Anyone use driving SIMS to practice?

[Bildon]

Anyone here use racing SIMS like EA Sports F1 Challenge or the GTR FIA GT simulations?

I've been installing and modifying these games over the past year to include most of the tracks in North America. I'm quite impressed with the track and vehicle realism. I was able to learn some tracks very well that I've not been to or that I have not been to in a long time. I even have the 13 mile long Nurburgring Nordschleife 90% memorized.

The Latest SIM out is called rFactor and it was designed to be completely modifiable. So even though now there is only LimeRock and Barber Motorsports Park for it, eventually you'll see nearly every track worldwide and many types of cars available in this SIM. Best of all, the add-ons are all FREE!

Do any of you want to join a group where we can race online together?

Also, if anyone needs help with getting setup let me know as I've got a good idea of what is needed for hardware and can point you to where the sofware is available.

[lateapex911]

This is something I am interested in. Not so much the racng online part, but the ability to learn the basics of a track, the timing and such of the corners.

I think that it can be helpful, but obviously it is still lacking in the G-loading area.

For me, once I learn something, I have a very hard time UNlearning it, so I have no interest if the tracks are inaccurate in any significant way. For example, I learned Road Atlanta on SGT, but when I got there it had a turn (turn 3) that wasn't on my version. Needless to say, it was ugly!

I would love to get set up with a software that would let me drive a low HP car with no torque on North American tracks!

[JamesB]

Without a force feedback wheel its just not practice. I guess I could invest in one, I know that GT$ and Forza have great programming similar to driving condition but there is a lot more you can get away with even in the sim then you could in real life.

[zracre]

I have a cobra seat set up in a atand alone area for GT4...awesome game great tracks good for weekdays not racing to keep fresh...it helps with concentration too...i should have mentioned that in the other subject...

[bldn10]

"So even though now there is only LimeRock and Barber Motorsports Park for it, eventually you'll see nearly every track worldwide and many types of cars available in this SIM."

The AI is so realistic that if you go off track at Barber you get a bill in the mail for damage to the facility.

[gran racing]

There was an interesting article a few months ago in Popular Science that discusssed sims and effect when the person goes out onto the track. I thought it was very interesting and it sold me on Forza and the steering wheel. I am inpressed with it and the realism and feedback provided, but as said it can only do so much. Everytime I hear people using a sim to learn a track, Jake G's Road Atlanta story enters my mind and I can't help but crack up.

[m glassburner]

So...has anything changed at barber motorsport$ park that would allow us (scca) to race there and afford it??? I sure would like to race there at least once

[C. Ludwig]

Originally posted by gran racing@Oct 3 2005, 11:47 AM
There was an interesting article a few months ago in Popular Science that discusssed sims and effect when the person goes out onto the track. I thought it was very interesting and it sold me on Forza and the steering wheel. I am inpressed with it and the realism and feedback provided, but as said it can only do so much. Everytime I hear people using a sim to learn a track, Jake G's Road Atlanta story enters my mind and I can't help but crack up.

[snapback]61686[/snapback]

What wheel are you using with Forza? I have both Forza and GT4. Have the force feedback wheel for the PS2 also. I have to say that I'm really not a big fan of the wheel but would be interested to try one with Forza.

[Bildon]

Originally posted by C. Ludwig@Oct 3 2005, 01:28 PM
What wheel are you using with Forza? I have both Forza and GT4. Have the force feedback wheel for the PS2 also. I have to say that I'm really not a big fan of the wheel but would be interested to try one with Forza.

[snapback]61692[/snapback]

Logitech Momo Force is a new wheel that is 100% digital. No potentiometers to wear out or get dirty. It's all optical I believe. It's known in the SIM world as the Momo 'Black' so as not to get it confused with the Momo Ferrari wheels. It's USB will that work with your non-PC game machines? Photos

GTR the FIA GT SIM
http://www.10tacle.com/gtr-game/

New game, great graphics. Need a newer 128MB or better video card to get the best resolution and high frame rates.. You can add many many USA tracks and numerous additional cars. $34 from Amazon.

F1 Championship Season 99-02
http://www.easportsf1.com/index.asp?...&t=pc&s=4&ss=1

Older game but has a HUGE number of tracks and cars available. Almost every SCCA track that has ever had a Pro race of any kind on it is available. Can be found in bargain bins for $5 !!
There is a European Touring car mod that allows you to run 2L BMWs, Alfas, Seats (VW), Volvos, and Hondas....the effect is pretty close to running an ITS race! With some front wheel drive cars and only 2L engines, it's a prety decent approximation of what a very fast IT car might do. http://www.rsr-forum.net/

ETCC Screenshot

In Car

List of available tracks for both games: http://forum.rscnet.org/showthread.php?t=200442

[RSTPerformance]

YOu said that they had Lime Rock??? what are the graphics like??? I saw a video game once before with Lime Rock, but it wasn't even worth playing IMO...


Also was wondering if they Have NHIS Road Course anywahere???

As for learning the track, I think that the Nascar games with Watkins Glenn (short track) are a good example of how a game can teach you wich way the track turns. I always thought that they games did a great job teaching you the line and what not, but I am not so convinced anymore that they teach you anything other than an overview of what to expect...

Raymond "Wish I had time to play video games, but I can't remember the last time I did??? hummm, dam real car, girls and the bar" Blethen

[Bildon]

>> You said that they had Lime Rock??? what are the graphics like???

Yup there are versions of LimeRock for every SIM I've ever tried, both with and w/o chicane. Graphics vary on the base game used. Latest version in rFactor is pretty good although nobody has done a 'photo real' version yet.
LRP Screen

>>but I am not so convinced anymore that they teach you anything other than an overview of what to expect...

