Rejects of LFS 2014-2015

[Ataxia]

Utterly dreadful.

[RealRacingRoots]

Points for Fazio, and McKane advanced although he has finally lost the points lead. Too bad D.A did one of the more stupid moves I've seen this season. This feature race could be a wild one if the Ai decides to be bad.

[DemocalypseNow]

MRT RoLFS driver Nobushige Fukuda dies at Kyoto Ring

Japanese driver Nobushige Fukuda has died in a tragic on-track accident at the penultimate round of the Rejects of LFS championship at the Kyoto Ring.

The 27 year old was a lap down and recovering from an earlier incident, when he was hit from behind by Tristan Jung. This pitched his car into multiple rolls, with the car eventually coming to rest upside down right in the middle of a fast section of track. Only seconds later, ignoring yellow flags, Tanner Jason came flying in at full speed and t-boned Fukuda's stranded MRT, sending the car high up into the air and smashing off the advertising hoarding above the track.

Fukuda had sustained multiple head injuries, his head smashing directly into the solid advertising hoarding above the track. He was taken directly to the nearest hospital, but died mid-flight while being helicoptered there.

This is the first fatality for the Rejects of LFS series, a championship known for its wheel-to-wheel nature and intense racing. Series organisers have yet to release a statement on the matter.

[TomWazzleshaw]

Words cannot describe how horrible I feel right now. Nobushige has been a cornerstone in our junior team for the last few months, and through all the turmoil, he's helped to galvanise the team as we looked forward to next season and working with him full-time. And then, to have this happen is just devastating for the entire team, and for myself personally as this has easily been the worst day in all my years in motorsport. On behalf of myself, the entire MRT Group and the nation of Tropico, Rest in Peace Nobushige Fukuda.

[DemocalypseNow]

Today is a low point in the history of our team, and motorsport in general. We have lost one of the drivers who had been part of our racing family for the longest, Nobushige had been working with us for several years now. He was a devoted professional, completely commited to his job and an excellent human being away from the track as well. His career was still growing, testing F1RWRS cars and already with a race contract in 2016. He was the most hard-working, commited driver I have ever seen, and it is a great loss for both ourselves and Melrose Racing Team to suffer. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Alasdair Lindsay
CEO, Il Barone Rampante

[RonDenisDeletraz]

I am shocked and saddened by this death, I spoke to Fukuda several times and he seemed like a really nice person. My condolences to his family

[Ataxia]

Today, we are saddened to learn of the passing of Nobushige Fukuda. He was a highly talented racer, and a very personable man. We had held negotiations with him regarding an RoLFS seat for 2016, and although the negotiations came to nothing he came into them with nothing but ambition and impeccable manners. He is a man that continued to do what he loved: racing, despite the dangers that come with highly competitive motorsports. Our condolences go to his family, and it will be apparent that Alitalia and MRT will be worse off without his presence. We will mark our cars with a special tribute message for the Nippon Super 200 in his memory. RIP, Nobushige Fukuda.

Best Regards,
Jake Legge, Owner/Team Principal of Fusion Motorsports.

[the Masked Lapwing]

I'm incredibly saddened by the passing of Nobushige, he was a very talented racer and a very respectful and kind person in the paddock. My condolences go out to his family and friends, and ZimSport will honour his memory at the Super 300 by running black wings on both of our cars.

[Nuppiz]

2015 Rejects of LFS Round of Kyoto Ring - Qualifying for the final


2015 Rejects of LFS Round of Kyoto Ring - Final results

ROTR: Tanner Jason

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Nobushige Fukuda in an accident during the Kyoto Ring final. Fukuda spun off the track on lap 20 of 24, and only managed to recover two laps later. Unfortunately, he rejoined the track straight in front of Tristan Jung, who was unable to avoid a collision and the MRT car was sent into a series of barrel rolls. Fukuda's car eventually landed upside down, and as he was trying to make his escape from the wreck, Tanner Jason came down the straight with full speed, completely ignoring the yellow flags that were being waved and rammed straight into Fukuda who stood no chance of surviving the force of the impact. Fukuda was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival with severe skull fractures and cerebral hemorrhaging.

