Thursday, July 2, 2020
Car Build Update for Upcoming Season
As an update to the car build requirements, please note....
For ALL cars in the lineup: PI not to exceed R805, HP not to exceed 600, and all cars must have “race” tires, aero, suspension and ARB, and transmission.
The only changes are on the Bugatti. The limits on it are R825, and “sport” weight reduction. (The idea here is, get the car to R805 with the same restrictions as the other cars, before doing the weight reduction. Then add the sport weight reduction and have a few PI left over for more tires or rims or something.
Monday, June 22, 2020
FRL Season 10 Announcement
It's difficult to believe that the FRL turns 10 this year! Starting with Forza 4 on X-Box 360, we've raced virtually around the world and made some good friends while doing it. With such an auspicious anniversary nearly upon us, we are happy to announce the schedule for the 10th Season of FRL racing!
July 19th - Hockenheim Full - 20 lap race
August 2nd - Monza Full - 3 Heats @ 8 laps each
August 23rd - Spa - 22 lap race
September 13th -LeMans Bugatti Circuit (Night event) - 3 Heats @ 8 laps each
September 27th - LeMans Old Mulsanne Circuit - 24 Laps
October 18th - Silverstone GP Circuit - 19 laps
November 8th - Brands Hatch GP Circuit (Rain Event) - 2 Heats @ 9 laps each
November 29th - Nurburgring Full Circuit - 6 Laps
December 13th - Catalunya Full - 22 Laps
This 10th season is our longest and most varied season that the FRL has run to date. Details on the cars are coming soon, but here is what we know about them and can share so far.
It's a celebration of Supercars and Exotics from the 90's! Elligible cars as follows:
These cars will be run at a Performance Index (P.I.) rating of R805 in Forza. They can be configured and tuned in any way you wish, but they are not to be upgraded to exceed 600 hp.
That said, there will be an adjustment coming for the Bugatti that will allow it to exceed the 600 hp mandate for the sake of BoP. But that technical adjustment is still being worked out.
Stay tuned for further announcements as the start of the season approaches quickly.
July 19th - Hockenheim Full - 20 lap race
August 2nd - Monza Full - 3 Heats @ 8 laps each
August 23rd - Spa - 22 lap race
September 13th -LeMans Bugatti Circuit (Night event) - 3 Heats @ 8 laps each
September 27th - LeMans Old Mulsanne Circuit - 24 Laps
October 18th - Silverstone GP Circuit - 19 laps
November 8th - Brands Hatch GP Circuit (Rain Event) - 2 Heats @ 9 laps each
November 29th - Nurburgring Full Circuit - 6 Laps
December 13th - Catalunya Full - 22 Laps
This 10th season is our longest and most varied season that the FRL has run to date. Details on the cars are coming soon, but here is what we know about them and can share so far.
It's a celebration of Supercars and Exotics from the 90's! Elligible cars as follows:
These cars will be run at a Performance Index (P.I.) rating of R805 in Forza. They can be configured and tuned in any way you wish, but they are not to be upgraded to exceed 600 hp.
That said, there will be an adjustment coming for the Bugatti that will allow it to exceed the 600 hp mandate for the sake of BoP. But that technical adjustment is still being worked out.
Stay tuned for further announcements as the start of the season approaches quickly.
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Travis Billingsley Wins Indy 200
Lap times in the weeks proceeding the 5th annual running of the Indy 200 indicated a tight race may develop for this years event. After holding the top lap time for several weeks, Travis Billingsley looked like he would be a top choice for a win. However, just days before the race, Andrew Steppat turned a perfect lap and shattered the previous league record by nearly a full tenth of a second. The game was on, and no winner was a guarantee.
Qualifying was a 5 minute session to lay down a fast lap. Several top times were posted, but Ethan Maestri posted the top lap time of 37.379 seconds, just .020 ahead of Travis, taking pole position for the third time in his Indy career.
The grid of six cars was set and the green flag waved. It was a very clean start for most. Travis #18 seemed to lag a bit behind at the start, allowing Andrew Steppat to take second place in Turn 1. This would set the stage for an early battle for the lead between the #001 and #3 cars. Two laps in, Andrew made his move low into Turn 4 but drifted up into the #3 car, causing Ethan to lift slightly to avoid the outside wall. Andrew pulled hard to the left and opened a gap for Travis to try and exploit. The Top 4 were separated by less than 3 car lengths and disaster looked to be coming any second.
