M3C Rules & Regulations

These rules and regulations were developed for the Mazda-Mini-Mitsubishi Championship and are currently being used for the 2022 M3C Season. These rules are based on the IVRC Rules & Regulations, with ***modifications denoted in bold-italics***.

# 1 General Principles and Regulations

## 1.1 Prime Directive

This rulebook was created to promote fair competition throughout all International Virtual Racing Championship (IVRC) series and events.

## 1.2 Scope of Rules

This rulebook will never be used to hinder someone's participation in IVRC events. Exceptions may be made to ensure safe and fair driving standards in IVRC events.

## 1.3 Acceptance of Rules

Participation in any IVRC event - whether as a competitor or administrator - is tantamount to a declaration (tacit or explicit) that you have read and understood this document in its entirety. Participants subsequently agree to submit to the consequences for violations, whether on- or off-track, of these rules and regulations.

## 1.4 Changes to Rules & Regulations

IVRC Administrators reserve the right to adjust the contents of this document on an as-needed basis. Such changes will be announced in our Discord chat, and the updated document will be posted for your perusal.

## 1.5 Perusal

Every person racing within the IVRC hereby declares to have closely read, understood and accept this document and all of its articles.

## 1.6 Series Direction

Each IVRC series may adopt its own collection of rules and regulations at the discretion of its administrator(s). The series administrator(s) must publish these rules and regulations on the official IVRC Fandom (Wikia) page, and ensure series participants are given access to the page (typically by publishing a link to the Wikia page in the IVRC Discord).

# 2 Registration

## ~~2.1 Driving Number~~

~~Drivers new to IVRC must first claim a driving number by posting in our #driving-numbers Discord channel. This is the number they will use across all IVRC series in which they participate.~~

## 2.2 Driver Market

Drivers must be affiliated with a team for each series in which they participate. Drivers seeking a team for an IVRC series are encouraged to indicate their interest and availability in the #driver-market channel on Discord.

## 2.3 Form

Drivers must register for a series in which they wish to participate by posting in the series-specific #sign-up channel in the Discord. The following form should be used:

Team:

~~Team's Nationality:~~

***The teams in the 2022 M3C series already have nationalities established, drivers need not provide this information.***

A series adminstrator may opt to adjust the registration form on an as-needed basis. The administrator should indicate their form in the series-specific #sign-up channel.

# 3 Team Structure

## ~~3.1 Owners / Managers~~

~~Team Owners/Managers create a team and are subsequently responsible for everything that happens with the team. Owners/Managers must drive for one of the teams they own/manage.~~
***Available teams are already established by the M3C mod; drivers simply need to register for a team.***

## 3.2 Team Names

~~Team Owners/Managers should not use copyrighted or trademarked team name(s) unless explicit permission has been granted by the associated entities to use said name(s). The IVRC will not be held responsible for any consequences arising as a result of a Team Owner/Manager using copyrighted or trademarked materials without permission.~~ ***Team names are already established from the available liveries in the M3C mod.***

## ~~3.3 Custom Liveries~~

***Custom liveries are not required for the 2022 M3C series. Drivers will instead select from the available liveries in the mod.***

## 3.4 Driver Changes

~~Teams may adjust their rosters by adding or removing drivers during an IVRC series. Drivers released from a team may not join a new team. These restrictions may be tightened or lifted for a specific IVRC series at the discretion of series administrator(s).~~

***Drivers may change cars one (1) time. This change, should it occur, must happen no later than the beginning of official practice of the tenth round at Sebring (27 October). If a driver wishes to change cars, they should post a new entry in the M3C #sign-up channel. A driver who switches cars will retain all points earned in the driver's championship.***

## 3.5 Team Changes

Teams may not change cars during an IVRC series. Teams may not run multiple chassis, engines, or tyre compounds during an IVRC series. These restrictions may be lifted for a specific IVRC series at the discretion of series administrator(s).

***The structure of the MMM mod enforces Rule 3.5 automatically.***

## ***3.6: Maximum Number of Drivers Per Team***

***Each team comprises two drivers. See Rule 3.4 for more information.***

# 4 The Races

## 4.1 Pit Lane

The pit lane is defined as the region located between the pit entry and pit exit. Pit entry and pit exit are usually indicated by white or yellow lines running across (perpendicular to) the pit lane.

