ABRL M4 GT3 Series - SIMGRID Rules & Regulations
Please carefully read and familiarize yourself with the following rules and regulations for the season.
1. Championship Overview
The ABRL M4 GT3 Championship is an online racing series dedicated exclusively to the BMW M4 GT3. This championship will consist of several rounds with each round containing two races (Sprint and Feature). The races will be held on a variety of tracks, with the goal to create a fair and competitive environment for all participants.
2. Eligibility
2.1 Driver Eligibility
- Drivers must be 18 years or older at the time of registration.
- Participants must create an account and sign up through SIMGRID to officially enter the championship.
- A valid SIMGRID license is required to participate.
- Drivers must meet the minimum skill rating set by the organizers (details will be provided upon registration).
2.2 Car Eligibility
- Only the BMW M4 GT3 will be allowed in the championship. No other cars or modifications to the car’s base setup are allowed unless explicitly stated by the organizers.
- All cars must be set up in the default configuration provided by SIMGRID and any balance of performance (BoP) changes made by the organizers must be adhered to.
3. Championship Format
3.1 Rounds and Tracks
- The championship will consist of 10 rounds, with each round containing two races:
- Sprint Race: 30 minutes in length.
- Feature Race: 60 minutes in length, with a mandatory pit stop for tire change and/or refueling.
- The track list will be selected by the organizers and communicated to participants prior to the start of the season.
3.2 Points System
- Points will be awarded based on finishing positions in both the Sprint and Feature races:
- 1st: 25 points
- 2nd: 18 points
- 3rd: 15 points
- 4th: 12 points
- 5th: 10 points
- 6th: 8 points
- 7th: 6 points
- 8th: 4 points
- 9th: 2 points
- 10th: 1 point
- 11th - 30th: 0.5 point
- Bonus Points:
- 1 point for fastest lap in each race.
- 1 point for pole position in the Sprint Race (if applicable).
3.3 Race Format
- Qualifying: Drivers must participate in qualifying to determine their starting grid position for both races.
- Race Starts: All races will use standing starts unless otherwise specified.
- Pit Stops: The Feature Race will require a mandatory pit stop. Failure to complete this will result in a time penalty.
4. Technical Regulations
4.1 Car Configuration
- Only the BMW M4 GT3 car is permitted for use in the championship.
- No car tuning or modifications are allowed outside of the in-game setup options (i.e., adjustments to aerodynamics, tire pressures, suspension settings, etc.).
- The organizers may impose Balance of Performance (BoP) adjustments throughout the season to ensure a level playing field. Drivers must adhere to any BoP modifications.
4.2 Setup Rules
- Each driver is permitted to adjust in-game settings only within the parameters allowed by SIMGRID and the default car setup.
- No external software or third-party tools may be used to alter car performance.
5. Race Regulations
5.1 Qualifying
- Qualifying will take place in a single session for each round, and grid positions for the Sprint Race will be determined by the fastest lap times.
- Any driver not attending qualifying will start from the back of the grid for the Sprint Race.
- If a server issue occurs during qualifying, the session will be restarted or results will be determined based on available data.
5.2 Race Starts
- All races will start with a rolling start.
- Drivers must respect the start procedure. Jump starts (i.e., starting before the green light) will result in a drive-through penalty.
- If a race is red-flagged, a restart will occur with the original grid positions, unless otherwise specified by the race organizers.
5.3 Pit Stops
- Mandatory pit stops must be made during the Feature Race.
- Failure to perform the mandatory pit stop will result in a time penalty.
- Pit stops must be performed in compliance with the race rules (tire changes and refueling are allowed).
5.4 Track Limits
- Drivers must respect the track limits as defined by SIMGRID.
- Repeated violations of track limits may result in warnings or penalties.
- If a driver repeatedly gains an advantage by cutting corners or abusing track limits, they may be subject to further penalties at the discretion of the race stewards.
6. Penalties & Conduct
6.1 General Conduct
- All participants are expected to maintain a high level of sportsmanship and respect towards other competitors.
- Abusive language or unsporting behavior will not be tolerated. Inappropriate conduct will result in penalties or disqualification from the event.
- Intentional collisions or actions that disrupt the race or other competitors will be subject to a review by the stewards.
6.2 Types of Penalties
- Warning: For minor infractions such as cutting corners or slight contact.
- Drive-Through Penalty: For jump starts, avoidable contact, or minor breaches of conduct.
- Time Penalty: A fixed time penalty added to the driver’s total race time for more significant infractions.
- Disqualification: For severe breaches of the rules, including cheating, intentional wrecking, or repeated offenses.
6.3 Appeals Process
- Drivers may appeal penalties within 24 hours of the race results being posted.
- Appeals will be reviewed by the race stewards, and their decision will be final.
7. Withdrawal & Substitutions
7.1 Driver Withdrawal
- If a driver needs to withdraw from the championship, they must notify the series organizers at least 48 hours before the start of the next race.
- No refunds will be provided for withdrawal from the championship.
7.2 Substitutions
- Teams may substitute a different driver into their car for any round, provided the new driver meets the eligibility criteria.
- Replacement drivers must be approved by the championship organizers.
- If a driver is replaced, their results will not count toward the team’s overall score unless the replacement driver competes in the same round.
7.3 Team Changes
- Any team wishing to change their car number or name must inform the organizers at least 72 hours before the next round.
8. Race Server and Integrity
8.1 Server Integrity
- All races will be hosted on the official SIMGRID servers. Drivers are expected to have a stable internet connection to minimize issues during the race.
- In the event of a server failure or technical issue, the race will either be rescheduled or a new session will be created, and the organizers will determine the best course of action.
8.2 Anti-Cheat and Fair Play
- All participants must compete fairly and in accordance with the rules.
- Any driver found using cheat software or exploiting bugs will be disqualified from the championship and banned from further events.
9. Prize Pool & Awards
9.1 Prize Distribution
- The top three finishers in the championship will receive awards, with details provided at the start of the season.
- In case of a tie, the championship winner will be decided by the most race wins. If the tie persists, it will go to the number of second-place finishes, and so on.
9.2 Trophies and Recognition
- Trophies will be awarded to the top three overall finishers.
- Other special awards such as Best Rookie, Most Improved, or Best Team may be given at the discretion of the organizers.
10. Final Terms & Conditions
- The ABRL M4 GT3 Series organizers reserve the right to change or modify these rules at any time.
- All participants must adhere to the rules and guidelines provided by the organizers and are responsible for staying informed about any updates to the regulations.
- By registering for the championship, drivers agree to abide by these rules and to compete in a fair and sportsmanlike manner.
Good luck to all drivers in the ABRL M4 GT3 Series! May the best driver win!
