Sprint Cup Rules

Written by Admin Sunday, 01 November 2009 22:14

Nuffers should feel free to make suggestions or express any concerns over the rules in the league forum

All new 2010 rules are in red, some rules have also been removed.

 
The rules are subject to change at any time, so check them often.

Respect:

All members will respect each other and name calling will not be tolerated.

We follow all NASCAR Rules unless otherwise stated here below.

Rule #1. Joining the NRL

1. We require all members to use their Xbox Live Gamer tag rather than a nickname. Drivers can choose any available car # but must reserve their respective car on our site.  You must use the same car for the season unless you receive authorization to switch cars.
2. You must sign up for RPM.  You may find an available Car # from here.  Your car number must be from 00-09, or 1-99.
3. You may edit your RPM account here
   
4. All drivers must join the forum. This is the best way to relay messages to all drivers.

Rule #2 Race Day/ Format

1. The league will consist of an unlimited number of individual drivers. It is understood that not everyone will make each and every race. There is no penalty for missing a race...you only hurt yourself in the overall standings.
2. We will reserve as many cars as possible for the races...Again....it is understood that some will not be able to make race day....However...We want everybody who can make a race....be able to race... .we will open as many tracks as needed to accommodate everyone for qualifying.  Race results will be posted on the site within 24-48 hours following the end of the race.
3. We will always try to race on Saturday nights. Except for the possibility of a makeup race.  We reserve the right to race on Sunday's if we have a conflicting schedule.  Some Races will be on Sunday to allow nuffers to watch the sprint cup race if it falls on Saturday.
4. Show up as early as possible for each race...you MUST REPORT within 30 minute prior to the start of the race to secure your track assignment (Qualifying Postions). If you are not online 15mins prior to race start time, you will not be allowed to race that event  We have had a few no shows for track A/B and have had to reassign racers as a result. In order to start on time...we need to know that you are in or not. You must report to the track assigned to you by NRL admins at the time you report for duty.
5. NRL Admins reserve the right to waive/make exceptions to rule #2 Paragraph 4...on a case by case circumstance. For example...if a Nuff Vet is communicating that he will be at the track but not 15 minutes before the start of the race...since he is a VET...he has earned the privilege of POSSIBLE exceptions..IF THE NRL ADMIN DECIDES TO GIVE GRACE..New Nuffers will have to earn that status just like the Vets have....HOWEVER...All Nuffers..including vets...will have to honor the decision of the NRL admin....who will be fair as usual. If a NRL admin does not give a Nuff Vet grace.....or decides to give a Nuff Newbie grace.....that's entirely up to the NRL Admin and is NOT DEBATABLE.
6. To maximize flexibility...all races will be unranked and private. We will send an invite to all those who are prepared to qualify, and race on race day. Races will be run on Veteran - damage full,  Black flags will be On Cautions flags will be OFF, on all tracks. Cautions will be thrown by pre-selected admins before the race starts.
   
7. In the event that neither of the primary Admins...Mwils1 and/or Bustersnm are unavailable for a scheduled race...the NRL requests that the scheduled event moves forward as planned. Various Nuffers will be assigned Moderator/Admin responsibilities as needed. Authorized Nuffers will be listed on the NRL Forum. Please respect and submit to all officials, moderators and admins of the NRL. If there is a problem with an assigned admin...please honor the directive of the admin...then you may contact either Mwils1 or Bustersnm to report your concern.

Rule #3 Race Length

1. Races length will be between 50% in length and 100% depending on the nights and track schedule. If races are 50%...wear will be at 2x, this options is only available if a track has less than 6 racers. This option can also be used if track b or c has less then 6 racers left.  the track can be shut down and restarted with the remainder of the laps cut in half, with wear x2, this will count as a 100% race  ALL NUFF RACERS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR A 100% LAP RACE EVERY TIME.

Rule #4 STANDINGS FORMAT

1. The Maximum Points available to any racer who pre-qualifies but do not actually race is 25 Points in the standings.  If a racer Qualifies...is ready to race but DOES NOT make the 42 car field... that racer(s) should get 34 Pts
2. If a racer is available on race day, but cannot connect to the race, that racer will be given position points as awarded by NRL admins.
   
   All tracks in a race will be merged together based on COMPLETED Laps at the time the winner of each track crosses the finish line. There will no longer be a 5 lap grace over each track.  

All NRL members in the top 12, and according to the schedule,  will go on to Chase for the Cup!!!!

