Ion Races

Information
The Ion Races are a form of competitive sport that are organized once every year around an unstable Ion Storm. Over the years, the races have grown increasingly extravagant and dangerous. Due to the unpredictable, unregulated, and unstable nature of the race tracks, the Colonial Union is opposed to the event in its entirety, with only the most foolhardy and death-defying pilots daring to enter their ship's name into the match. Despite this, the Union has allowed the races to continue operating freely, presumably with the understanding that if anything goes wrong, the Union will bear no responsibility for the resulting consequences. Due to the chaos stemming from the spread of The Infection, many fear the present year 3205 UE will be the final year of The Ion Races. Because of the unique circumstances surrounding this year's race, a special reward of a Lost Colony Data Fragment is being offered as first prize to the winning crew.

The Ion Races can be identified by a checkered flag and spiraling Ion Storm on the Starmap. The Races themselves occur in three separate stages. The first two take place at either Dutain's Garage or W.D. Station 41X, with the final race taking place at The Ion Port. Ships can only participate in each race once, so the host is advised to save before entering each race. The only real rule in the race is that boarding is not allowed, although not every crew will respect the rules... Each race has several unique environmental hazards, making them exceedingly difficult to navigate safely. The reward for completing all of The Ion Races is 50,000 credits, the Racing Lost Colony Data Fragment giving +30% thrust, and the Headplate cosmetic. There are options to bet on yourself to earn extra credits at each individual race track, with the maximum available option being 5,000 credits.

Races

 * Dutain's Garage
 * W.D. Station 41X
 * The Ion Port

Tips
There are several tactics to competing in the race:
 * 1) Having an experienced pilot.
 * 2) Conducting a practice run through the race track before starting the race.
 * 3) Properly outfitting your vessel with powerful thrusters and a beefy reactor. All racing vendors sell these components.
 * 4) Using the Thrust Booster Program to increase speed and Sitting Duck Virus to disable the other racers.
 * 5) Disabling the core safety and cutting power to secondary systems. It's recommended for Human crew members to enter exosuits and cut oxygen production. This also keeps fires from starting/spreading.
 * 6) Firing on the other vessels to damage, disable, and/or eliminate them. System Damage Missiles targeting Engineering are highly effective.
 * 7) Avoiding firing on the other vessels to minimize heat generation unless necessary. This works both ways: Flamelance turrets can force shutdowns on other racers.
 * 8) Using Digital Coolant to reduce reactor heat as needed. This is especially critical if you are using the ThermoCore Reactor due to increased heat production and requirement to run it hot for adequate power.
 * 9) Spinning/rotating your vessel to bleed off excess inertia.
 * 10) Firing a nuke at the start of a race. Yes, seriously.