¶ Real Rookie Racing Guidelines 101 r.03
Contents:
Practice Session Etiquette
Qualifying Etiquette
Racing Flags
Track Limits
Defending Your Position
Race Start Procedures
Overtaking Etiquette
Dealing with Unfortunate Events
Endurance Format Essentials
¶ Practice Session Etiquette
Practice is more than just laps — it’s your chance to finalize setup, calculate fuel, and get mentally locked in before the race. Keep in mind that some people might be leaning the track for the first time during that practice session, so don't assume that the car you're following knows the braking point and racing line off the bat. Be mindful and leave space.
¶ Reconnaissance Laps, Out Laps & Push Laps
At the start of practice, expect to see a mix of speeds.
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Reconnaissance laps are slower laps used to learn the track, check grip levels, and figure out which curbs are safe and which are not. It's a key part of early session prep.
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Out laps in practice sessions are for warming up tires and brakes.
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Push laps in practice sessions come later, once you're ready to test pace, racing line, braking zones or tweak setup.
Give space, be predictable, and don’t assume others are running at full speed right away.
¶ Setup and Fuel Testing
Use this time to dial in your setup and fuel strategy:
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Use tools like Camber Extravaganza to get your suspension and tire temps right.
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Run a few stints to see how much fuel you’ll need and whether a stop is required.
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Practice pit entry and configure your pit menu settings in advance.
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Ask around in chat and voice chat if anyone is willing to share their setup with you if you feel that yours is not working.
The worst time to realize you guessed some final setup adjustments wrong is when the race has already started.
¶ Voice Chat Encouraged (During Practice)
This is the best time to ask questions, get advice, and share info.
Use voice chat to ask about setup tips, fuel estimates, or track-specific quirks. Everyone’s here to learn — help each other out.
¶ Teleporting to Pits
If you need to teleport:
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Slow down first, get off the racing line, and pull off track if possible.
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Always check for traffic behind you before stopping.
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We strongly recommend binding teleport to a custom key combo so it’s fast but not easy to hit by mistake.
In Summary :
- Using practice properly can be the difference between a great race and one that’s over before the first lap is done. Treat it seriously — and help others do the same.
¶ Qualifying Etiquette:
In qualifying, the goal is simple: set your fastest lap time without interfering with others. But to make this happen, understanding the differences between an out lap and a hot lap, as well as knowing how and when to give space, can make a big difference. Here’s a breakdown of qualifying behavior and using the track map for a clean, efficient session.
¶ Understanding the Out Lap vs. Hot Lap
Out Lap:
- When you first exit the pits, you’re on an “out lap.” This lap isn’t meant to be fast—it’s about warming up your tires, brakes, and getting into the rhythm. During this lap, you’re preparing for the hot lap, not aiming for speed. Remember, on an out lap, your job is to stay out of the way of other drivers who may already be on hot laps.
Hot Lap:
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Your hot lap is the lap that counts for your qualifying time. It’s when you push your car to the limit to set the best time possible. During this lap, focus on the racing line and optimal braking points. On a hot lap, expect other drivers to respect your pace, and do the same for theirs. The only time you should abandon a hot lap is if you make a major mistake or invalidate the lap.
¶ Giving Space and Track Awareness
In qualifying, giving space is crucial for everyone to get their best shot at a fast lap. Knowing where other drivers are on the track—and respecting that space—is a sign of good racing etiquette. Here’s how to manage it:
Use the Track Map:
Your track map is your friend. Before heading out, glance at it to see where other cars are, especially if the track is busy. Wait for a gap in traffic if possible. If you’re on an out lap and see faster drivers coming up behind you, give them space by staying off the racing line.
Finding a Gap:
Once you’re on your out lap, focus on finding a clear space where you can begin your hot lap without other drivers directly in front or behind you. This will allow you to run a clean lap without having to worry about overtaking or being overtaken. If you find yourself too close to another driver, it may be worth backing off to create space.
When to Let Others Pass:
If you’re on an out lap or if you make a mistake during your hot lap, check your map or mirrors. If someone’s on a fast lap and approaching, move aside by leaving the racing line. Avoid sudden moves or use the teleport to pits button (needs to be bounded in CM first)
¶ Pit Exit Strategy
Leaving the Pits:
When you’re ready to leave the pits, check the map or look up the track for approaching cars. Avoid pulling out directly in front of someone on a hot lap—it disrupts their momentum and risks an incident. Instead, wait for a break in the traffic. It’s better to spend an extra few seconds in the pits and find a gap than to immediately start with cars on your bumper.