I wasn't convinced either since prior to last year I didn't play games. But these are not really games. In fact many people wont find them 'fun' becuase they are way too hard. They are too real.

GTR for example built the 'physics' engine for the various cars by taking REAL MoTeC data from the teams in the FIA GT and using it to generate the physics parameters that control the cars. In that game and others, racers were consulted to make sure that the experience of driving was as real as possible.

Speaking of MoTeC...in GTR, you can actually dump the data from your PC racing sessions into the MoTeC Interpreter software to analyse your laps..this is the real and same MoTeC software that is used in MoTeC data aquisition systems...a great learning tool. The only thing that isn't imported is the shock data I think.

GTR Movie

Another note: If you've read any of the books by Ross Bentley you know how much he pushes the concept of 'visualization' or seeing what you plan to acheive and practcing it before you actually do it. I used to do this a lot as a ski racer and when I used to run track. It really helps. I find that running these SIMS before I go racing early season or after a long layoff from racing really gets those parts of my brain working again. The eye/foot/hand coordination, the thinking ahead, and even things like working through traffic are all able to be practiced quite effectively.

[Bill Miller]

I'd absolutely be interested in a PC-based solution, as long as there is a wheel/pedal set. Like zracre, I have a race seat set up w/ my PS2 for using w/ GT4. It's better than the couch, and my son loves it!

[dickita15]

this all sound great, fun and useful. I have no knowledge of these games as the last one i owned was atari nightdriver. so if i wanted to get started what platform shoul i get. what game. what do i need for a good wheel and pedal set. what should i expect to pay.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Originally posted by dickita15@Oct 4 2005, 09:37 AM
this all sound great, fun and useful. I have no knowledge of these games as the last one i owned was atari nightdriver. so if i wanted to get started what platform shoul i get. what game. what do i need for a good wheel and pedal set. what should i expect to pay.

[snapback]61736[/snapback]

I am in too. I want to race against people I know, on-line, on tracks I recognize, with cool cars...



AB

[Bildon]

Guys one of the hardest parts of SIM racing is wading through the immense amount of garbage info to find the good info you need.... Let's see if I can help...

FIA GTR Minimum spec:
Windows ME/2000/XP
1,2 GHz CPU (AMD/Intel), 384 MB RAM
DirectX 8.1 compatible graphics card with 32 MB
4xfach CD-ROM, 1 GB free hard disk space

A link to PC Spec discussion about FIA GTR SIM
http://www.gtr-game.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=107

F1C (F1 Champioship 99-02) is older and needs less hardware:
Operating System - Windows 98/2000/ME/XP*
Processor - 450MHz Intel Pentium II
Memory - 128MB RAM
Hard Drive - 1 GB
CD - DVD - 4 Speed
Graphics (PCI/AGP) - 16MB
Required 3D Acceleration - Direct 3D*
DirectX - Version 8.1
Multiplayer - ISDN, Broadband, LAN - 2-8 players


For a wheel/pedal set the defacto std is the Logitech MOMO series. See mention in post above for the newest type. Otherwise give EBay a try: Search on Logitech MOMO
Here is mine: Momo Force

For hardware advice dig around in forums like this:
http://forum.rscnet.org/forumdisplay.php?f=754

Here a good link on tuning your PC for best game performance
http://forum.rscnet.org/showthread.php?t=211319

Once you get good... get REALLY good...
http://www.gtr-game.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1260

to be continued..........

Note: there are nice shifter paddles on the back of the wheel that you can't really see here.

[dickita15]

cool bill
keep it coming
is the paddle shifter with 2 pedals the norm.
(see I told you i was starting from scratch)

[Bildon]

Originally posted by dickita15@Oct 4 2005, 06:21 PM
cool bill
keep it coming
is the paddle shifter with 2 pedals the norm.
(see I told you i was starting from scratch)

[snapback]61784[/snapback]

Dunno about 'norm' but it's the hot ticket to fast times.
Once you get used to it you'll really wish your IT car had them.
Or you'll go out an buy a Ferrari 360 Modena.

[Bill Miller]

Originally posted by dickita15@Oct 4 2005, 06:21 PM
cool bill
keep it coming
is the paddle shifter with 2 pedals the norm.
(see I told you i was starting from scratch)

[snapback]61784[/snapback]

Dick,

I think it is. The one I have for my PS2 has them (it's the older one, w/o the shift lever, and less turns L2L). If the Logitech one will work w/ a PS2, through the USB connection, I'm in for that. I quit playing GT4 when it corrupted my memory card, 65% through the game.

[C. Ludwig]

Originally posted by Bill Miller@Oct 5 2005, 08:43 AM
Dick,

I quit playing GT4 when it corrupted my memory card, 65% through the game.

[snapback]61812[/snapback]

Don't feel bad. At least you can blame the hardware. I accidently hit a button combination that erased my progress through Forza a couple months ago. I had finished the arcade mode and was about 65% of the way through the sim mode as well. My quick ninja reflexs hit the two button combo that wiped it all out in the blink of an eye.

[gran racing]

What wheel are you using with Forza? I have both Forza and GT4. Have the force feedback wheel for the PS2 also. I have to say that I'm really not a big fan of the wheel but would be interested to try one with Forza.

I'll have to get back to you on that; can't remember off the top of my head and I'm on the left cost right now. The wheel I purchased was made specifically for Forza. I believe it is a force feedback but that doesn't mean it will react the same way as the one you currently have by them. Popular Science and the drivers who tested the game/wheel really backed the steering wheel.