Io2023 Race Formats

GROUP RACES
(various tracks)

Group Races are the 2023 new format for the International Open presented by TBS.
Each pilot will be assigned a group based on their current 2023 MultiGP Global Qualifier ranking.
If you can’t get a GQ in before you get to IO, we will have it set up for you to run on site for a group assignment.

These groups are, Lipo Fires, High Voltage, Cracked Props, Hammers and Burnt Motors. We anticipate each group will comprise of 40 similar skilled pilots.

Pilots of each groups will compete only against pilots of the same group. These skill-based groups will grant a fair and balanced competition and everyone will have a chance to compete in multiple races throughout the week!  The days of the intermediate purgatory are over!

Requirements:

  • Any pilot that is listed as a Chapter Organizer or Chapter Manager on MultiGP.com may enter. 
  • 800g or less
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit

Qualifying Heats:

  • None

Finals:

  • Tone Start
  • Best to 2 or 3 Laps (unless track leader determines otherwise)
  • Two brackets of 16 pilots, 4 up,  based on your group data

The Over 40/50 race is the second most attended race at IO, behind the world cup!  Come on down to the main stage and listen to the MC Joe Scully roast all the pilots with songs that the pilots love, but now only can be found on the oldies playlist on Spotify!  We will start with qualifying for both groups, then do the over 40 bracket, followed by the over 50 race.

Requirements

  • Any pilot that is in their 40th year may enter (39 years of age as of Jan 1, 2023)
  • Any pilot that is in their 50th year may enter (49 years of age as of Jan 1, 2023).  A pilot may compete in both races if they qualify.   Age to be verified via Identification at Track Leader’s Discretion 
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit
  • 800g Max Weight
  • 3 qualifying rounds (based on entries, time remaining), qualifying based on Fastest-2 laps Consecutive

Qualifying Heats

  • Tone Start
  • Lap 1’s time will start at Start/Finish Gate (like Global Qualifier)
  • Fastest 2-Consecutive Laps 
  • 3 Rounds of Qualifying using ZippyQ

Over – 40 Race Final

  • Tone Start
  • Approximately 60 seconds – 90 seconds in Duration
  • Best to 2 Laps (unless track leader determines otherwise)
  • Standard MultiGP Top 16 Double Elimination bracket.

Over-50 Race Final

  • Tone Start
  • Approximately 60 seconds – 90 seconds in Duration
  • Best to 2 Laps (unless track leader determines otherwise)
  • Top 8 Pilots in a Double Elimination Bracket

Let’s race!  The idea for the group races is that using predetermined data we can group pilots to provide more actual drone racing at IO then drone qualifying.  When the group races are scheduled to start, there is no qualifying or practice, it’s RACE TIME!  So be at the track 30 minutes early to check in!

Requirements:

  • 800g or less
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit

Qualifying Heats:

  • None

Format:

  • Triple run mains,  to a final main
  • 2 Lap Race
  • Pilots are randomly assigned into one of 6 subgroups of up to 8 pilots. 
  • Each subgroup will race 3 times. The winner of the subgroup will be determined by combined finishing position in all 3 races. The tie-breaker is the pilot with the  best single finishing position (1-2-3, beats a 2-2-2) . If there is still a tie, then the best laps/time from the best finishing position run is the final tie breaker
  • Subgroup winners will advance to the A-Main event for 3 races, which will follow the same format to determine the winner of this group race.

Join us for the chance to be part of the qualifying drone race for the selection of Team USA headed to the FAI international competition in October 2023! This will be an exciting and competitive event, designed to test the skills of the top drone racing pilots in the world. The qualifying race for Team USA will be held on the Main Stage at the MultiGP International Open presented by TBS.

The race is open to all drone racing pilots who meet the qualifying criteria.  The following are the criteria for Team USA:

  • Full AMA Membership
  • Willing to Travel to Korea Oct 6-9, 2023
  • US Citizen

A Maximum of five individual competitors will be selected, providing that at least one competitor is Female and at least one is Junior. A competitor is considered to be a junior up to and including the calendar year in which he/she attains the age of 18.