Blending with Traffic on Your Out Lap:
Once you’re out on track, stay off the racing line initially, especially if other cars are approaching from behind. As you warm up your tires and brakes on the out lap, stick to less-used parts of the track if needed, letting faster cars through before you start your own hot lap.
¶ Key Points for a Clean Qualifying Session
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Respect Other Drivers’ Hot Laps:
Always prioritize giving space to drivers on hot laps, especially if you’re on an out lap. -
Use the Track Map:
A quick glance at the map can help you find the perfect time to head out and a good location to start your hot lap.
In Summary :
- In qualifying, the focus is on smooth, respectful interactions. By understanding the purpose of each lap and using tools like the track map, you contribute to a cleaner, more professional qualifying experience for yourself and everyone on track.
¶ Racing Flags
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Green Flag: Go !
What It Means: The track is clear, and you’re free to push as hard as you want.
What to Do: Settle into your pace, focus on your laps, and take any opportunities to pass if they arise. Green means everything is normal—so just race.
¶ 
Yellow Flag: Caution Ahead
What It Means: There’s an incident somewhere on track. It could be a spun-out car or an on-track collision.
What to Do: While you’re not required to slow down we highly recommend it, stay alert. Use your tools—like the track map, Crew Chief, or visual cues—to judge whether to adjust your pace or change lines. Avoid overtaking in the yellow-flag zone if you can, as it’s a common courtesy and can help prevent further incidents. Be ready for any surprises.
¶ 
Blue Flag: Faster Car Approaching
What It Means: A faster car is behind you, typically because you’re being lapped or they’re on a hot lap in qualifying.
What to Do: Hold your line, be predictable, and find a safe place to ease off and let the faster car pass. You don’t need to get out of the way immediately, but plan to let them through when it’s safe to do so. Smooth, predictable driving makes it easier for faster cars to pass without incident.
¶ 
White Flag: Final Lap
What It Means: The race is almost over—you’re on the last lap.
What to Do: Give it everything you’ve got! The final lap is your chance to make any last moves, but stay in control. Focus on smooth racing and avoid mistakes—every second counts here.
¶ 
Checkered Flag: Race Over
What It Means: The race or session has ended.
What to Do: Cross the line at race pace, then slow down or we have a tradition to go into full on homing missile mode into T1 after the end of a race. how to do it safely :
- DO NOT touch you wheel if you have a high feedback force base.
- Try and comunicate with the person or the pack that you are coming in hot
¶ Track Limits
Leaving the track and gaining an advantage is forbidden by the rules of Real Rookie Racing and Tekly Racing
There are various ways in which this rule is enforced, depending on the track, and the series in which the race is taking place.
We use various track mods, and some may have better track limits programmed into them than others, so please refer to these guidelines to determine when something is considered off-track or not.
- If the game tells you that you went offtrack and your lap is invalid. This may result in an automatic warning, repeated cuts may result in a penalty.
- If we are using Real Penalty and that tells you that you went offtrack in the ingame app, RealPenalty rules for cutting are configurable and will be clarified ahead of any series that uses RealPenalty
- If the race organizers/staff declared ahead of time which corners and which racing surfaces had ambigious track limits that need to be clarified, then that is now the defined track limits
- When it is visually obvious and using good sense based on kerbs and white lines what the track limits should be, then if in doubt the above is not specifically clear, then these should be assumed to be the track limits.
- If at any time, the ingame, or app-provided track limits stop working or an exploit or loophole is found, an ingame admin or race director may clarify to all or some people ( if only some are exploting this loophole ) what the legal track limits are, and the racer will be expected to abide by those going forward
- If a racer grossly and egregiously violates track limits because a technical failure or loophole means they are not getting any ingame warnings, and any reasonable person looking at the violation would conclude it was an unfair advantage then the admins reserve the right to take punitive / retroactive action on these, regardless if the racer feels that the lack of automatic punishment made it "fair game"
¶ In Conclusion:
The game usually knows what is offtrack
if it dosnt:
People usually know what is offtrack, they know what is unfair.
