VCO’s FLExTREME esports series set to shake up Balance of Performance system

Virtual Competition Organisation (VCO) has announced a collaboration with sim racing community Low Fuel Motorsport (LFM) by bringing forward plans for its FLExTREME esports series.

Using Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC), VCO and LFM are scheduling six races between late November and mid-February, using a mixture of GT3, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) and BMW M2 CS Racing vehicles.

Races 3 and 5 are set to be single-make Porsche and BMW races, with the remainder being standard GT3 events. Interestingly, however, VCO intends to let teams pick their GT3 cars in a special Draft Show while offering a one-of-a-kind ‘BoP budget’.

This means cars will be given larger weight penalties if chosen by several teams. However, teams can also decide how to distribute the weight across all four races, potentially leading to instances of sacrificing performance in one round to ensure competitiveness in others.

As expected, prize money will be based on finishing positions, but the fastest lap, best overtaking manoeuvre and most positions gained in a race will also be rewarded, ensuring teams further back on the grid can get in on the action. A total prize pool of €10,000 is on offer, with an exact breakdown yet to be announced.

“I am really looking forward to working with Low Fuel Motorsport for the first time within the FLExTREME series.

“Our common goal is to try out a lot of new things in this championship and to create an innovative format that is exciting for teams and spectators alike. With its host of GT cars, Assetto Corsa Competizione is the ideal platform for FLExTREME,” said Florian Haasper, CEO of VCO.

“We are pleased to have a potent and established partner like VCO on our side. Together, we will offer the sim racing community a racing series that will set new benchmarks in terms of competition, tactics and entertainment,” said Boris Schalk, CEO Low Fuel Motorsport.

Are you excited about VCO and LFM’s FLExTREME partnership? What do you think about its mooted ‘BoP budget’ idea? Let us know in the comments below.

VCO LFM FLExTREME Calendar

• 26th November 2022 – Race 1
• 18th December 2022 – Race 2
• 7th January 2023 – Race 3 (Porsche Cup)
• 21st January 2023 – Race 4
• 4th February 2023 – Race 5 (BMW Cup)
• 18th February 2023 – Race 6

Images courtesy of VCO