Pre race chatter:
Welcome to the Like The Wind Extreme Hall race brought to you live by the Gran Turismo Association, Sony Computer Entertainment and Polyphony Digital. This takes place in the at 6.43 mile Test Course oval circuit, where the cars will be pushed to the limits in this five lap extremely high-speed race. Enough with the pre chatter and lets begin
THE GRID (20TH LINEUP AFTER CONSOLE RESET - PAL VERSION)
Pescarolo Courage C60/Peugeot Race Car 03 (Rav)
Playstation Pescarolo C60/Judd Race Car 04 (Crystal)
Nissan R92CP Race Car 92 (Amy)
AMG Mercedes CLK-GTR Race Car 98 (Chantel)
Peugeot 905 Race Car 92 (Paula)
Suzuki GSX-R/4 01 (myself)
200 A-spec points available with the field line up.
Race write up:
Lap 1:
As the five lights were going out of sequence, I slowly accelerated the Suzuki to 7,000 rpm and launched the car, once the green lights appeared above the Test Course banner. I rammed the accelerator as the Le Mans cars sped away from me, as I applied the NOS to get up to speed and chase the pack, in the first split I was 1.6 seconds off the Pescarolo Peugeot who was in the lead of the race at the start. All were line to stern in the first 1000 metres from the start; the Pescarolo Judd manages to take the lead demoting the Pescarolo Courage into second with the Mercedes and the Nissan right behind its tail. Whilst the Mercedes CLK-GTR tried to pass the Pescarolo Courage, the AMG bumped the back of Pescarolo Courage, losing speed and promoting both Pescarolo Judd and the Peugeot 905 into third and fourth place respectively.
Whilst at the back I managed to pass the Pescarolo Courage into the middle of Turn 1 into two as I still applied the NOS and going through the turn at 230mph. The Pescarolo Courage was reporting a problem with its engine at top speed and was only limited to 212mph even though it could go faster and was losing time. As soon as I passed the Courage, I could only briefly catch Ravs response, but from what little I know of sign language, it was not very pleasant.
With the Pescarolo Courage out of the reckoning, it was one down four to go as the Nissan R92CP took the lead, from the Pescarolo Judd in second, with the Peugeot 905 in third and the AMG Mercedes CLK-GTR in fourth. While I was driving in the slipstream, even though I was in fifth place, I was catching up the lead pack. As I was only 0.00.569 from the Amys Nissan R92CP in first place as we speed pass under the tunnel and into the third sector of the first lap.
The gap stayed static at 0.00.569 in the third sector behind the Nissan R92CP who was in the lead as the Peugeot 905 took second from the Pescarolo Judd for a brief time. Then the Pescarolo Judd took second place away from Paulas Peugeot and was now gunning for the lead.
Across the line heading towards the second lap out of five, the race classification looked like this:
1st: Nissan R92CP Race Car 92
2nd: Playstation Pescarolo C60/Judd Race Car 04 - +0.00.078
3rd: Peugeot 905 Race Car 92 +0.00.183
4th: AMG Mercedes CLK-GTR Race Car 98 +0.00.255
5th: Suzuki GSX-R/4 01 +0.00.594
6th: Pescarolo Courage C60/Peugeot Race Car 03 +0.07.119
Lap 2:
Heading into Lap 2, the Pescarolo Judd took the lead using the Nissan R92CPs slipstream, as both the Mercedes and Peugeot cars wanted a bit of the slice of the action. I was hanging on with the lead pack using the slipstream to my advantage, but I knew if I lose the slipstream from the leading pack it was game over and my chances of winning were vanished. Whilst I was trailing in the Le Mans cars slipstream stuck in fifth place, the AMG Mercedes overtook the Nissan into second place after 1,200 metres from the start finish straight. This demoted the R92CP into third place but only briefly as the AMG overtook the R92CP into second place and the Nissan used the slipstream of the Pescarolo and the Mercedes to retake the lead whilst into turn 1.