While motor racing always has the element of danger, it is still a sport, and sports should never cause sorrow. We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Nobushige Fukuda and the employees of Melrose Racing Team and Il Barone Rampante.

Tanner Jason is now permanently banned from all Rejects of LFS competition for showing complete lack of respect towards the safety of his fellow competitors, and we strongly encourage all major series to follow suit.

In light of these events, the RoLFS Commission has decided to shorten next week's Nippon Super endurance event to 200 kilometers from its originally scheduled running length of 300 kilometers. Additionally, we have asked Judd and Zytek to urgently send their engineers to Japan to make the engines less powerful in an effort to reduce speeds. Finally, the winner of this event will receive a special memorial trophy named after Nobushige Fukuda.

13th September 2015 will remain a black day in modern motorsport history.

Penalty points accumulated in the heats:
Tanner Jason: infinite - shoved complete lack of spatial awareness and respect to others by ramming into Fukuda. Banned from ever racing in RoLFS again.
Yuki Matsudate: 25 (severely endangering fellow drivers, ignoring blue flags, drive-through penalty) - dangerously rejoined the track straight in front of Jung, causing a collision. Then went on to block his team mate after the pitstop to repair damages.
Viktor Pasitchnjuk: 10 (endangering fellow drivers) - punted Prost off the road.

Total penalty point standings:
Tanner Jason - infinite points (banned forever)
Pablo Galaz - 85 points (banned for the rest of the season)
Dean Melville - 64 points (ban already served)
Dorien Lamberigts - 64 points (ban already served)
Akira Yamamura - 63 points (banned for the rest of the season)
Alexandra Kustova - 60 points (ban already served)
Nobushige Fukuda - 37 points (ban already served)
Frank Tenpenny - 37 points (ban already served)
Yui Megumi - 34 points (ban now served)
Connor O'Heagan - 33 points (ban now served)
-----------
Diego Álvarez Torrente - 27 points
Tristan Jung - 25 points
Yuki Matsudate - 25 points
Simon Garfünkel - 22 points
Mika Paasonen - 20 points
Viktor Pasitchnjuk - 20 points
Nathan McKane - 17 points
Renato Bulku - 15 points
Alexandre Dorval - 15 points
Jason Hamilton - 15 points
Helio Hernandez - 15 points
Antonio Fazio - 15 points
Karl van Der Zwaart - 14 points
Andrea Bianchi - 12 points
Marcos Marcia - 12 points
Sebastian Prost - 10 points
Dieter Hallenstein - 10 points
Martyn Rietacher - 10 points
Hiroto Tojo - 10 points
Cave Johnson - 10 points
Martin McGovern - 9 points
Benoît Voeckler - 5 points
Ivan Lanin - 5 points
Daniel Melrose - 2 points

Budgets
Standings
Video

[tristan1117]

I am shocked and deeply upset after today's fatal incident. Although I could not possibly have avoided Fukuda's car, I still regret my involvement in the accident. My condolences to Nobushige Fukuda's family, friends, Il Barone Rampante and Mr. Lindsay. The entire Tarantino Autosport team echoes my sentiments.

[pasta_maldonado]

Press Conference called at the team's base in Romford, England

The whole of the Plus One Group has been incredibly saddened by the tragic passing of Nobishuge Fukuda at the Kyoto Ring RoLFS event this weekend.His death comes a shock to the whole racing community.

Nobishuge was a beacon for the true values of racing. Often known as a journeyman, his career, although not distinguished, showed his commitment, and most importantly, love of driving was present in everything he did. I had the pleasure of meeting with him earlier this season trackside at Aston, and from this brief conversation, he proved to be the charming charismatic man I'd heard about.