But a massive wreck was not to be. The Top 4 settled into a rhythm that allowed for very good racing. Travis would be passed by Ethan, and then Paul in turn. The two brothers would slowly regain lost ground on Andrew. Around lap 15, Ethan passed Andrew for the lead. Paul and Travis would settle into a battle for third, with Tony Tyree lurking just behind.
Pit cycles would dominate the result of this event. Ethan and Paul pitted on lap 20. A mistake that Ethan would not realize he'd made until a couple of cycles into the race. But as the pit cycles progressed, it seemed victory would be decided between Andrew Steppat and Ethan Maestri, racing nose-to-tail for much of the race. Until lap 58 when Andrew experienced a bobble in Turn 4 which caused him to brush the wall, sending him immediately to the pits for attention and ruining a winning pit strategy.
After the last pit cycle, Ethan Maestri knew he needed to conserve fuel in order to make the 21 lap run toi the checkered flag. He lifted into Turn 1 lap after lap, nervously watching the gap close as the laps ticked down. Inside of three laps to go he made the fateful decision to run full bore for two laps in order to maintain the slight gap over Paul and Travis. Into the last lap, Paul Maestri was on fumes and quickly began sputtering after Turn 1. This brought Travis up to second place. Down the backstretch into Turn 3, Ethan's # Honda sputtered and died coming onto the front stretch. Travis Billingsley in the #18 Oracle Honda would pass the #3 car only a few hundred yards from the finish line, claiming his second Indy 200 win!
Andrew Steppat would pass Paul's dead-stick #33 for third place, giving him the points he needed to win the points series. Ghabe Stouffer ran a consistent race and was rewarded with a Top 5 finish. Tony Tyree would run an alternative pit strategy that ultimately didn't pan-out, finishing sixth.
Congratulations to all drivers for an exciting and well raced event. We look forward to continuing the tradition next year.
Indy Championship Points
Winner: Andrew Steppat - 136
Second: Ethan Maestri - 121
Third: Travis Billingsley - 109
Paul Maestri - 100
Ghabe Stouffer - 82
Tony Tyree - 60
Mikey Collins - 58
Gabe Fast - 28
Drew Dilbeck - 26
Qualifying was a 5 minute session to lay down a fast lap. Several top times were posted, but Ethan Maestri posted the top lap time of 37.379 seconds, just .020 ahead of Travis, taking pole position for the third time in his Indy career.
Six cars take the start for the FRL's Indy 200
Travis Billinglsey (#18) shoots the gap in an exciting start to the Indy 200
But a massive wreck was not to be. The Top 4 settled into a rhythm that allowed for very good racing. Travis would be passed by Ethan, and then Paul in turn. The two brothers would slowly regain lost ground on Andrew. Around lap 15, Ethan passed Andrew for the lead. Paul and Travis would settle into a battle for third, with Tony Tyree lurking just behind.
Pit cycles would dominate the result of this event. Ethan and Paul pitted on lap 20. A mistake that Ethan would not realize he'd made until a couple of cycles into the race. But as the pit cycles progressed, it seemed victory would be decided between Andrew Steppat and Ethan Maestri, racing nose-to-tail for much of the race. Until lap 58 when Andrew experienced a bobble in Turn 4 which caused him to brush the wall, sending him immediately to the pits for attention and ruining a winning pit strategy.
Close racing thrilled the Covid-19 crowd for the FRL's 2020 Indy 200
After the last pit cycle, Ethan Maestri knew he needed to conserve fuel in order to make the 21 lap run toi the checkered flag. He lifted into Turn 1 lap after lap, nervously watching the gap close as the laps ticked down. Inside of three laps to go he made the fateful decision to run full bore for two laps in order to maintain the slight gap over Paul and Travis. Into the last lap, Paul Maestri was on fumes and quickly began sputtering after Turn 1. This brought Travis up to second place. Down the backstretch into Turn 3, Ethan's # Honda sputtered and died coming onto the front stretch. Travis Billingsley in the #18 Oracle Honda would pass the #3 car only a few hundred yards from the finish line, claiming his second Indy 200 win!
Andrew Steppat would pass Paul's dead-stick #33 for third place, giving him the points he needed to win the points series. Ghabe Stouffer ran a consistent race and was rewarded with a Top 5 finish. Tony Tyree would run an alternative pit strategy that ultimately didn't pan-out, finishing sixth.
Congratulations to all drivers for an exciting and well raced event. We look forward to continuing the tradition next year.
