Beginners guide to GPVWC

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This guide is designed to provide a basic guide to joining the GPVWC, as well as outlining our main competitions.


Overview of the GPVWC

The GPVWC is an online sim racing league that has running since 2000 and offers great racing along with a friendly and welcoming community. We currently use rFactor 2 and provide a range of competitions open to drivers of all levels and experience:

  • Superleague - GPVWC's top series is the Superleague, which takes place every two weeks on Thursdays. The Superleague is an F1 based series and incorporates a unique team management system that allows teams to sign contracts with drivers, compete for sponsors, develop their cars and engines over the course of the season.
  • Superleague Lights - GPVWC's second level series is the Superleague Lights, which features a Superleague package with reduced power and a simpler development system and is designed to be a stepping stone into the Superleague itself. Races take place every two weeks on Tuesdays.
  • Supercup - Supercup is GPVWC's third level series and involves intermediate formula cars with equal performance, roughly equivalent to F2. Supercup features two races per event (one Feature and one Sprint) and takes place every two weeks on Thursdays.
  • Formula Challenge - Formula Challenge is GPVWC's fourth level series. The series uses lower formula cars with equal performance, roughly equivalent to F3. Formula Challenge features two small races of equal length and runs every two weeks on Tuesdays.
  • Academy - The GPVWC Academy is GPVWC's entry level series. The Academy allows newcomers to the league to showcase their driving prowess and refine their skills in machinery identical to that of Formula Challenge. the Academy features a single race and runs every two or four weeks on Mondays.

Getting Started

If you're new to GPVWC there are 3 easy steps to follow to get you ready to compete:

Step 1 - Registering

The first thing you need to do is to register with us, which is a quick and easy process and is completely free of charge. Sign up up for our website is done here: https://www.gpvwc-simracing.com. It is also highly recommended to join our Discord.

Step 2 - Getting our mods

First note that the league currently uses the rFactor 2 game and you will need to own this to take part in any of our series. You'll need to do is get your rFactor 2 setup with all the files it needs to run in our championships.

For downloading files, the league uses a program called Simsync Pro that will download all GPVWC related game files and keep them updated at the touch of a button. Our custom Simsync program can be downloaded here. Once downloaded, simply install Simsync in your rFactor main folder, run the program from there and select the series you want (Note you may have to run the program as administrator, especially if your game is in C:\Program Files - simply right click the icon and choose 'Run as administrator').

Step 3 - Joining a team

After you've registered and have rFactor 2 set up, the last thing to do to get started is to join a team. Unless you have a pre-arranged drive, then the best way to go about this is to introduce yourself in our Discord and check the driver-market channel there. If you are brand new to racing or the league then our Academy series is usually the best place to establish yourself and catch the attention of team managers.

In order to sign up with an existing team, you'll need to use the driver contract system on the main site. To do this you need to do the following steps:

  • First of all login to your user area on the main site.
  • Next look at the menus on the right side of the page and under 'General' click where it says 'Enter Driver Market'.
  • Select the competition you are looking to join and confirm - this will register your interest in the series and your name will be added to the list of available drivers. If entering the Academy this will automatically add you to the competitors list.
  • Now you must wait for a team manager to offer you a contract and then accept it to formally join a team. Please note that depending on the competition, you may need to obtain a license before entering any official test or race sessions for your new team.

Further details of each Series

Superleague

The Superleague is the league's top level Career Ladder series and includes a unique system of team management. Teams have an simulated operating budget from which to develop their cars, hire drivers and pay suppliers. Team managers are allowed to have only 3 drivers signed to their team at any time, plus up to two emergency drivers on a one month contract. Test Drivers may take part in an exclusive server to earn their teams valuable Research and Development points for the cars. Note that all Superleague drivers must have a race license that can be obtained by making a donation to the league.

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Key features of the Superleague:

  • Formula 1 based series
  • Run on the rFactor 2 platform
  • Test/Race times (Thursdays):
    • Official Test Session: 30 minutes, 19:10 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Free Practice: 30 minutes, 19:00 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:30 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Warm-Up: 10 minutes, 19:50 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Race: 20:00 UK Time (GMT/BST)
  • Round format:
    • Qualifying format: Unlimited laps, parc ferme conditions (all except fuel, boost, brake settings and front wing locked).
    • Race format: Full Grand Prix distance and includes a formation lap.
    • Driver aids allowed: Auto-Clutch.
  • Season format:
    • Season: 16 races – March to October.
    • Points system: First 15 places - 25pts, 20pts, 16pts, 13pts, 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 4pts, 3pts, 2pts, 1pt.
    • Testing: There is a Young Driver Test at the end of the year where teams can evaluate drivers for the following year.
  • Eligibility: Any driver is able to take part in Superleague as long as they hold a valid race contract and licence.
  • Licensing: All Primary/Reserve drivers are required to hold a valid race license.
  • Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
  • Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast via YouTube.
  • Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
  • Full rules can be found here.

Superleague Lights

Superleague Lights is the league's second level Career Ladder series. Includes the same Team management system as Superleague, but in a more simplified form. Team managers are allowed to have only 3 drivers signed to their team at any time, plus up to two emergency drivers on a one month contract. Test Drivers may take part in an exclusive server to earn their teams valuable Research and Development points for the cars. Note that all Superleague Lights drivers must have a race license that can be obtained by making a donation to the league.

