the race? Not sure if this is part of GTP OLR rules anyway, but other driver's background noise can be distracting.

 

[Dr_Watson]

Could I ask the organiser to consider forcing mics off during qualifying and the race? Not sure if this is part of GTP OLR rules anyway, but other driver's background noise can be distracting.

Yeah, Mic's are ok during practice but frowned upon during races and qualifying when people need to concentrate.