MVRC (Modern Virtual Racing Challenge) is a virtual race car competition that continues the legacy of “KVRC,” which ended in 2015. It was originally created by a small group of enthusiasts on F1-technical.net as a challenge to design realistic race cars and determine which would be the fastest around a track.
Until 2018, participants designed Le Mans-style cars, but since 2019, the challenge has focused on Formula 1-style vehicles. Each submitted design undergoes aerodynamic analysis using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations, with MantiumFlow serving as the standard software framework. The simulated aerodynamic performance data is then fed into a virtual lap time simulator developed by Max Taylor.
Key performance metrics analyzed include downforce, drag, center of pressure (CoP), cooling performance, and air pressure at the intake and exhaust systems. The lap time simulator uses this data to estimate the car’s lap time. Based on these predicted lap times, race results are determined, and championship points are awarded.
All competitors must follow a strict rulebook, ensuring their designs comply with the regulations. Non-compliance can result in penalties, such as warnings, lap time adjustments, or even disqualification.
The results are presented as a video on Youtube:
Apart from the enormous prestige, winning the championship or single races, awards to the competitors, a real prize is usually handed out and this usually by CAEdevice. In 2017 this was “How to build a car” by Adrian Newey which was sent to every competitor. 2018 CAEdevice handed out some Bitcoin. Since a few years, there is even merchandise.
Beyond the prestige of winning races or the championship, competitors are often awarded real prizes, usually provided by CAEdevice. In 2017, the prize was “How to Build a Car” by Adrian Newey, which was sent to every participant. In 2018, CAEdevice awarded Bitcoin. More recently, MVRC has also introduced official merchandise.
Looking ahead, the goal is to integrate MVRC’s aerodynamic data into a high-quality race simulator, where AI could take control of the cars and compete to determine the ultimate winner:
