Output Racing League is set to kick off its premiere series for 2025, returning to the NextGen cars for the first time since 2023 with a few rule changes and a revamped schedule. As the engines rev up, drivers and fans alike are preparing for a season that promises to be both challenging and unpredictable.

Playoff Format Stays

Similar to last season, the top 10 drivers in the standings after 12 races will engage in a 4-race championship. Strikingly, there will be no bonus points from the regular season, eliminating any safety net for competitors who coasted in on a big cushion. The absence of elimination rounds heightens the pressure on drivers to maintain consistency throughout the post-season.

Two-Stage Drama

Stage races continue. The races will be divided, with the first stage covering approximately 30% of the total race length. Crucially, cautions will not interrupt the action at the end of a stage. Instead, the top 10 drivers at the end of stage 1 will be awarded 10–1 points as they run, adding a strategic layer to the competition.

Farewell to Team Standings

In a surprising move, the league bids farewell to team standings, placing a renewed emphasis on individual driver performance. This change aims to create a more driver-centric narrative, allowing each competitor to shine independently.

Strategic Provisionals

The two automatic provisionals available to drivers remain a pivotal aspect of the season. Each provisional is equivalent to last place points minus five, offering drivers strategic opportunities to recover from life events, power outages, or catastrophic feline assault on precious electronic equipment.

Schedule Adjustments and Highlights

The 16-week schedule closely mirrors the NASCAR Cup Series but introduces some notable changes. The Daytona opener adopts a classic Speedweeks format, escalating the stakes with top two qualifiers advancing and subsequent duels setting the starting order. Okayama makes its debut, replacing COTA, while old Atlanta replaces the new Atlanta, Auto Club steps in for Martinsville, old Texas replaces new Texas, Dover replaces North Wilksboro. The playoff tracks include Charlotte, Michigan, Pocono, and the finale at Chicagoland.

Broadcasting and Sponsorships

Output partners with Aussie Sim Commentator for the broadcast. Sponsorships pay for the broadcasting and other Output expenses to host the league. Please consider sponsoring a race for $10 to pay for these costs. If people do not sponsor races, we will have no choice but to remove broadcasting from the league.

Recruitment Drive

Amidst these transformations, Output Racing League is actively seeking new members. Racers interested in joining iRacing's premier west-coast-friendly oval league can apply at outputracing.com.

As the 2025 season unfolds, Output Racing League promises a narrative of strategic racing, individual prowess, and unpredictable outcomes. The virtual tracks are set, and the racers are gearing up for a season that will undoubtedly test their skills and resilience. Stay tuned for updates as Output Racing League takes virtual racing to new heights.