### 4.1.1 The Red Light

Each pit lane has a traffic light at the pit exit. If a driver exits pit lane while the red light is active at the pit exit, the driver is subject to ~~disqualification from the event~~ ***a penalty, depending on the session***.

### 4.1.2 Lateral Pit Lane Boundaries

Most pit lanes have white or yellow lines running along (parallel to) the pit lane near the pit entrance and pit exit. A driver must not cross these lines when entering or exiting the pit lane, or the driver may be subject to a penalty.

### 4.1.3 Pit Lane Speed

All pit lanes feature a speed limit in IVRC events. The pit lane speed limit varies from circuit to circuit; drivers should acquaint themselves with the pit lane speed limit at each circuit. If available, drivers may use a car's pit limiter to ensure they do not exceed the pit lane speed limit. Speeding in the pit lane will result in a penalty.

## 4.2 Qualifying

Each IVRC event will hold a qualifying session to determine the starting grid for the first race session at an event. Starting grid determination for the second or third races at a multi-race event will vary from series to series. ***For M3C, qualifying sessions will have the following format: each driver will be limited to four (4) total laps -- an outlap, a first flying lap, a second flying lap, and an inlap.***

***The grid for the first race will be determined by a driver's best lap in qualifying, while the grid for the second race will be determined by a driver's second best lap in qualifying. If two or more drivers should fail to set a second valid lap, they will begin from the rear of the pack in the second race, with their grid positions determined by their one valid lap. Any drivers who fail to set a valid lap will begin from the rear of the pack in both races.***

***Qualifying results will be posted in the M3C Discord channel in the interest of transparency.***

### 4.2.1 Hotlap / Flying Lap Etiquette

~~If a qualifying session is not private, drivers are likely to encounter other drivers on track. If a driver is on an outlap or inlap, it is imperative this driver should not interfere with any drivers on a hotlap. If two drivers are on a hotlap, they must make every effort not to interfere with one another's hotlap.~~ ***Note that M3C uses private qualifying sessions, so etiquette during qualifying should not pose any problems.***

### 4.2.2 Usage of ESC

~~If a driver is in the pit lane, they may press Escape to return to their garage with no consequences and, if applicable, may continue to participate in the qualifying session.~~

~~If a driver uses Escape to return to the garage from anywhere outside the pit lane, their qualifying session is considered over, and the driver may not leave pit lane during the time remaining of the qualifying session.~~

~~If a driver uses Escape to return to the garage from anywhere outside the pit lane, the driver's most recent flying lap will be conidered invalid.~~

~~If a driver's most recent flying lap is also their best lap, and if that flying lap is invalidated per Ruling, the driver should inform the series administrator(s) during the subsequent warm-up session so that a grid adjustment can be made (if necessary). Otherwise, the driver will receive a penalty.~~

***To avoid the game unfairly disqualifying compliant drivers, please complete your inlap and return to pit lane before you Escape to the Garage. If you use Escape before completing your qualifying run, you may lose the opportunity to complete your flying laps, so consider yourself warned.***

## 4.3 Flying Starts

***Note that M3C will not use flying starts; skip to 4.4 (Standing Starts) below.*** ~~Some IVRC events will use a flying (or rolling) start to begin a race.~~

### 4.3.1 Formation Lap

~~A rolling start may be preceded by a full formation lap. Automobilista will place all competitors on the starting grid, and then the game will announce the formation lap has begun. Drivers should safely accelerate from the starting grid at this time.~~

#### 4.3.1.1 Formation Lap Speed

~~A formation lap is led by an AI Safety Car. The Safety Car typically holds a speed of 120 kph, though this speed varies from track to track and from corner to corner.~~

#### 4.3.1.2. Brakes

~~Drivers may warm up their brakes during the formation lap, as long as it is done safely. Do not brake check other drivers during the formation lap; brake checks during the formation lap will result in a penalty.~~

#### 4.3.1.3 Overtaking

~~It is forbidden to overtake other drivers during the formation lap. Drivers who illegally overtake others during a formation lap will be subject to a penalty.~~

#### 4.3.1.4 Crashes / Spins

~~If a driver crashes out or spins out during the formation lap, the driver should Escape to their garage. Such a driver will start the race from pit lane.~~

