The Race

[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]At the moment, we only have the half-built Stanton system to race in. As elements are completed, and Jump Points introduced, the race course will expand.

For now, the course will use the planets, moons and space stations that are available on Race Day. Race Day is (TBD) and we expect it to be an all day event.[/text_block]

[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]While this is a race, and speed matters, it is also a test of endurance. Crews must successfully navigate around the Stanton system, landing at predetermined Depots, in a predetermined order.

There will also be hazards beyond just the length of the course, that the race crews must avoid, or overcome. Many of the areas are unreported space. That means crews must be on the lookout for pirates, and raiders. Even in reported space, a cargo ship isn’t always safe.

Just finishing the race may prove difficult. A successful crew will be able to quickly and accurately navigate the course, while avoiding its dangers.[/text_block]

[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]Until Server Meshing has been completed, it will be necessary to use different servers for each class of race. It is expected by the Race Committee, that Server Meshing will be online before the first Jump Point opens.

Classes will start the race in staggered fashion, with the larger ships leaving first. While these ships tend to be faster in Quantum Travel, much of the race will be at lower relative speeds.

Race crews will be required to maneuver their ships around celestial markers without Quantum Drive. These markers may be space stations, moons or planets. Maneuvering around a station requires precision. Orbiting a planet requires skill. The best pilots will make the markers in the fastest time.[/text_block]

[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]On Race Day, all competitors will start out at the Start/Finish line. They will be required to navigate a winding path through the Stanton system, landing at specific Depots to exchange cargo, before continuing on with the race.

The Race Committee is currently working out the details of the course. Once the course is finalized, it will be posted, so that viewers can follow along as the race unfolds. This is an annual community event, so the course will change each year, to incorporate new elements of the Persistent Universe.[/text_block]

[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]Since this is an endurance race, all crews will be able to use support craft to supply them with parts, fuel and help with unforeseen circumstances.

These craft are for support only. They cannot be used as an escort. Such use is an automatic disqualification. Even while supplying their race craft, these support ships are unable to use their guns. That means race crews will need to plan when and where to request support, for best results.[/text_block]

[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]At each Depot along the course, each ship will be required to land, unload cargo in their hold, and reload new cargo into the hold.

This is both a requirement of CargOlympic Tryouts, and what Haulers do for a living. The best crews are fast, efficient, and accurate. Race Officials will be posted at all Depots to determine if crews make the required stop, and if they accurately unload and reload the correct cargo.

Race Officials are neutral parties, and will not correct a crew, if they unload or load the wrong cargo. They simply note any rules violations by a crew and ship.

Cargo can be anything, from gold to industrial waste. Vehicles may also be hauled as cargo. Cargos are rotated each year, so no one knows exactly what will be hauled during the race, until a few days before the race. Live cargo is another requirement for CargOlympic Tryouts. Simulated cargo can only go so far.[/text_block]