Team Auto Racing Format

Abstract

A method of automotive racing wherein at least two teams of vehicles race each other to determine the winning team to create an unparalleled, action-packed experience for fans of automotive racing. Such a racing format also allows for the successful creation of a racing league that offers fans home teams and a true playoff system with a championship race.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method of conducting an automotive race wherein:
 (a) at least two teams compete against each other,   (b) each team contains a plurality of vehicles and drivers,   (c) vehicles travel in the same direction around a track,   (d) each vehicle must maintain a minimum speed in order to qualify as a race participant,   (e) vehicles are permitted to impede the progress of other vehicles,   (f) contact among vehicles is allowed,   (g) there is a least one race segment,   (h) a team wins a race by winning the most race segments, and   (i) a team wins a race segment by a number of means including having a vehicle that is the first to reach a set lap threshold or having a vehicle that completes the most laps by the expiration of a race segment.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a race segment is timed. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein certain rules vary by track including the specific means of winning a race segment, whether or not race segments are timed, the time for a race segment (if applicable), the number of race segments, the number of teams racing, the number of vehicles racing per team, the vehicle starting and re-starting alignments, the use or not of a pace vehicle or vehicles, the vehicle and driver substitution rules, and the minimum required speed. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a limited number of vehicles are randomly assigned to teams from a pool of standardized vehicles for use in a race. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein only limited adjustments to allotted vehicles are permitted. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the standardized vehicles and setups used vary by track. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein vehicles are equipped with lights and sensors to indicate when a vehicle qualifies as a race participant. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein vehicles are fabricated to shield tires from direct contact with other vehicles or the track wall. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the combination of race segment length, vehicle fuel tank size, and vehicle tires enable the completion of a race segment without needing to make a pit stop. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a vehicle can be substituted for another vehicle during a race. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a driver can be substituted for another driver during a race. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a race segment starts and re-starts in a number of different formations including vehicles starting from a stopped position, vehicles starting behind one or more pace vehicles, vehicles starting in a single group, or vehicles starting in separate groups. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the formation for starting a race segment differs from the formation for re-starting a race segment. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the clock for a race segment is paused for any race interruption such as due to a wreck. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein upon race interruption vehicles are given a set period of time to make a pit stop and then assume the re-start position. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a vehicle running below the minimum speed is penalized for impeding or otherwise engaging other vehicles. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a vehicle must exit a race segment for failing to maintain the minimum speed. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein races are run in the rain through the use of rain tires and reduced minimum speeds. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1  wherein certain drivers are associated with tracks, not teams. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1  wherein fans are permitted to ride along or serve as substitute drivers.