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VEC Introduction to Season 18 - Next chapter, same legacy!

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Jimmi Allison

Jimmi Allison

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6 February 2014
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vec_season18.jpg​

Virtual Endurance Championship – Season 18​

Next Chapter. Same Legacy.
After 11 seasons on rFactor 2 (and 6 before that on rFactor 1), the Virtual Endurance Championship enters a new era:

We're moving to Le Mans Ultimate​

Key Changes for Season 18
  • New platform: Le Mans Ultimate
  • Max 38 entries per division
  • Max 2 divisions
  • Class limits: (can be changed, but this is to give you an idea)
    • Hypercar: 14
    • LMP2: 10
    • GT3: 14
  • 8-round calendar
  • One championship per class
  • Teams move between divisions every 2 races based on performance
---
Team Requirements
  • 2 to 5 drivers per team
  • Each driver must have:
    • Season Pass
    • SRC License (minimum Rookie)
  • Team Manager = person who registers the car
  • Early sign-up available via Premium or Pro team tiers (optional)
---

Car list​

Hypercars:
  • Alpine A424
  • Aston Martin Valkyrie
  • BMW M Hybrid V8
  • Cadillac V-LMDh
  • Ferrari 499P
  • Glickenhaus SGC007
  • Isotta Fraschini
  • Lamborghini SC63
  • Peugeot 9X8 (2023 + 2024)
  • Porsche 963
  • Toyota GR010
  • Vanwall 680
LMP2:
  • Oreca 07
GT3:
  • Aston Martin Vantage AMR
  • BMW M4 GT3
  • Corvette Z06 GT3.R
  • Ferrari 296 GT3
  • Ford Mustang GT3
  • Lamborghini Huracan EVO2
  • Lexus RC-F GT3
  • McLaren 720s EVO
  • Mercedes-AMG LMGT3
  • Porsche 911 GT3 R
---

Season Pass​

  • Required for all drivers
  • Covers servers, commentary, plugins, and development tools
  • Can be gifted via the account upgrade page
---

Entry Tiers​

  • Basic: Free – opens August 4, 18:00 CEST
  • Premium: €39.99 – opens August 3, 18:00 CEST
  • Pro: €49.99 – opens August 2, 18:00 CEST
For full perk comparison between tiers, see the second post below.
---

License Info​

  • Drivers must have at least a Rookie SRC license
  • Managers do not need a license unless they intend to drive
  • Higher classes require higher license grades (see class breakdown)
---

Divisions & Format​

  • Up to 2 divisions of 38 teams
  • Division placement based on:
    • Previous results
    • Driver behavior
    • Preseason performance
    • Commitment in past seasons
  • Division re-sorting every 2 rounds (based on recent results)
  • Reserve list begins after 38 entries
  • Engineer role has been removed
---

Preseason​

  • One official preseason event
  • Used for final division sorting
---

Classes & Driver Requirements​

Hypercar (Top Class)
  • Strict preseason review
  • Required: 1 Platinum, 1 Gold OR 2 Silvers
  • Then: Up to 3 Bronze, max 1 Rookie
LMP2
  • Requires strong awareness in multi-class traffic
  • Required: 1 Platinum, 1 Gold, 1 Silver OR 2 Bronze
  • Then: Max 2 Rookies
GT3
  • Open to new drivers
  • Focus on awareness and consistency
If you are new to VEC but have experience elsewhere, before you sign up you can get a higher provisional license. Read more here
---

Balance of Performance (BoP)​

BoP is handled entirely by Studio 397.
Pick the car you like and accept possible performance balancing throughout the season.

---

Broadcasts​

  • Division 1 will be broadcast live
  • Division 2 coverage is TBD (plugin/manual camera may be used if resources allow)
---

Livery Submission​

We are currently in the process to review liveries and how it can be locally stored as well.
---

Official Practice​

  • Pro teams will vote on the official practice day
---

Prizes​

  • No monetary prize
  • Custom-designed trophy for the winning team
---

Final Reminders​

  • Entry list will be posted shortly after sign-ups close
  • Drivers MUST have Season Pass by this point
  • Reserve list begins after 38 confirmed entries
---

Disclaimer​

  • Live track marshals may not be present for every race
  • Marshals cannot assign or remove penalties — only review Code 80s
  • Division 1 broadcast may be impacted by real-life scheduling
  • Note that there is 2 empty months in the schedule, first off this is to give us a break from simracing but also in case something is wrong with the game on 1.0 launch, so we can move the calender slightly. This will be consulted with the Pro Council.
  • Once purchased there will not be offered refunds.
If you cannot accept the conditions above, do not sign up.
By signing up, you agree to all terms outlined in this post.
---
Grab your Season Pass, get your licenses in order, and we’ll see you on the grid for VEC Season 18: Next Chapter. Same Legacy.
 
