Series Information
This is a ficticious championship based on MR2 sportscars, a popular Toyota mid-engined affordable car.
Like the V8 Supercars carset, the MR2 championship features reduced setup feedback during the practice and warmup phases of an event.
Road and Race Class
The road class are very similar to real MR2s, the race class is loosley based on the GT300 Japanese level, but the cars are significantly slower to keep the gap between the two classes sensible.
The road cars are much more reliable than the race going models, and also have significant tyre differences (see below). The net result of these differences produce two significantly different ways to experience the MR2 championship.
Championship Background
The championship has a varied format which will reward the drivers that can adapt to the new challenges that they face. The most common race format is a sprint and then a feature race. However, there are 3 special reverse grid races and also numerous endurance races. Often the starting order for a race will be based on the finishing order from the previous one, but whenever a new venue is visited the drivers always enjoy a full qualifying session, some of which are single lap tests - others are a full qualifying session.
All points for race successes are equal regardless of if its a short sprint race or an endurance race. This does mean there are events where points are harder or less work, and its up to the drivers to exploit this or decide when to take risks.
Points
1st = 20
2nd = 14
3rd = 10
4th = 8
5th = 6
6th = 5
7th = 4
8th = 3
9th = 2
10th = 1
In addition, there are bonuses available for the following:
Pole = 3
Laps Led = 3
Fastest Lap = 3
Regular BATracers will note these bonuses are much larger than in other carsets and introduces a possibility of boosting championship chances by adopting other strategies.
Tyres and Classes
There are two classes, Road and Race. The Road class is significantly different, with only one tyre which never wears out during a race. There are differing tyre quantities depending on the event - organisers have provided additional sets of tyres to be made available for endurance races. The road class has a significantly easier time in setting up their car and does not have to worry about weather changes as much as the drivers in the race class.
Refuelling
Refuelling always takes place at each pitstop and the car is initially fuelled with enough to make it through the first stint. The impact on laptime is less pronounced than in other series.
Season Overview
Because of the higly variable race format between each race, the following season overview should provide a good summary of the different types of races that you will face in the coming season:
American Opening
Atlanta Motor Speedway
- one shot qualifying
- regular length endurance race
Mid Ohio
- full qualifying
- regular race, stops; finishing order defines next starting grid
- reverse grid, no stops
The European Leg
Portugal
- full qualifying
- sprint, no pitstops; finishing order defines next starting grid
- feature race with pitstops
Hockenheim
- shortened qualifying session
- half endurance; finishing order defines next starting grid
- half endurance
British Pilgrimage
Donington
- full qualifying
- sprint, no pitstops; finishing order defines next starting grid
- feature race with pitstops
Rockingham
- one shot qualifying
- extended endurance (200 laps)
Brands Hatch
- full qualifying
- sprint race, no stops; finishing order defines next starting grid
- reverse grid, with pitstops
Southern Hemisphere Tour
South Africa
- one shot qualifying
- sprint, no pitstops; finishing order defines next starting grid
- half endurance
Oran Park
- full qualifying
- regular race, pitstops; finishing order defines next starting grid
- reverse grid, pitstops
MR2s Come Home
Suzuka
- one shot qualifying
- regular endurance race
Mount Fuji
- full qualifying
- sprint, no pitstops; finishing order defines next starting grid
- feature race with pitstops