Indy Championship Points
Winner: Andrew Steppat - 136
Second: Ethan Maestri - 121
Third: Travis Billingsley - 109
Paul Maestri - 100
Ghabe Stouffer - 82
Tony Tyree - 60
Mikey Collins - 58
Gabe Fast - 28
Drew Dilbeck - 26
Monday, May 4, 2020
Steppat Runs Away And Hides In DBtN Grand Prix
The FRL visits the Indianapolis Grand Prix circuit for the first time with an Indy car event, the Drive Back the Night Grand Prix. Preparations for the week demonstrated that Steppat Racing was at the top of its game once more with blistering lap times fully a second faster than the nearest competition. Expectations were high that the #001 would dominate the event.
Coming into this race, the #18 DPR driven by Travis Billingsley had suffered a lack-luster finish at Homestead and was looking to capitalize on their road course advantage over the remainder of the field. As qualifying unfolded, the #001 did not disappoint, posting an untouchable 1:08 lap time that could not be challenged, Andrew Steppat claimed the pole position. Travis in the #18 did well with a second place start for the race. Paul Maestri continued his impressive qualifying effort, posting the third fastest time in a car tuned by his brother Ethan, who qualified next to him in fourth.
With the grid of six set and a formation lap made, the Green flag flew over the race and pandemonium set in. The first row didn't get to speed as quickly as the second row, allowing Ethan and Paul Maestri to overtake Travis Billingsley. On the back foot, Travis slid a bit into Turn 6, getting into the gearbox of Paul slightly and shunted him into the grass. Paul recovered quickly and raced on with no damage. Travis dropped behind Ghabe Stouffer, into P5. Thus the stage was set for the #18 to make a long slog back toward the top of the order.
Mikey Collins started in P6, and would end the race in the same position. However, he ran a good race early, catching and pacing Ghabe Stouffer, but several off's would claim his chance at challenging Ghabe's position.
After pit stops cycled around laps 15-17, Ethan and Travis found themselves in close proximity. Travis settled in to hunt down the #3 Honda over the next 9 laps. Drawing to within a half second on several occasions. However, in the end Ethan was able to hold onto the second position at the checkered flag.
Andrew Steppat claims his second straight Indy win in two weeks with a dominating performance at the Indy GP track. The FRL Indy series will stay in the Indianapolis infield while the track crews ready the facility for the 5th annual FRL Indy 200 on May 17th!
The grid of six heads the wrong way around the Indy GP circuit
Coming into this race, the #18 DPR driven by Travis Billingsley had suffered a lack-luster finish at Homestead and was looking to capitalize on their road course advantage over the remainder of the field. As qualifying unfolded, the #001 did not disappoint, posting an untouchable 1:08 lap time that could not be challenged, Andrew Steppat claimed the pole position. Travis in the #18 did well with a second place start for the race. Paul Maestri continued his impressive qualifying effort, posting the third fastest time in a car tuned by his brother Ethan, who qualified next to him in fourth.
With the grid of six set and a formation lap made, the Green flag flew over the race and pandemonium set in. The first row didn't get to speed as quickly as the second row, allowing Ethan and Paul Maestri to overtake Travis Billingsley. On the back foot, Travis slid a bit into Turn 6, getting into the gearbox of Paul slightly and shunted him into the grass. Paul recovered quickly and raced on with no damage. Travis dropped behind Ghabe Stouffer, into P5. Thus the stage was set for the #18 to make a long slog back toward the top of the order.
Mikey Collins started in P6, and would end the race in the same position. However, he ran a good race early, catching and pacing Ghabe Stouffer, but several off's would claim his chance at challenging Ghabe's position.
Cars at speed at the FRL's DBtN Grand Prix
After pit stops cycled around laps 15-17, Ethan and Travis found themselves in close proximity. Travis settled in to hunt down the #3 Honda over the next 9 laps. Drawing to within a half second on several occasions. However, in the end Ethan was able to hold onto the second position at the checkered flag.
Andrew Steppat claims his second straight Indy win in two weeks with a dominating performance at the Indy GP track. The FRL Indy series will stay in the Indianapolis infield while the track crews ready the facility for the 5th annual FRL Indy 200 on May 17th!