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Explainatory post regarding what perks you can gain with Premium, Pro and + accounts.
There is no competiton value added to any of the perks

Driver perks explained:
You will support us and development into future seasons
You will get special forum access, such as editing post for a longer period, adding longer signature, edit custom title and a support banner

Team perks explained:
Access to races
Entry into all official VEC events for the season, including main championship rounds.

Early sign-up access
Premium teams get to register 24 hours before public release; Pro teams get in 48 hours early. Helps secure preferred car/class before slots fill up.

Line-up changes
The number of times a team can change its driver roster during the season. Pro teams have full flexibility.

VEC Pro Council voting
Pro teams vote on key league decisions (e.g. race lengths, format changes, future season planning). Adds influence and agency.

Pro Roundtable access
Exclusive Discord sessions (voice or text) with VEC admins before and mid-season for feedback, questions, and discussion.

Discord team role
Teams get a unique role tag and visibility in the VEC Discord. Pro teams may get a private thread for internal use.

Media mentions
Featured in official race reports, social posts, or highlights if notable results or storylines arise.
We want to actually finally take advantage of our social channels.

Pro-only leaderboard
Shows rankings of only the Pro teams within each class (Hypercar, LMP2, GT3). Recognizes top-tier performance among elite teams.

Team spotlight
A dedicated Discord/social post showcasing the team’s identity, roster, and achievements. One spotlight per Pro team per season.

Early voting/schedule info
Get advanced notice of the calendar, track reveals, or special format announcements before general release.

Legacy car number reservation
Teams with long-term history (3+ seasons) can reserve a preferred car number when registering.

Pre-Le Mans intro clip
Optional video submission featured in the official Le Mans broadcast or build-up media.

Team profile on website
All teams are listed on the VEC website. Pro teams get a custom banner or car image included.

Pro Team Graphics Pack
Downloadable media kit for social use: team banner, car render, Discord icon, and stat graphic to promote your entry.

Next Chapter. Same Legacy. This is The Virtual Endurance Championship.
 
Hi Jimmi,

A question regarding the license requirements: looking at the entry requirements for Hypercar and LMP2, I see that at least a platinum driver is required. Looking at the amount of drivers with a platinum license (also counting the more inactive ones), would it not be an extreme stretch to get HY/LMP2 teams together?

I think I will be able to manage to get the requirements together, but I fear for other teams with less championship experience.
 
Jurgen van Bergen said:
Hi Jimmi,

A question regarding the license requirements: looking at the entry requirements for Hypercar and LMP2, I see that at least a platinum driver is required. Looking at the amount of drivers with a platinum license (also counting the more inactive ones), would it not be an extreme stretch to get HY/LMP2 teams together?

I think I will be able to manage to get the requirements together, but I fear for other teams with less championship experience.
Click to expand...
I also want to highlight this. There will be very good drivers coming into the series for the first time from ACC/Iracing who will have to start as rookies but they will be very quick and experienced.. which is ok but only in GT3.. I think requiring a plat licence instead of a gold/silver/rookie option for P2/Hyper will be difficult to source for some teams.
 
Jurgen van Bergen said:
Hi Jimmi,

A question regarding the license requirements: looking at the entry requirements for Hypercar and LMP2, I see that at least a platinum driver is required. Looking at the amount of drivers with a platinum license (also counting the more inactive ones), would it not be an extreme stretch to get HY/LMP2 teams together?

I think I will be able to manage to get the requirements together, but I fear for other teams with less championship experience.
Click to expand...
We've been racing for 3 years in D1 LMP2, even got our first podium at the end of the championship last season, this rule means we are out for next season while we are two golds and a silver drivers.
So... Yes, it seems a bit arsh.
 
Hello all.

This is great news! LMU Yess!

Im sorry, but no Mercedes LMGT3 in LMGT3 entry to choose from? Why? Can i ask?
 
Jurgen van Bergen said:
Hi Jimmi,

A question regarding the license requirements: looking at the entry requirements for Hypercar and LMP2, I see that at least a platinum driver is required. Looking at the amount of drivers with a platinum license (also counting the more inactive ones), would it not be an extreme stretch to get HY/LMP2 teams together?