Note: In addition to the national team classification, every competitor of a national team also competes for the individual classifications (overall and, where appropriate, Junior and Women).

(Alternates will also be selected in the unfortunate event that a pilot is not able to attend.)   

Practice Heats

  • Tone Start
  • 2 minutes in duration, then finish lap
  • Lap 1’s time will start at Start/Finish Gate (like Global Qualifier)
  • Only 2 Practice Heats

Qualifying Heats

  • Tone Start
  • 2 minutes in duration, then finish lap
  • Lap 1’s time will start at Start/Finish Gate (like Global Qualifier)
  • Fastest 3-Consecutive Laps 
  • Only 3 Qualifying Heats

Finals

  • Pilots will be ranked based on the aggregate time of the fastest 3 consecutive laps, ie 9/2:27:06.

The MultiGP International Open presented by TBS is the culmination of the week of racing!  Here you will find the top 64 pilots in the world battling for that coveted title of World Cup Champion!  Will it be a known ‘robot’ or is there a newcomer that will make a mark on drone racing with an unexpected upset?  All tracks are closed during the Final 64 race, so come on down and get a good seat to watch the excitement on the track narrated by the one and only, the voice of MultiGP, the MC of Drone Racing, Joe Scully

Requirements

  • Any pilot may enter.
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit
  • 800g max weight
  • Finished in the Top 64 on the World Cup combined list
  • Each quad is required to have at least 2 groups of LED’s facing opposite directions to maximize visibility regardless of orientation of the quad. Each group of LEDs must be at least 3 individual LED’s. Pilots will be expected to register with their intended color at the start of an event.

Finals Top 64 Double Elimination Bracket

  • Tone Start
  • Approximately 60 seconds – 90 seconds in Duration
  • Best to X Laps (X will be decided during the event)
  • 8-pilot Heads Up Races to the Final 8
  • When we get to the final 8, 1st-3rd go to Grand Final
  • 4th-8th Race Once More, winner in that race go to Grand Final
  • Final 4 race repeatedly until a pilot wins twice – “Chase the Ace”
  • Please try to bring left or right polarized antennas. If you can’t, please see Jesse P or one of the Tiny Whoop Track volunteers to get your antenna sorted out. 
  • Each pilot will have lots of practice time every evening during the event with 2 chances to submit official qualifying times. 
  • Tiny whoop racing will be casual practice every day except the last night after the World Cup race. 
  • During casual practice you can come up to Jesse P or any of the Tiny Whoop volunteers and ask to do one of your two official qualifying times.
  •  We’ll use those times to pick a top 16 who will enter a double elimination bracket immediately after the world cup, starting at 9:30pm Friday.
  • The last chance to qualify will be Thursday night
  • Any pilot may enter. 
  • Tiny Whoop Championship limited to Tiny Whoop Specs, though all Micro Quads are welcome to fly the course

Qualifying Heats

  • Tone Start
  • 2 minutes in duration, then finish lap
  • Laps in Time Format, i.e. 3 laps in 2:04.334
  • Top-16 advance to Championship Brackets

Final Top-16 Double Elimination Bracket

  • Tone Start
  • Approximately 60 seconds – 90 seconds in Duration
    • Best to X Laps (X will be decided during the event)
  • 4-pilot Heads Up Races

Final 4 race repeatedly until a pilot wins twice – “Chase the Ace

General Overview
This is one of the 2 tracks that pilots MUST fly in order to qualify for World Cup, Almost World Cup and Nearly Almost World Cup Races.  The combined time on each track will rank pilots.  The top 64 pilots at the end of Friday night will be going to the 2023 MultiGP World Cup presented by TBS.  The World Cup track will be either World Cup 1 or World Cup 2.  Chris Thomas will make the call and announce to the pilots Friday night or Saturday!  You must have a time on both tracks to be considered for the top 64, next and next next brackets. This track was designed by Anthony “AyyyKayyy” Knight.