His death should be taken as the stepping stone for a new era of safety and professionalism in RWRS. Let us learn from the mistakes of his undfortunate passing, and whilst remembering his life, be comforted by the fact he died doing the thing he loved most - driving

Our condolences go out to his family and friends in this difficult time

Luke Knight, Plus One Group

We would like to run black airboxes with the message RIP Nobishuge on them for the next round

[FMecha]

Takagi Racing Enterprises would like to put "Sayonara Nobushige" in the rear wings (in Japanese, with the rear wings colored black) for the next race and suggests that NS200 be renamed Nobushige Fukuda Memorial Trophy.

Also, Ximelez has left TRE from his job as TRE's test driver. (because I feel the NationStates gimmick is no longer necessary)

[RonDenisDeletraz]

(because I feel the NationStates gimmick is no longer necessary)

It never was necessary in the first place

If possible RBWRT would like to run a black airbox with a Jamanese flag on it

[the Masked Lapwing]

Actual statement from Melville when he saw the video:

If you spin out once, it's practically a guaranteed "Go directly to last, do not pass cars, do not collect pole position."

[DalekSam]

All staff and members at Winton Racing wish to give our condolences to the family of Nobushige Fukuda and all of his loved ones after his fatal collision at the Kyoto Ring feature race. As this is motorsport, accidents like this are to be expected. We also wish to give our condolences to the Melrose Racing Team as while they were a new team to this series much like us, if it weren't for them we wouldn't have Nathan McKane driving in the main series.

Winton Racing will be using a modified livery for the Nippon Super 200 in tribute of Fukuda's death.

God speed, Nobushige, there's a never ending race in the sky awaiting.

Winton Racing is allowing MRT to use McKane as a replacement for Fukuda if both parties agree. In which case, we will be running Larsen for the NS200.

[Nuppiz]

Post-race investigation into Tristan Jung's collision with Nobushige Fukuda has revealed that not only were yellow flags out at the scene, but Jung also did not even attempt to avoid Fukuda.

Tristan Jung is hereby disqualified from the championship standings and banned from RoLFS competition until 2018.

[FMecha]

Post-race investigation into Tristan Jung's collision with Nobushige Fukuda has revealed that not only were yellow flags out at the scene, but Jung also did not even attempt to avoid Fukuda.

Tristan Jung is hereby disqualified from the championship standings and banned from RoLFS competition until 2018.

TRE views that Jung responded too late to avoid Fukuda and will convince Tarantino Autosport to support our protest.

[AndreaModa]

Whilst this investigation seems only fair in light of what's happened in previous races, and the severity of the incident itself, we're setting a very dangerous precedent here for future events. To be honest, with the way the LFS AI works, I'm quite certain this won't be the last time an incident like this occurs, and it's not fair on the users of the drivers affected (whether injured or penalised) to be hit so heavily when the outcome was completely unpredictable. By that I mean, the fact that the drivers are all identical in terms of ability means it's not like there's some hotheads or crazy drivers in the field that have been programmed that way. That incident could have had anyone involved, the fact it was Tanner Jason who has a history of crashes and incidents has just fueled the "inquisition" that has followed.

In my opinion, the game used should be changed for 2016, because this is only going to happen again, and more drivers are going to get 'injured' or banned, and that's not very fair.

[Warren Hughes]

Pemberton Prospec Racing statement:

It was with great shock and sadness that we at Pemberton Prospec Racing heard of the tragic loss of Nobushige Fukuda at the recent RoLFS round in Japan. We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

This terrible tragedy is not only a reminder of the dangers involved with this sport that we love, but also a wake-up call regarding the driving standards in all the junior categories, particularly RoLFS. This series already has a reputation for poor standards and dangerous driving, and it is desperately sad that these have led to such a horrific event occurring. We can only hope that the drivers in all series take note, and remember to be more careful in future.

Nevertheless, this is not the time to open a debate about driving standards, rather it is a time to remember a happy, friendly and talented young man cruelly snatched away from us. RIP Nobushige Fukuda.

[Warren Hughes]

Whilst this investigation seems only fair in light of what's happened in previous races, and the severity of the incident itself, we're setting a very dangerous precedent here for future events. To be honest, with the way the LFS AI works, I'm quite certain this won't be the last time an incident like this occurs, and it's not fair on the users of the drivers affected (whether injured or penalised) to be hit so heavily when the outcome was completely unpredictable. By that I mean, the fact that the drivers are all identical in terms of ability means it's not like there's some hotheads or crazy drivers in the field that have been programmed that way. That incident could have had anyone involved, the fact it was Tanner Jason who has a history of crashes and incidents has just fueled the "inquisition" that has followed.

