League Rules

Welcome to The OBRL presented by VctryLnSprts, featuring four competitive nights of racing in many of the most popular NASCAR vehicles available in the iRacing platform. All applicants and members are required to read and be familiar with the league rules to ensure proper racecraft and a friendly environment so that everyone can enjoy the action on track.

GENERAL INFO

NASCAR league featuring the ARCA/Gen4, Craftsman Trucks, ’87 Legends, Xfinity, Gen6, NextGen vehicles, and more spread over four (4) different series offerings.
Drivers must have a current iRacing license and an iRating under 3,500 to apply for the league.
Applicants are accepted to the league by admin review and subject to a probationary period where they are assigned a triple-digit number.
Participants are required to join the OBRL Discord server with an active account.
Admins reserve the right to make rule changes as necessary for the betterment of the league at any point.
Clean racecraft is the foundational expectation of the league (accidents do happen).
Respect of fellow competitors on track and in Discord is required.
A driver can be removed from the league for actions unbecoming of OBRL standards at any time.
Vehicle numbers are assigned by request based on availability on the active league roster once a new driver completes his probationary period and is approved by the admin committee.
- A vehicle number can be released back into the available pool if a driver does not remain active during the season – driver is assigned a 200-level number until re-entry.
- Please contact an admin to discuss any extenuating circumstances (or medical).
Drivers may run any paint scheme per the sponsor rules below so long as it is not deemed offensive by admins or identical to another vehicle (no political or activism schemes).
All drivers must use their iRacing first and last name on our league roster and Discord channel.

NEW DRIVER PROCEDURES

Newly accepted members will be on a minimum 5-10 total-race probation across all four series as a tryout to the league.
During this probation the admins will review a new driver’s racecraft and use metrics like overall incidents, incidents per race, incidents caused (penalties), and disqualifications/disconnects to determine if the driver is a good fit for The OBRL.
New drivers are assigned a 100-series triple-digit number during this probationary period.
- Triple-digit drivers (including 200-series) may not qualify during the qualifying session prior to any race.
Members not conforming to The OBRL rules or who prove to be a bad fit for The OBRL community will be dropped.
After completing the probationary period, a triple-digit driver will be contacted by our Membership Director with one of three decisions:
- An invite to request a two-digit number because the league admins have decided the driver is a good fit.
- A decision to remain in probation longer due to concerns with the metrics listed above.
- Removing the driver from The OBRL because they are not a good fit for the league.

TECHNOLOGY EXPECTATIONS

A microphone is mandatory to race & practice for driver communications.
A steering wheel and pedals are mandatory (no joysticks or controllers for steering allowed).
All driving aids are turned off, except for clutch assist.
- Clutch – set up a paddle or button for the clutch
- Ignition – set up a switch or button to turn on & off
- Starter – set up a switch or button to turn on
Internet connection must remain stable during a race session.
A driver that blinks three (3) different times may be asked to pull to pit road to address the issue.
- If it continues after that, the driver will be asked to park the car and exit the event.
It is highly recommended that drivers use an advanced spotter pack for racing (Jimmie Johnson pack, Dale Jr pack, Dre, etc.).

RACE SETTINGS

Fixed setups matching the track in all series.
100% fuel load unless specified for the event.
4 total sets of tires (3 tire changes) unless specified for the event.
No driver assists (clutch only).
No fast repairs (1 on road courses).
9x limit in all series (17x limit on road courses).
Rolling starts after a pace lap at every event.
Full course yellows (local on-road), Lucky Dog rule, and wave-arounds are in effect.
Black flags are not cleared by admin for any reason during the race.
There will be one attempt at a green/white/checkered finish if a caution comes out at the end of the race.

LEAGUE SESSIONS

Race sessions go LIVE at 8:00pm ET on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with Sunday’s events going LIVE at 7:00pm ET.
50-minute practice.
10-minute Drivers’ Meeting.
5-minute (2-lap) qualifying (10-minute for road courses).
Green flag drops following a 2-minute gridding period for all races.
Distance per vehicle type intended to provide 70-90 minutes of racing.
Race results and season points updated weekly on SimRacerHub.com.