World Cup Qualification Requirements

  • Any pilot may enter.
  • No battery limit 
  • No prop limit
  • 800g max weight

Qualifying Heats

  • Tone Start
  • 2 minutes in duration, then finish lap
  • Lap 1’s time will start at Start/Finish Gate (like Global Qualifier)
  • Fastest 2-Consecutive Laps 
  • Best 1 Round Score of Fastest-2 Laps
  • Top-64 advance to the World Cup
  • The Next 32 advance to the Almost World Cup Race
  • The next next 32 advance to the Nearly Almost World Cup Race

 

Let’s race!  The idea for the group races is that using predetermined data we can group pilots to provide more actual drone racing at IO then drone qualifying.  Since the High Voltage and Cracked Props pilots will be competing on one of these 2 tracks for the World Cup, we decided to get a little preview of the show!  When the group races are scheduled to start, there is no qualifying or practice, it’s RACE TIME!  So be at the track 30 minutes early to check in!

Requirements:

  • 800g or less
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit

Qualifying Heats:

  • None

Format:

  • Tone Start
  • Best to 2 Laps (unless track leader determines otherwise)
  • Triple run mains,  to a final main
  • 2 Lap Race
  • Pilots are randomly assigned into one of 6 subgroups of up to 8 pilots. 
  • Each subgroup will race 3 times. The winner of the subgroup will be determined by combined finishing position in all 3 races. The tie-breaker is the pilot with the  best single finishing position (1-2-3, beats a 2-2-2).  If there is still a tie, then the best laps/time from the best finishing position run is the final tie breaker
  • Subgroup winners will advance to the A-Main event for 3 races, which will follow the same format to determine the winner of this group race.

So you didn’t qualify for the MultiGP World Cup presented by TBS, that’s okay we got you! This year we are proud to introduce the Almost World Cup Race! This race will consist of the next 32 pilots that did not make it into the World Cup!  The format will be 2-4 practice packs and then into a double elimination bracket of fast paced heads up racing!

Requirements:

  • 800g or less
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit
  • 3 qualifying rounds (based on entries, time remaining), qualifying based on Fastest-2 laps Consecutive

Qualifying Heats:

  • Tone Start
  • 2 minutes in duration, then finish lap
  • Lap 1’s time will start at Start/Finish Gate (like Global Qualifier)
  • Fastest 2-Consecutive Laps 
  • 3 Rounds of Qualifying via ZippyQ (roughly 2 hours)
  • Top 32 qualify for brackets, 8 up.

Finals:

  • Tone Start
  • Approximately 60 seconds – 90 seconds in Duration
  • Best to 2 Laps (unless track leader determines otherwise)
  • The Finals of the bracket will finish with Chase the Ace.

General Overview
This is one of the 2 tracks that pilots MUST fly in order to qualify for World Cup, Almost World Cup and Nearly Almost World Cup Races.  The combined time on each track will rank pilots.  The top 64 pilots at the end of Friday night will be going to the 2023 MultiGP World Cup presented by TBS.  The World Cup track will be either World Cup 1 or World Cup 2.  Chris Thomas will make the call and announce to the pilots Friday night or Saturday!  You must have a time on both tracks to be considered for the top 64, next and next next brackets. This track was designed by Jim “Kneedown” Snodgrass.

World Cup Qualification Requirements

  • Any pilot may enter.
  • No battery limit 
  • No prop limit
  • 800g max weight

Qualifying Heats

  • Tone Start
  • 2 minutes in duration, then finish lap
  • Lap 1’s time will start at Start/Finish Gate (like Global Qualifier)
  • Fastest 2-Consecutive Laps 
  • Best 1 Round Score of Fastest-2 Laps
  • Top-64 advance to the World Cup
  • The Next 32 advance to the Almost World Cup Race
  • The next next 32 advance to the Nearly Almost World Cup Race

 

Let’s race!  The idea for the group races is that using predetermined data we can group pilots to provide more actual drone racing at IO then drone qualifying.  Since the High Voltage and Cracked Props pilots will be competing on one of these 2 tracks for the World Cup, we decided to get a little preview of the show!  When the group races are scheduled to start, there is no qualifying or practice, it’s RACE TIME!  So be at the track 30 minutes early to check in!

