Racing Etiquette

Though American Iron is open to all racers, it should be noted that this is not a beginner's series. Some driving skill should be possesed, not only for the sake of the field, but for the sake of the driver. Let's face it, it is no fun to finish 5 minutes back of the leader every race.

American Iron races are often tight, and require good, technical driving skills to be successful in such instances. Please look at the instances below for further clarification:

NOTE: These are simply basic etiguette rules that should be known to most racers already. For further statement and clarification of American Iron's full rules, please see the Rules Section.

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Starting:

American Iron races include a 1-lap "warm-up" period, with a rolling start occuring at the end of the lap. During this lap, no contact should be made. Each driver should give themselves and those around them plenty of room. Allow the car in front of you to start movign prior to you doing so, and form a single file line behind the leader. Feel free to weave back and forth, speed up and slow down, etc., but be aware that there are others on the track as well. This lap will normally have an average speed between 40-60 mph (depending on track), and is intended for you to use to warm your tires prior to competition.

At some tracks, a single-file start will be called for, and near the 3/4 mark of the lap, the races will start to form up closely, staying in your qualified position until the drop of the green flag is signaled by the Race Marshall. In the event of a double-file start, the pole position driver will have the option of lane choice, and again near the 3/4 mark of the lap, the field should form up beside and behind the leader. Cars with an odd number qualifing position will be behind the leader, and those with an even number beside. A final pace speed will be called out, and the field will stay at this speed until the drop of the green flag, again, signaled by the Marshall.

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Passing:

Passing happens alot in American Iron races, and it is your job to make sure that it goes cleanly. When attempting to pass, do so in an area where you will not need to make contact to complete the pass. Be aware of who you are overtaking and call your pass out before making it. (Example: "Tux, on your right.") If you are passed, especially in a close area, call out when the passing car is clear of yours. (Example: "Tux, you're clear back inside.")

When passing, it is your job to go around or clear the traffic. Do not expect drivers to get out of your way. If you are being passed, hold your line. Only in situations where a pre-passing arrangment is made should this rule not be followed. Even A.I.X. racers should yeild their line and speed to the slower A.I. cars until their is an opportunity to pass.

Passing does not mean pushing. Do not force another car out of your way. This is not pinball. No punting, spinning, rear-ending, or blocking. To be clear, intentional contact could result in your removal from the series.

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Pitting:

All American Iron races have a mandatory pit stop window. A pit stop must be made during this period. The period is determined prior to each race, and varies from track to track. The earliest a mandatory pit stop can be made is the end of the first lap in the window. The latest a pit stop can be made is the end of the last lap of the window. Pit stops can be made at any time, for any reason, but taking a pit stop before or after the window will not satisfy the requirement of the mandatory stop. Failure to comply with the mandatory pit stop will result in a disqualification for that event.

On entry and especially exit of the pits, make other racers aware of your position by calling out your status to the field. (Example: "Avanti, exiting the pits.") This will give other racers a chance to give you room to make your pit stop successfully.

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Damage:

If your car becomes damaged due to contact or a collision, call it out and procede to the pits at your discretion. Obviously, light damage may not require an extra stop, but a blown engine could leave you stranded otherwise. It is your call, but if you choose to limp you car into the pits, call out your condition and stay clear of the racing line as much as possible to allow others to pass you. Be sure to communicate though, as unless you have told the passing driver otherwise, they are supposed to yield to you!

If the damage to your car results in a total loss of power or your car being flipped on it's side or roof, call out your status to the field. Typically in these cases, a yellow or red flag is issued, and someone will come to help you get to the pits.

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Lag:

No one likes it, but lag is something that affects everyone, and we have little control over when and where it occurs. Obviously, having a good connection is best, but there are times when it is just beyond our control. If severe lag occurs, call it out! If it proves to be an isolated incident, it may be ignored. If it is not isolated, the race may be stopped and a new host assigned for another attempt.

If damage occurs due to lag, especially near the beginning of the race, notify the field immediately. Often times the race will be restarted if this occurs.

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Dropping:

Not everyone can win. With the varying builds in American Iron races, not all cars will preform equally at all the tracks. Just because you find yourself at the back of the field is no reason to drop from the race. There are both competitive penalties and assists in place to help ensure parody and close racing, but dropping from the race will result in a DNF and forfeiture of any assists the following week.

Don't be a sore loser. Keep going and doing your best. This series will make you better if you stick with it, and you will find yourself moving up in the standings in no time.