The fifth annual CAR Liqui Moly 24 hour Virtual Le Mans Challenge is almost upon us. While the ever-long wait for GT5 and recent maladies of the PlayStation Network may have cast a shadow of doubt around this year’s event – we can proudly say that it’s definitely going to happen on Gran Turismo 5 on PlayStation 3 this year.
This year introduces an online element to the event, which means that all teams will have to pit their machines against each other instead of facing AI competition as was done before. Teams need not have to be on level 40 in GT5. All that is required is that you have an existing PSN account, so that we can invite a team member to qualify, be on at least level 23 and have enough credits to purchase a brand new Peugeot 908 HDI FAP on raceday (11 June 2011).
We will not follow the same entry procedure as last year’s Facebook system. This year all entries (that is, if you agree to the requirements listed below), will be accommodated for. Simply list your team name, the names, ages and contact details of each team member (three per team please), as well as the PSN username of at least one team member and send it to [email protected] for us to confirm your entry. Make your entry is as detailed as possible please!
Teams entered will then be invited to be CAR’s friend via the PSN account they’ve submitted, and then will be invited to qualify in groups of 16. Please note again that because qualifying and the event itself will be hosted in My Lounge, teams need not have to be on level 40, just have enough credits (and required level) to purchase a 908 HDI FAP.
Qualifying for this year’s CAR Liqui Moly Virtual Le Mans Challenge will happen next week in groups of 16, after we inform each team when they’ll be qualifying online. The aim is simple – do ten laps of the current Circuit de la Sarthe (the chicaned version) in the fastest time possible. Most of the driver aids with the exception of traction control and ABS will be banned from qualifying and the actual 24 hour event. Please note that though we’ll let GT5 monitor penalties, crashes or incidents cause by dangerous driving (such as ramming an opponent on the inside after he/she has already entered a corner etc.) should be avoided as it will disqualify you automatically or be judged accordingly by the CAR marshalls.
Realism for qualifying and the event will be on a maximum setting, but to ensure only the fastest teams qualify for this year’s event, the qualifying sessions’ weather setting will be left on dry – that however, will not happen on raceday.
The teams with successful entries will be notified next week about when the qualifying sessions will happen. Please note that qualifying is limited to the use of Peugeot’s 908 HDI FAP.
No entries will be accepted after midday on Monday 27 May 2011. We're looking for the fastest six teams, as CAR will be the seventh and final entry
The requirements are
• That each team be able and willing to participate in qualifying and the event
• That each team has an existing PSN account so that they can be invited to qualify and compete on raceday
• That each team and its members be at Canal Walk Shopping Centre (if fast enough during qualifying) between 10h00 and midday on Saturday 11 June to “draw straws” for seating, setting up, and free practice
• That each team be able to purchase a Peugeot 908 HDI FAP “fresh” on raceday (11/12 June)
• In-car view will be necessary during the actual event, but is not necessary for qualifying
• All cars will be raced with manual shift transmissions
• Drivers may not take deliberate shortcuts
• Driver changes happen at two-hour intervals during tyre and fuel stops
• If your TV, PlayStation or any other element of the race station packs up during the 24 hours, consider yourself retired, or try to fix it yourself. Hey, it happens… And should a team member mistakenly trip over the cables and shut down your system, the same applies
• Only in the event of a universal power outage will the race restart
• The winner is the team to complete the most number of laps in the 24 hours
• On the day of the event a ten minute break will be needed halfway through the race in order to reset systems, as only 200 laps are possible in My Lounge. The winner will be the team with the most combined laps of the two sessions.
• GT5 will be set to full accident damage and changing weather conditions, so if you crash, or spin off and damage your vehicle – then you’ll have to make it back to the pits, where the vehicle will repaired.
• Follow Hannes Oosthuizen on Twitter (HannesO_CARmag) and CAR Magazine on Facebook
• Also, please bear in mind that you have to be able to travel to the Canal Walk shopping centre in Cape Town, on June 11 on your own steam
• There will be a paddock facility behind the racing arena where drivers can catch up on some sleep or snack and boost caffeine levels. In other words, you don't have to organise accommodation for the night of the 11th.
• Please also keep in mind the following: The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Participation in the competition constitutes acceptance of rules.
• Please keep an eye out for more details by becoming a fan of CAR on facebook
More details will be available next week. If you have any questions about this year’s CAR Liqui Moly Virtual Le Mans Challenge, please send your queries to [email protected]
Let the game begin!