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF THE CHASE FOR THE CUP AND NUFF POINTS SYSTEM

Rule #5 Qualifying

1. All Nuffers need to qualify before Race Day. There will be no qualifying for any members on Race Day no exceptions. We will hold a qualifying session(s) at least one day prior to the race and the time(s) will be announced shortly after the final Prequal Deadline before race day.
2. There will be no talking during qualifying.  If you talk you will be warned on the spot. If you talk again we may enforce a penalty against you.
3. We will hold as many qualifying sessions as needed, to determine the top qualifiers for track A. Once you have been assigned a track...you will then qualify for starting positions. In the event of a tie, the racer with the most points in the standings will get the position.
   
   When we have EA server problems,  the maximum number of racers per track will be limited to no more than 8 racers....when there are more than 8 racers scheduled to race...there will be multiple tracks created and the racers will be EVENLY Distributed and assigned to the Tracks based on their Pre-qualifying Results. For example...if there are 10 racers on race night...the TOP FIVE racers (Qualifying times) will be on Track A and 5 racers will be on track B. Either way...The qualifying sessions are for determining track assignments ONLY.  Once track assignment sessions have been completed...each track will have a pre-race qualifying session 2 minutes before the scheduled start of the race.  The results of these pre-race qualifying sessions will be the official start positions for the race and standings. Those qualifying on the secondary tracks will have their times fall in line with the primary track. Example...if there are two tracks running (tracks A & B) with 8 racers on each track...The top qualifier of Track B will hold the 9th starting position in the total standings
4. ALERT: THE QUALIFYING TIMES WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED UNTIL ALL QUALIFYING SESSIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. However, the qualifying sessions are open to the public and all Nuffers are allowed to share their qualifying times with each other as they wish.
5. Track assignments will be issued at least 30 Minutes before the schedule race.
6. DURING THE CUP CHASE:
   
   When we have to split tracks...
   
   all but 2 slots on Track A be reserved for Cup Chasers...
   
   ALL Nuffers...including Cup Chasers STILL have to qualify...

For Example Click here

Rule #6 Unforced Cautions

1. In an effort to continue to minimize cautions, lessen opportunity for caution/lag damage and improve our online racing experience....Anyone causing a single car (unforced) caution ANYWHERE on the track... including entering and exiting pits, That causes a caution to come out, will automatically have to serve a black flag within the very next lap after we go green...Like any other rule...Track officials reserve the right to waive this rule as needed.... This DOES NOT mean the official will waive the Flag... it simply means that they can...
2. some examples of this rule being waived would be ..Flat Tire Spins.. loss of controller or wheel etc etc...
3. It is understood that 1 could possibly be untruthful when spinning...sayin they got a flat tire or their controller came unplugged... so again... it's up to the track Official to waive the flag if he sees fit...

Rule #7 Misc

1. Any racer who wants to switch to a different driver/car number after the season has started will forfeit 100 pts, in the standings.
2. CAUTION DAMAGE - From time to time...EA Servers will cause some damage due to server glitches during a caution.
3. NO PRIVATE CHATTING WHILE IN RACE !!
4. NO DRIVING BACKWARDS ON THE TRACK...PERIOD. You will be booted from the league immediately and replaced.
5. Causing cautions on purpose to bunch up the field will not be tolerated.
6. Cheating will not be tolerated.  If a driver is found to be using mods or hacks of any kind you will be removed from the league.
7. Mistakes will be made out on the track, and nobody wants to give or receive penalties, but we all need to be held accountable for our actions. If any driver violates the rules on the track, a warning will be issued by a race official. Rule violations will be tracked for the purpose of penalizing repeat offenders. The first offense will be a warning, the 2nd offense will be a points reduction, the 3rd offense will be a 1 race suspension, and the 4th offense will result in expulsion from the league.
   Any racer who gets a penalty has the right to appeal the ruling within three days of the race ending. See Rule #14
8. Drivers that are off the pace for any reason should stay out of the line or racing groove when being approached by faster cars. We all have bad days and there will be times when you go down a lap or more for whatever reason. When this happens please give way to those drivers that are on the lead lap. Give them plenty of room to get by you. It's okay to fight to get your lap back or to fight to stay on the lead lap, but if you just can't do it, please give way. Simply let the leaders know where to pass you (i.e. high or low) then give way. The favor may be returned to you some day.
9. Be careful when bump drafting.  Bump drafting in turns won't be tolerated unless you are communicating with that racer.  If you are seen bump drafting in turns causing wrecks to happen or we are notified of it you will be warned for the first offense, penalized points for the second, suspended for the third and removed from the league if continued.

Rule #8 RACE RESTARTS

1. - Other then an EA Shutdown.... Any NRL Race can only be restarted during the first 65% of the race. AFTERWARDS...THE RACE WILL MOVE FORWARD. Track Officials reserve the right to make exceptions under SPECIAL circumstances...which must be explained to a panel of NRL Admins and Officials to VALIDATE the decision to shut down and restart a race during the final 35%.
   
