We've tried racing before in many formats. We've got pigs with carrots on sticks in the dark ages. We've rode horses going in circles. We've used command blocks to give us speed bonuses. We've even used boats on ice (!?). The point is, we want to race. Yet, no method is perfect. The pigs never want to stay still. The horses don't have any speed bonuses. It lacks depth.

What if we had racecars that controlled using sane controls? An organized system to make sure that everyone starts at the same moment? Something able to count loops and player positions? Even items to throw in some chaos to the experience? And all that without requiring a modded server?

Introducing: the Racing section of the lobby! Much like the existing TNT Tag, running the game is automated: choose a track, wait until all players are in, then a race event will be launched for a few laps. Rinse and repeat! The gameplay is modeled after the Mario Kart series of games, with 3/5 laps to complete on each track before winners are announced. To make things more fun, ITEMS are available: mushrooms to get a temporary speed boost, lightning bolts to shock opponents... even the dreadful blue shell is in.

Two tracks are available right now: Donut Plains from Super Mario Kart and Bowser's Castle from Mario Kart 64. You might have seen them both on Laurasia before; these are copies that have been optimized to support this new gameplay mode.

If you let the servers provide you with resource pack updates, it'll automatically download and set a special pack so you see the proper items and elements while racing! If you manage your resource packs manually, it is highly recommended that you download and install this BEFORE racing. Simply toggle it off once you're done. It makes everything better - you get graphics, music, jingles and more! Sphenicus handled most of the work on that pack, so thanks to him!

With the basic infrastructure in place, more tracks can be added over time. We already a few ideas in mind.

See you at the races!