NSSCRA 13- Everything Thread

[Sword Island]

Season Preview: Stevens Motorsports/UnionRacing

The Rundown

With a new generation of cars comes heavy changes to both Stevens Automotive aligned teams. For Stevens Motorsports, it comes in the form of finally putting Ryan Pearson in a NSSCRA stock car after 4 seasons of trying. Pearson is set to replace Lexie Shelby in the Multiversal Cup Series. Shelby, who in 2 seasons has shown promise but not much in the form of results, will return to the Everlong Series in NSSCRA 13. Stevens sports more of the same, with Collins, Gordon, and Zanby all returning to their rides for this upcoming year. There will be a fresh face however in the #35 CarTraders.com Olympian, as Allison Maddox takes on the challenge of NSSCRA's lower series.

The Drivers

Ryan Pearson, #04 Venom Energy Olympian

Expectations: 2-5 top 10s, >11 lead lap finishes, >90% laps completed
Ceiling: Playoffs, first round exit
Floor: 34-40th
The Consensus: Pearson is an immensely talented driver, but needs time to develop into an consistent force in NSSCRA racing. If his exploits in SISCS are any indication of what he can do in the Multiversal Cup Series, expect consistent runs inside the top 25 for the #04 this season


Chris Gordon, #05 UnionAirlines Olympian

Expectations: Make the playoffs
Ceiling: Playoffs, Round of 12-8
Floor: 25-35th
The Consensus: The writing isn't quite on the wall yet for Gordon, but all signs point to this being a pivotal year for the driver of the #05. With rumors swirling about a possible Everlong drive for Kylie Matthews and no results, Gordon's focus this season must be on solidifying his spot in the Cup Series, and making the playoffs will do just that


Kassie Collins, #35 Hartley Tires Olympian

Expectations: Make all 26 races, >90% laps completed
Ceiling: 20-25th
Floor: <40th
The Consensus: Collins is in a make or break year with the addition of Allison Maddox in the Everlong Series. Consistency qualifying for races and fixing the mechanical gremlins that plauged the team a year ago will be key to Collins keeping her spot in the Cup Series


Lexie Shelby, #04 Cool Blue Olympian

Expectations: Playoffs or bust
Ceiling: Championship 4
Floor: 15-20th
The Consensus: Shelby is back, and has unfinished business. The last time she was in the Everlong Series, she put together one of the more consistent stretches from any drivers in the history of NSSCRA, at one point compiling 10 straight top ten finishes. Look for Shelby to make a run for the championship as the #04 team have their sights set on a title for Season 13


Allison Maddox, #35 UnionAirlines Olympian

Expectations: 13 lead lap finishes, 10 top 10s, >90% laps completed
Ceiling: Playoffs, Round of 12-8
Floor: 15-20th
The Consensus: Maddox is a newcomer to NSSCRA racing, but should fit right in as UnionRacing's next star in the Everlong Series. Maddox has a history of coming out of the gate strong, and for an ailing UnionRacing Everlong Series program, that is more than needed


Carson Zanby, #05 Venom Energy Olympian

Expectations:Playoff appearance, points or wins
Ceiling: Playoffs, Round of 8
Floor: 25-30th
The Consensus: Zanby is a driver of duality. On one hand, he's the biggest raw talent in Sword Island. On the other, he hasn't produced meaningful results in his two seasons in NSSCRA. If Zanby can put it all together, he can be a playoff driver this season for a team that hasn't tasted success since Chris Gordon's season 10 campaign

[The French Army]

Napoleon's marshals are ready to ride into battle once again! We just hope they will limit themselves to figurative battles on the track.

Joachim Murat is bringing the Mayhem, not to mention the French Army's only charter and a boatload of fancy gold-embroidered clothes. Murat always knows how to make an entrance, but if this first qualifying session is anything to go by, he doesn't always remember how to drive. In his defense, they did not have cars when he was growing up in the 18th century, so he's not the most experienced driver in NSSCRA.



Andre Massena was born in Savoy (i.e. not France), his current girlfriend is Jouoangquoirais, and he has a newborn daughter who is a Pridnestrovian national -- but Massena still insists he is a good French patriot, and he has a paint scheme to back it up. He's cynical, arrogant, and a bit of a skirt-chaser.



Jean Lannes spent most of NSSCRA 12 stinking up the track. No, not figuratively. He's been particularly slow to adopt modern hygiene, and as a result nobody wants to sit near him at the drivers' meetings. His fiery temper may have also put off some of the other drivers. He has a patriotic paint scheme similar to Massena's.



Speaking of Jean Lannes and his fiery temper, he does not seem too happy that Murat got the French Army's charter for the second season in a row. He was seen knocking over a wooden stool and ranting at his staff officers, "Why do I have to qualify in, but Mr. 58 Seconds over there gets a charter? And who the hell is this Wes Cannard guy?"

One of the officers shrugged. "He's a new driver, sir. I don't know why you are picking on him. There are several new drivers."

Lannes kicked the stool, which was now lying on its side at his feet. "I was just using him as an example!"

[Saint Kanye]

Seasons change. That's a fact. Winter gives way to spring, summer to autumn, and the twelfth season of the NSSCRA will soon give way to the thirteenth. Despite all the rumors and speculations keeping the offseason train chugging, it all felt like a blink of an eye - one second, fans of the premier international stock car series are trying to look for what to watch to occupy their time (rally, anyone?) and the other, they're making their yearly pilgrimage to the alpha and omega, the pilot and the finale, the beginning and the end of every NSSCRA season - the Tundra Falls Proving Grounds in Newmanistan.

Many of the series' drivers have also arrived as early as they could, not only to get some work done on their cars but also mingle with fans and competitors alike. Among these was what, at first glance, looked like some forest-dwelling, gun-toting survivalist due to his long hair and his beard, but it's actually one of the chillest, friendliest names in the field, Jeremiah Brooke, lead driver of St. Kanye's Gale Force Racing. As he wandered around the garages with his wife and teammate Stacie in tow, he couldn't help but feel glad to see lots of faces, familiar and new alike.

The Oliver Marlin Racing garage, which was a short walk away from GFR's, was buzzing with activity. This was one of the debuting teams in the season - while based out of Hapilopper City and competing in HASCAR, the country's domestic series, team owner and namesake Oliver Marlin's Wreckerian roots allowed it to be represented under that country. Taylor Henderson, dishonorably discharged from Team Blue not even a full season after taking the eleventh season crown, appeared to be talking with her crew about something or other. Stacie gave her a slight wave, which may or may not have been noticed.

Meanwhile Tyson Hoyt, a HASCAR superstar now making the jump to the international stage, sat on a folding chair. He did get up though when Jeremiah approached and spoke. "Hey, man. Heard so much about you - think we have a lot in common, and that you'll be one to watch out for all season long." It's true - Tyson's return from being sidelined due to injury and subsequent recovery and success resonated with the one guy in the field who had experienced essentially the same thing. The NSSCRA ninth season champ extended an arm in greeting, and while waiting for a response from the three-time defending HASCAR champ, continued talking: "On behalf of the entire Gale Force Racing organization, we would like to welcome you into the NSSCRA."

He would later use the same warm welcome on Isaia Fanene of Togonistan, and then Aurelia Karvonen of Kimi-Suomi.... that is, before Lam Chow-Cheung helpfully reminded Jeremiah that their teammate was not a rookie, she just was not that in the news a lot last season.

---

Naomi Hoff was not happy about how the entire Thea Alvarez/Kai Qiang saga went down and finally caused what was a fading friendship between the two drivers to finally disappear completely. However, she refused to interfere, believing that Thea, whom she's spotting for, and Qiang, being adults, have full control over how they want to live their lives. Luckily Houzhi Chang, Qiang's crew chief, didn't step in either, thus causing no friction between what has been a very, very close relationship between the two that even included each other staying in each other's countries for a week during the offseason.

After seven seasons as a pro racer, Thea herself has finally gotten a boyfriend. That would be none other than Ilya Tsunopin, former GFR R&D driver, current lead driver and namesake of another new entry Team Tsunopin, and forever Qiang supporter (or stalker, some might say). Like Ilya himself, the relationship had gotten differing reactions from the racing community, with some saying that the sensitive, innocent redhead's image could give way to a much wilder side, while some argued that it's Thea who would influence Ilya more than the other way around.

Ilya and Thea were also wandering the track grounds, talking about anything and everything under the Newmanistani sun. The two were present at the AOWL (Quidditch) bronze medal match between St. Kanye (which the latter obviously supported) and Quebec and Shingoryeo (which the former did, due to 69X's presence in the Quebecois sphere of influence). The Yeezies won, 410-190, but that didn't stop Ilya from raving about all the ways the Quebecois chasers were able to sneak a quaffle past the opposing keeper, or how their beaters played solid D and sent the bludgers just where they needed them to be.

"We were mounting a comeback!" he said. "If not for that pesky seeker of yours we would eventually have caught up to you."

"Yeah, but she did," Thea replied in a mock teasing voice. "And it's over, what are you gonna do about it, huh?"

"Nothing, but I'm gonna do something to you!" At that, Ilya immediately carried Thea off the ground.

"Hey! Put me down!" Despite her protests, she was giggling.

Their topic shifted to several different ones, from Ilya's expectations upon going full-time, to all the new teams in the garage, and even simply the changes in charter ("Team Trop must have really been upset with Jenna crashing out of the finale to deny her a guaranteed spot," Thea spoke) and number ("Qiang to #02? Man, I'm gonna have to fill my merch collection with more," Ilya said). There have been many changes that made the series different from what it was a season ago, but in the end it didn't matter - they were just glad to be back.

[New Northwesteros]

It's the final race of the IRACT Spring Series, and Tyler Linde's emotions were a mixed bag.

True, he was excited for the race itself and determined to win, but he was also feeling the pressure. Liangmei Li was breathing down his neck standings-wise, and is the biggest threat to him not only defending his title in the fall series (the first foreign driver in the history of the Sherpa league to do so), but claiming a charter for NSSCRA as well. In fact, Tyler could almost hear his heart trying to escape out of his chest as he climbed into the car, and then again as the field approached the green flag. This race needs to be perfect - nothing short would do. It's not enough for him to succeed. The others, especially Li, must fail as well.

Despite being able to pull away early, Tyler was still on high alert for anything and everything that could go wrong. When Yi Tan took Li out, Tyler vowed to take Tan out.... for a drink or two, that is, if he ends up helping him claim the championship. All Tyler has to do now was hold on to his lead, and hold off Shuzhen Zhu and Ongmu Yeti, the other members of the Championship Four. This was easier said than done though, especially considering that this is IRACT, where regulations are looser and disparity between driver skill levels bigger from what the NSSCRA has. A bunch of times some stubborn backmarkers got in Tyler's way, forcing him to use the bumper on them. Once he even got nudged into the wall. But he still held on to that lead. This is his chance, he could almost taste the chance to run with Stacie Houston and Jeremiah Brooke and Kai Qiang and River Suzgar once more. Not as the total novice he was back then, but as one of IRACT's biggest stars, the Wonder Foreigner, the King of the Yaks.

But something would happen with thirty laps to go that would really shake things up. While trying to block two lanes and two upcoming drivers at once, Tyler had a tire go down, forcing him to head back to his box. Meanwhile Zhu clawed her way up the field, and though Tyler was still ahead of her as he came back from his slow, error-filled pit stop, it would take her only six laps to catch up to him and another four to finally grab that lead. Tyler played catch up with Zhu throughout the remainder of the race, but to no avail. Instead of the NSSCRA field having a Northwesterosi driver return, it would instead gain a second blue-streaked competitor (the first of course being Ricky Lee).