RACE PROCEDURES

All drivers must enter the race session 20 minutes prior the Drivers’ Meeting in Discord to race the event.
New triple-digit drivers must attend the Rookie Meeting 30 minutes prior to the main Drivers’ Meeting, therefore must be in the session at least 25 minutes prior to their meeting.
Drivers’ Meeting is mandatory to race – competitors should be parked in their stall on pit road to listen to weekly rules, specific track info, and updated league matters.
Any driver who does not make 15 minutes of practice and attend the Drivers’ Meeting is not permitted to race that event.
- We understand that life and or work take priority, so please advise the admins of your situation if you have a specific circumstance that week.
Drivers must be in the OBRL Discord “Race Comms” channel during the race for on-track communication and should use the iRacing “Drivers” channel in the SIM for race messages.
All races are reviewed by admins privately after the event for on-track conduct, and post-race penalties may be assessed based on the safety guidelines outlined below.
Racers with an EOL penalty from a previous event may qualify for pit stall placement but will receive their EOL at grid.
It is the responsibility of the EOL drivers to drop to the back immediately when it is safe to do so once the field begins pacing, and sort themselves according to iRacing scoring messages (black flags are not cleared).

BEHAVIORAL CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

Treat everyone with respect – If a driver can’t be respectful on the track and in our Discord community, admins reserve the right to remove that driver from the league immediately.
No heated arguments, cussing out, or disrespecting another driver during the race communications or in discussions on Discord.
Drivers wishing to continue a discussion about on-track incidents or racecraft can use the Woodshed voice channel in Discord after the race.
- Always show respect to each other while discussing an incident, even in the Woodshed.
No arguing with Admins’ rulings in a public space, please be respectful of our volunteer leadership.
- 1st offense – a driver will receive a verbal warning by Admins to tone it down.
- 2nd offense – a driver will be ejected from the race.

RACE ETIQUETTE

“Take care of your equipment and it’ll take care of you.” – Dwayne McArthur
“Race people the way you want to be raced. If you race them clean, they’ll race you back clean, but if you race ‘em like a dick, they’ll race you back like a dick, that’s how we do it.” – Brian “The Bull” Glass
“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” – Dwayne McArthur
Quality racecraft is expected in The OBRL!
No overly aggressive driving, getting into the rear bumper, dive-bombing corners, or slide-jobs are permitted.
Excessive and dramatic blocking that causes a wreck or unfairly impedes a competitor is not allowed.
Your actions not only affect you, but also your fellow competitors, so failure to control your car is handled under the safety guidelines and penalty system below.
Intentional wrecking or retaliation of another driver may lead to severe penalty, temporary suspension, or even expulsion from the league.
No deliberate action to bring out a caution by any means or to manipulate the outcome of a race by nefarious terms will be tolerated.
It is the responsibility of lapped cars to know the traffic situation and drive safely while leaders pass.
A driver may safely defend or try to stay on the lead lap, but once the leader has position (alongside) it’s time to let him go.
- Just breathe the throttle and allow the passing car an easier time to complete the pass.
- Lucky Dog Rule exists to allow you to get your lap back.
Leaders should make every attempt to initiate passes of lap cars on corner exit.
Slower cars should make a safe attempt to burp the throttle before corner entry or through the apex to allow the faster cars by cleanly.
The OBRL allows wave-arounds during a caution to help drivers get a lap back.

PAINT SCHEMES & SPONSORS

Drivers will be permitted two (2) sponsors for use in any series.
Drivers can alternate between their two approved sponsors as they deem fit.
Permanent sponsor change requests are allowed by request using the Number/Sponsor request form on the website.
OBRL uses sim-stamped numbers – no custom numbers under the sim-stamped digits.
No duplicate paints schemes or sponsors (be respectful of the other members, keep your designs unique).
No offensive, political, or activism paint schemes are permitted in The OBRL.
Any new driver that has a duplicate paint scheme of another driver MUST change to an unused paint scheme and sponsor the following week.
- Failure to comply in future races will lead to disqualification and removal from the race.