If its very ambiguous, it will be clarified
If its not ambiguous, and it is still exploited, it will be punished.
Fairness is what we expect of our racers, simracing is an imperfect system but we do what we can to make it a level playing field.
¶ Defending Your Position
Defending your position is a natural part of racing, but it’s important to do it in a way that’s both fair and safe. Here’s how to defend effectively:
¶ Limit to One Defensive Move
When defending, make one clear move to establish your position. This should be done proactively—not as a last-second reaction to the driver behind you.
Plan Your Move Ahead: Decide on your defensive line before the car behind is too close. Moving at the last moment creates unpredictability and can lead to contact.
Avoid Reactionary Moves: Defending shouldn’t look like you’re reacting to every move from the driver behind. Choose your line and commit, letting the driver behind adapt accordingly.
¶ Maintain Your Line and Stay Predictable
Once you’ve chosen your line, stick to it. The goal is to be as predictable as possible so the driver behind can gauge a safe way to pass if they’re faster.
Hold Your Line Through the Turn: If you defend on the inside going into a corner, stay on that line through the turn. Constantly shifting or “drifting out” can close the gap unexpectedly, increasing the risk of contact.
No Blocking on Straights: Swerving back and forth down a straight to block the car behind isn’t defending; it’s obstructing.
¶ Leave a Car’s Width at All Times
When a driver is alongside you, it’s essential to respect their space. Racing side-by-side is a big part of the competition, but it should always be done with room for both drivers.
Always Leave Space: If a car has drawn alongside, leave at least a car’s width between you and them. Crowding or squeezing isn’t fair racing and can lead to unnecessary incidents.
Know When to Yield: Sometimes, it’s better to yield slightly in a tight corner to avoid contact. Giving up a position cleanly means you can continue racing instead of risking an incident.
In Summary :
- Defending fairly means committing to one proactive move, holding your line, and respecting the space of others on the track. By being predictable and fair in defense, you ensure a safe, competitive experience for everyone. This approach builds trust on the track and keeps the race both challenging and enjoyable.
¶ Race Start Procedures
The start of the race sets the tone for your entire event. Whether you’re in pole position or starting from the back, knowing how to handle the start can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the start effectively.
¶ The Importance of a Clean Start
A clean start is crucial for your race and the races of others. Be prepared and focused as the lights change.
Avoid Jumping the Start: Jumping the start results in a penalty where you must complete a drive-through within two laps. Remember, stopping in the pits does not count as serving this penalty. So, hold your position until the lights go out!
¶ Handling a Bad Start
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might not get the start you wanted. Here’s how to handle it gracefully:
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Stay Calm and Focused: If you have a bad start, take a deep breath. Panicking can lead to rash decisions that affect you and others.
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Assess Your Surroundings: Quickly look around to understand where you are in relation to other drivers. Keep an eye on the drivers beside and behind you.
¶ Navigating the First Few Corners
The first few corners can be chaotic as everyone fights for position. Here’s how to navigate them effectively:
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Be Patient: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but patience is key. Remember, it’s a long race; there’s no need to win it in the first corner.
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Leave Space for Others: If you find yourself in a crowded situation, be aware of your surroundings and leave enough space for other drivers. Avoid squeezing or crowding others.
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Look for Opportunities: While being patient, keep an eye out for safe overtaking opportunities. If a driver ahead makes a mistake, you might find a way to take advantage without putting yourself in a risky position.
¶ Handling Incidents and Chaos
The start can often be a hectic affair, and incidents might occur. Here’s how to manage:
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Stay Aware of Incidents: If you see an accident happening ahead, be ready to react. Slow down and maneuver safely to avoid any chaos.
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Don’t Become a Part of the Problem: If you’re involved in an incident, try to remain calm and not retaliate. Focus on getting back on track safely rather than seeking revenge.
In Summary:
- A successful race start involves preparation, awareness, and patience. Avoid jumping the start to prevent penalties, stay calm in the event of a bad launch, and navigate the first corners with respect for your fellow drivers. By mastering the race start, you set yourself up for a better performance throughout the rest of the race.