Tyler was initially very salty about the outcome, even telling reporters that Zhu may have been lucky that day, but she should hope it doesn't run out in the big league as she'll be "eaten alive" there. However, it started mattering less and less to him in the days that followed. "Maybe this is not yet the time for Tyler Linde to be back in NSSCRA," he said. "But one day, when I've gotten better, it will be."

---

The cryptocurrency craze in other countries has finally hit New Northwesteros with the unveiling of KryptoKoin. Plenty of Northwesterosi took the plunge, but the company hoped to attract risk-taking investors in other countries by entering the world of NSSCRA sponsorship. Aside from associate sponsorship for the local Direwolf Auto Team, they will also appear as the primary for Fleftic Everlong driver Patricia nic Neill, with a kryptonite green paint scheme to match.

[Kertheniia]

"This is an OUTRAGE! Everyone knows I'm the best! I don't lose! I bet those Jebsmanner commies rigged the qualifiers! They must have given the offissi... the officato... the race timers fake stopwatches!". Ronald Victor had been ranting for nearly three hours after failing to qualify, telling anyone who would listen (or wouldn't. He'd already been banned from the Kermanic haulers, and Gordon had personally informed him that he was to keep away from the #11 hauler) how it was a miscarriage of justice and a travesty that he'd been cheated, backstabbed, and possibly bamboozled out of the exhibition. It was a yuuge miscarriage of justice and a sign of corruption and all that was wrong with the world. How could he, Ronald Victor, the head of the Victor family of companies, possibly fail to qualify for a race? A damn overgrown chicken had made it in! If a literal bird brain could do it, surely he, rich and famous and smart as he was, could qualify for a season opener! He just needed to find a way to make his qualifiers commie-proof.

Gordon Busch, meanwhile, was already talking strategy with his team and sponsors for how he'd make the cut for the season opener. He'd always done fairly well for himself in the Kerthenian national stock-car racing league, and had, at first, thought it'd be more of the same with NSSCRA, with him being somewhere in the upper middle of the pack. One thing he'd failed to consider, however, was the fact that he'd be racing with the best of the best. This wasn't the national circuit where hard work and good sponsors guaranteed a place in the front of the pack. Everyone here, with certain notable and occasionally irritating exceptions, had *earned* their place at the international table, and many of them had, in past seasons, shown they had the stuff to sit at the top of even this steep mountain. The best didn't play, and, if Gordon wanted to see the peak of the mountain, he would need to bring his A-game, put in his elbow grease, and send his best prayers to good ol' Jeebus in every event on the schedule. Getting a little advice from his competition, if they were willing to share, wouldn't go amiss either.

[Newmanistan]

The Tundra Falls Proving Grounds was pretty much the only track on the schedule where Ashley Matthews could draw a lot of fan support. She had been in the series since the beginning of the modern era, but often as a non-chartered driver. It would be a little hit or miss in terms of whether or not she qualified into the race, but at least when she didn't make the field, her name was not at the bottom of the speed charts. Season 13 would be yet another year for Ashley to drive, and after being awarded a guaranteed charter around the midway point of the season last year, she thought that she would get one at the start of the season with the departure of Liangmei Li. If Newmanistan was going to get just one charter, it would have been Li, but she has moved on for now and was replaced by Dwight Webster in the five ride. He was promoted from the EverLong series, so Matthews anticipated that she would have charter presence over him, and she would.

The other driver on Rocket Motorsports was Chelsea Taylor, the Cassadagan import. Matthews had plenty of seniority on her, and expected to get the charter over her, but was disappointed to learn that it would be given to Taylor. Matthews and her race team was told by Rocket Motorsports brass that giving Taylor the charter was essential to keeping her on the team, or that Chelsea might walk. Ashley didn't think that was true, as she had always gotten along with Chelsea and didn't have that impression. Perhaps it was coming from Cassadagan sources, a nation who used to participate in the series and is still able to keep their drivers in the series. Matthews would eventually get over the frustration, realizing that she could still participate in the series, which she enjoyed. Her #48 hauler was once again parked next to an elite driver series, Thea Alvarez, who she had gotten along with and there was a good mutual respect for one another. Often Thea's hauler attracted the media while Ashley could blend in with the crowd. At the Proving Grounds, though, hometown media liked to follow Ashley along, as would the Newmanistanian fans. She'd sign autographs for as many as she could and was doing that again.

"Here, can you sign this?" a non-Newmanistanian teenager asked amongst his friends. Ashley picked up the paper, which read, "Ashley Matthews is the most pathetic driver in NSSCRA. Why do you always get a ride? Give up!" She shook her head, took the paper and crumbled it up and tossed it. The teenagers laughed hysterically and offered derogatory comments before being ushered away by security. Matthews continued to sign for a while longer, but was clearly bothered by it. She'd go into her hauler earlier then planned. Not too long after, a driver nearby started venting about failing to qualify. "Another crazy guy driving #45. What's with that number?" she thought. It cheered her up a little bit and again made her realize how much of an honor it was simply to be a part of NSSCRA. And for now, she was 1-for-1 with qualifying in.

[Hapilopper]

The Team Blue Center, Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, Tundra Falls, Newmanistan
After qualifying for the Exhibition at the Proving Grounds
The Team Blue Center, located in the enormous infield of the Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, was ready to serve as Team Blue’s nerve center for every out-of-country NSSCRA race, and there had been improvements to it. New electronic devices, a new kitchen to fix the favorites of Team Blue’s three drivers, and a television that could air all the most popular Hapiloppian and local television shows, if properly programmed. There was a prayer room installed to benefit Rinzi Zakhilwal, the new driver for the team. And on this evening, after qualifying got wrapped up and as the Everlong Series got started with their exhibition, the mood was really upbeat.

In the front dining area, Drake Stevenson was being interviewed by Brad Jenkins of the Hapilopper City Herald. Drake was just glad the offseason was over. It had been long, lonely and gloomy. The fiasco with Jeanie the teacher, had weighed heavily on him and it soured him on the concept of dating anyone ever again. On top of that, there was the prospect of Taylor Henderson, his constantly-angry ex-girlfriend, in the garage next to his, and the prospect of having to look at her during practice sessions. But maybe, he figured, the fact he could go back out there on the track, that could help him forget about that awful offseason.

And there was so much to be excited for. It seemed like those at Team Blue had a little extra spring in their step, and all it took was a new driver. The arrival of Rinzi Zakhilwal to Team Blue fired up the team to do that little extra and work that little extra. Instead of getting berated for the little things or being yelled at for nothing whatsoever, the team was about to get a goofball, someone who ruffled his fellow countryman’s hair, got into squirt gun fights with neighborhood kids, and appeared in really strange commercials for Mayhem hygiene products.

On track, it seemed like things were going so well. The three Team Blue drivers stayed with each other during practice, working together in an effort to try to perfect some sort of tandem-drafting strategy for both the exhibition and next week’s Tundra Falls 500. And it seemed like it was working, but Drake had some concerns.

After Drake wrapped up the interview, he had a lengthy chat with Team Blue crews, and his two teammates, over finding a way to improve their situation with tandem drafting.

“I think we need to find a way the three of us can talk to each other over the radio,” Drake said. “Like, me talking to Chris, me talking to Rinzi, Rinzi talking to Chris and myself, Chris talking to us…”

“Yeah, I get that,” said Cassandra Faulk, a technological advisor for the team. “So what you’re saying is we re-program your radios to talk to each other.”

“Correct,” Drake said. “If I’m pushing someone all the way around a track, I’d be more comfortable if I talked to them and explained what I was doing. And same if someone’s pushing me, I’d like to hear from them if they’re shoving me along. So get that set up, if you can.”

And best of all, Team Blue would find themselves together, at the front, to start the season-opening exhibition. Chris Holmes won the pole in his Mel’s Super Skychief, two hundredths clear of Stacie Houston and Maddie Alexander. Rinzi and Drake, meanwhile, were in the third row, Rinzi qualifying 5th and Drake qualifying 6th.
With that, the three Team Blue drivers started discussing how they would get together as early as possible.

“So, my idea is, I’m gonna tuck in behind Rinzi, I’m gonna push him, and we’re gonna get up to you, Holmes, and we’re gonna pull away,” Drake said.

The other two drivers nodded their heads.

“I don’t think we can be beat this season,” Drake said. “I think this is the best equipment we’ve ever had and I think this is the best chances we’ve ever had. We’re gonna win some races.”

Chris was just as confident, but he might have poked the bear a little bit. During the post-qualifying press conference, Chris was asked about his and his team’s chances for the new year, and his response might have set off a certain former teammate, who had just failed to qualify.

“Well, we’ve got three really good chances to win each week, and this year, for once, we’re not going to have to worry about saying the wrong thing that’ll set someone off, you know?” Chris said.

One reporter asked Chris about if he truly felt Team Blue had made an upgrade from Taylor Henderson to Rinzi Zakhilwal – going from a former NSSCRA champion to someone with a language barrier and maybe not completely understood by the rest of the team.

“What the hell kind of question is that?” Chris responded. “Racing is a universal language. Rinzi understands us, and we understand Rinzi pretty loud and clear. He’s fast right out of the box. He’s gonna be a threat to win this week and every week. Meanwhile, I think Hendo failed to qualify. She’ll be watching the race instead of running in it. I think we absolutely upgraded. I think hiring Rinzi is one of the best moves we’ve ever made. He’s gonna win races for us this season. As for Hendo, I’m wondering if they’re taking bets on what will come earlier, her winning a race or her getting drummed out of that team for being an asswipe.”

[Wreckeria]

Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, Tundra Falls, Newmanistan
After qualifying for the Exhibition at the Proving Grounds
Taylor Henderson had a really forlorn look on her face as she walked back to her hauler following qualifying. It was then and there that she realized what she had gotten herself into. About two years ago, at this very facility, she had won her first NSSCRA Multiversal Cup Championship. But now, she had failed to qualify for the preseason exhibition, and she could see herself failing to qualify for more races in the future. Having to watch a race on Tyson Hoyt’s pitbox or in a luxury box felt about as painful as anything, and she couldn’t bear to think of it.

As she stormed away from the pits, several fans tried to run towards her for an autograph. A few brave reporters – more brave than intelligent, we think – tried to ask her a question or two about failing to qualify. She blew them all off. All things considered, they were lucky. She could have snapped at them. She felt like snapping at them. She wanted to snap at them. She wanted so badly to scream her lungs out at some of those asshole reporters that, it seemed like, thrived off her misfortune. But then they would have won if she did.

When she made it to her hauler, there were more reporters waiting. After all, what a story – last year she was the defending NSSCRA Multiversal Cup Champion, and now she was failing to qualify for races. What an undignified outcome for her. This wasn’t right for her, she felt. She walked past all of them and stormed into her trailer, and into the office cabin inside the hauler, slamming the door behind her.

Taylor slumped down and put her head in her hands, not wanting to hear anything from anyone. A television was droning on in the hauler, showing the track feed of qualifying, which would show the post-qualifying press conference featuring Team Blue’s team principal, Amanda McAlister, crew chief Lawrence Malloy and driver Chris Holmes. Former teammates.