Whilst at the back of the five-car train, I managed to catch up to the pack again and managed to take fourth place from the Pescarolo Judd after Turn 2. By the time, we got into the second split in the second lap, as I was only 0.00.183 away from the leading Nissan R92CP with the Mercedes CLK-GTR in second place and the Peugeot 905 in third.
Then I was back into fifth as the Pescarolo Judd into turn 3 used the slipstream to by pass me and take fourth place and lost time due to I had to be forced wide by the Le Mans Car pack and lost speed into turns 3 and 4.
In turn four, the Peugeot 905 took second away from the AMG Mercedes as the battle hotted up, as the Pescarolo Judd manages to steal third place away from the CLK-GTR at the end of turn 4 heading towards the start/finish straight. I lost a bit of time due to the 4-car field were pulling away slightly and using each others slipstream to gain an advantage and I was forced onto the outside of the turn losing speed. The Pescarolo Courage was languishing down in sixth place, still restricted to 212mph due to its engine problems and was having a torrid race.
Still I was in the hunt and the team radioed me in a message before the end of Lap 2 and heading into Lap 3. AJ, you are a little behind in the field, dont worry
just use the slipstream to gain time on the back straight. Just time your run and you will win. The Courage car is out of the reckoning due to a problem with its engine, so do not worry about the Pescarolo Courage. Just keep going AJ.
It was a bit of relief as we headed into Lap 3, passing the half waypoint of the race. However, I knew there was a long way to go and there was a massive difference between winning and losing the race, as I speed pass the start/finish straight at 228mph and catching the lead field bit by bit. I was determined not to lose this wager without a fight.
Heading into Lap 3 and passing the half waypoint of the race, the racing positions look liked this:
1st: Nissan R92CP Race Car 92
2nd: Peugeot 905 Race Car 92 0.00.088
3rd: Playstation Pescarolo C60/Judd Race Car 04 0.00.272
4th: AMG Mercedes CLK-GTR Race Car 98 0.00.390
5th: Suzuki GSX-R/4 01 0.00.794
6th: Pescarolo Courage C60/Peugeot Race Car 03 0.15.688
Lap 3:
It was still a tight affair at the front of the pack, with only the top 5 drivers all separated by eight tenths of a second, and if you are in the slipstream, you can easily catch up and be up there challenging of the lead and the win. Anyway, by about the second split before the first turn I was able to close the leading pack of the two Pescarolos, the Peugeot and the Mercedes down to 0.00.599 thanks to being in slipstream of the leading pack and gaining speed on them. Whilst at the front it was still tight, as the places were swapping towards turn 1 and 2, as the Nissan was still in the lead, with the Pescarolo Judd taking second place with the Peugeot 905 in third place.
The positions stayed the same until the third split, as I was catching up with the lead pack heading on the back straight. I managed to trim the gap to 0.00.444 seconds by the fourth time split, and was at the back of the Peugeot 905 heading into turn 3 and 4 as the field were only separated by 5 tenths of a second.
Whilst during the later part of the third lap heading towards turns 3 and 4, Amy reported in that she felt vibrations in her rear tyres and something was not right with the cars balance. The pit crew told her that she has likely two slow punctures and must pit in this lap. She did not like the decision and wanted to stay out, but decides to dive into the pits and is out of the reckoning for the race win. As the pack passed the Nissan R92CP on the start/finish straight, as the Pescarolo Judd, Peugeot 905 and I all promoted one place as we were heading into lap 4. Now the AMG Mercedes was in the lead of the race with the pack line to stern, not too far off from the lead.
Another one bites the dust as they say as it was now two down and three to go to the race to the line, and this race has just turned things around with the pressure building all the time.
At the end of the third lap going into the fourth lap, the racing positions looked a little something like this:
1st AMG Mercedes CLK GTR Race Car 98
2nd Playstation Pescarolo C60/Judd Race Car 04 +0.00.054
3rd Peugeot 905 Race Car 92 +0.00.218
4th Suzuki GSX/R-4 +0.00.400
5th Nissan R92CP Race Car 92 +0.20.333 (In pits)
6th Pescarolo Courage C60/Peugeot Race Car 03 +0.24.542
Lap 4
Whilst in the pits, it the news was confirmed that the Nissan R92CP had two slow punctures in the rear tyres as Amy pushed too hard to win the race and paid the price for it. The pit crewed radioed in saying the news that the Nissan was out of the race and just to focus on the leaders.
