anyone found not to be under some sort of influence will be punished.

For the past couple of weeks, I have been tarting around on the GTL public servers with a few of the lads, for a bit late-night fun and frolics.  The other night, I was fortunate enough to be on track with Abe, Ted, Pete, Rocky and Ski.  We frequented the GC TC65 server, and stayed on for a number of short races, before I called it a night about 02:30GMT. 

So what?s the big deal, I hear you ask; well, I must confess that in recent weeks, I have rediscovered the enjoyment of playing GTL.  However, it was a quote from Pete which made me think; he suggested that GTL had a familiar feel to it, all old leather and walnut, and he was right.  GTL is the reason many of us got together in the first place, and it remains the premier series at SJ, with the largest fields, and many familiar faces.

Above all, running around that night was pure, unadulterated fun!  It was an absolute hoot, and a welcome break from the more serious atmosphere of the various leagues; reminded me of days gone by.  All of which brings me to the following.

I would like to present an idea for your perusal; ladies and gentlemen (and Ted!), might I be so bold as to propose The Alfatina Trophy.  Basically, a series of sprint races, limited to the Alfa and Cortina, run on tracks that are sympathetic to the strengths and weaknesses of the cars.  Cars are chosen on the basis that they are forgiving, well modelled, and above all, familiar.   

The Rules:
1. The first rule of Alfatina is that you don?t talk about Alfatina

2. While comms are not mandatory, those who are on the mic will be expected to engage in witty banter/inane chatter/drunken mutterings throughout the races. 

3. Random drug and alcohol testing of all drivers will be mandatory; anyone found not to be under some sort of influence will be punished.

That?s it for the rules; and now:

The Format:
Two sprint races, about 30 minutes each, with 10 minutes/single lap qualifying for race 1 (as you like it).  The second race grid could be decided using the scientific theory that is best known as ?fastest finger first?.  This will involve selecting your chosen car for the second race, and then as the server ticks over to ?next event?, seeing who is quickest at joining the server; where you join is where you start (again, if you like).

As for the car choices, it could be that each race could be split to all Cortina?s, all Alfa?s, or whatever you choose; but both cars will have to be run at each event, in the same way as current sprint races are set out.  The emphasis is on fun, so whatever is the most popular will set the agenda.

I am thinking that this could be a late-night affair, perhaps Fridays at midnight GMT, which may make it more accessible on a global scale.  As for points? well, I?m easy; we could treat each race as a separate event, or award points for the ?season?; but while I am sure that everyone will race hard (I certainly will), we should accept that this is purely for fun, and that the social aspect is as important as the racing.  2shedz has suggested that, rather than awarding points, all racers attending the event are duty bound to award karma to the race winner which is a good idea, and underlines the less serious aspects; but the truth is, I?m not sure which direction would be favoured, and perhaps some suggestions would help. 

Tracks:
Not sure really? perhaps everyone would like to suggest their personal faves, and we?ll take it from there.

And that?s about it? perhaps when we?re all done, we could adjourn to the publics for a bout of gang-fighting? er? I mean close racing with strangers, of course.  :biggrin:

My motivation for throwing this out there is simple.  To a large extent, I have forgotten how much fun can be had just twatting about with your mates.  No need for strategy, or practice; no need to consider anything except enjoying yourself.  This weekend, I must have taken part in perhaps 50 short races on the publics.  Some have ended at turn 1; some have gone down to the wire; some I have started without qualifying, so as to battle my way through the pack.  It has been a most refreshing change from the rigours of league racing, and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.

What?cha think?

As you wanted drunk/stoned drivers already i think it's a fair enough asumption.... just beware of the drunk admin.