She tried to ignore it, because it was going to be painful enough for her to take in. Thankfully, team owner Oliver Marlin and crew chief Phil Crawford came in to offer some words of encouragement.

“Hendo?” Oliver said. “You good?”

“No, I’m not fucking good, boss,” Taylor responded. “I’ve never failed to qualify for a race before, ever. I don’t know how to feel for this. I don’t know what to think, and what the fuck am I going to do tomorrow?”

“Well, whatever you feel like,” Oliver responded. “You can join us on the pit box. You can watch the race from your motorcoach. You can stay in here all day if you want. Look, I know you’re in a bad mood, but we still support you. We know there was going to be days like this. Rather get it out of the way now before long, and hey, right now? It doesn’t count for anything. You’re fine.”

“I just… I don’t want to think that this is what I’m going to face,” Taylor responded, a tiny bit emotional. “Is this what I’m going to deal with?”

“Probably not,” Oliver said. “We hired you because you’re a fantastic driver, Hendo. We hired you because you’re a race winning driver, someone that can win races and championships regularly. You’re 24 years old. You’ve still got the peak of your career to come. You will be fine. We’ve got patience.”

But then, at that very moment, Taylor looked up to see Holmes answering a question about if Team Blue had felt like they had made an upgrade from Hendo to Rinzi Zakhilwal.

“As for Hendo, I’m wondering if they’re taking bets on what will come earlier, her winning a race or her getting drummed out of that team for being an asswipe,” Holmes said on the television.

“That… SON OF A… BITCH!!!” Taylor screamed as she got up and stormed out of the little cabin and towards the exit of the hauler. Taylor was on the warpath as she stormed out of the hauler and towards the Team Blue Center. But before she got there, she was stopped by Oliver and Phil, who dragged her back to her hauler.

“You need to cool off,” Phil said.

“Don’t worry about what Holmes said,” Oliver said. “Team Blue’s a bunch of raging blowhards that think they know everything about racing when they don’t know shit. You’ll get them back, Hendo.”

It was clear that Taylor was hurt deeply by what Holmes had said, and that she took it as a serious insult. To her, it was the equivalent of someone kicking someone when they were down, and it seemed like, to her, everyone was making sport of kicking Taylor when she was down. It was too much for her to take and she wanted to get away from everyone.

Meanwhile, Tyson Hoyt was having much more of a good time. The three-time defending HASCAR Challenge Cup winner would start 34th on race day, one position ahead of the great Kai Qiang, and he figured that he was in a position where he could prove his mettle to the rest of the NSSCRA world. It was a quiet moment for him, so he sat down at a folding chair for a bit to take in his surroundings.

He smiled as a familiar face – one he had never met before, but one he had seen tons of times on television – came over. It was Jeremiah Brooke, one of the top names in the NSSCRA world, and the lead driver, so it seemed, of the Gale Force squad, one of the NSSCRA’s top teams.

“Hey, man. Heard so much about you - think we have a lot in common, and that you'll be one to watch out for all season long,” Brooke said, offering a handshake. “On behalf of the entire Gale Force Racing organization, we would like to welcome you into the NSSCRA.”

Tyson happily accepted that handshake and was more than happy to meet a fellow competitor.

“Thank you, Jeremiah, I’ve heard a lot about you too,” Tyson replied. “It’s great to finally meet you, and I’m looking forward to running with you this season. Maybe before long we’ll be battling for a win.”

It was interactions like this that made Tyson feel welcomed in the NSSCRA paddock – more so than he had been in the HASCAR paddock. He had been the bad boy of HASCAR for so long that many didn’t want to acknowledge his presence, let alone do business with him. But to Tyson, the NSSCRA represented a second chance. A second chance to feel like he belonged. And maybe if everyone else was like Jeremiah, maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. After all, it seemed like he had made peace with Drake Stevenson, and that, to him, felt like it was going to be the toughest challenge for him.

For Tyson Hoyt, the best was yet to come. For Taylor, well… that remained to be seen.

TAYLOR HENDERSON ✓

@Taylor_Hendo

Look at @CHolmes kicking someone when they're down. Screw you, Holmes. Just shows your true colors. I'd watch out if I were you, you're gonna get yourself hurt.


#NSSCRA

[Hapilopper]

  CHRIS HOLMES ✓

@CHolmes

Hey @Taylor_Hendo, lose the veiled threats. You're down because you put yourself there. You want that to change? Then maybe lose the "kill or be killed" bull and start acting like an adult.


#NSSCRA

DRAKE STEVENSON ✓

@HapiDrake81

I find the behavior of @Taylor_Hendo to be concerning. If one of us - myself, Holmes or Rinzi - get taken out because of her, I'm going to assume it was premeditated. She doesn't need to be saying anyone's going to get hurt. Period.


#NSSCRA : #Exhibition

[TJUN-ia]

This blog was written by Derrick Carlisle, Jaguar Racing's Social Media Manager

Oh boy, am I happy to see you all here after all this time. NSSCRA 13 has finally come around and oh boy, have the changes between now and the end of last season so distinct. The field size in the top flight has undoubtedly grown, bolstered by the arrival of three groups of teams: the Returners (Jebslund, Squidroidia, Wreckeria), the Experienced Debutants (Sixty-ninE X, Auruna, Togonistan) and the Team Racing Rookies (South Americanastan, Kertheniia, Yakk, The Daystar Isles in T2). This means a new qualifying format will be in play and with both series expected to be just as fiery as ever, no one really knows for sure who will claim the thrones of both tiers.

But of course, we cannot start any season without Week Zero - with no points at stake, but a much-needed litmus test of what could come in the 26 races beyond this test weekend. Qualifying for the Exhibition at The Proving Grounds Presented by Rocket Automotive is Newmanistan's long overdue "Welcome Back!" and this Qualifying session was expected to be very feisty indeed. 21 cars were going to duke it out for the 8 non-charter spots in this field and combine that with some of the best drivers in the world looking to make an early statement, and you had yourself a very interesting Saturday. Chris Holmes would take the test pole over Stacie Houston and Maddie Alexander with Alfonso Mercado (@AM64) the best of the JRs in P4. Maddison Riley-Jones (@MaddyRJ03) found herself amidst a sea of qualifiers, but P15 is still a good place to start while Michael Stefan (@Stefan07) isn't too far behind in P24. Lam Chow-Cheung is certainly one to keep an eye on this season but will start tomorrow down in P39 with plenty of work to do. Cocoabo #78 starts as the best of our 2 open charters in P28 while Derek Harwood starts down in 37th. In the mad dash to make it in, Aurélia Karvonen was the quickest in 11th with Clarissa Alanis Star Samantha (P12), Jenna Logan (P13), Rustam Ilyich Yudin (P14), Jean Lannes (P16), Ashley Mattews (P20), Andre Massena (P21) and Cocoabo #28 (P22) all joining her in proceedings. Taylor Henderson, now in the Oliver Marlin car, missed out by over a tenth while names like Sage Caldwell, Koshiro Kawai and the returning Vanda Rosa Cordeiro Kerman will all have to watch the race from the paddock.

Meanwhile, the EverLong Contenders Series also had its test event and the Prospect Showcase at The Proving Grounds Presented by Rocket Automotive was certainly filled with talking points. Edmund Flanders, the defending Champion, would start this event from pole over debutants Alice Kjäran and Colin Meredith with Alice Jepkosgei (@AJ96) starting in 7th, Ilmari Pëkannen in 10th, Robin Dragonovic (@RD97SNL) in 17th, Kaarina Salo in 18th and Gongming Gao (@GG70) down in 21st. The race itself was certainly a bit chaotic as drivers such as Lotara Novorali, Turakki Mayelli and Curtis Kirby were among the 7 who DNFed. Lexi Patterson would win this test race over Alex Remington and AJ with Salo in 8th, Pëkannen 10th, Gao 11th and Robin in 14th. Certainly, a good start and celebrating a podium is a good way to lead into this competitive season.

Tomorrow should be fun, no matter what happens out there. I'll just be here enjoying the calendar we and HM helped create...it's certainly something, no doubt about that.

---

Current MCS Standings: #07 - N/A (0pts)/#64 - N/A (0pts)/#03 - N/A (0pts)
Current ECS Standings: #97 - N/A (0pts)/#96 - N/A (0pts)/#70 - N/A (0pts)
Next MCS Race: Exhibition at The Proving Grounds Presented by Rocket Automotive, Tundra Falls, Newmanistan
Next ECS Race: Prospect Showcase at The Proving Grounds Presented by Rocket Automotive, Tundra Falls, Newmanistan
Music of the Round III: Arcade Fire - Everything Now (LUX/VIE/CAM/BLZ/HON)

[Kimi-Suomi]

For them, the aim for this first Saturday was pretty simple: get back in the groove. The 13th season of NSSCRA was about to get underway and for the drivers of HMT2, the return was certainly filled with a very sweet emotion. Last time out, both of them would manage some good moments out there on the track but now, the Playoff dream was certainly sounding more and more realistic and both of these drivers knew that they had a shot of tekee suurta aikaa this time around.

Ilmari Pëkannen qualified best of the two in P10, the driver who both qualified for the Chase and claimed HM's first ever win late on last season. That ride last season was certainly filled with drama last season, with their father's actions off the track making him realise that the status quo of him being a jackass to everyone wasn't by his own doing at all. Now, he lives a double life, telling his father about how much of a dick he is while at the same time hanging out with supposed arch-rival Kaarina Salo in the real world. It certainly felt cool to Ilmari to be able to do this, although fears about the longevity of this setup were starting to creep in. He managed to both start and finish in 10th, a good way to start this long road off.

As for Kaarina Salo, many did feel that she did show promise last season despite missing the playoffs by a few places. Getting that podium on the opening weekend was certainly a highlight of her burgeoning career thus far, but Rauhallinen's driving style was difficult to convert into consistent results across the entire season. Of course, she has been working on being more competitive for this time around, but her biggest achievement last season was more than likely managing to convert her teammate from a large foe to a considerable ally. That certainly required a lot of effort on her part, but she's certainly happy with what she managed...but will this new connection help her out this time around? Maybe it will, as she converted P18 on the grid into P8 at the flag.

Of course, points will be on the line next time, but building confidence is never a bad thing in the EverLong Contenders Series. Now, they could sit back and relay as Taylor Henderson swipes at Chris Holmes on twii.tur with veiled threats of violence when she finally makes a race. Tämä sarja ei koskaan petä draaman suhteen-
LAM CHOW-CHEUNG - 林周翔 ✓

@LCC38

- - @Taylor_Hendo




#NSSCRA

Holy Christ Lam, what have you done?!

[Wreckeria]

TAYLOR HENDERSON ✓

@Taylor_Hendo

Hey @LCC38, or shall we say "Lamb Chow", step off. We've got a phrase around here, it's called "F**k around and find out." Want to find out?


#NSSCRA

[The Sherpa Empire]

Shuzhen Zhu and her crew were at their hauler putting some stuff away for the day and casually chatting about how the day had gone. They were feeling all right. They still had some work to do, some room for improvement, but they felt like they were doing okay for a team that was just starting out in NSSCRA.

They had not gotten very deep into their conversation before they were interrupted by a loud commotion. "This is an OUTRAGE! Everyone knows I'm the best! I don't lose! I bet those Jebsmanner commies rigged the qualifiers!" someone was yelling -- and the man had some pipes on him too! His booming voice carried easily down the line of haulers to Zhu's.