RACE COMMUNICATIONS

Drivers should use the iRacing “Drivers” channel for on-track race communications.
For general talking use the “In-Car Audio” channel on the OBRL Discord (keep to a minimum).
Discuss on-track incidents when the race is over, or in the Woodshed if necessary.
Drivers should not “lobby” the race director or admins about an incident during the race.
Leader or first car should announce the pace car position on the track during a caution.
- Use the iRacing relative box to understand the traffic situation.
Drivers are expected to use good communication to promote safe racecraft during an event.
Pitting IN – Clarified at the Drivers’ Meeting for all tracks:
- Hot pit off turn 3 or 4 is the most common, but some tracks use the access road.
- Always stay to the right on pit lane except when passing or moving to your pit stall.
- Blend in no more than 2-3 stalls before your pit box.
Pitting OUT – Clarified at the Drivers’ Meeting for all tracks:
- Always enter the track in the middle of the backstretch and stay low going into turn 3.
- Never enter the track before the blue exit line or in turns 1 & 2.
- Cars on the track have the right of way; stay low until you reach race speed to merge.

START/RESTART RULES

All starts/restarts are double-file back, with pole sitter or leader taking the inside lane.
All other drivers follow iRacing grid instructions.
No weaving back and forth or “warming tires” during the pacing laps.
The leader dictates the start of the racing by going in the restart zone after the initial start.
All other cars go on green, only when safe to do so based on the car in front of them (Xs are not cleared for rear-ending the car in front on a start/restart).
Every race is started in 2nd gear, with cars tightened-up on the backstretch of the pace lap.
- Drivers should space evenly and be able to see the manufacturer logo on the bumper of the car in front of them.
Maintain a steady pace speed, no on & off the throttle.
- Drivers deemed to have caused a massive check-up resulting in Xs for other cars on a start/restart may be given a penalty.
There is NO laying back, changing lanes, or passing before the start/finish line.
Respect and safety are expected heading into turn one on every start/restart

CAUTIONS

Drivers are expected to lift off the throttle and navigate safely with an incident ahead.
- Drivers are not to improve their position aggressively as iRacing sorts the field.
Drivers that can’t catch the field right away should pull over and request a tow so that other competitors are not assessed an unfair black flag.
- Drivers deemed to have not caught the field or requested a two appropriately resulting in black flags to other drivers may be given a penalty.
During an accident, crash, or spin all drivers involved are expected to hold their brake until the track is clear.
Use the relative screen to track other drivers’ position before pulling back onto the racing line.
Do not drive into oncoming traffic.
Cars pacing under caution should stay to the left single-file to allow the Lucky Dog and wave-around cars to safely navigate back to position.
Lucky Dog car must pass on the right cleanly and look ahead for other drivers.
It is the responsibility of all pacing cars to understand their track position based on their relative screen.

iRACING SPORTING CODE

Drivers should read and understand iRacing’s Sporting Code, as well as view iRacing’s Driving School videos 7A, B, and C.
A faster car has the responsibility to safely overtake the slower car.
A slower car has the responsibility to maintain a consistent and predictable racing line.
Both cars should make every reasonable effort to facilitate a safe pass.
iRacing.com Driving School Chapter 7A: Race Craft & Passing – Understanding Race Craft (1:23).

IN-RACE PENALTY SYSTEM (SPP)