¶ Overtaking Etiquette
Overtaking is a key aspect of racing that involves strategy, skill, and respect. Here’s how to approach overtaking effectively while maintaining a competitive spirit:
¶ Assess Your Advantage
Know Your Strengths: Identify where you have the edge—whether it’s a better run-up to a corner, a later braking point after a straight, or a superior exit speed. Use these advantages to plan your overtaking maneuver.
Gauge the Situation: Keep an eye on the driver ahead and be aware of your surroundings. The right moment to overtake may arise unexpectedly, so stay alert.
¶ Timing is Key
Make Your Move: Don’t hesitate to initiate an overtake if you see an opportunity. Whether it’s diving to the inside or carrying more speed through a corner, be confident in your approach.
Be Aggressive but Safe: While it’s okay to battle for position, always ensure that your move is safe. If you go for an inside line, be sure you’re in control.
¶ Execute with Precision
Stick to Your Plan: Once you decide to overtake, commit fully to your line. This shows confidence and prevents any last-minute adjustments that could lead to contact.
Respect Your Rivals: As you make your move, ensure there’s enough space for the other driver. It’s competitive, but mutual respect on track keeps everyone happy.
¶ If You Miscalculate: Give Back the Position
Recognize the Error: If your overtake results in contact and forces your opponent off the track, it’s crucial to acknowledge that you gained the position unfairly.
Return the Place Safely: Look for a safe opportunity to relinquish your position. Signal your intention clearly and give your rival enough room to reclaim their spot without further conflict. In the eventuality that it would be impossible to give the position in a safe manner, you can always reach out to staff after the race to see the incident looked at.
In Summary :
- Overtaking is not just a passive action; it’s an active part of racing that involves strategy and respect. By assessing your advantages, choosing the right moment, and executing with precision, you can make overtakes that enhance your racing experience and that of others. If things don’t go as planned, remember to give back the position to uphold the integrity of the race.
¶ Dealing with Unfortunate Events
In racing, unfortunate events are a part of the game. Whether it’s a spin in the first few corners, an unexpected collision, or a technical mishap, how you respond to these situations can make all the difference. Here’s how to stay positive and turn setbacks into learning opportunities:
¶ Safe Rejoin After an Incident
If you go off track or spin, take a moment before rejoining.
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In case of a spin, hold the brakes until you’ve stopped. Being predictable is key.
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Check your surroundings — use mirrors, radar, or Crew Chief.
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Rejoin slowly and off the racing line until you're safely up to speed.
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Don’t cut across traffic or rush back blindly.
If you've accidentally taken someone else off, let them rejoin ahead of you if it can be done safely. It’s basic respect — and good racing.
Unsafe rejoins may lead to penalties or post-race reviews. Race smart.
¶ Embrace the Unexpected
Stay Resilient: Remember, racing is unpredictable, especially in a rookie league. Spinning out or getting caught up in someone else's mistake can happen to anyone. Instead of letting it derail your race, keep your focus and stay determined.
Don’t Give Up: The race isn't over just because you've had a setback. Many drivers will encounter difficulties, and you may find yourself in a position to capitalize on their mistakes if you keep pushing.
¶ The Thrill of the Chase
Chase the Pack: If you find yourself at the back, use it as an opportunity to chase down the pack ahead. The thrill of catching up can be exhilarating and can help you refine your racing skills.
Use the Time Wisely: Racing by yourself doesn't mean you’re not improving. Focus on your lines, look at the time you're gaining on the person ahead and work on your braking points. Every lap is a chance to enhance your racecraft.
¶ Learn and Adapt
Reflect on Mistakes: After the race, take a moment to analyze what went wrong. Did you misjudge a corner? Did you react too quickly? Learning from these experiences is key to becoming a better racer. If you're not sure what happened or how it could’ve been avoided do not hesitate to open a ticket with staff so we can help you out !
Stay Positive: A positive mindset can help you cope with frustrations. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, think about what you can improve next time. Every experience, good or bad, adds to your growth as a driver.
¶ Remember the Bigger Picture
Experience is Key: Every race, regardless of the outcome, adds to your experience. Don’t let a single unfortunate event overshadow your progress. Every time you hit the track, you’re one step closer to becoming a skilled racer.
Never Quit: You never know what can happen in a race. If you quit after an early spin, you might miss out on valuable lessons and opportunities that unfold later on. Stay in the race and see it through to the end.