Zhu and her crew exchanged concerned and bemused looks. "What's HIS problem?" Zhu wondered aloud.

"Maybe we should go over there and try to calm him down," her Nimban mechanic suggested.

"He doesn't sound like the sort of person who would appreciate being told to calm down," Zhu said.

The man at the next hauler down was still bellowing, now hurling verbal abuse at Cocoabo #28, saying such derogatory things that even Liangmei Li would have thought twice before saying them out loud.

"Well, how do you know unless you try?" said the mechanic.

"I mean.... just listen to him!"

The man had gone back to ranting about "commies."

"It's a good thing he's never pried too deep into Qiang Kai's politics," Zhu's crew chief said.

[The Sherpa Empire]

强凯 - Kai Qiang - काय च्याङ ✓

@QK98

- -@LCC38

Hendo faster than you today.


#NSSCRA

强凯 - Kai Qiang - काय च्याङ ✓

@QK98

- -@Taylor_Hendo

calm down and let me buy you a drink, it not good to get so piss off


#NSSCRA

[Saint Kanye]

CARSON COPE

@EnsaDrunk247

Oh man. Season ain't started yet and we've got Twii.tur wars already. Can't you guys wait until we've turned even just one lap?

#NSSCRA : #ExhibitionAtTheProvingGrounds

LENA EICHEL

@LenaH8sU

Over/under on races before @Taylor_Hendo punches someone out?

#NSSCRA

MARKUS TOMPKINS

@TheGayEngineer

@LenaH8sU forget that, over/under on races before @Taylor_Hendo gets the boot from her new team?

#NSSCRA

[Sixty-ninE X]

QUEBECOM TEAM TSUNOPIN

Location: 69X City, Sixty-ninE X, Sonnel
Team Owner: Vadim Tsunopin, Mayu Tsunopina and Raglan 'Rage' Kirby
President/Manager/Director/Jack of all talents: Dr. Balthazar 'The Kinky' Grey
Sponsors: Centennial Bank (69X), Drawkfiction (Drawkland), Mayhem (Saint Kanye), Outbox (Drawkland), PlayToy (Quebec & Shingoryeo), Quebecom (Quebec & Shingoryeo), Upper Westside University (Saint Kanye)

At Last.

Team Tsunopin, also known as Quebecom Team Tsunopin when adhering to sponsorship rules, is a young team of highly-experience drivers that was founded about a year ago when a group of lifelong friends, Ilya Tsunopin and the Kirby brothers, had decided to bring their forces together to face the world of stock car racing after a successful season as a charter driver by Ilya Tsunopin under Gale Force Racing, as well as a pair of successful appearances by the Kirby Brothers, two 69Xers who were studying civil engineering with the Upper Westside University in Saint Kanye at the time.

Their occasional presence at the Season Twelve, while with relative infrequency, have no doubt landed some impact with the Kirbys, the lifelong weightlifters whose commitment to remain in peak physical, muscular conditions have drawn great attention, but more importantly with Ilya, the man whose surname is on the team title. The previous season has seen Ilya Tsunopin, a rally driver and prominent fiction writer of drawkfiction origins, being at the centre of controversies with his tendencies to maximise speed, bushy beard, love of marijuana and most importantly his love towards Thea Alvarez and Kai Qiang. With the last two having landed him a partner, some notoriety, and arguably target on the back of his head, there's no doubt that all forms of excitement, horror and most importantly action, awaits this Team Tsunopin that consists of six, young-blooded fighters ready to prowl.

Team Tsunopin's lineup is evenly spread for the Season Thirteen. Ilya Tsunopin, the team's defining racer, will be driving for the team with a guaranteed charter. There is a general consensus that while he is better known for bringing trouble anywhere he goes, he no doubt has talent and in this day and age where road tracks are increasingly common on the world of NSSCRA, his skillset may come particularly handy. He is to be complemented nicely by Swell 'Swole' Kirby, the elder of Kirby brothers who has taken a year off from his engineering degree with the 'UWU', and legendary Cocoabo #28 who has quickly become great friends with Ilya. The three of them, while a slightly odd trio on appearance, have come to find common ground with each other during the offseason, so it was with this in mind that the trio were selected for the Multiversal stage.

In Everlong, Team Tsunopin will be led by Curtis 'Cursed' Kirby, the driver known for his love of retaliation and arguably worse temper than Ilya. While the decision to place Curtis in Everlong was a tough one, it was partly done to make sure that the 69Xer undergraduate, whose GPA has been at a very risky territory of academic failure after months of alcohol, partying and other questionable acts, would spend enough time on improving his grades under a lower-pressure environment. He would be backed by Maurice Cavins III, the former Quebecois basketball player of Drawkian ancestry and legendary lineage of basketballers, and Wang Anjiao, a Kai Qiang superfan hailing from Guiyang Racing Club. While this bunch of racers, who come from more diverse backgrounds, would still have to gel further in order to be a complete team, there's no doubt that sooner than later, they would look back to this season and say that they have done dandy good of a job.

#90 - Ilya TSUNOPIN



Hometown: 69X City, 69X - Age: 21 - Twii.tur: @VampwolfBoy
NSSCRA Starts: 5 | Highest Placing: 12th
Crew Chief: Kwak Seung-Joo (69X) | Spotter: Iago Colivicchi (69X)
Driving Style: Madman
Personality: Energetic, Exciting
Retaliation?: Surprisingly...no. He prefers to actually fight on an octagon.

Ilya Vadimovich Tsunopin is one of the most enigmatic motorsports athletes out there. He, even without mentioning his universal love for Kai Qiang, is someone who:

• 1: Holds diverse range of experience - started driving in rally circuits of his native country 69X and other parts of the Multiverse, before shifting into a brief-lived WGP2 career with Bitten Heroes of Lisander, and then found his heart with NSSCRA.
• 2: Has a burgeoning career in Mixed-Martial Arts (MMA), with his active Renown Combat International record of 2-0 and a dozen fights won in the 69X domestic circuits. He, for now, holds an undefeated record.
• 3: Is probably best known by a neutral or a non-motorsports person as the prolific author of Vampwolf Chronicles, a dystopian trilogy of Vampwolf clans living in a blocked-off rural Drawkian city of Cavsar, and a half-dozen works that casually pair up NSSCRA drivers with each other.
• 4: Is in middle of a budding romance with Thea Alvarez, his former teammate with the Gale Force Racing.
• 5: Also possesses five pet bears in his mansion in Kardashia, Saint Kanye, where he lives during much of the year and continues to work as the President of PlayToy's AO Division that is based in the same city.

Safe to say that he's...not a boring, average driver.

In the offseason that had followed Ilya and his friends, life has been good for Ilya. Spending most of his time getting involved further into the family business with Tsunopin Corporation, as well as the PlayToy AO, Ilya has found himself easier to take attention off his back in the corporate world. When outside of it, however, he would also come to embrace the hype and the fame would come with it, whether it be year-round training with the Kirby brothers and his old MMA gym, or spending time with Thea Alvarez. But most importantly, however, was the stability of his placement in the NSSCRA scene - the founding of the Team Tsunopin, one that his parents and Kirby brothers' parents, the gym owner Raglan, had brought a new sense of relief to Ilya, who knew that his heart truly belonged here in the NSSCRA. With most of his crew, those who he had worked with for several years now, will be making a comeback and with the stability of the team situation figured out, there's no doubt that Team Tsunopin could roll it fine with their main driver. Even if he may be the one that causes all sorts of trouble for them.

#69 - SWELL 'Swole' KIRBY



Hometown: 69X City, 69X - Age: 23 - Twii.tur: @RollWaveLikeSwole
Crew Chief: Jean-Philippe Naos (Quebec and Shingoryeo) | Spotter: Mairead Gao-Hanifin (69X)
Driving Style: Patient, careful
Personality: Calm, logical and patient.
Retaliation?: Only when he sees it as necessary.

For every Ilya there needs to be a Swell, and this season is of no exception.

Coming from a humble background of weightlifters and martial artists in this Sonnelian citystate, Swell Kirby's the man in the pink known for his love of weightlifting, reading physics books and talking about old motorsports facts and fables. Growing up he was the kid who would go to his father's Gym in the Downtown, where he would routinely train and do lifts with his fighters, before going to school, and always have the highest scores in any maths and sciences classes. What a nerd.

Unlike Ilya, whose parents were former professional racers in Sonnel and in Quebec, Swell and his brother Curtis didn't intend to end up in the motorsports world. But over time, as they had watched Ilya emerge into a promising racer in most codes, they too grew interests enough to realise that one day, they could do it too. So Curtis and Swell, while junior and freshman, at the Upper Westside University in Kardashia, Saint Kanye, had decided to shoot their shot when the doors opened to them one day in Kardashia last season, and after a very promising performance, had decided that this was something they would want to do.

During the offseason, Swell kept himself mostly out of spotlight, working out at his father's gym while having occasional run in the rallying scene. He, unlike Ilya and his brother Curtis, has also stayed out of romantic endeavour and troubles, and would hope to remain so. With the thirteenth season coming up and Swole having taken a term's absence from his senior year of college, Swole is expected to take charge as the team's calming, spiritual leader, even if he may not be the most talented one out of the sixsome.

[Vilita and Turori]

Back in the Saddle Again

Exhibition at the Proving Grounds, Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, Tundra Falls, Newmanistan :: While to many it felt as if NSSCRA Season 12 had just ended, teams were already back at the track following the shortest ever NSSCRA Offseason - preparing for yet another go at it in Tundra Falls. It was a terribly disappointing end to Season 12 for Vilita and Turori Motorsports with no drivers competing for the championship in the Multiversal Cup Series in the final race. However, once again, it was a consolation victory at the Proving Grounds for NSSCRA Season 6 champion River 'Shark' Suzgar II who watched yet another potential series title slip away from their fingers as they won the season finale despite not being eligible for the championship by way of failing to qualify for the Championship 4.

Sugar would take the victory in the Proving Grounds 500 by edging out Valkyrie driver Anastasia Freya Yadana Aye - a Championship 4 eligible driver who would end up winning the NSSCRA Title, her second overall. The championship for the driver of the #15 car also crowned @Kristen01SH of Saint Kanye as the winner of Vilita and Turori Racer's NSSCRA Pick 'em Competition.

In the Everlong Contenders series, it was heartbreak for Rockii Ezis in a season finale that was riddled with poor performances by the Championship 4 eligible drivers. Ezis would finish outside the Top 10 but as championship rivals Marcus Alan Ariel Reynolds and Agata Kosaryova finished even worse, Ezis would only have needed to finish 8th to claim the Everlong Contenders Series title in their first attempt. As it was, it would be Edmund Flanders of Hapilopper claiming the title with Ezis in second place. Teammate Lotara Novorali would finish as the best driver eliminated in the Round of 8, placed 5th overall in the standings, capping off a solid season for the Vilita and Turori Motorsports: Novorali Enterprises outfit placing two drivers in the Top 5 of the final Everlong Contenders Series point standings for the first time.

Both Vilita and Turori Motorsports and Novorali Enterprises will return the same driver lineup for NSSCRA Season 13. It is not yet clear whether the team will attempt to make use of the open charter for any of its Everlong Contenders Series drivers in the opening portion of the season - though a new event at the Raceway of the Steppe in Yakk could appeal to a veteran road course driver such as WGPC Champion iBen Toralmintii. The Vilaye Energy Drink 314 will reprise its role as the first race of the NSSCRA Playoffs - one of two road course races in the Round of 16.

It was a difficult day for the Novorali Enterprises team in the Prospect Showcase at the Proving Grounds with both Lotara Novorali and Turakki Mayelli failing to finish. Out of contention, Rockii Ezis backed the #60 Dart down near the finish to avoid being caught up in any late race accidents. Reigning Coleman & Thorne Rookie of the Season driver Islago Tizilna will kick off their sophomore campaign in the Multiversal Cup Series as Vilita and Turori Motorsports only driver starting inside the Top 10 at the Exhibition at the Proving Grounds Presented by Rocket Automotive.

[Newmanistan]

Race: Exhibition at The Proving Grounds Presented by Rocket Automotive, Newmanistan
Lap Record: 56.342 sec.
Minimum to Avoid DNF: 59.700 sec.

Segment 1:

NSSCRA Multiversal Series
 1 #18- Jeremiah Brooke (Saint Kanye)                        56.842
 2 #01- Tsering Chu (The Sherpa Empire)                      56.864
 3 #73- Rinzi Aogar Zakhilwal (Hapilopper)                   57.000
 4 #46- Thea Alvarez (Saint Kanye)                           57.002
 5 #4- Islago Tizilna (Vilita & Turori)                      57.013
 6 #31- Gwen Tracer Allison Oxton (Valentine Z)              57.042
 7 #63- Jean Lannes (The French Army) *Q*                    57.134
 8 #64- Alfonso Mercado (TJUN-ia)                            57.156
 9 #44- Shuzhen Zhu (The Sherpa Empire)                      57.159
10 #15- Anastasia Freya Yadana Aye (Valentine Z)             57.186
11 #38- Lam Chow-Cheung (Kimi-Suomi)                         57.209
12 #8- Chris Holmes (Hapilopper)                             57.218
13 #61- Joachim Murat (The French Army)                      57.219
14 #1- Maddie Alexander (Tropicorp)                          57.414
15 #3- Jenna Logan (Tropicorp) *Q*                           57.507
16 #90- Ilya Tsunopin (69X)                                  57.512
17 #41- Yraaga Gilli’i (Vilita & Turori)                     57.614
18 #62- Andre Massena (The French Army) *Q*                  57.615
19 #02- Kai Qiang (The Sherpa Empire)                        57.666
20 #48- Ashley Mattews (Newmanistan) *Q*                     57.705
21 #81- Drake Stevenson (Hapilopper)                         57.724
22 #07- Michael Stefan (TJUN-ia)                             57.788
23 #14- River ‘Shark’ Suzgar (Vilita & Turori)               57.788
24 #24- Chelsea Taylor (Newmanistan)                         57.839
25 #7- Clarissa Alanis Star Samantha (Valentine Z) *Q*       58.037
26 #98- Wilma von Cärinthen (Abanhfleft)                     58.045
27 #83- Isaia Fanene (Togonistan)                            58.069
28 #2- Centur Tiones (Tropicorp)                             58.151
29 #71- Aurélia Karvonen (Kimi-Suomi) *Q*                    58.181
30 #28- Cocoabo #28 (69X) *Q*                                58.211
31 #27- Stacie Houston (Saint Kanye)                         58.246
32 #0- Ezekial "Zeke" Rodger (Esmerel)                       58.394
33 #60- Tyson Hoyt (Wreckeria)                               58.419
34 #37- Kiara Iinokanna (Auruna)                             58.472
35 #59- Derek Harwood (Newmanistan)                          58.731
36 #13- Eva Kerman (Jebslund)                                58.886
37 #11- Gordon Busch (Kertheniia)                            58.894
38 #05- Chris Gordon (Sword Island)                          59.075
39 #78- Cocoabo #78 (Tropicorp)                              59.181
40 #39- Rustam Ilyich Yudin (Abanhfleft) *Q*                 59.210
41 #55- Holly Aurora Lapia Starlight (G6MR)                  59.429
42 #33- Wes Cannard (South Americanastan)                    59.523
43 #12- Virginy Kyzylov (Yakk)                               59.696
44 #99- Ricky Lee (New Northwesteros)                        59.697
45 #40- Shigeru Ishikawa (Squidroidia)                       59.960 DNF
46 #03- Maddison Riley-Jones (TJUN-ia)                     1:00.075 DNF

Segment 2:

NSSCRA Multiversal Series
 1 #46- Thea Alvarez (Saint Kanye)                           56.833
 2 #81- Drake Stevenson (Hapilopper)                         56.854
 3 #8- Chris Holmes (Hapilopper)                             56.921
 4 #27- Stacie Houston (Saint Kanye)                         56.935
 5 #31- Gwen Tracer Allison Oxton (Valentine Z)              56.960
 6 #73- Rinzi Aogar Zakhilwal (Hapilopper)                   56.972
 7 #18- Jeremiah Brooke (Saint Kanye)                        57.030
 8 #1- Maddie Alexander (Tropicorp)                          57.037
 9 #3- Jenna Logan (Tropicorp) *Q*                           57.058
10 #63- Jean Lannes (The French Army) *Q*                    57.088
11 #15- Anastasia Freya Yadana Aye (Valentine Z)             57.117
12 #64- Alfonso Mercado (TJUN-ia)                            57.153
13 #61- Joachim Murat (The French Army)                      57.160
14 #38- Lam Chow-Cheung (Kimi-Suomi)                         57.188
15 #71- Aurélia Karvonen (Kimi-Suomi) *Q*                    57.192
16 #07- Michael Stefan (TJUN-ia)                             57.220
17 #62- Andre Massena (The French Army) *Q*                  57.312
18 #01- Tsering Chu (The Sherpa Empire)                      57.503
19 #14- River ‘Shark’ Suzgar (Vilita & Turori)               57.616
20 #55- Holly Aurora Lapia Starlight (G6MR)                  57.679
21 #44- Shuzhen Zhu (The Sherpa Empire)                      57.730
22 #4- Islago Tizilna (Vilita & Turori)                      57.743
23 #2- Centur Tiones (Tropicorp)                             57.787
24 #24- Chelsea Taylor (Newmanistan)                         57.824
25 #78- Cocoabo #78 (Tropicorp)                              57.890
26 #7- Clarissa Alanis Star Samantha (Valentine Z) *Q*       57.934
27 #37- Kiara Iinokanna (Auruna)                             57.974
28 #41- Yraaga Gilli’i (Vilita & Turori)                     57.991
29 #02- Kai Qiang (The Sherpa Empire)                        58.035
30 #59- Derek Harwood (Newmanistan)                          58.245
31 #48- Ashley Mattews (Newmanistan) *Q*                     58.313
32 #90- Ilya Tsunopin (69X)                                  58.528
33 #39- Rustam Ilyich Yudin (Abanhfleft) *Q*                 58.581
34 #98- Wilma von Cärinthen (Abanhfleft)                     58.613
35 #28- Cocoabo #28 (69X) *Q*                                58.684
36 #83- Isaia Fanene (Togonistan)                            58.809
37 #05- Chris Gordon (Sword Island)                          58.919
38 #60- Tyson Hoyt (Wreckeria)                               59.077
39 #13- Eva Kerman (Jebslund)                                59.159
40 #11- Gordon Busch (Kertheniia)                            59.164
41 #99- Ricky Lee (New Northwesteros)                        59.470
42 #33- Wes Cannard (South Americanastan)                    59.853 DNF
43 #0- Ezekial "Zeke" Rodger (Esmerel)                       59.956 DNF
44 #12- Virginy Kyzylov (Yakk)                             1:00.268 DNF

Segment 3:

NSSCRA Multiversal Series
 1 #41- Yraaga Gilli’i (Vilita & Turori)                     56.887
 2 #01- Tsering Chu (The Sherpa Empire)                      56.897
 3 #15- Anastasia Freya Yadana Aye (Valentine Z)             56.922
 4 #27- Stacie Houston (Saint Kanye)                         56.925
 5 #14- River ‘Shark’ Suzgar (Vilita & Turori)               56.927
 6 #18- Jeremiah Brooke (Saint Kanye)                        56.958
 7 #8- Chris Holmes (Hapilopper)                             56.964
 8 #1- Maddie Alexander (Tropicorp)                          56.966
 9 #07- Michael Stefan (TJUN-ia)                             57.005
10 #64- Alfonso Mercado (TJUN-ia)                            57.120
11 #63- Jean Lannes (The French Army) *Q*                    57.131
12 #39- Rustam Ilyich Yudin (Abanhfleft) *Q*                 57.184
13 #62- Andre Massena (The French Army) *Q*                  57.189
14 #55- Holly Aurora Lapia Starlight (G6MR)                  57.267
15 #78- Cocoabo #78 (Tropicorp)                              57.331
16 #38- Lam Chow-Cheung (Kimi-Suomi)                         57.350
17 #02- Kai Qiang (The Sherpa Empire)                        57.517
18 #61- Joachim Murat (The French Army)                      57.523
19 #2- Centur Tiones (Tropicorp)                             57.556
20 #28- Cocoabo #28 (69X) *Q*                                57.584
21 #3- Jenna Logan (Tropicorp) *Q*                           57.603
22 #44- Shuzhen Zhu (The Sherpa Empire)                      57.695
23 #24- Chelsea Taylor (Newmanistan)                         57.696
24 #46- Thea Alvarez (Saint Kanye)                           57.777
25 #4- Islago Tizilna (Vilita & Turori)                      57.784
26 #98- Wilma von Cärinthen (Abanhfleft)                     57.790
27 #73- Rinzi Aogar Zakhilwal (Hapilopper)                   58.004
28 #81- Drake Stevenson (Hapilopper)                         58.030
29 #60- Tyson Hoyt (Wreckeria)                               58.186
30 #37- Kiara Iinokanna (Auruna)                             58.226
31 #13- Eva Kerman (Jebslund)                                58.334
32 #90- Ilya Tsunopin (69X)                                  58.494
33 #83- Isaia Fanene (Togonistan)                            58.628
34 #31- Gwen Tracer Allison Oxton (Valentine Z)              58.671
35 #05- Chris Gordon (Sword Island)                          58.879
36 #71- Aurélia Karvonen (Kimi-Suomi) *Q*                    58.879
37 #7- Clarissa Alanis Star Samantha (Valentine Z) *Q*       58.984
38 #59- Derek Harwood (Newmanistan)                          59.003
39 #11- Gordon Busch (Kertheniia)                            59.209
40 #48- Ashley Mattews (Newmanistan) *Q*                     59.393
41 #99- Ricky Lee (New Northwesteros)                      1:00.017 DNF

Segment 4:

NSSCRA Multiversal Series
 1 #14- River ‘Shark’ Suzgar (Vilita & Turori)               56.818
 2 #41- Yraaga Gilli’i (Vilita & Turori)                     56.848
 3 #64- Alfonso Mercado (TJUN-ia)                            56.894
 4 #3- Jenna Logan (Tropicorp) *Q*                           56.929
 5 #1- Maddie Alexander (Tropicorp)                          57.048
 6 #2- Centur Tiones (Tropicorp)                             57.103
 7 #81- Drake Stevenson (Hapilopper)                         57.120
 8 #62- Andre Massena (The French Army) *Q*                  57.213
 9 #31- Gwen Tracer Allison Oxton (Valentine Z)              57.217
10 #38- Lam Chow-Cheung (Kimi-Suomi)                         57.227
11 #63- Jean Lannes (The French Army) *Q*                    57.251
12 #27- Stacie Houston (Saint Kanye)                         57.256
13 #39- Rustam Ilyich Yudin (Abanhfleft) *Q*                 57.324
14 #73- Rinzi Aogar Zakhilwal (Hapilopper)                   57.371
15 #48- Ashley Mattews (Newmanistan) *Q*                     57.436
16 #07- Michael Stefan (TJUN-ia)                             57.439
17 #98- Wilma von Cärinthen (Abanhfleft)                     57.440
18 #01- Tsering Chu (The Sherpa Empire)                      57.470
19 #02- Kai Qiang (The Sherpa Empire)                        57.486
20 #71- Aurélia Karvonen (Kimi-Suomi) *Q*                    57.571
21 #46- Thea Alvarez (Saint Kanye)                           57.638
22 #90- Ilya Tsunopin (69X)                                  57.843
23 #28- Cocoabo #28 (69X) *Q*                                57.897
24 #78- Cocoabo #78 (Tropicorp)                              57.943
25 #55- Holly Aurora Lapia Starlight (G6MR)                  57.980
26 #83- Isaia Fanene (Togonistan)                            58.017
27 #60- Tyson Hoyt (Wreckeria)                               58.182
28 #44- Shuzhen Zhu (The Sherpa Empire)                      58.205
29 #7- Clarissa Alanis Star Samantha (Valentine Z) *Q*       58.209
30 #59- Derek Harwood (Newmanistan)                          58.372
31 #37- Kiara Iinokanna (Auruna)                             58.514
32 #61- Joachim Murat (The French Army)                      58.523
33 #18- Jeremiah Brooke (Saint Kanye)                        58.589
34 #13- Eva Kerman (Jebslund)                                58.659
35 #05- Chris Gordon (Sword Island)                          58.753
36 #24- Chelsea Taylor (Newmanistan)                         58.860
37 #15- Anastasia Freya Yadana Aye (Valentine Z)             59.108
38 #11- Gordon Busch (Kertheniia)                            59.126
39 #4- Islago Tizilna (Vilita & Turori)                      59.129
40 #8- Chris Holmes (Hapilopper)                             59.621

Segment 5:

NSSCRA Multiversal Series
 1 #46- Thea Alvarez (Saint Kanye)                           56.816
 2 #27- Stacie Houston (Saint Kanye)                         56.848
 3 #3- Jenna Logan (Tropicorp) *Q*                           56.871
 4 #64- Alfonso Mercado (TJUN-ia)                            56.889
 5 #1- Maddie Alexander (Tropicorp)                          56.903
 6 #18- Jeremiah Brooke (Saint Kanye)                        56.914
 7 #02- Kai Qiang (The Sherpa Empire)                        56.944
 8 #15- Anastasia Freya Yadana Aye (Valentine Z)             57.014
 9 #4- Islago Tizilna (Vilita & Turori)                      57.045
10 #81- Drake Stevenson (Hapilopper)                         57.065
11 #14- River ‘Shark’ Suzgar (Vilita & Turori)               57.076
12 #01- Tsering Chu (The Sherpa Empire)                      57.098
13 #62- Andre Massena (The French Army) *Q*                  57.129
14 #55- Holly Aurora Lapia Starlight (G6MR)                  57.156
15 #7- Clarissa Alanis Star Samantha (Valentine Z) *Q*       57.160
16 #2- Centur Tiones (Tropicorp)                             57.167
17 #98- Wilma von Cärinthen (Abanhfleft)                     57.217
18 #8- Chris Holmes (Hapilopper)                             57.261
19 #07- Michael Stefan (TJUN-ia)                             57.270
20 #48- Ashley Mattews (Newmanistan) *Q*                     57.279
21 #38- Lam Chow-Cheung (Kimi-Suomi)                         57.307
22 #31- Gwen Tracer Allison Oxton (Valentine Z)              57.366
23 #39- Rustam Ilyich Yudin (Abanhfleft) *Q*                 57.395
24 #63- Jean Lannes (The French Army) *Q*                    57.554
25 #73- Rinzi Aogar Zakhilwal (Hapilopper)                   57.591
26 #71- Aurélia Karvonen (Kimi-Suomi) *Q*                    57.725
27 #61- Joachim Murat (The French Army)                      57.772
28 #78- Cocoabo #78 (Tropicorp)                              57.850
29 #28- Cocoabo #28 (69X) *Q*                                57.853
30 #90- Ilya Tsunopin (69X)                                  57.861
31 #24- Chelsea Taylor (Newmanistan)                         57.949
32 #37- Kiara Iinokanna (Auruna)                             57.965
33 #60- Tyson Hoyt (Wreckeria)                               58.161
34 #83- Isaia Fanene (Togonistan)                            58.172
35 #59- Derek Harwood (Newmanistan)                          58.219
36 #41- Yraaga Gilli’i (Vilita & Turori)                     58.434
37 #13- Eva Kerman (Jebslund)                                58.915
38 #11- Gordon Busch (Kertheniia)                            59.491
39 #44- Shuzhen Zhu (The Sherpa Empire)                      59.561
40 #05- Chris Gordon (Sword Island)                          59.605

Race Results:

+-----+-----------------------------------------------------+--------+
| Pos |                       Driver                        |  Avg.  |
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------+--------+
|   1 | #64- Alfonso Mercado (TJUN-ia)                      | 57.042 | WINNER
|   2 | #1- Maddie Alexander (Tropicorp)                    | 57.074 |
|   3 | #01- Tsering Chu (The Sherpa Empire)                | 57.172 |
|   4 | #3- Jenna Logan (Tropicorp) *Q*                     | 57.194 |
|   5 | #46- Thea Alvarez (Saint Kanye)                     | 57.213 |
|   6 | #63- Jean Lannes (The French Army) *Q*              | 57.232 |
|   7 | #27- Stacie Houston (Saint Kanye)                   | 57.242 |
|   8 | #14- River ‘Shark’ Suzgar (Vilita & Turori)         | 57.245 |
|   9 | #38- Lam Chow-Cheung (Kimi-Suomi)                   | 57.256 |
|  10 | #18- Jeremiah Brooke (Saint Kanye)                  | 57.267 |
|  11 | #62- Andre Massena (The French Army) *Q*            | 57.292 |
|  12 | #07- Michael Stefan (TJUN-ia)                       | 57.344 |
|  13 | #81- Drake Stevenson (Hapilopper)                   | 57.359 |
|  14 | #73- Rinzi Aogar Zakhilwal (Hapilopper)             | 57.388 |
|  15 | #31- Gwen Tracer Allison Oxton (Valentine Z)        | 57.451 |
|  16 | #15- Anastasia Freya Yadana Aye (Valentine Z)       | 57.469 |
|  17 | #02- Kai Qiang (The Sherpa Empire)                  | 57.530 |
|  18 | #2- Centur Tiones (Tropicorp)                       | 57.553 |
|  19 | #41- Yraaga Gilli’i (Vilita & Turori)               | 57.555 |
|  20 | #8- Chris Holmes (Hapilopper)                       | 57.597 |
|  21 | #61- Joachim Murat (The French Army)                | 57.639 |
|  22 | #4- Islago Tizilna (Vilita & Turori)                | 57.743 |
|  23 | #98- Wilma von Cärinthen (Abanhfleft)               | 57.821 |
|  24 | #55- Holly Aurora Lapia Starlight (G6MR)            | 57.884 |
|  25 | #71- Aurélia Karvonen (Kimi-Suomi) *Q*              | 57.910 |
|  26 | #39- Rustam Ilyich Yudin (Abanhfleft) *Q*           | 57.939 |
|  27 | #48- Ashley Mattews (Newmanistan) *Q*               | 58.025 |
|  28 | #24- Chelsea Taylor (Newmanistan)                   | 58.034 |
|  29 | #78- Cocoabo #78 (Tropicorp)                        | 58.039 |
|  30 | #28- Cocoabo #28 (69X) *Q*                          | 58.046 |
|  31 | #90- Ilya Tsunopin (69X)                            | 58.048 |
|  32 | #7- Clarissa Alanis Star Samantha (Valentine Z) *Q* | 58.065 |
|  33 | #44- Shuzhen Zhu (The Sherpa Empire)                | 58.070 |
|  34 | #37- Kiara Iinokanna (Auruna)                       | 58.230 |
|  35 | #83- Isaia Fanene (Togonistan)                      | 58.339 |
|  36 | #60- Tyson Hoyt (Wreckeria)                         | 58.405 |
|  37 | #59- Derek Harwood (Newmanistan)                    | 58.514 |
|  38 | #13- Eva Kerman (Jebslund)                          | 58.791 |
|  39 | #05- Chris Gordon (Sword Island)                    | 59.046 |
|  40 | #11- Gordon Busch (Kertheniia)                      | 59.177 |
|  41 | #99- Ricky Lee (New Northwesteros)                  | DNF    |
|  42 | #33- Wes Cannard (South Americanastan)              | DNF    |
|  43 | #0- Ezekial "Zeke" Rodger (Esmerel)                 | DNF    |
|  44 | #12- Virginy Kyzylov (Yakk)                         | DNF    |
|  45 | #40- Shigeru Ishikawa (Squidroidia)                 | DNF    |
|  46 | #03- Maddison Riley-Jones (TJUN-ia)                 | DNF    |
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------+--------+

Next Races:
Multiversal- (Aug 23/24): Tundra Falls 500, Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, Newmanistan (Superspeedway)
EverLong- (Aug 23): Tundra Falls 400, Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, Newmanistan (Superspeedway)

[Yakk]

kStores Imperial Auto Works

In 1992 the Federal Republic of Yakk was overthrown and the Empire of Yakk was restored. Now through the progressive policies of Yakkian empire Nyam-Orgil I the Yakkians are in a position where their nation has not only stabilized, but succeeded. One of the first events the Yakkian Empire has joined (albeit not directly from the government) is the NSSCRA, the stock car racing body of the multiverse. It may seem weird that auto racing has become the first sport the Yakkian people would participate in, but there's reasons. Yakk, for one, has a great love of all things Hapilopper. The influence of Hapilopper culture over the years has seen things such as mullets and Bar-b-bq restaurants spread through the nation. With the Hapilopperian influence, Auto Racing has developed a substantial following in the nation. While not near the popularity of football or traditional sports such as archery and horseback riding, the auto racing industry has its place as a fast growing sport with many fans in all regions of Yakk.

Drivers

Virginy Kyzylov The K in kStores stands for Kyzylov. Virginy Kyzylov is the son of a Turkic merchant whose family last several generations in the eastern Yakk River Valley. Virginiy was born in 1995 in port city of Qasmanbaat. Kyzylov's family is responsible for the kStores chain. A series of stores that can be found in every town and city in Yakk. kStores are considered the Yakk equivalent of a big box store while they also have subsidiaries in fuel (kFuel) and automotive repair (kAuto). These stores have made Virginy's father Dimitry a very rich man. While you could be mistaken for calling Kyzylov a "pay driver" Kyzylov is not one of those. While his career started off rough, he was known to be a sponge to anyone who would give him advice. Teaming up with long time crew chief Bryan Tidwell, a native of Hapilopper City, he worked his way into championship contention and eventually would win two titles in the Yakkian Touring Car Championship. As a driver he's known to be good to friends and give his enemies the worst kind of hell, If he likes you he'll shower praise on you, if he dislikes you he will go straight to the media and let them know how the public should feel about. He also has a pet Falcon.