#### 4.3.1.5 Filing Up

~~At the end of a formation lap, drivers will form a double file grid. Typically, when entering sector 3 of a circuit, the series administrator will type "Pit Limiter On NOW" via the in-game chat. At this time, the pole sitter will activate their pit limiter and hold to the side of the track corresponding to their grid position. The driver in second position should form up almost along side the pole sitter (but with their front end slightly behind the front end of the pole sitter) -- this will be the first row. The remaining drivers will similarly form the remaining rows of the grid. Each driver should activate their pit limiter as they form the grid.~~

### 4.3.2 The Green Flag

~~As the double file grid approaches the start/finish line (with pit limiter active, if available), the game will post the command "Green Flag" in the chat box (and your Crew Chief should also make a verbal announcement). At this point, drivers should deactivate their pit limiter (if available), accelerate, and begin the race. Overtaking is allowed from this point.~~

## 4.4 Standing Starts

Some IVRC races uses a standing start. The game will automatically port your car to the starting grid, where you will wait for the race to begin. ***The M3C series will use only standing starts.***

### 4.4.1 Formation Lap

There is no formation lap in any IVRC race where standing starts are used.

### 4.4.2 Green Flag

In a standing start, the game will count down one or more red lights before showing a green light (which signals the green flag/race start); your Crew Chief will also give an audio cue when the race begins. Jump starts will be penalized.

## 4.5 Starts from Pit Lane

Drivers starting from pit lane should move to the pit exit where they will see a red light. The light will turn green at approximately the same time the race leader reaches the end of Sector 1. Drivers may exit pit lane and join the race at this time.

## 4.6 Restarts

### ***4.6.1 Race Restarts***

~~If a driver should crash out during the first lap of a race AND if their car suffers a confirmed flat tire, loses a rear wing, or loses an entire wheel, the driver is permitted to type "Crash" in the in-game chat. In the event that more than 30% of drivers participating in a race should crash out according to the above criteria (and indicate "Crash" via the in-game chat), the race will be restarted. A race will see one and only one race restart.~~ ***The 2022 M3C series will not see any restarts of a race unless there is a server malfunction in the first few laps of a race.***

### ***4.6.2 Full Course Yellow Restarts***

***Full Course Yellow restarts will be single file. All drivers may accelerate when the green flag is thrown. Overtaking is permitted once the green flag is shown, even if drivers have not crossed the start/finish line.***

## 4.7 Finish

A race is said to be finished when the leading driver crosses the start/finish line and receives the checkered flag. However, the race is not considered complete until all remaining drivers cross the start/finish line on their respective final laps. ***You may escape to the pits once you finish your race, or you may also driver a cooldown lap and return the pits if you prefer.***

# 5 Scoring

## 5.1 Points System

***The M3C series uses a different points system than the standard IVRC system. Bonus points for leading a lap, most laps led, fastest race lap, and earning pole position are also available. The 2022 M3C Series will only feature a drivers' championship.***

***Only a driver's top twenty (20) results will count toward their standing in the drivers' championship.***

* ***One (1) bonus points will be awarded to each eligible driver who leads at least one lap of a race.***

* ***One (1) bonus point will be awarded to the driver who leads the most laps of a race. If two or more drivers tie for most laps led, each eligible driver will receive a bonus point.***

* ***One (1) bonus point will be awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap during a race. If two or more drivers tie for fastest lap, each eligible will receive a bonus point.***

* ***One (1) bonus point will be awarded to the pole sitter, assuming they are eligible for points at the conclusion of the race.***

### 5.1.1 Exceptions

In the event of an unexpected development, such as a sudden schedule change of an event, a change to the format of one or more race(s) in a series, or a server failure before a race is complete, the series administrator(s) may opt to adjust the points system for the affected event(s). Such changes should be announced in the series Discord in a timely fashion. ***See also Rule 5.2.***

### ~~5.1.2 Guest Drivers~~

~~A driver who registers for an event but is not affiliated with a team is considered a guest driver. A guest driver may participate in a series only one time; if this driver wishes to participate in subsequent events in a series, the driver must join an existing team or create a new team. Some series may relax the maximum number of guest appearances at the discretion of the series administrator(s).~~ ***The 2022 M3C series will not see guest drivers. See Rule 3.4 for information about adjusting team rosters.***

## 5.2 Points Eligibility ***(Drivers)***

Only registered drivers may score points in a championship event.