Requirements:

  • 800g or less
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit

Qualifying Heats:

  • None

Format:

  • Tone Start
  • Best to 2 Laps (unless track leader determines otherwise)
  • Triple run mains,  to a final main
  • 2 Lap Race
  • Pilots are randomly assigned into one of 6 subgroups of up to 8 pilots. 
  • Each subgroup will race 3 times. The winner of the subgroup will be determined by combined finishing position in all 3 races. The tie-breaker is the pilot with the  best single finishing position (1-2-3, beats a 2-2-2).  If there is still a tie, then the best laps/time from the best finishing position run is the final tie breaker
  • Subgroup winners will advance to the A-Main event for 3 races, which will follow the same format to determine the winner of this group race.

So you didn’t qualify for the MultiGP World Cup presented by TBS, or the Almost World Cup, but we have 1 more race for you!  This year we are proud to introduce the Nearly Almost World Cup Race! This race will consist of the next next 32 pilots that did not make it into the World Cup!  The format will be 2-4 practice packs and then into a double elimination bracket of fast paced heads up racing!

Requirements:

  • 800g or less
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit
  • 3 qualifying rounds (based on entries, time remaining), qualifying based on Fastest-2 laps Consecutive

Qualifying Heats:

  • Tone Start
  • 2 minutes in duration, then finish lap
  • Lap 1’s time will start at Start/Finish Gate (like Global Qualifier)
  • Fastest 2-Consecutive Laps 
  • 3 Rounds of Qualifying via ZippyQ (roughly 2 hours)
  • Top 32 qualify for brackets, 8 up.

Finals:

  • Tone Start
  • Approximately 60 seconds – 90 seconds in Duration
  • Best to 2 Laps (unless track leader determines otherwise)
  • The Finals of the bracket will finish with Chase the Ace.

Five33 presents the Freedom Spec Oval Race. This will be a very easy course that is pretty much just KAACK KAACK KAACK, (full throttle) the whole time!  Make sure you are running the Freedom Spec and 180 for the RPM Limit!

A quick recap is below of the spec but for full information visit Freedomspec.com.

Requirements:

  • 533g Minimum Weight
  • Five33 Headsup 2207 1960kv Motors
  • HQ R38 Headsup Prop
  • 3 or more (non-status) LEDs
  • Any 6s Battery
  • Any BLHeli32 or AM32 ESC
  • Betaflight KAACK (Version 4.4.x KAACK)
  • RPM Limit of 18,000 which is “180” set in the firmware

Qualifying

  • One hour of ZippyQ
  • Tone Start
  • Lap 1’s time will start at Start/Finish Gate (like Global Qualifier)
  • Fastest Laps 

Finals

  • Tone Start
  • Approximately 90 seconds – 120 seconds in Duration
  • Single Elimination Top 16 Bracket

Let’s race!  The idea for the group races is that using predetermined data we can group pilots to provide more actual drone racing at IO then drone qualifying.  When the group races are scheduled to start, there is no qualifying or practice, it’s RACE TIME!  So be at the track 30 minutes early to check in!

Requirements:

  • 800g or less
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit

Qualifying Heats:

  • None

Format:

  • Triple run mains,  to a final main
  • 2 Lap Race
  • Pilots are randomly assigned into one of 6 subgroups of up to 8 pilots. 
  • Each subgroup will race 3 times. The winner of the subgroup will be determined by combined finishing position in all 3 races. The tie-breaker is the pilot with the  best single finishing position (1-2-3, beats a 2-2-2) . If there is still a tie, then the best laps/time from the best finishing position run is the final tie breaker
  • Subgroup winners will advance to the A-Main event for 3 races, which will follow the same format to determine the winner of this group race.

Or if 32 or less A Double Elimination format may be used.

General Overview
Colby “SFPV” is bringing the famous VRL Velocidrone format out of the matrix and into the International Open!  Qualifying starts at 9 AM with a quick spec check and then right into qualifying!  Unlike traditional Street League racing you could see 8 up racing on this SFPV designed course!  The team race is for all skill levels as the teams will be divided to have pilots of all skills on each team, ROOKIES WELCOME!  Basically show up and fly to qualify then we will build teams distributing all skill levels of pilots through all the teams.  Then you race against other pilots at your skill level!  You can verify your quad is Street League Spec ready all day Wednesday as well as before the race starts!  After qualifying each team will have 3 pilots at the track racing for 2 hours, enabling the others to coach or fly other tracks.  Then the top teams will compete in the final.  Score points for your team based on how you placed in your heat.