In my opinion, the game used should be changed for 2016, because this is only going to happen again, and more drivers are going to get 'injured' or banned, and that's not very fair.

I have to say I agree with this.

[FMecha]

Whilst this investigation seems only fair in light of what's happened in previous races, and the severity of the incident itself, we're setting a very dangerous precedent here for future events. To be honest, with the way the LFS AI works, I'm quite certain this won't be the last time an incident like this occurs, and it's not fair on the users of the drivers affected (whether injured or penalised) to be hit so heavily when the outcome was completely unpredictable. By that I mean, the fact that the drivers are all identical in terms of ability means it's not like there's some hotheads or crazy drivers in the field that have been programmed that way. That incident could have had anyone involved, the fact it was Tanner Jason who has a history of crashes and incidents has just fueled the "inquisition" that has followed.

In my opinion, the game used should be changed for 2016, because this is only going to happen again, and more drivers are going to get 'injured' or banned, and that's not very fair.

Pointrox tried that back when this series was known as F1RLFS - and it was a disaster, Moda. I don't think Nuppiz have another game (apart from F1C) to simulate the races, either.

[Warren Hughes]

Whilst this investigation seems only fair in light of what's happened in previous races, and the severity of the incident itself, we're setting a very dangerous precedent here for future events. To be honest, with the way the LFS AI works, I'm quite certain this won't be the last time an incident like this occurs, and it's not fair on the users of the drivers affected (whether injured or penalised) to be hit so heavily when the outcome was completely unpredictable. By that I mean, the fact that the drivers are all identical in terms of ability means it's not like there's some hotheads or crazy drivers in the field that have been programmed that way. That incident could have had anyone involved, the fact it was Tanner Jason who has a history of crashes and incidents has just fueled the "inquisition" that has followed.

In my opinion, the game used should be changed for 2016, because this is only going to happen again, and more drivers are going to get 'injured' or banned, and that's not very fair.

Pointrox tried that back when this series was known as F1RLFS - and it was a disaster, Moda. I don't think Nuppiz have another game (apart from F1C) to simulate the races, either.

Well he doesn't use LFS for the Life series...

[Nuppiz]

In my opinion, the game used should be changed for 2016, because this is only going to happen again, and more drivers are going to get 'injured' or banned, and that's not very fair.

Oh, I would happily change the game to, say, F1 Challenge 99-02 (which TBH is the only other modern racing simulation in my possession). LFS has a very limited selection of tracks, the AI lacks any sort of respect towards fellow competitors, there's a limit of max. 20 drivers per race and recording the highlights takes many, many hours. In comparison F1C has a huge selection of tracks, the AI is a bit better (although it sometimes makes rather erratic moves, as seen in the Life GP Series), there is no artificial limit on how many cars can take part in one race, each driver has his/her own skillset, and most importantly (to myself) the replay system is infinitely better so it only takes less than one third of the time it takes in LFS to record all highlights.

The only problem I see is that this would remove a lot from the uniqueness of the series, instead making it very similar with F2RWRS and F3RWRS (and to a lesser extent, F1RWRS and F1RDS).

[the Masked Lapwing]

In my opinion, the game used should be changed for 2016, because this is only going to happen again, and more drivers are going to get 'injured' or banned, and that's not very fair.

Oh, I would happily change the game to, say, F1 Challenge 99-02 (which TBH is the only other modern racing simulation in my possession). LFS has a very limited selection of tracks, the AI lacks any sort of respect towards fellow competitors, there's a limit of max. 20 drivers per race and recording the highlights takes many, many hours. In comparison F1C has a huge selection of tracks, the AI is a bit better (although it sometimes makes rather erratic moves, as seen in the Life GP Series), there is no artificial limit on how many cars can take part in one race, each driver has his/her own skillset, and most importantly (to myself) the replay system is infinitely better so it only takes less than one third of the time it takes in LFS to record all highlights.