The OBRL uses the Self-Policing Policy to encourage sportsmanship and clean race-craft during every event. A driver that makes contact, spins, or impedes the forward momentum of another vehicle during a race while attempting to pass or prevent a pass, by getting into the bumper, rear quarter-panel, or door of the other vehicle, must call a Self-Policing Penalty (SPP) on himself within the following guidelines:
- If no damage, incident points, or significant loss of-track position(s) occurs without a caution, the driver must call an SPP out on the Drivers channel and relinquish the position back to the affected driver and allow the other driver to re-establish his race line (give it back).
- If damage/incident points or significant loss of track position occurs and a caution was not thrown, the driver must call an SPP out on the Drivers channel and do a green flag pass through within 2 laps of the incident.
- If damage/incident points or significant loss of track position occurs and a caution was thrown, the driver must call an SPP out on the Drivers channel and enter the pits 2-3mph over the speed limit so that iRacing issues a black flag and gives the driver an End of the Line (EOL) penalty.
Drivers deemed in post-race review not to have served an SPP appropriately will be issued an additional L4 penalty, loss of race points, or worse at the discretion of the Race Review Committee.
If you aren’t sure whether you’re at fault it’s always safer to take the SPP for this race rather than leave your fate up to the race review committee after the race.
Frequent abusers of not imposing an SPP during an event will be subject to more severe punishment as deemed suitable by admin team.
A driver may DQ himself for actions detrimental to the race by removing himself from race server, but should announce his intentions to disqualify on the Drivers channel as an SPP. This would qualify as SPP served as long as it’s not a rage-quit (a driver can’t cause an incident and then just disconnect to quit, that’s not in the spirit of the rule).

POST-RACE PENALTY SYSTEM (race review)

All race review penalties will continue to carry over until the penalty has been served.
Admins reserve the right to increase a driver’s penalty if frequency of occurrence is too often.
All race review penalties will continue to carry over until the penalty has been served for that series. Penalties that are carried over for more than nine (9) consecutive weeks for any one series will be moved to a global series penalty that will apply to the NEXT race that driver races in across any of the four (4) series’.
It is not the responsibility of race review committee or admins to remember why a driver’s penalty was assessed. Please visit the series penalty page to review assessed penalties.

LEVEL 1 PENALTIES

No additional penalty – X’s given by iRacing and subsequent loss of bonus points is the punishment.

LEVEL 2 PENALTIES

Driver causes damage to or collects other vehicles.
Issued for accidents that are deemed incidental, not aggressive in nature (avoidable).
Level 2 Penalty: EOL next race, driver does not qualify.

Starts/Restarts

L2A – Failure to maintain pace speed or close the gap during pace laps, resulting in an incident.
L2B – Changing lanes before start/finish line on starts/restarts (can include other violations of start/restart rules).
L2C – Failure to start in 2nd gear (can include other violations of start/restart rules).

Racing

L2D – Failure to maintain racing line resulting in an accident with another driver (i.e. getting loose exiting a turn, drifting into another driver’s lane, etc).
L2E – Failure to accurately judge completion of a pass resulting in contact (i.e. driver attempts to pass low in a corner and moves up too early on exit resulting in contact with the other vehicle, etc).
L2F – Misjudging a braking zone causing contact with the car in front (i.e. driver crushes the rear bumper of the vehicle in front by braking way too late, etc).
L2G – Bump-drafting at any track that results in spinning the vehicle ahead.
L2H – Failure to control vehicle after contact with wall, grass, or during a self-spin that causes an incident with other drivers, action deemed poor racecraft by admins.

Pitting

L2I – Failure to follow announced rules, entering or exiting pits incorrectly (i.e. pitting from top line, using access roads, failing a hot pit, etc).
L2J – Failure to drive down the right side of pit lane.
L2K – Driving through 4 or more stalls before entering pit stall (i.e. ghosting too many pit stalls).
L2L – Not driving your car to the pits after a race or before disconnecting (i.e. parking your car on the track, clogging the apron, etc).

Under Caution/Post Race

L2M – Failure to call for a tow when severely damaged and/or catching up to the field in a timely manner, causing black flags or disruption to other drivers.
L2N – Failure to safely navigate vehicle during or after a wreck (driving across traffic, unsafe re-entry, etc).
L2O – Driver causes incident with another competitor during a caution; unsafe pacing.
L2P – Driving improperly after the race, or not driving car back to the pit.

LEVEL 3 PENALTIES

Driver causes damage to or collects other vehicles.
Issued for accidents that are deemed aggressive or reckless in nature (poor racecraft).
Level 3 Penalty: EOL + GFPT next race, driver does not qualify.