In Summary :
- Keep Pushing Foward ! Dealing with unfortunate events is part of the racing experience. By staying resilient, embracing the thrill of the chase, and focusing on personal growth, you can turn setbacks into stepping stones on your path to becoming a better racer. Remember, every lap counts, and perseverance is the key to success in racing!
¶ Endurance Format Essentials
Endurance racing is more than just going fast for longer. It’s about planning, awareness, and adapting as the race unfolds. This section outlines everything rookies need to know to succeed in our 90-minute endurance format: from pit stops to tools and how to navigate traffic like a pro.
¶ Pit Strategy and Setup Management
There are no mandatory pit stop requirements in RREC events. However, most drivers will need to pit at least once during the 90 minutes for fuel or tires, so being prepared is crucial. See the race details to know exactly what fuel rate and tyres wear will be used for the events.
Smart pit stops can make or break your race. Here's how to stay ahead:
Pre-Race Prep: Make sure your pit settings (fuel, tire compounds, pressures) are correctly configured before the race.
In-Race Adjustments: Learn to use the navigation arrows in the pit menu to adapt on the fly — whether you need to fix aero damage or change a compound due to heavy tire wear.
Don’t Panic Pit: Practice pit entries and stops during the looping server sessions. Make mistakes before race day — not during it.
No Fuel? No Fun: Don’t be that person who runs out of fuel on the final lap. Plan ahead practice your stints lengths or use apps like (Fuel Calculator, or any other options available)
¶ Managing Your Stint and Setup Weaknesses
A 90-minute race is long enough to expose issues in your car setup or driving consistency.
What to look out for:
Tire Wear: Watch for falloff in grip during longer runs and adjust pressures or compound if needed.
Fuel Strategy: Calculate your fuel consumption per lap and build your strategy around it.
Adaptation: If something’s not working mid-race, don’t stick to a broken plan. Adjust, reset, and finish strong.
¶ Multiclass Traffic Management
Endurance racing means multiclass traffic is part of the game. Staying calm and making good decisions around other classes is crucial.
For Slower Classes (GT4):
Hold Your Line: Faster cars will find a way around — don’t swerve or panic.
Be Predictable: Consistency helps faster cars plan their passes safely.
For Faster Classes (LMP3):
Be Patient: Just because you're faster doesn't mean you can divebomb GT4s. Plan exits and passes.
Set Up Overtakes: Wait for straights or exit zones. Losing 1 second is better than ruining two races.
¶ Voice Chat Expectations During Endurance Events and any other RRR/RAR events
Voice chat is enabled during sessions for quick comms, but we ask that all drivers keep it calm, helpful, and focused.
Do ✅ :
Use short callouts: “Car right,” “Pitting this lap,” “Slow car ahead.”
Stay respectful if incidents happen — handle review requests post-race using the ticket tool in #request-staff channel in the Discord.
Don't ❌ :
Argue, rage, or talk over others during intense moments. We strongly recommend using a dedicated push-to-talk button on your wheel to limit chatter to a minimum in heated moments. So you can vent out loud while staying muted in the VC.
Use chat to call out incidents mid-race — report them after using the ticket tool in #request-staff
Note: Race control or staff may mute drivers during the race if necessary for clarity or focus. We would rather not have to mute anyone but if need be we won't ask twice.
¶ The Guest Car: Slow, Predictable, and Educational
Each event will try to include a Guest Car. This class is intentionally slower and will be driven by staff or volunteers.
What to know:
It will be slower than GT4s and Prototypes — treat it as moving scenery.
It’s predictable: Meant to help you practice safe passing and traffic management.
Don’t dive or panic: Just plan your move and pass cleanly.
Think of it as a practice lapping opportunity that shouldn't pose too much of a headache!
¶ Tools We Strongly Recommend
Sim racing tools help you race better, especially in close quarters or long stints.
Required/Recommended Apps:
A Radar App (Required): Use Helicorsa, CMRT, Car Radar or similar to track nearby cars.
Crew Chief (Recommended): Provides audio spotter info, gaps, and flag, warnings and fuel info. Endless customization and really helpful overall.
Content Manager with CSP 0.1.79+ (Required): Ensures race compatibility and server access.
Using the right tools builds good habits and helps prevent unnecessary contact.