2021/S3 New Road Series Format

[jeromef1]

@Indy Pro 2000 Series 2021/S2

Hi everyone!

Due to recent events happened in each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday road series during past seasons, PRL management team met together to try to find a solution. As you all know, we have drivers from 1000 iRating up to 8000, so we needed to find a solution where we can separate the amateur drivers from the pro. We tried that a few times over the years but it never worked because the amateur races were not broadcasted.

But now they will!! With the help of GSRC, we will try a format where we will double stack the broadcast! Two races in one night!! More entertainment for our fans! With such format, we will be able to separate the amateur from the pro!

Starting next season, here is the format of each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday night.
**iRating requirements to be reviewed
**Format subject to slight changes
**All series will be open setup
**All qualification will be solo 4 laps / 10 min.
**Previous season drivers don't have to met iRating criteria (case by case basis)

Monday

• PRL GT4 Amateur Series (minimum 1000 iRating, maximum 2500)
  • Qualifying at 8pm, Race at 8:10pm (30 min.)
  • Follow IMSA Michelin Pilot schedule
• PRL GT3 Pro Series (minimum 2200 iRating, no maximum)
  • Qualifying at 9pm, Race at 9:10pm (40 min.)
  • Follow VRS Spint Series

Tuesday

• PRL GT3 Amateur Series (minimum 1000 iRating, maximum 2500)
  • Qualifying at 8pm, Race at 8:10pm (30 min.)
  • Follow VRS Sprint Series
• PRL GTE Pro Series (minimum 2200 iRating, no maximum)
  • Qualifying at 9pm, Race at 9:10pm (45-60 min.)
  • Follow IMSA Hargerty

Thursday

• PRL Dallara F3 Amateur Series (minimum 1000 iRating, maximum 2500)
  • Qualifying at 8pm, Race at 8:10pm (30 min.)
  • Follow iRacing F3 series
• PRL Formula Renault 3.5 Pro Series (minimum 2200 iRating, no maximum)
  • Qualifying at 9pm, Race at 9:10pm (45 min.) / Open setup
  • Follow F3.5 series

Following this new structure, we may have to review signups fees. More details will be provided soon.

With the addition of 3 new series, we are confident we will grow in a positive way our community and connect more drivers together!

Feel free to comment this change here in a respective manner. We know this decision may not please all drivers, we understand, but please share your thoughts in a diplomatic way.

You can also provide us suggestion through our suggestion form!

SUGGESTION FORM​

 

[Threefiver]

If you are between 2200 and 2500 will you be able to choose your division or will it be decided for you? I'm curious about this from a team mates perspective

 

[jeromef1]

iRatings to be reviewed with organisers in the next days.

 

[Mark_MacDonald]

This is a great idea. Well done. I’m excited to see how it works.

 

[Neil Alexander]

The AM race is too early for us West coast guys. Probably going to have to call it quits next season.

 

[OctoberDusk06]

So, a Premium member with a below 1000 iRating, but a B Safety rating would not be able to participate?

 

[jeromef1]

So, a Premium member with a below 1000 iRating, but a B Safety rating would not be able to participate?

No, but anyway, since more than a year I think our minimum iRating is 1000

 

[owenwatts14]

Seems interesting, I think the pro iRating is a bit low but it could work.

 

[CajunGrit]

I like the concept, but I’ve been talking it over with some of the guys and my main concern is racing an hour earlier. It might be hard for the west coast guys. And for me personally, I’ll miss any race that falls on a night when i have a shoot. The later time slot allows me to finish up what I’m doing for sunset and make it home in time to register before qualifying. I’m also worried a few of my racing buddies might not be able to make the earlier time slot due to family duties. That would be a bummer.

 

[Shawn Duhamel]

Thanks for the thought that has gone into this. I like it! However, two concerns. Can we do anything to accommodate our west coast friends? I'm in Boston, so the early time works fine for me. However, one of our teammates is in CA. Also, is there any chance of lengthening the AM race by 5-10 min? It would be great to be able to have pitstops, along with a decent race length. If it is too short is only encourages lap-1 recklessness. Thanks again!

 

[jeromef1]

We are currently looking at options with GSRC where the Amateur race would start at 8:30,but again, we can't please everyone and consider all suggestions

We can't have the pro race start at 10pm... We will then received comments that it's too late.

Best we may be able to do is 40 min. race but not post-race interview. But anyway, like I said, we are looking at options.

 

[crich88848]

I've taken some time to think this over. I didn't want to respond right away just because honestly I was caught off guard and torn up about it. I've been racing in this league without missing a season for over 3 years now. I have to say I'm a bit disappointed by the decision. We have been racing at the same time since I started and I can't remember ever doing 30 minute races. The time change really makes it difficult for some of us who have families to attend to and also those on the earlier time zones. Moving down to 30 minute races IMO is going to really take away from the quality and dynamic of the races. I understand the league has to evolve and adapt with the growth, but I'd be lying if I said this change doesn't upset me. Nothing personal towards management, but I'm personally not a fan of this change and after years in this league may have to throw the towel in now. I feel like the experience for the AM drivers is now going to take a back seat to ensure a better experience for the PRO drivers.

 

[kart7990]

I like the proposed changes and direction this is going. Excited to see how the final format looks once it’s all decided on.

 

[millenix]

I think the plan is a good one, and with the increase in sign-ups will allow more people to participate in PRL. I can also understand the issues with the AM time-slot as I'm not sure I would be able to do that time slot either if I were an AM driver. Hopefully we can find a compromise for that and most all can be happy.

 

[jeromef1]

Earlier this week, we had a call with GSRC and here is the format we will have for AM/PRO.

Amateur
8:30pm = 10 min. qualifying
8:40pm = 40 min. race
9:20pm = GSRC shows the results and announced they are getting back for the Pro series

During the transition, GSRC will show the track guide of Pro race and sponsors

Pro
9:30pm = 10 min. qualifying
GSRC will be able to interview one or two amateur drivers during the qualifying show of Pro
9:40pm = 40-45min. race
And so on...

We think it's the best balance

 

[Shawn Duhamel]

jeromef1 this seems like a solid plan. Thank you, the PRL team and the guys at GSRC for figuring out a way to make this work. There are a lot of moving parts to make something like this work. Much appreciated!

 

[Threefiver]

Ditto that. Thanks guys!

 

[crich88848]

Earlier this week, we had a call with GSRC and here is the format we will have for AM/PRO.

Amateur
8:30pm = 10 min. qualifying
8:40pm = 40 min. race
9:20pm = GSRC shows the results and announced they are getting back for the Pro series

During the transition, GSRC will show the track guide of Pro race and sponsors

Pro
9:30pm = 10 min. qualifying
GSRC will be able to interview one or two amateur drivers during the qualifying show of Pro
9:40pm = 40-45min. race
And so on...

We think it's the best balance

Jerome... I think this is a pretty good compromise. I appreciate you not only listening to our concerns, but actually doing something to try and address them. Speaks volumes about this league and part of the reason I've stuck around for so long. Thank you and all of PRL management for the hard work you put in to keep this league running. It does not go unnoticed and is appreciated!

 

[AlexF]

I’m new in the league and don’t have a lot of experience here but for me, the pro series is now too late. I respect the decision and will enjoy the rest of the season but no way I can race a week night at 9:40 to 10:30/45.

Let’s hope that my IR will let me run the F3 AM series, I’m on the fence.

 

[Shawn Duhamel]

Are we still going to have a 2nd poll to select the car? It seems from the previous polls that the two choices are the F3 or Renault 3.5? Either would be a fun car to race.