Tsering Bohkmar Tsering Bohkmar is a young, but promising race car driver from Naixung in the Lhaskan region. Born to a Lhaskan mother and a Mongolian father, Tsering is in a unique spot culturally. The Lhaskan people are an ethnic minority in the northern part of the empire and they have a much more complicated history as a people than the Yakkian Turkic population. Tsering started off with the usual karting, but at age 20 he made a massive jump from karts into Touring cars. He raced primarily as an independent, struggling, but also showing great promise and got several comments from drivers and announcers about how he could drive a car over the limit of what it was capable of. He ran several seasons of Touring car till 2021 when he caught a break driving a car for the kStores team. Virginy Kyzylov had been keeping his eye on Tsering as the two had become friends over time. When the opportunity knocked to hire a driver for a new fourth car in their team it was Bohkmar that got the call and he instantly adapted to the new equipment. Tsering is seen as a more happy-go-lucky driver and is for the most part happy to be here. He said his number one goal this season is to have a battle with Tsering Chu for a race.

Nur-Bahk Erdginbet The race in Newmanistan will be Everlong Series driver Nur-Bahk Erdginbet's first ever race on pavement, and the first ever race on a circuit. Nur-Bahk is a long time racer, but his discipline has always been Rally Raid, a long time competitor in the various rally and raid championships in the nation.Why is he racing in NSSCRA Everlong? Well, the 40 year old has ties to Preston and their Yakkian division, so he's along for the ride!

The first race of the season will be taking place in Newmanistan with round 3 to be held in Yakk! it will be interesting to see how the teams do at home.

[Abanhfleft]

DUISDORF MOTORWORKS
Official NSSCRA Entry

The Duisdorf Motorworks Corporation, commonly shortened to either Duisdorf Motorworks or just Duisdorf, is one of Abanhfleft’s oldest and most successful motor companies. Founded by Ixanian immigrant Ottmarr Hartmann, Duisdorf started off as a maker of farming equipment before transitioning to pickup trucks to serve a gap in the market for farms with yields that were too small to justify the purchase of an actual truck. Duisdorf also played an influential part in the birth of Fleftic motorsports, with the winner of the first ever Abanhfleft Racing Truck Series championship winning in a Duisdorf Stetson.

Duisdorf is one of the “Big Three” manufacturers represented in ARTS, the others being Minchev Autos (now owned by Urotovsky-Gatutin of Pridnestrovia) and Bilingshurst Motors of Copper Cuprum. And, after purchasing a charter from UrGa, Duisdorf is now the second manufacturer based in the APOC Coalition to take part in the NationStates Stock Car Racing Association (NSSCRA). However, the realities of competing in the multiverse’s premier stock car racing competition has fallen far short of the expectations set forth by the upper management of Duisdorf, and to the surprise of the entire company and team, they had lost their guaranteed charter, meaning that their driver will have to qualify into the race itself. This could have potential repercussions and ramifications in the continuing rivalry between Duisdorf and UrGa.

---

PRESENTING THE DRIVER

#58 - KOSHIRO "KOSHIRO-SAN" KAWAI
Series: Multiversal Cup Series
Main Sponsor: Sarimanok Mayin Airlines
Secondary Sponsor: Soft Jazz Cafe
Crew Chief: Teofisto Jalobillo
Spotter: Tetsuya Suwazono
twii.tur: @KawaiKoshiro_58
Driving style: Hard but fair, although he does have a tendency to stick to certain drivers for far too long
Retaliation: Bump and run is my middle name

Does Koshiro Kawai really need an introduction anymore? Maybe, given where he’ll probably be at the start of the season. Koshiro-san is the champion of the 2030 season of the Abanhfleft Racing Truck Series (which happened alongside NSSCRA Season 10), and when Duisdorf made their entry into NSSCRA, he was by far the clear choice to drive their challenger, the Duisdorf Ascension. However, the weight of expectations from the higher-ups may have been a bit too much for Koshiro-san, who finished 25th in the points and never looked likely to win any races. There are also rumors that Koshiro-san may actually be the secret identity of the fanfiction writer known only as Ren Mazenoda, although Kawai has consistently denied those rumors every time he’s asked. Even then, there are those who are sure that while Kawai is not Mazenoda, he knows who Mazenoda really is, and is gladly taking the attention away from his friend. How all of that will affect his driving out on the track though, nobody really knows. Not even Koshiro-san himself.

“It’s been a tough season for all of us. Everyone thought that having three years to prepare for our entry was going to give us a leg up over everyone else, but it turns out that’s not the case. But now we all know better, and I’m sure that we’ll keep our expectations more manageable this time around. I will miss not having to worry about qualifying into the race though. I could really use that right now, but it all depends on how the first part of the season will turn out for me. NSSCRA truly is a different animal from ARTS, but I’m all up for that challenge.”

---

PRESENTING THE CAR
THE DUISDORF ASCENSION

PRIMARY SCHEME: SARIMANOK MAYIN AIRLINES ("WINGS OF SUCCESS")


SECONDARY SCHEME (TO BE USED EVERY 3RD RACE): SOFT JAZZ CAFE ("THE CHILL SPEEDSTER")

[Valentine Z]

Love Prevails – The Grand Beginning and Making of Valentine Z – in a RTS format!

Before the Cold War escalated and devastated the entire world to the point of no return, a large number of people from all around the world, were chosen randomly by a handful of forward-thinkers who seek to restore Earth back to its former glory, and to go beyond what the governments of the individual countries cannot. Calling themselves the Valentians, they are driven by their love and kindness to the world around them and to each other, regardless of their language, religious background, racial background, or which Hemisphere of the Earth they come from. In the multiverse where there is so much in-fighting and out-fighting everywhere one can go, lead and set an example as Valentine Z that a peaceful route is worth taking, while showing force only necessary. Will you be able to stand the literal test of time and lead Valkyrie Valentijn Samantha Constantine and her countrymen to beyond this universe and the countless eternities, or will it become a footnote in a long-dead universe – either through being unable to escape the dying world, being invaded by other foreign entities, or in-fighting that you have not learned from?

Valentine Z is a two-planet (Earth and Mars) Post-Modern bordering Future Tech nation, with a few elements of mysticism, fantasy, and magic around. Developed from a relatively small group of founders and the survivors that were chosen randomly beforehand for a re-population and rejuvenation mission after the Cold War has been deemed non-negotiable and after peace talks have broken down. They are an Information Age civilization, with all of their bonuses and unique units coming in at the very end of the game, with more futuristic tech being able to further enhance their combat capabilities. Their strength lies in the benefits that they give towards their allies, being able to have their unique units available for training and usage, as well as trades generating 33% more wealth. They also have very strong defences, being able to hold off perhaps as much as 3 separate players attacking them. However, given that they are a pacifist nation, even the presence of both the professional standing army and a group of conscripts may not be able to handle the vigour and aggression of the other planetary powers, and thus is ill-advised to go for an aggressive gameplay as the Valentians. Their unique units are the Titan-Class Valkyries, the result of Valentians who have volunteered to transfer their minds into the body of a heavy and weaponized mech.

The Valentians have their own campaign called Love Prevails, their one and only appearance throughout the games and the multiverse. Their national bonuses are as follows:
- Up until Information Age, advancing to the next age is 100% faster. Post-Information Age, advancing to the next age is 33% faster.
- Enemies suffer 200% attrition damage in your territory. This is increased to 300% if they are the first nation to declare war on you.
- Natural resources within your territory lasts 4x longer. This also affects the newly acclaimed (or lost) borders during the gameplay.
- Each of the occupied or colonized (more than 60% of its land and water area) planets boosts economy and wealth incomes by 50%.
- Tributes are free without penalty from the start. There is no amount lost to taxes or corruption when sending resources to a nation.
- Team bonus: Titan-Class Valkyries are able to be created by the allies of Valentine Z. This can be gained or lost depending on stance.

---

The Valentian Campaign – Love Prevails

Fall, 2075. The soothing and synchronized rings of the bells echoed through the entire school as the clock strikes 9 AM. The Valentian children have all walked slowly and orderly into their respective classrooms, wearing a soft and heart-warming smile that they often always do since the day I started teaching. The Valentian children, just like their parents, are a delight to – informal yet polite, confident yet soft-spoken, expressive yet elegant – without a hint of biasness and blind patriotism in my mind, I always thought to myself as to how much of a great place is Valentine Z for just about everything. Though of course, the elders like I and the first generation Valentians, are aware about the lengths that we had to get through to be here, and of the turmoil-filled world where death and destruction reigned supreme, and ending the world in great balls of nuclear fire, so much so that there is little to nothing of value to be seen, heard, or felt. As these children start their first history class, I thought of going through about it gently, while also making an effort not to distort any of the facts and figures that are important to the truth. I have scrolled through the pages of the textbook beforehand, presented in a purely factual manner with opinions left out for classroom settings like now. “And today, my students, we will be going through the founding of Valentine Z.”

Introduction

The game starts you off as the Valentians in their inception, starting at 1999 after the Cold War has escalated and turned the landscape into an inhospitable mess, save for Project Resolute where 500,000+ people survived by living in the deep underground. You start the scenario with a couple of scouts and expedition teams, along with Clarissa Alanis Star Samantha in the form of a main battle tank, who must survive until the end of the game along with the rest of the Sixty. The starting resources are as follows: 1,000,000 Food, 36,000 Timber, 50,000 Metal, 20,000 Oil, and 5,000 Knowledge. Due to the sheer destruction from the nuclear weapons, the world map is devoid of any useful resources – food cannot be produced en masse due to the irradiated and non-arable land, timber only exists in the form of burned ash, and wealth is no longer of any concern since the Valentians have established a simple yet effective way of pooling the remaining resources that they have stockpiled. Metal and Knowledge, however, are different: The former can be found from salvage operations on irradiated grounds, and (new) Knowledge can be discovered through research and experiments that Clarissa has downloaded into herself (and thus the importance of her being alive becoming doubly important). Even though this is more of an unorthodox scenario that is more about resource-management, expect some resistance mainly through remnants of the old world – some are eager to join your cause of rejuvenation, others not as much. Survive until terraforming is researched and ready.

Objectives

- Clarissa and the entire Valentian population must survive.
- Valkyrie Valentijn Samantha Constantine must be found.
- The whole world must be explored (100% exploration).
- Research Radiation Containing Suit (10,000 Knowledge).
- Research Terraforming (30,000 Knowledge).

Notes and Tips

- The base population of the Valentians is 500,000, and it is safe to assume that this number will not increase or decrease greatly on uneventful days; there won’t be people getting born or dying from old age within this timeframe.
- The base food consumption rate is 2000 per day (will last 500 days). The base oil consumption rate is 50 per day (400 days). Since you will need to do tasks throughout the year, the consumption rates may change significantly.
- The Valentian soldiers and The Sixty are powerful units, but do not be overconfident. Most of the stranded survivors will want to join your cause and you should not have problems, but others can and will fight you for any reason.
- There are only two significant technologies that need researching, and they both only require knowledge. The knowledge needed will also consume any type of resources in any amount, depending on number of citizens used.
- Significant events – good or bad – will be encountered throughout the campaign. Some of them have choices that have both benefits and drawbacks. It’s up to you on what you choose, as long as you know the consequences.
- None of the national bonuses are relevant in this campaign, as they are all reliant on wealth-generation, as well as defensives. Survivors, unless attacked, will not suffer attrition damage when entering your claimed territory.
- Valkyrie Valentijn Samantha Constantine cannot be missed, and he can be found anywhere in territories of Burma itself, perhaps even Yangon. Valentians even in usual CBRN suits cannot approach and stay near for too long.