Andrew Steppat wins the DBtN Grand Prix
Indy Championship Points
Andrew Steppat - 101
Ethan Maestri - 80
Paul Maestri - 68
Travis Billingsley - 59
Mikey Collins - 58
Ghabe Stouffer - 52
Tony Tyree - 32
Gabe Fast - 28
Drew Dilbeck - 26
Monday, April 20, 2020
Andrew Steppat Wins Age of Geek 120 At Homestead
Andrew Steppat kicks off a great IndyCar mini-race series with a clutch win at the 1.5 mile oval at Homestead. The Age of Geek 120 took the green flag under blue skies and the action on the track was non-stop for 80 laps.
Qualifying went smoothly, with nine drivers posting lap times. Paul Maestri turned the fastest lap, a blistering 0:23.3 that would set the pace for the rest of the field. With the start of the race, Paul Maestri and brother Ethan Maestri immediately began swapping positions during the early laps of the event. Andrew Steppat, having suffered a lag-out during qualifying, was forced to start from the back of the field. This led to some exciting moments for the veteran driver as several drivers brushed the walls and spun early, creating some tense situations. However, by lap 30 he had caught the Maestri brothers and passed for the lead.
Pit stops would further separate the field as the race progressed. Ethan Maestri lost time getting into the pit lane on his first stop, which caused him to loose touch with Paul in second position. The top 3 looked like a solid lock, that is until Ethan made a second early-window pit stop and gained some time. A few laps later, Paul came in too hot to the pits and suffered a fueling penalty, forcing him to make a third stop, which dropped him into fourth position. Once the second round of pit stops cycled through, Ethan Maestri had the lead with 20 laps to go and a several second gap on Andrew.
Gabe Fast and Mikey Collins were battling for the 5th and 6th positions late in the race and caused Ethan to approach their battle gingerly. But tragedy struck as both drivers got into each other and piled hard into the outside wall in Turn 2. The resulting fallout of the wreck collected Travis Billingsley as well, ending a decent run for him for 3rd place.
As the laps counted down, Andrew Steppat inexorably closed on Ethan Maestri. With two laps to go, Andrew pulled alongside and passed the #3 Laws Whiskey Honda and secured the position for his first Indy win since 2018. Ethan's Honda began sputtering into Turn 1 on the final lap and he had to coast over the finish line, dead-stick, but still in second place, six seconds behind the leader. Paul avoided the 'Big One' and was able to reclaim Position 3, rounding out the podium.
Other mentions on the night, Tony Tyree drives a quiet and steady race, avoiding the biggest scuffles, and brought his #47 Chevy in at P4. Mikey Collins got the better of the battle between him and Gabe Fast, crossing the line in P5. Gabe would bring the #11 home P6. It ended up being a rough night for Drew Dilbeck as several hits to the wall resulted in multiple pit stops. He finished P7. Travis Billingsley finished P8 and Ghabe Stouffer closed out the race in P9.
The mini-series heads to Indiana for the month of May. The FRL host the DBtN Grand Prix on May 3rd, followed by the Big Event on the FRL's annual calendar, The FRL Indy 200 on May 17th!
Indy Championship Points
Andrew Steppat - 50
Ethan Maestri - 40
Paul Maestri - 36 (Pole awarded 1 additional point)
Tony Tyree - 32
Mikey Collins - 30
Gabe Fast - 28
Drew Dillbeck - 26
Travis Billingsley - 24
Ghabe Stouffer - 22
Thursday, March 19, 2020
FRL One-Off Events Announced
In an effort to promote interest, excitement, fun and perhaps a little mayhem ahead of May's Indy events, the FRL is pleased to announce two One-Off events have been added to the calendar for this season's racing.
First, something truly unique for the FRL is going to be attempted. On March 29th we invite all FRL drivers to participate in the Modern Off-Roaders Derby! This event will feature trucks from the Modern Off-Roaders Division of cars in Forza 7. Any of the vehicles may be used that do not exceed a P.I. limit of D-350. Modification and tuning is allowed as long as it does not exceed the performance limit. This event will be run at the VIR Grand East circuit in daylight conditions.
Then on April 12th we invite all to participate in the Classic Street Showdown. This event will feature vintage muscle from the Classic Street Muscle Division of cars in Forza 7. Please note that the Forza Edition vehicles are excluded from this event. The performance limit for this one-off will be C-500. Mods and tuning are allowed so long as they do not exceed the C-500 limit. This event will be run on the Airfield Circuit, a first for the FRL as well. Join us in the Mojave dessert for this unique one-off event!
Each of these events will be staged in three heats. Qualifying will begin at 8:45 each night with green flag on the first heat at 9 PM Central time. The heats will be 4-5 laps each.
Please contact Ethan Maestri for any further details and we hope to see a big group for each of these Run-for-fun events!
First, something truly unique for the FRL is going to be attempted. On March 29th we invite all FRL drivers to participate in the Modern Off-Roaders Derby! This event will feature trucks from the Modern Off-Roaders Division of cars in Forza 7. Any of the vehicles may be used that do not exceed a P.I. limit of D-350. Modification and tuning is allowed as long as it does not exceed the performance limit. This event will be run at the VIR Grand East circuit in daylight conditions.
Then on April 12th we invite all to participate in the Classic Street Showdown. This event will feature vintage muscle from the Classic Street Muscle Division of cars in Forza 7. Please note that the Forza Edition vehicles are excluded from this event. The performance limit for this one-off will be C-500. Mods and tuning are allowed so long as they do not exceed the C-500 limit. This event will be run on the Airfield Circuit, a first for the FRL as well. Join us in the Mojave dessert for this unique one-off event!
Each of these events will be staged in three heats. Qualifying will begin at 8:45 each night with green flag on the first heat at 9 PM Central time. The heats will be 4-5 laps each.
Please contact Ethan Maestri for any further details and we hope to see a big group for each of these Run-for-fun events!
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Indy Mini-Series In Lead-up to FRL's Indy 200
2020 marks the 5th year the FRL will be hosting an Indy Car E-racing event at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The FRL is even more excited to announce an expansion of events leading up to the running of the Indy 200 on May 17th this year!
Two more Indy events are added to the calendar to help drivers to get better accustomed to these X999 monsters in Forza 7. Beginning April 19th, an FRL mini-series of racing will begin with the Age of Geek Podcast 120 to be held at Homestead Speedway Circuit. This 80 lap event will put everyone into the racing mindset needed for quick decisions and smooth racing in the month to come. Lapping at nearly 24 seconds per 1.5 miles, the total race will cover 120 miles in around 30 minutes.
Then on May 3rd, the Indianapolis Grand Prix Circuit will host the DBtN Grand Prix. This 28 lap event will test the mettle of even the most veteran drivers. Finally, on May 17th the crown jewel of the FRL calendar will take place. The 5th running of the FRL's Indy 200 event at the famed Brickyard Speedway. Last year saw Ethan Maestri take his first victory at the event. He will face stiff competition from two-time winner Andrew Steppat, inaugural winner Travis Billingsley and a host of up and coming FRL drivers at this most prestigious event.
Points will be awarded at each event based on placement, and a champion will be crowned at the end of this mini-season. Cars allowed are as follows:
Low Downforce (circle track) aero package will be mandatory for the two oval tracks. High Downforce (Road Course) aero package will be mandatory for the Grand Prix event. Additionally, the 'Shift w/clutch' option will be removed from play in order to reflect the technology of the real cars on track. 'Automatic' will be allowable.
Now is the time to begin your preparations for this exciting series of racing! Please contact the FRL with your intent to participate at your earliest convenience.
Two more Indy events are added to the calendar to help drivers to get better accustomed to these X999 monsters in Forza 7. Beginning April 19th, an FRL mini-series of racing will begin with the Age of Geek Podcast 120 to be held at Homestead Speedway Circuit. This 80 lap event will put everyone into the racing mindset needed for quick decisions and smooth racing in the month to come. Lapping at nearly 24 seconds per 1.5 miles, the total race will cover 120 miles in around 30 minutes.
Then on May 3rd, the Indianapolis Grand Prix Circuit will host the DBtN Grand Prix. This 28 lap event will test the mettle of even the most veteran drivers. Finally, on May 17th the crown jewel of the FRL calendar will take place. The 5th running of the FRL's Indy 200 event at the famed Brickyard Speedway. Last year saw Ethan Maestri take his first victory at the event. He will face stiff competition from two-time winner Andrew Steppat, inaugural winner Travis Billingsley and a host of up and coming FRL drivers at this most prestigious event.
Points will be awarded at each event based on placement, and a champion will be crowned at the end of this mini-season. Cars allowed are as follows:
Low Downforce (circle track) aero package will be mandatory for the two oval tracks. High Downforce (Road Course) aero package will be mandatory for the Grand Prix event. Additionally, the 'Shift w/clutch' option will be removed from play in order to reflect the technology of the real cars on track. 'Automatic' will be allowable.
Now is the time to begin your preparations for this exciting series of racing! Please contact the FRL with your intent to participate at your earliest convenience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)