The only problem I see is that this would remove a lot from the uniqueness of the series, instead making it very similar with F2RWRS and F3RWRS (and to a lesser extent, F1RWRS and F1RDS).

Well, if you can still simulate tyre, engine and chassis differences, it should still be good. And in my opinion, this would be a small price to pay for having the series visit tracks in common with the other series.

[Nuppiz]

Well, if you can still simulate tyre, engine and chassis differences, it should still be good. And in my opinion, this would be a small price to pay for having the series visit tracks in common with the other series.

I'm rather unfamiliar with F1C's tyre physics, so most likely the differences between each brand would be purely cosmetic (although it has to be said that the tyres haven't worked as originally planned in LFS either). Also, due to the difficulty in getting the brand textures work properly, we'd most likely have to cut down to a maximum of three manufacturers, in the worst case to a single manufacturer. Different engines can be simulated with more variety (for example the first one of them could be the most reliable, the second would offer a smooth torque curve and the third would offer maximum peak power). The chassis differences can be simulated even more accurately with dozens of different variables to change from overall drag to the downforce generated to the overall mass of the car. Besides, with the driver skill system there's less need for the cars to be different to make the results variable.

And yes, I mentioned mechanical reliability - that's another factor that would be added by switching to F1C.

[Ataxia]

If you switch it to F1C, I can imagine that this would better serve as the FR3.5 in the series. Also, you don't HAVE to stick to the RWRS circuits; maybe support one or two but largely build up your own calendar. If you can find a FR3.5 or a GP2 2011 shape we'd have a variation in car shapes compared to F2 and F3RWRS.

Just my $0.02.

[Nessafox]

As Fukuda has been sacked by GTI earlier in the season, this feels rather awkward.
We would like to race sponsorless, and put a big 'thank you, Nobushige ' on our car.

On side of that, GTI finally has credits to do one update.

[Ataxia]

Updated Fusion Livery: http://i46.tinypic.com/2qscx8k.jpg

[Nuppiz]

If you switch it to F1C, I can imagine that this would better serve as the FR3.5 in the series. Also, you don't HAVE to stick to the RWRS circuits; maybe support one or two but largely build up your own calendar. If you can find a FR3.5 or a GP2 2011 shape we'd have a variation in car shapes compared to F2 and F3RWRS.

Just my $0.02.

Well, I'm currently testing a 2008 Formula Nippon Mod that I found. And the calendar would most likely be very different from the other RWRS calendars. Of course, the name of the series will change as well, but that's the least of out worries...

[Phoenix]

I am speechless, but I shall overcome it and make an honest and straightforward statement.

Today is easily the worst day I've ever had in motor racing, alongside the day we lost Tom Walkinshaw. I can't believe one of my drivers is directly responsible for the death of a fellow competitor, a driver I've always supported and negotiated for him to be in F1RWRS next season. The fact he ignored yellow flags was unexcusable, and he should count himself lucky he wasn't injured in the crash. We'll not protest the decisions made by the board of excluding him from the championship and banning him from competing in the RoLFS series.

I want to present my dearest apologies to Nobushige Fukuda's family, friends and team. We'll also shoulder all the expenses derived from this regrettable episode.

Last, but by no means least, I want to make a call regarding the unacceptably poor driving standards of the competitors at the RoLFS series. While it was Jason and Tristan Jung who got involved in the mess, I have a feeling it could have been anyone. All of the drivers have acted like absolute lunatics at pretty much every race and this has to change. Otherwise, it is with great sadness that Aeroracing Engineering will withdraw from the RoLFS series indefinitely. Nobushige Fukuda's death cannot be in vain.

That does it. It is with enormous pain that I retire from motosport. Forever. I can't believe what has just happened. I don't want to be near or in a racing car ever again. I'll use my qualification in Medicine to work as a doctor from now on. Perhaps even start a foundation named after Nobushige Fukuda to improve safety in motor sport. I think this is the way I want to live my life from now on. I want to offer my sincerest apologies to Fukuda's loved ones. May he rest in peace.