Strategy

The whole of Earth (the entire map) is irradiated and as a result, Clarissa, while being an important personnel that needs to survive, also serves as a primary building citizen since she is immune to the effects of radiation. Use her as much as you can, but also do remember that you will need her to be around the Valentians and The Sixty in order to help out with the logistics, among many other things. Further, she’s only one unit, so she can’t do everything.

The resources, on their own, will last you for at least 400 days (the oil stockpile divided by base oil consumption rate), but the Valentians cannot simply survive in this manner. They will have to find Valentijn and research the two technologies before their stockpiles are exhausted. As one Valentian will put it: “A day delayed and wasted, is a day closer to our deaths.” As a result, this is a game of balancing and managing your resources instead of the usual Real Time Strategy with enemies to attack and defend against. First thing to do is to select your Valentian Scouts and have them explore the immediate landmasses, setting them on auto-explore to check the uncharted territory. Do note that the immediate exploration will only more or less require amounts of food, but crossing the oceans or exploring further areas will require ships or planes, which will then need further input from timber, metal, and oil.

Food plays the most significant role, with oil right below it. Unlike other scenarios and game modes, the Valentian citizens in this level will actively consume the food from the stockpile in order to meet their daily requirements, which can be lower or (more importantly) higher if they are doing a lot more work, such as exploration, research (to gain Knowledge), or anything else along the way. The starting amount will last long, but you will have to consider generating some food of your own. Since the land above is more or less infertile from all the radiation, underground hydroponics – which provides a rather trickle amount of food, are the only viable option. Energy generation via oil also has the same mechanics, though you can use Clarissa (or any other Valentians, provided they can last long in the irradiated lands) to build a couple of solar panels. However, be mindful that the nuclear fallout weather is not the brightest and sunniest weather for this to be efficient. In any case, build around 100-200 panels over the next few days, and it should be able to generate a small but non-negligible amount of energy for everyday activities.

Other than resource management, you will also have to deal with internal security issues and other threats, namely a protest or a riot, for example. Due to the nature of the living conditions, on top of people from all around the world having been fed the propaganda from their countries of origin, it will only be a matter of time before a protest breaks out, and it is up to you to make a decision on whether to use negotiations and diplomacy or to use hard force – the former requires 5 to 14 days worth of food and takes a couple of days for it to be settled down, while the latter will require firearms (mostly Metal resource) and may potentially reduce population from tens to even in the thousands if it is significant enough. Both has their pros and cons, and while it would make sense to play the soft card with reference to Valentians’ compassionate and negotiating skills, the usage of force to quell down an riot may be needed as a very last resort, especially at the late game when you find yourself being unable to sacrifice the precious amount of food from the stockpile for negotiations to ensure stability and peace times once more.

As mentioned before, the survivors outside of the Project Resolute are in unknown numbers, and they may have different stances from one another. Some will be more than eager and happy to join you, others may take a little bit of persuasion and incentives to have them by your side, and others will open fire on you without a second thought. Try to recruit and convince them as much as you can, for some will prove to be a lot more powerful and useful.

Knowledge gathering is unique in this scenario in that you don’t need the wealth or scholars to make this happen, let alone the timber to get the university researches. Instead, you must assign your citizens to do the researching. This in turn will consume food and knowledge, along with some degrees of timber and metal, but the latter two are more than plentiful and it is doubtful that you will experience shortage of those two resources. The more citizens you assign, the faster you will finish your research, but at the cost of burning out your food resources faster. Also do note that the efficiency does not climb linearly; while one citizen can generate 1 Knowledge per day, and two citizens generate 2 per day, 10 citizens will generate perhaps 5-8 per day, instead of the expected 10; it’s a matter of diminishing returns while using an increasing amount of resources. While it is advisable to finish researching the techs as quickly as possible, you will have to consider the fact that you also need to explore the entire world at least once before terraforming begins – both in order to find survivors who may want to join the Valentians, as well as to find Valkyrie Valentijn Samantha Constantine himself. The former is a relatively simpler but tedious task of combing the world, while the latter is relatively more complex but easier; researching the sealed radiation suit will be harder, but finding Valentijn is easier – he is somewhere in Yangon. Other than Clarissa and a few other radiation-hardened robots and machines, none of the Valentians, even in their CBRN suits, can approach him for long.

The scenario and the campaign is considered complete once the world has been thoroughly searched and the survivor count outside of Aoutpine Yangon (capital of the Valentians) has been reduced to 0 (all of them either rescued or killed), Valkyrie Valentijn brought back into the city and kept in the terraform-proof shelter, and Terraform itself being researched and ready to go. The next few years, of course, depends on how much resources you have by the end of the campaign level, but with luck, you have established the very first base and the framework of what Valentine Z and the Valentians stood for. There may be turbulent times – both in and out, but as always, love prevails all.

Outro

When the Valentians saw Valentijn in that suit of armour, it was such a sight to behold for Clarissa and the citizens. Standing 117 meters tall, the suit was a marvel of technology, meant to be a reverse hazmat suit whereby the radiation emitting from him was contained within the suit to power it. He stepped forward gently, the citizens nearly losing their wits, but Clarissa soothed and reassured them that the very giant standing in front of them shall lead them to the future. And together, they got into the shelter, 2000 meters below the ground, with Valentijn and Clarissa being the last two to go. They set the timer on the terraformer, and they initiated the beginning of a new era.

90 minutes in, I was snapped out of the enchantment of the stories that I have been telling my students about. I did not mind them asking questions, but for this introductory session, the presentation always come before Q&A. With that said, the students were spellbound as well: About how Clarissa and what was left of humanity scouted around the world to find remnants of civilization and survivors; about how they found our Valkyrie Valentijn – neigh unrecognizable and towering like a building, wandering helplessly, only relieved by the news that Project Resolute was a success; and most importantly, the teamwork, love, harmony, and compassion of the people from all over the world that have brought us the very land of peace that we are living in. There was no doubt that there were, however, troubles right after the establishment of Valentine Z, one in particular about Valkyrie Valentijn nearing a moment where he became a dictator. That too was written clearly and presented neatly in the textbooks without a hint of censorship. “Both the dark and bright moments of our history shall be written in full. Only when we are compassionate yet honest with one another, then we can prevail together.” Valentijn quoted, next to the full-page picture of him dressed up in his elegant armour and standing above an elevated hill, raising his sword to the sky, with billions cheering all around. From the ashes of the yesteryear, from the fragmented pieces of the past, we made a new whole. With the school bell ringing to signal the next class, I must go to another class to repeat the same.

[The Daystar Isles]

No one was really quite sure how the idea came about or who suggested it first. No one really remembered who was in charge of getting the whole thing organized. But when the dust settled, the Daystar Isles, a country in which only a handful of its hundreds of constituent islands are even large enough to have extensive road networks, was officially sponsoring a racing team in the entry-tier Everlong series. The Daystar Isles National Tourism Board was so preoccupied with whether they could that no one actually stopped to ask if they should.

It was too late to back out now. The car was kitted out in Daystar Islian tropical blue and orange, branded by the Daystar Isles National Tourism Board. Was tourism in this tropical paradise really suffering so much that such a drastic advertising step was necessary? No one bothered to ask the question. As the team of officials and engineers contemplated the #14 car, they realized they had another problem... who was going to drive the thing? The Isles had no native racing circuit, and really no car culture to speak of. Was anyone in the country really capable of driving at a competitive level on a professional racing circuit? Would they need to hire a Brancalandian mercenary driver, as they did when they hired a Brancalandian team to design the road course known as Shining Heart Circuit?

After a consult with Shining Heart Police, the National Tourism Board placed a call to Samson Tukanova. Samson held the dubious distinction of accumulating more traffic tickets for speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour than any other individual in the history of the Isles. Of course, he was eventually banned from driving and so hadn't taken the wheel of any vehicle in nearly a decade. They found him living on one of the country's smallest and most remote islands, walking anywhere he needed to go. He greeted the suited-and-booted delegation from the Tourism Board with a menacing glare, but nevertheless invited them in and listened to their proposal over coffee and slices of coconut-and-pineapple pie.

"Alright, I'll do it," he grunted, rubbing the grayed stubble on his chin. Then he smiled. "...When do I start?"

This... should be interesting.

[Kertheniia]

THE Ronald Victor ✓

@REALRVictor

I am outraged at the sheer nerve of the #RadicalCommunists who DARED to sabbitage my qualifier today. Real patriots know that I should have been in the #Exhibition. My car is the fastest car. My driving is the best driving. The only way I could have had a bad time is if the

THE Ronald Victor ✓

@REALRVictor

#commies paid off the ohfishals. We cannot allow this corruption to stand! Make NSSCRA great again! Tell the #TheProvingGrounds to kick out all #RadicalCommunists! Only freedom-loving patriots like yourselves should be allowed to compete in this great league.

THE Ronald Victor ✓

@REALRVictor

Remember: REAL Patriots vote #CorporateParty and drink only Victor Covfefe and Dr. Faygo soda.

[The Sherpa Empire]

强凯 - Kai Qiang - काय च्याङ ✓

@QK98

- -@REALRVictor

Nobody bribe the officials, you just slow


#NSSCRA

强凯 - Kai Qiang - काय च्याङ ✓

@QK98

- -@REALRVictor

Also bribery is a capitalist problem


#CapitalismIsTheProblem

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Cars for the exhibition race and Tundra Falls 500:

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#01 Tsering Chu

Tsering still has a lot of the same sponsors that she's had the last couple of seasons, including her primary sponsor Khamdo Electronics. The biggest change is her partnership with AutoModi. Prior to this season, she has always driven TMWs, but the new AutoModi deal naturally means she is driving one of their cars. During the offseason, Tsering and Qiang took a trip to the South of the Sherpa Empire in which Tsering met with AutoModi and tried out the new car, while Qiang visited his sister and took Mendok and the kids to see the Taj Mahal.

Yulha Sherpa College has substantially scaled back their role in the team, and that is reflected with less prominent branding on the car, but they still have a token sponsorship and their name and website on the rear bumper.

#02 Kai Qiang

Qiang has the same sponsors as NSSCRA 12, but they are planning to try out some different paint schemes to keep things from getting stale. They are kicking off the season with bold colors and Dawa Tractor Company as the primary sponsor. The English version of Dawa's logo is on the hood to reach international markets, and the standard Dawa logo on the side of the car to reinforce their brand within the Sherpa Empire.

#44 Shuzhen Zhu

Zhu is keeping it basic with her simple blue and purple paint scheme. Her primary sponsor is the Sherpa Empire's leading rideshare service, Papchung. Papchung has recently rolled out an English version of their app. Early users report that it is basically usable, but has some unusual word choices in the menus and messages.

She also has sponsorships from Couture Shock, a clothing and jewelry brand with a punkish edge; Shanyang Supermarkets; and some perennial IRACT sponsors.

[Kertheniia]

THE Ronald Victor ✓

@REALRVictor

- -@QK98

Of course the #RadicalCommunist would say there's no bribery! You weren't all that fast yourself, but you still got in! I bet #QK89 was in on it! #QK85 couldn't even afford to make them give him a good time!

#CommunismIsTheProblem

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