~~Drivers must complete at least 50% final race distance to be eligible for points; otherwise, the driver is considered "retired" from the race and is not eligible for points. This criterion may be relaxed or tightened at the discretion of the series administrator(s).~~***If an event runs its full scheduled distance, drivers are eligible for points -- including bonus points -- only if they complete at least 80% of scheduled race distance.***

***In the event of a server failure, full position points (as well as bonus points) will be awarded to eligible drivers if the leading driver has completed at least 80% scheduled race distance. In this case, any driver who is still running will be considered eligible for full position points (including bonus points), even if they have not reached 80% scheduled race distance.***

***In the event of a server failure, half position points (but full bonus points) will be awarded to eligible drivers if the leading driver has completed at least 60%, but less than 80%, of scheduled race distance. In this case, any driver who is still running will be considered eligible for half position points (but full bonus points), even if they have not reached 60% scheduled race distance.***

***In the event of a server failure and if less than 60% of scheduled race distance has been completed by the leading driver, the event will be rescheduled as soon as possible.***

# 6 Driving Aids

## 6.1 Permitted Driving Aids

~~The following driving aids are, in general, permitted for use in all IVRC series and events.~~

~~ABS – High~~

~~Stability control – High~~

~~Traction control – High~~

~~Clutch assistance – On~~

~~Other driving aids are not used in IVRC events. Series administrator(s) reserve the right to adjust permitted aids at their discretion.~~

***For M3C, the following are permitted:***

* ***ABS - Low (available in garage or via keyboard command)***

* ***Clutch Assistance***

## 6.2 Effects of Driving Aids

As a general rule, series administrator(s) will edit the .HDV files of a series' vehicles so that the permitted driving aids do not impact the physics of the series' vehicles. Series administrator(s) may elect to apply performance penalties for permitted driving aids at their discretion.

***For M3C: whatever performance penalties imposed on the MIT Lancer R and Mini Challenge in their respective default series files (by Reiza) will apply to the permitted aids from 6.1 above. Similarly, whatever performance penalties imposed on the Mazda MX-5 (by Reb.Ellion) will apply to the permitted aids mentioned in 6.1 above.***

# 7 Race Direction

## 7.1 Live Race Control

Where applicable, a series administrator may issue penalties during qualifying or race sessions via in-game chat. Penalties issued by live race control are irrevocable. ***Since the M3C series uses in-game rules, Live Race Control will almost always be enforced by the game engine itself. Examples include (but are not limited to): drive-thru penalties for jump starts at the standing start of a race, and drive-thru penalties for too many violations of the track limits.***

## 7.2 Post Race Control

Whether or not there is live race control at an IVRC event, there will also be race control once an event is concluded, which we call hereafter "Post Race Control". ~~Post Race Control will consist of both admininistrators of a series. One or more back-up administrators will be asked to participate in post race control if (a) the series administrators cannot reach a consensus about an incident, or (b) one or more of the series administrators are involved in an incident under review.~~ ***Since the M3C Administrator (Cae Lumen) is racing in the series, Post Race Control will most likely be handled by IVRC staff member(s) who is/are not racing in M3C. Additional volunteers to help with post race control may be requested on an as-needed basis.***

## 7.3 Reviewed Scenes

~~The following scenes/incidents will be automatically reviewed by series administrators during post race control:~~

* ~~Pit stops (for pit entry, pit exit, and staying within the lateral pit lane boundaries).~~
* ~~All qualifying hotlaps.~~
* ~~All formation lap incidents (if applicable).~~
* ~~All incidents which occur after a driver takes the checkered flag.~~
* ~~All incidents which result in the retirement of a driver from a race.~~

***Post Race Control will only review the scenes listed above at the request of a driver via an Incident Report (see Rule 7.4 below).***

## 7.4 Reporting Incidents

Each driver who participates in an event may report incidents in which they were directly involved during the race(s) of the event. Reports should be made to ~~a series administrator~~ ***a designated staff member of Post Race Control*** by private message on Discord. ***To be crystal clear -- Post Race Control will only review reported incidents.***

### 7.4.1 Reporting Time Window

All reports to Post Race Control must be made no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the conclusion of an event to ensure the incident(s) will be reviewed.