I think I will be able to manage to get the requirements together, but I fear for other teams with less championship experience.
Click to expand...
Hi Jurgen (and the rest that asked about this), good point(s) and i have also been thinking about this. We did tweak it for last season, but especially with a game switch me might want to review this again. It should be limited, but limited in a way that we ensure its good drivers that can manage traffic. Probably needs a tweak, i´ll review and ultimately review with pro council.
 
Pedro Ramada said:
Hello all.

This is great news! LMU Yess!

Im sorry, but no Mercedes LMGT3 in LMGT3 entry to choose from? Why? Can i ask?
Click to expand...
It is not released yet, we cant use cars that is not yet released - let me add them as they will obviously be released before sign up.
Fixed ;)
 
Callum Cripps said:
I also want to highlight this. There will be very good drivers coming into the series for the first time from ACC/Iracing who will have to start as rookies but they will be very quick and experienced.. which is ok but only in GT3.. I think requiring a plat licence instead of a gold/silver/rookie option for P2/Hyper will be difficult to source for some teams.
Click to expand...
Also replying to this.
ACC/iRacing will be hard to manage tbh, it is 2 totally different games, however we can consider using ratings from those games, to at least some extend. But this is a bigger task and only can be done manually. I´ll review it as promised before.
Charlie Rigo said:
We've been racing for 3 years in D1 LMP2, even got our first podium at the end of the championship last season, this rule means we are out for next season while we are two golds and a silver drivers.
So... Yes, it seems a bit arsh.
Click to expand...
This is a good point, infact better than ACC/iRacing - as we are of course a community - which has higher prio.

I´ll review, we are not trying to limit drivers - we are just trying to limit who goes where, but obviously Hypercars in LMU is not like it was in rFactor 2. I expect LMP2 entries like yours can go hypercars without anything to worry about.
 
Thanks for reviewing the requeriments Jimmi. In our team we are 2 golds and 4 bronzes and, to be honest, I don't expect any of us wanting to drive GT3 because we are driving LMP2 for 3 seasons and I think we demonstrated we are safe (and quick) enough to keep driving prototypes. I was going to buy a couple of Pro team passes for a HY and a LMP2, but the requeriments scared me out, to be honest.
 
Sergio Mendez said:
Thanks for reviewing the requeriments Jimmi. In our team we are 2 golds and 4 bronzes and, to be honest, I don't expect any of us wanting to drive GT3 because we are driving LMP2 for 3 seasons and I think we demonstrated we are safe (and quick) enough to keep driving prototypes. I was going to buy a couple of Pro team passes for a HY and a LMP2, but the requeriments scared me out, to be honest.
Click to expand...
No worries, just doing work now (yeah guess what i am looking into.... iRacing of all games) and then i will try and sit down and come up with better requirements that fit s18.
 
My opinion is that for any of the prototypes, whether LMP2 or HY, the minimum license should be at least SILVER, and at least one of them should be GOLD, although preferably they should be PLATINUM. Only in the event that not all HY or LMP2 spots are filled would it be possible to complete the grid with teams that do not have a PLATINUM driver.

A driver with a SR lower than SILVER should not be able to drive a prototype in a multi-class race.

Currently, reaching Silver in LMU is relatively easy; you just have to complete about twenty daily races without getting into accidents and being careful not to leave the track limits, which does not guarantee that you know how to drive in a multi-class race.
 
Jose Alvarez said:
My opinion is that for any of the prototypes, whether LMP2 or HY, the minimum license should be at least SILVER, and at least one of them should be GOLD, although preferably they should be PLATINUM. Only in the event that not all HY or LMP2 spots are filled would it be possible to complete the grid with teams that do not have a PLATINUM driver.

A driver with a SR lower than SILVER should not be able to drive a prototype in a multi-class race.

Currently, reaching Silver in LMU is relatively easy; you just have to complete about twenty daily races without getting into accidents and being careful not to leave the track limits, which does not guarantee that you know how to drive in a multi-class race.
Click to expand...
I think that the licenses requeriments are not in-game based, but Simracingclub ones, where getting higher than bronze demands much more than the in-game's where it's easy to get Platinum safety rating as you said.
 
Jimmi Im curious, why we cant have the engineer role and be able to be on the server as spectator helping the racing driver?

It's a server security measure? For the racing experience to run smoothy, is that it?
 
It doesn't make much sense to use the levels from other simulators and not those from Le Mans Ultimate. Those who have been racing in LMU for months have considerably more experience. In any case, the historical criterion has been the VEC level.

We hope these aspects will be clarified soon so we can plan the season, given that we want to continue competing in the VEC, where we have been since Season 8.
 
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