Behavior

L3A – Excessive name calling, berating another driver, or aggressive chatting on any race channel when incident occurs or dragging it on afterwards.

Starts/Restarts

L3B – Aggressive restart and/or causing checkup behind, including any violation of start/restart rules deemed aggressive (i.e. throttling before the driver ahead does, causing damage to his vehicle, etc).

Racing

L3C – Two or more Level 2 penalties in a single race where no SPPs were served.
- Drivers with multiple Level 2 penalties during a race that served an SPP every time are not subject to this additional penalty.
L3D – Failure to get out of the throttle for an accident ahead or when the caution flag is displayed.
L3E – Getting into the bumper or side of the car ahead (i.e. dive-bombing a corner, etc).
L3F – Overly aggressive driving resulting in failure to hold line, sliding up into another vehicle, and causing a wreck.
L3G – Overly aggressive driving resulting in spinning another driver (i.e. multiple bumps on a straightaway, causing driver ahead to lose control).
L3H – Overly aggressive blocking in the turns, either on entry or exit, resulting in disruption of driver’s race lines.
L3I – Overly aggressive move or last-second attempt to block a passing vehicle resulting in an accident.
L3J – Bump-drafting in the turns on any track, resulting in a wreck.
L3K – Bump-and-run passing or “slide-jobs” that cause an accident (i.e. the passing driver will be deemed at fault for all examples of these passes).
L3L – Driving back into the racing line after spinning or wrecking without a caution (i.e. driver goes into the grass but saves the car but re-enters the track unsafely and hits other cars; includes turning around on a road course after a spin, etc).
L3M – Driving below the yellow/white line in an attempt to shorten the track or make a pass (all tracks are different and this rule can be waived during the drivers’ meeting).
L3N – Re-entering the track in the racing line in a way that impedes the faster vehicles (i.e. drivers are required to check their relative box to ensure safe track entry).
L3O – Failure to hold brake during or after an accident resulting in damage to another vehicle.
L3P – Two or more penalties in a single race where one of them is an L3 (a 1-lap black flag will be added to the start of the race).
L3Q – A pattern of overly aggressive driving throughout the entire race.
L3R – Failure to yield to lead-lap vehicles by staying in their intended racing groove, holding them up, interfering with their battle for position (does not apply if lapped vehicles are closely battling for finish position with under 10 laps to go).

Pitting

L3S – Failure to drive down the right side of pit lane resulting in damage to another vehicle.
L3T – Aggressive or last second pit entrance causing damage to other vehicles.
L3U – Improper pit road exit, moving up into the racing line resulting in an accident (i.e. driver does not follow middle of the backstretch rule, unsafely enters the racing action).
L3V – Entering the pit road improperly resulting in an accident (i.e. a more severe penalty than L2I).
L3W – Failure to call out your intention to pit causing an incident or getting into a driver that has called out his intention to pit.

Under Caution/Post Race

L3X – Failure to safely navigate vehicle during or after a wreck (driving across traffic, unsafe re-entry, etc) resulting in major damage to another vehicle.
L3Y – Aggressive driving or egregious racecraft mistake during pacing that causes an incident.
L3Z – Driving improperly after the race, or not driving car back to the pits, resulting in contact with another vehicle.

LEVEL 4 PENALTIES

Escalated penalty used when a driver does not serve an SPP in a race session.
Drivers are expected to demonstrate OBRL behavioral and racecraft priorities in our events, this is our league culture.
Penalties include, but are not limited to, loss of race points for that event, a race suspension period, or expulsion from the league.

APPEALS PROCEDURE

Any member wishing for an incident to be reviewed and voted on by all league admins after an event race review is published may do so using this procedure.
To file an appeal, go to https://vctrylnsprts.com/driver-appeal/ and fill out the required fields and present your case for the admins to consider.
The full admin team will review the incident and conduct a new vote prior to the next race in the series for which the driver is penalized.
Drivers winning their appeal will have appropriate penalizations removed.
Drivers losing their appeal will have the race review judgment upheld and penalties will stand.

See you on the track!

The OBRL Admin Team