### 7.4.2 Form

As aforementioned, an incident that a driver wishes to have reviewed should be reported to a ~~series administrator~~ ***a designated staff member of Post Race Control*** by private message on Discord. Use the following form:

### 7.4.3 Appeals

If a driver is unhappy with a penalty to which they have been subjected, the driver has the opportunity to appeal the penalty. Appeals should be made to a ~~series administrator~~ ***a designated member of Post Race Control*** by private message on Discord. Appeals must be received no later than twenty-four (24) hours after race results and penalties have been posted in the series Discord channel. Appeals will be reviewed by ~~at least one administrator who is not a series administrator~~ ***one or more staff members or other members of Post Race Control, with volunteers requested on an as-needed basis***. Once an appeal of a penalty and the corresponding incident have been reviewed, subsequent appeals about the penalty are not permitted.

## 7.5 Official Results

Official race results will be announced in the series #announcement channel (in Discord) once all incidents have been reviewed and penalties assessed. Said post will include the results for each race of an event, as well as penalties (broken down by qualifying session(s) and race(s)).

## 7.6 Adjustments

If a penalty is adjusted or removed as a result of an appeal, a separate post reflecting all changes to penalties will be made once all appeals have been reviewed. If a penalty adjustment impacts the final standings of one or more races of an event, updated results will also be posted at this time.

# 8 Race Tracks

## 8.1 Definition

A race track is outlined by two white or yellow lines running parallel to the track on each edge. Generally speaking, these lines are part of the track itself, but any areas beyond these lines are not considered part of the race track. Depending on how well-marked or poorly-marked a track is, series administrator(s) may adjust this general definition of the race track. Such adjustment will be posted in the series Discord channel ahead of the affected event(s).

## 8.2 Violating Track Limits

A car may not leave the race track with more than two of its tyres at the same time; leaving the race track with more than two tyres is termed "violating track limits". A driver is said to be "cutting" if they violate the inner track limits while gaining time over their opponents. A driver is said to be "extending the track limits" if they violate the outer track limits while gaining time over their opponents. Cutting or extending track limits will result in penalties. ***Note that M3C uses in-game rules. Drivers are permitted two (2) track limit warnings without penalty during each race. For each track subsequent limit violation assessed by the game, the driver will receive a drive-thru penalty from the game engine, which they must serve promptly. Failure to serve drive-thru penalties issued by the game engine will result in the driver's disqualification by the game engine.***

# 9 Damage

## 9.1 Minor Damage

If a car suffers minor damage, a driver does not have to repair the damage.

## 9.2 Major Damage

The following types of damage are considered major and must be repaired before the race concludes:

* Loss of a front wing or front bumper
* Loss of a rear wing or rear bumper
* A flat or punctured tyre
* Loss of a wheel

Repairs to major damage must be made immediately -- this means a driver must make a pit stop for repairs on the same lap that the driver's car suffered the major damage. Exception: if a driver suffers major damage in close proximity to the pit entrance such that there is insufficient time to make a safe journey to the pit entrance on that lap, then the driver should pit for repairs on the next lap. This applies to the qualifying session as well -- see section 14.2 for more information.

## 9.3 Terminal Damage

If a car suffers terminal damage such that the driver is either unable to move their car or is unable to drive the car safely to the pits for repairs, then the driver must use the Escape button to be transported to the garage. This results in the driver's retirement from the race.

# 10 Close Racing

## 10.1 Respect

Respect the racing line of other driver(s) while in a battle for position. Pushing another driver off the track -- whether accidental or intentional -- will result in a penalty.

## 10.2 The Racing Line

Each driver must decide on a racing line while battling for position. In a battle for position, the chasing driver (the driver behind) may switch racing lines as they please, provided they do not engage in extreme weaving. The leading driver (the driver in front) may switch lines only once.

## 10.3 Overtaking

In a battle for positions, the drivers involved (the chasing driver and the leading driver) should understand safe overtaking. In particular, the chasing driver should establish the inside or outside line relative to the lead driver by ensuring the chasing driver's front axle is at or ahead of the leading driver's rear axle before reaching a braking zone. If a chasing driver establishes the inside or outside line against a lead driver ahead of a braking zone, then the lead driver is obliged to leave room for the chasing driver.