   NOTE:
   THE EXACT LAP WILL BE ANNOUNCED  PRIOR TO THE RACE AND
   DOES NOT CHANGE IF THERE IS AN EARLY DISCONNECT.
   
   Ex - 65% of a 267 Lap Race is 174 Laps. A race cannot be restarted after lap 174 except for special circumstances as explained above.
2. If approximately 25% of the assigned racers get disconnected during the first 65% of a race.....then the Track Admin has the authority to shut down the track and recreate the race with remaining laps. If the entire track shuts down...all DISCONNECTED racers will be eligible to come back to the race under the lap grace legend....PLEASE NOTE that the track official will use the Lap Grace Legend below in determining eligibility.
   
   Road Courses: 5 Laps
   SuperSpeedway: 10 Laps
   Speedway: 15 Laps
   Short Tracks: 20 Laps
   
   
3. UPDATED DC RULE

TRACK HOST DISCONNECTS

During the First 65% of the race - Laps to be determined by the head Official on Race Day...

A Track Host is treated just like a regular Disconnect... meaning if a track Host loses connection during the first 1/2 of the race... he falls into the 25% rule...

if the track host is the first to lose connection... meaning all racers are still on the track when it shuts down...the track host is NOT eligible to return to the track and must wait until and if more Nuffers lose connection to cover Approx 25% of the field..

example 1.. Let's say there are 14 cars on the track at the beginning of the race.. there would have to be 4 racers (28%) who lost connection to allow the race to be restarted to include all those who DCed....

So..on lap 5 we lose a racer and agree it was a DC.. then on lap 15 we lose a second racer... then on lap 30 the Host loses connection... by rule... that is LESS then 25% so NONE of the 3 racers (including the host) would be eligible to come back... the track would be restarted with a new host...

example 2.. Let's say there are 10 cars on the track at the beginning of the race.. there would have to be 2-3 racers (20%-30%) who lost connection to allow the race to be restarted to include all those who DCed....

So..on lap 5 we lose a racer and agree it was a DC.. then on lap 15 then on lap 20 the Host loses connection... by rule... that falls into the 25% rule... so both racers... including the host would be eligible to come back.


During the Last 35% of the race - Laps to be determined by the head Official on Race Day...

It is already understood that there has to be a major catastrophy to restart any race during the final 35% of the race... this includes major lag damage or EA glitches... This DOES NOT INCLUDE a Track Shutdown because the host loses connection...

Under this rule... anyone who loses connection during the final 35% of the race are NOT ELIGIBLE to come back... in other words the 25% rule DOES NOT APPLY...

Therefore.. again.. treating the track host just like any other DC... the track host WOULD NOT be eligible to come back to the race once it is restarted...

However... the track Host.. along with all other racers who DCed in the race.. would be able to come back if there was a major catastrophy that warranted a race restart..

example.. Let's say there are 10 still racing at the end (last 35%) of the race.. if ANYONE loses connection... including the track host.. he/she is NOT ELIGIBLE to come back to the race.... even though the track is being recreated...

HOWEVER... if .. after the restart.. there is a major lag glitch or EA problem.. then all racers that had previously lost connection... including the previous track host.. would be eligible to return.

So bottom line... in all scenerios that include a track host losing connection... he/she is treated just like a regular DC... obviously meaning there would be a new track host during the restart of the race.



For Example Click Here

1. Passing on the left during a restart is not allowed, until you reach the start/finish line.

Rule #9 NO INTENTIONAL CRASHING --

1. Accidents will happen and retaliation will not be tolerated.  If you are seen causing intentional wrecks you will be booted from the league.  If complaints about your driving style are sent to me you will be warned and if incidents continue to occur, you will be banned from the league.  It is your responsibility to make friends out on the track, don't be a jerk or a fool and we won't have any problems. All NRL members, This is your first and last official warning for rule #8. No more warning are to be given out.  Anyone who breaks this rule will be issued a 1 race suspension or more if needed.  Please be respectful to all NRL members and adhere to the rulez

Rule #10 Disconnects

1. If there is a disconnection we will pick the race up where it left off with the top 3 drivers leading the pack during the first lap of the restart. No quitting during a race. Certain circumstances will be tolerated and left to the decision of the track admin. But if you are seen quitting during numerous races then you will be removed from the league.  If you get caught up in a wreck and your car won't run with the field that is understandable and tolerated.

Rule #11 Verbal Black Flags

1. Though we are now running “auto” Blacks Flags as issued by Nascar 09…The Race official(s) may issue a verbal black flag to a racer who violates a rule which justifies a Black Flag. It is left to the Race official to use discretion as to what violation justifies a “Black Flag” during a race. If you have been "Black Flagged"...you must pull into the pits within 2 laps of the announced penalty. You may do a drive through in the pits. If you have been Black Flagged and do not agree with the ruling…you MUST adhere to the order of the race official during the race. After the race, you may submit a protest of the ruling to be reviewed by Nuff Admins. Normal procedures on protests will then be followed.  If you do not adhere to the track officials ruling, the official has the right to remove you from the race.