Spec Requirements: 

Race Format

  • Qualifying
    •  Hours of Qualifying 9-12 Thursday
    • Pilots ranked by fastest 3 consecutive
  • Team Construction
    • Pilots assigned on teams based on qualifying times and finalized by race director
  • Races
    • 12-2 PM Tier 8,7,6 pilots report to the track for heads up racing.  All the 8 tier pilots will race a heads up race, followed by 7 and 6.  This will repeat for a minimum of 3 heats.
    • 2 Pm-4 PM Tier 5,4,3 pilots report to the track for heads up racing.  All the 5 tier pilots will race a heads up race, followed by 4 and 3.  This will repeat for a minimum of 3 heats.
    • 4-6 PM Tier 1,2 pilots report to the track for heads up racing.  All the 1 tier pilots will race a heads up race, followed by 2.  This will repeat for a minimum of 3 heats.
  • Finals
    • Top 3 Teams Race- Each team puts 1 pilot to the line starting with the lowest seed for 1 last heads up race!  The best team overall wins.

Freedom Spec returns for the second year at the MultiGP International Open presented by TBS!  Five33 again is the presenting sponsor for this race.  Similar to last year, all the quads have the same motor and propeller but now a 6s battery is allowed!  A quick recap is below of the spec but for full information visit Freedomspec.com.

Requirements:

  • 533g Minimum Weight
  • Five33 Headsup 2207 1960kv Motors
  • HQ R38 Headsup Prop
  • 3 or more (non-status) LEDs
  • Any 6s Battery
  • Any BLHeli32 or AM32 ESC
  • Betaflight KAACK (Version 4.4.x KAACK)
  • RPM Limit of 18,000 which is “180” set in the firmware

The race  will start with each pilot allowed 2-3 attendance packs, and then the bracket will be built and off to heads up racing!   

Qualifying

  • Tone Start
  • Lap 1’s time will start at Start/Finish Gate (like Global Qualifier)
  • Fastest 3-Consecutive Laps 
  • 2-5 PACKS of Qualifying using ZippyQ, for 2 hours

Finals

  • Top 16 Double Elimination Bracket
  • No Chase the Ace or Iron Man

We aren’t done racing yet!  Sunday Velocidrone will be hosting another Street League Race, but this time it’s all you!  One last chance for you to go head to head on this amazing track and fill your need for Street League Racing.  The format will be determined Sunday, so show up at 10am to get some practice in and then start racing!

If you have not been assigned a group for the group races, this is your chance!  You are allowed up to 10 packs on the GQ course to get a fastest 3 consecutive time.  We will then group you based on that time.  These times do not count for your official GQ times to qualify for champs, but you will have another opportunity Saturday and Sunday to put in official times.

Let’s race!  The idea for the group races is that using predetermined data we can group pilots to provide more actual drone racing at IO then drone qualifying.  This format is subject to change by the Race Director to best suit the needs of our newest pilots!

Requirements:

  • 800g or less
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit

Qualifying Heats:

  • None

Format:

  • Tone Start
  • Best to 3 Laps (unless track leader determines otherwise)
  • More than 32 Pilots, Format A
  • 32 Pilots or less Format A or B

Format A:   Triple run mains,  to a final main

  • Pilots are randomly assigned into one of 6 subgroups of up to 8 pilots. 
  • Each subgroup will race 3 times. The winner of the subgroup will be determined by combined finishing position in all 3 races. The tie-breaker is the pilot with the  best single finishing position (1-2-3, beats a 2-2-2) . If there is still a tie, then the best laps/time from the best finishing position run is the final tie breaker
  • Subgroup winners will advance to the A-Main event for 3 races, which will follow the same format to determine the winner of this group race.

OR

Format B: Double Elimination bracket:

  • This format will only be utilized if there are less than 32 pilots.
  • Pilots will be randomly seeded for the first round.
  • After each race, top 4 pilots advance,  up 4 bottom pilots move to the losers bracket, or eliminated if it is a losers bracket race. 
  • Chase the ace final.  