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Key features of the Superleague Lights:

  • Formula 1 based series, but with reduced performance compared to Superleague
  • Run on the rFactor 2 platform
  • Test/Race times (Tuesdays):
    • Official Test Session: 30 minutes, 19:10 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Free Practice: 30 minutes, 19:00 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:30 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Warm-Up: 10 minutes, 19:50 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Race: 20:00 UK Time (GMT/BST)
  • Round format:
    • Qualifying format: Unlimited laps, parc ferme conditions (all except fuel, boost, brake settings and front wing locked).
    • Race format: 80% of Grand Prix distance and includes a formation lap.
    • Driver aids allowed: Auto-Clutch.
  • Season format:
    • Season: 16 races – March to October.
    • Points system: First 15 places - 25pts, 20pts, 16pts, 13pts, 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 4pts, 3pts, 2pts, 1pt.
  • Eligibility: Any driver is able to take part in Superleague as long as they hold a valid race contract and licence.
  • Licensing: All Primary/Reserve drivers are required to hold a valid race license.
  • Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
  • Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast via YouTube.
  • Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
  • Full rules can be found here.

Supercup

The Supercup is the league's third level Career Ladder series. It has a basic team management system allowing driver contracts to be handled more liberally than in Superleague, while still requiring managers to be careful with their finances. Also note that all Supercup drivers must have a race license that can be obtained by making a small donation to the league.

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Key features of the Supercup:

  • Intermediate formula cars (roughly equivalent to Formula 2)
  • Run on the rFactor 2 platform
  • Race times (Thursdays):
    • Free Practice: 30 minutes, 19:00 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:30 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Warm-Up 1: 10 minutes, 19:50 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Feature Race: 20:00 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Warm-Up 2: 5 minutes, After Race 1
    • Sprint Race: After Warmup 2
  • Round format:
    • Qualifying format: Unlimited laps, parc ferme (all except fuel, brake settings, boost and front wing locked)
    • Race format: Two races (one feature and one sprint) which both include a formation lap. Reverse grid (randomly chosen between 6th and 10th place) used in the Sprint Race.
    • Driver aids allowed: Auto-Clutch
  • Season format:
    • Season: 16 races – March to October.
    • Points system: First 15 places - 25pts, 20pts, 16pts, 13pts, 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 4pts, 3pts, 2pts, 1pt.
  • Eligibility: Only drivers who are not competing in a Primary driver role in the Superleague are allowed to take part in the Supercup.
  • Licensing: All Primary/Reserve drivers are required to hold a valid race license.
  • Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
  • Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast via YouTube.
  • Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
  • Full rules can be found here.

Formula Challenge

Formula Challenge is the league's fourth level Career Ladder series. The contract system is fairly flexible in Formula Challenge and you can join or leave teams more freely than in Superleague. Also note that all regular Formula Challenge drivers must have a race license that can be obtained by making a very small donation to the league.

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Key features of the Formula Challenge:

  • Junior formula cars (roughly equivalent to F3)
  • Run on the rFactor 2 platform
  • Race times (Tuesdays):
    • Free Practice: 30 minutes, 19:00 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:30 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Warm-Up 1: 10 minutes, 19:50 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Race 1: 20:00 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Warm-Up 2: 5 minutes, After Race 1
    • Race 2: After Warmup 2
  • Round format:
    • Qualifying format: Unlimited laps, parc ferme (all except fuel, brake settings and front wing locked)
    • Race format: Two 75km races which both include a formation lap. Reverse grid (randomly chosen between 10th and 15th place) used in Race 2.
    • Driver aids allowed: Traction Control (Low) ABS (Low) and Auto-Clutch
  • Season format:
    • Season: 16 rounds – March to October
    • Points system: First 15 places - 25pts, 20pts, 16pts, 13pts, 11pts, 10pts, 9pts, 8pts, 7pts, 6pts, 5pts, 4pts, 3pts, 2pts, 1pt.
  • Eligibility: Only drivers who have not competed in any higher GPVWC competitions for four rounds or more are allowed to take part in the Formula Challenge.
  • Licensing: All drivers are required to hold a valid race license.
  • Each team uses custom liveries and helmet designs.
  • Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast.
  • Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.
  • Full rules can be found here.

GPVWC Academy

The GPVWC Academy is the league's entry level single seater series. There are no licence requirements for this series and simply requires you to register on our website and signup for each individual event. Signups are first come, first served with a maximum of 40 drivers for each event.

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Key features of the GPVWC Academy:

  • Junior formula cars (roughly equivalent to F3)
  • Run on the rFactor 2 platform
  • Race times (Mondays):
    • Free Practice: 30 minutes, 19:00 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Qualification: 15 minutes, 19:30 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Warm-Up / Break: 10 minutes, 19:50 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Race 1: 20:00 UK Time (GMT/BST)
    • Warm-Up 2: 5 minutes, After Race 1
    • Race 2: After Warmup 2
  • Round format:
    • Qualifying format: Unlimited laps, parc ferme (all except fuel, brake settings and front wing locked)
    • Race format: Two 60km races which both include a formation lap. Reverse grid (Top 15 drivers) used in Race 2.
    • Driver aids allowed: Traction Control (Low) ABS (Low) and Auto-Clutch
  • Season format:
    • Season: 10 rounds – February to October
    • Points system: Points are not awarded in this series
  • Eligibility: Anyone who does not hold a primary contract in a Career Ladder series may compete.
  • Licensing: No licence required
  • Races usually feature live race stewards plus a live broadcast.
  • Server and race information can be found by clicking the appropriate event name on the Official Calendar page: here.