[tristan1117]

Post-race investigation into Tristan Jung's collision with Nobushige Fukuda has revealed that not only were yellow flags out at the scene, but Jung also did not even attempt to avoid Fukuda.

Tristan Jung is hereby disqualified from the championship standings and banned from RoLFS competition until 2018.

TRE views that Jung responded too late to avoid Fukuda and will convince Tarantino Autosport to support our protest.

What? There was no way I could avoid Fukuda's car without spinning off myself! Not to insult the late Mr. Fukuda, but circling around for two laps near the racing line is an equally unsafe maneuver. When I entered the corner, I had about a second to react to Fukuda's car going slowly on the racing line because on the last lap, I had assumed that he was still off-track. Tanner Jason had a good amount of time to react to Fukuda's flipped car. Tarantino Autosport will appeal the decision. In fact, after viewing the safety levels of this series, I was planning on officially retiring from the RoLFS to focus on the F1RICS anyway. Collin Pratchett will be replacing me for the remainder of the season.

[The Lukas]

the Ural Racing team is deeply shocked by what had happened, we offer deep and sincere condolences Nobushige Fukuda's family, friends and team,also believe that a similar tragedy will never happen again, but we hope that changes are made to improve the safety of drivers so that a similar tragedy never happened

Best regards and deep sympathy
Ural Racing principal,Gennady Kruchenko
and drivers, engineers, and other staff team

Ural Racing Livery to next race
Colors:Black and Silver
Sponosors:No Sponsors,only Black ribbon

[Nuppiz]

So, it is decided then. From 2016 onwards, Rejects of LFS is no more. Instead, I'll be using F1 Challenge 99-02 due to its many advantages over LFS. This new series will still be of the same continuity as RoLFS, though.

NS200 and Aston 24H will go forward as planned, but they will be the last races I will run with LFS. Tristan Jung's ban has been reduced by one year and it only covers the rest of 2015 and 2016. However, it must be said than Jung still could've avoided the accident without being forced to spin: he had at least two and a half seconds from the moment he most likely saw Fukuda to just slightly change his racing line to avoid impact. And even when the accident was imminent, he did not even brake at all.

I'll work on the sorrow liveries during this week - I've already done ZimSport and MRT (if you still want a completely black livery, that is).

Here are some previews:
MasterCard Lancia (by Stramala)



ZimSport


MRT


Fusion (by Atax1a)

[DalekSam]

Here's the Winton Racing NS200 tribute liveries.

Nathan McKane
Ragnar Larsen

Again, McKane is available to MRT should they choose to use him as Fukuda's replacement, so I've prepared a livery for Larsen.

Also re: moving to F1C, while I wholeheartedly support this, is there any templates (PSD, preferrably) for any mod you choose? I'm extremely anal about having the ability to have control over skinning things :S

[Nuppiz]

Also re: moving to F1C, while I wholeheartedly support this, is there any templates (PSD, preferrably) for any mod you choose? I'm extremely anal about having the ability to have control over skinning things :S

That depends entirely on what mod I choose; whatever my choice is, it must work well and be easily moddable. Most likely there won't be a ready template at hand, so I'll have to create one from scratch based on the skin BMPs like in LGPS. It might reduce quality a bit, but the cars usually pass the camera at such speed that there's hardly any time to look at the car in detail.

And the livery looks like this:

[Nuppiz]

SPYSHOT: Here's next year's RoLFS (or whatever it will be called) car:

[Gerudo Dragon]

SPYSHOT: Here's next year's RoLFS (or whatever it will be called) car:

Formula Nippon, eh? I always liked the look of their cars.

[pi314159]

I'd like to join the new series, could you please put me on the waiting list?

[Nuppiz]

Formula Nippon, eh? I always liked the look of their cars.

Yeah, just need to try sorting out the tyre textures, although I doubt that I can get multiple manufacturers working.

Added Pi on the waiting list.

[The Lukas]

Ural Racing is interesed to join the new series