Rule #12 Manual Cautions

WHITE FLAG RACING WHEN RUNNING MANUAL CAUTIONS

When we run manual cautions.. we DO NOT have the option of green/white/checkered racing if there is a wreck with less then 3-5 laps to go..

Therefore... the Head Track Official will make an announcement based on the number of laps left and the racing enviroment.. as to when we will race the remainder of the race under white flag conditions... when this is called by the official... at that point.. ONLY THE HEAD OFFICIAL will be able to call a caution... which would freeze the field.

The Head Official will only considered calling a caution under white flag conditions if there is a wreck among the leaders racing for the win... however.. it remains the Head Official's decision to either continue the race or freeze the field by calling a caution.

If the wreck happens in the back of the field.. the race will probably stay green.. however again.. it is up to the Head Official.. who will make the decision based on how bad the wreck is and what type of track we are racing...

Rule # 13 INACTIVE RACERS

1. An Inactive racer is defined by the NRL as one who does not race or communicate in the NRL for a period of 4 consecutive weeks. If you do not at least communicate with the NRL admins within that time frame...your car will be made available for new Nuffers or those wishing to switch cars.  If you had any gamer points they will be forfeited back to the NRL

Rule # 14 How to File a complaint?

1. Login to the forum and PM one or all of the NRL Admins. Which are Mwils1 and Bustersnm.
2. In your pm be sure to include who you are filing a complaint against. Why you are filing the complaint.  When, where and what happened.
3. Be sure to file your complaint as soon as possible.
4. When you file a complaint against another racer.  The NRL admin will notify that person that a complaint has been filed against them.

Rule #15 Appealing a penalty/complaint?

1. After a ruling/penalty has been issued to a Nuffer(s), you have the right to appeal.
2. You have up to 3 days, after you were notified, to file for an appeal.  After that you will no longer have the appeal option.
3. Login to the forum and pm one or all of the NRL Admins. Which are Mwils1 and Bustersnm.
4. In your PM state your case/ or you side of the story.

Rule #16 Process of the Appeals

1. After an appeal has been filed. The NRL Admins(s) will form a board of 3-5 other Nuffers not involved, or on the same track as the incident, to include at least one NRL Admin.
2. NRL Admin(s) will then provide the board with the information they received from both Nuffers.
3. The Board along with the NRL Admin(s) will then make their decision.  Either for or against the original ruling.

Rule #17

1. From time to time... a racer may need to quit during the middle of a race.. though not encouraged.. that is understood and will be allowed under the following conditions...
   
   1st time - Warning
   2nd time - 50 point deduction
   3rd time - 100 point deduction
   4th time - Not eligible for track A spot the next race
   5th time - Suspension
2. If you inform the NRL Officials ahead of time that you may have to leave the race early and you've qualified for track A... you will NOT be assessed any of the penalties above however you will be relegated to track B so that another racer who plans to race the entire race has an opportunity on track A.
   
   If you do NOT inform the NRL Officials ahead of time and you do have to leave... the legend above applies...
   
   It is important that if you lose connection to the race... you notify an NRL official right away in support of investigating whether or not there was quit. If you do not notify an NRL Official with explanation.. you will leave it to us to decide whether we think a quit occurred.
3. If you do leave the race you must enter the pits and quit.  However, if you leave the race while still on the tracks racing grove you will receive the 2^nd time infraction, or next higher penalty, depending on your current status of penalties.

Setup Knowledge:

1. The NRL is a bond...and was created to establish and enjoyable, friendly racing environment for online gamers affiliated with "Nuff"...affectionately called "Nuffers" In that spirit... we encourage you all to share setup knowledge and offer advice to your fellow Nuffers. To secure this feature so that it is only available to Nuffers, we have created a section on the forum and ask that any Nuffers who wins a NRL race share their choice of either their QUALIFYING or RACING Trim with their fellow Nuffers after the race. Remember, this "Member's Only" section for car setups in the Forum will be viewable by Nuffers only. It would be much appreciated that you DO NOT share your knowledge with NON-NRL Members. If we find that you do…you will be banned from the NRL.

This is a professional and serious league.   If you are seen fooling around, being disrespectful or lack of sportsmanship you will be removed from the league. We all want to have a good time out there but its your own responsibility to follow each and every one of these rules.

These rules are established to provide a clean and fun race. The basics of the rules are Based off of NASCAR's Rule Book, unless otherwise changed above.