Every pilot is new once!  It is tradition at the MultiGP International Open presented by TBS to have a true rookie race!  This year, we will take the bottom 16 pilots of the Burnt Motors Group Races and gather them for 1 more bracket!

Requirements:

  • 800g or less
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit
  • 3 qualifying rounds (based on entries, time remaining), qualifying based on Fastest-3 laps Consecutive
  • Bottom 16 of the Burnt Motors Group Races combined

Qualifying Heats:

  • Tone Start
  • 2 minutes in duration, then finish lap
  • Lap 1’s time will start at Start/Finish Gate (like Global Qualifier)
  • Fastest 3-Consecutive Laps 
  • 3 Rounds of Qualifying via ZippyQ (roughly 2 hours)

Finals:

  • Tone Start
  • Best to 3 Laps (unless track leader determines otherwise)
  • 16 pilot bracket, 4 up, double elimination
  • The Finals of the bracket will finish with Chase the Ace.

It is always fun to watch the Mega Quads battle it out!

Requirements

  • A Mega Quad
  • No Fear

Race Format

  • The pilots will participate in a single elimination bracket, 4 up
  • Final 4 will be a Chase the Ace

During Saturday and Sunday there are specific times that you can get in your 10 packs to qualify for the MultiGP 2023 Championship.  The ZippyQ system will record the first 10 packs a pilot flies, so make those the good ones!  You can split these packs throughout Saturday and Sunday as well.  We will have the standard Global Qualifier rules and restrictions, which can be found in the MultiGP Official Rules.   

  • Any pilot may fly and attempt to qualify
  • All Global Qualifier Rules Apply
    • Per the 2023 Rules, a minimum of 3 quads must fly per heat
  • No battery limit. 
  • No prop limit
  • Qualifying based on Fastest-3 laps Consecutive
  • 10-pack Limit  between all flights Saturday & Sunday
  • Global Leaderboard – “the List” – will be updated by shortly after IO

4-5 pilots at a time depending on # of participants. Orbit the designated flag/gate until the music stops. Once music stops, all pilots will race to the landing area, through a designated line through the course,  and land within the landing square. All pilots MUST be within the landing square to be able to continue. Last pilot to land is out. Continue rounds with the winners of previous rounds until 1  pilots remain. Medals will be awarded

4-5 pilots at a time depending on # of participants. Pilots will participate in a number of races throughout the course. As each round of pilots commences, the track will change. It will be up to the pilots to pay attention and to not get lost along the way. Pilots will try to place first and to hold that standing for as many rounds as they can. Medals will be awarded to pilots with the most consistent wins. .

4-5 Pilots at a time depending on number of participants. Balloons will be strategically placed though out the course. There will be one more balloon than pilot. One balloon will be filled with confetti while the others are just plain air. It is up to the pilots to find the correct balloon and pop the confetti to be declared the winner. Winners will advance in a round robin fashion until a winner is reached. Medals will be awarded to our winners

Game of quad is a take on a game of horse. Pilots will compete to perform a trick or series of linked tricks to set the challenge. One by one, pilots will attempt to perform said trick as the pilot before. Each pilot will have 2 chances to complete the trick or will acquire a letter. If a pilot reaches and spells out “quad,” they then are disqualified from winning. The game will continue until there is one winner.

  • Each pilot will be given 2 runs consisting of 2 minute heats, with 3 judges, flying individually. Scores will be taken by 3 judges with a total possibility of 100 points per judge and 300 points in total for a perfect score. Best running score out of the 2 runs will be taken for the possibility of a podium spot. In the case of a tie, each tied podium holder will have a 1 minute heat to advance their position. 1st 2nd and 3rd place trophies awarded
  • Judging based on 3 main categories with a total of 11 points possible within each category and 1 bonus category with a total of 1 point to total 100 points overall possible from each individual  judge
  • 3 main categories are: Consistency, Creativity, and Over all Flow of the run
  • Bonus category (Inspired by FPV Livestream SuperCritical!)- JNSQ or je ne sai
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