## 10.4 Divebombs

If a chasing driver fails to establish the inside or outside line against a competitor, then attempts a pass and subsequently causes an incident, the chasing driver may receive a penalty. The term "divebombing" is used when a chasing driver attempts an inside pass without establishing the inside line ahead of a braking zone.

## 10.5 Change of Lines

If a leading driver fails to leave room for a chasing driver who successfully established an inside line or outside line ahead of a braking zone, and if an incident occurs as a result of this failure of the lead driver to leave room for the chasing driver, the leading driver may receive a penalty.

# 11 Server Etiquette

## 11.1 Choice of Words

Each member of IVRC should avoid racism and hate speech in our Discord and on race servers. Violation of this rule may result in race penalties, suspensions, or bans.

## 11.2 Administrators

Administrators should set an example for behavior in the Discord and on servers -- both on and off track.

## 11.3 Chatting

Refrain from chatting during qualifying sessions and race sessions. Chatting is welcome and encouraged during practice sessions, however!

## 11.4 Lights

Drivers should use headlights during night races. Driver may also flash their headlights, when appropriate, during day races. Using headlights continuously during a day race is forbidden. ***Note that all 2022 M3C events will be day races.***

## 11.5 Horn

Using your horn during any official session is not permitted, except during the inlap once a race has concluded.

# 12 Red Flags

## 12.1 General Regulations

Red flags will only be waved if a race cannot continue. This may be due to a server issue or other special ruling at the discretion of the series administrator(s).

### ~~12.1.1 Six-Hour Races~~

~~If, after the first three hours of a six-hour race, 50% or more of the competitors have retired from the race, a special red flag may be waved.~~ ***The 2022 M3C series will not see any six-hour races.***

## 12.2 Consequences

 ***81% – 100%*** | No restart. Full position and bonus points awarded to eligible drivers.

See Rule 5.2 for more information.

## 12.3 Server Crash

If the race server crashes during an event, the event will be canceled. It is at the discretion of a series administrator(s) if they wish to reschedule an event interrupted by a server crash; in this case, the event should only be rescheduled at a time when all participants are available.
 ***For M3C, a server crash will be treated as a red flag -- points will be awarded (half or full) depending on distance covered, or the race rescheduled if insufficient distance was covered. See 12.2 above.***

# 13 Blue Flags

## 13.1 Etiquette

In a blue flag situation, the slower car should allow the faster car to pass as soon as it is safe -- to do so, the slower car should give up the racing line and allow the faster car to pass. This should only be done when it is safe to do so, however, so the faster car should display patience if approaching a slower car in a twisty or tight section of a track where passing is usually considered difficult.

# 14 Penalties

## 14.1 Type of Penalties

 Community ban

## 14.3 Suspension

A driver or team may be suspended by IVRC administrators for poor behavior either on or off track.

# 15 Fees

## 15.1 General Information

There are no mandatory fees to participate in IVRC.

## 15.2 Donations

Donations are possible via PayPal.

**Race Day Schedule (Thursdays)**

* Official Practice: 30 minutes, 18:45 UTC

* Qualifying: ~10 minutes, ~19:15 UTC

* Warm-Up / Break: 7 minutes, ~19:30 UTC

* Races: 2x20 minutes + 1 lap, ~19:40 UTC & ~20:10 UTC

**Server Details**

* Server name: ! IVRC M3C !

* Password: 22m3c

* IP: 89.163.146.62:21110

**Driving Aids & Other Information**

* Steering Assistance – Disallowed

* Opposite Lock Assistance – Disallowed

* Braking Point Assistance – Disallowed

* Stability Assistance – Disallowed

* Spin Recovery – Disallowed

* Invulnerability – Disallowed

* Auto Shifting – Disallowed

* Traction Control – Disallowed

* Anti-Lock Brakes – Allowed

* Pit Lane Assistance – Disallowed

* Clutch Assistance – On

* Damage Multiplier – 50%

* Flag Rules: Full (AMS Rules)

* Fuel Usage: Normal

* Tyre Wear: Normal

* Mechanical Failures: Normal