Meanwhile at the back of the grid, the Nissan pit crew finished their pit stop and Amy charged the car out of the box and back to the track. Thanks to the pit stop, things got worse for the Nissan R92CP as the Pescarolo Courage passed on the start/finish straight for fifth place.
While at the front, the positions changed hands, as the Peugeot 905 managed to take second place away from the Pescarolo Judd just before turn 1. It briefly took the lead into turn 2, but the AMG Mercedes reclaimed it back using slipstream to its advantage and was still in the lead of the race.
I was still holding onto the lead pack as the lead changed again at the end of the back straight and into turn 3. Now the Peugeot 905 was in the lead with the AMG Mercedes demoted to second and the Pescarolo Judd now in third place challenging the CLK-GTR.
Then in the middle of turn 4, the AMG Mercedes took the lead away from the Peugeot 905, while I decided not to challenge the leaders and play their own game and holding back in fourth place. The pit crew were a little concerned I was not pushing the car hard enough, but I reassured them to saying nothing is wrong and I know what I was doing.
Whilst at the back of the pack, the Nissan R92CP manages to catch up with the Pescarolo Courage and passes Rav into turn 3, but they would be stuck in fifth and sixth positions.
The racing positions looked a little something like this as all the cars were heading onto the final lap:
1st: AMG Mercedes CLK-GTR Race Car 98
2nd: Peugeot 905 Race Car 92 +0.00.002
3rd: Playstation Pescarolo C60/Judd Race Car 04 0.00.100
4th: Suzuki GSX-R/4 01 0.00.389
5th: Nissan R92CP Race Car 92 0.30.180
6th: Pescarolo Courage C60/Peugeot Race Car 03 0.32.614
Lap 5
The white flag was out, the final 6.43 miles in which this race will go right to the end. I knew that the Pescarolo Judd, Peugeot 905 and AMG Mercedes CLK-GTR were not stopping and would last until the end, which worried me a bit whilst cruising about 230mph.
The positions of fifth and sixth places would stay as they are; the Nissan R92CP was stuck in fifth place about 30 seconds down from the leaders despite was pulling away from other Pescarolo. The Pescarolo Courage would finish last due to its engine problems affecting the top speed and was never a contender for the race win.
At the front, my pit crew the following message told me over the radio, Well done, you got the fastest lap of the race with a time 1.40.444, beating the AMG Mercedes by one tenth of a second. Ok this is the final lap AJ; you got to make your move now! I knew I got the hurry up message from my pit crew, as I had to step the pace up if I wanted to win the race and not lose this wager. In fact, I was not determined to lose, give up my Suzuki and pay the girls 20,000 credits from my bank account. The game was on and the race only just begun.
As we crossed the line and headed into the final lap, the top four were only separated by 0.00.389 of a second and this would go down to the wire. Down the straight before turn 1, the Pegueot 905 took the lead as it used the slipstream of the AMG. Whilst I was right behind the Pescarolo Judd trying to snatch third place but was blocking my path so I hold back for a while to give myself a breather. I was so nervous inside the cockpit that my hands were sweating as I feel I lost a gallon of sweat and knew that 20,000 and that new car is just moments away if I push it.
The positions stayed the same through turn two, as I knew I was running out of time and every moment that went pass, another opportunity to win was fading. Then I managed to take the Pescarolo Judd on the inside of turn 2 heading towards the back straight and was promoted to third place overall.
But it was short lived as the Pescarolo Judd decided to take third place back away from me using the slipstream to get passed, I did not decided to challenge and instead let the Pescarolo pass me as I held back. I knew I had to play mind games against the Le Mans cars and just time my move to beat them.
By the time we got to the fourth split before turn three, only 0.00.192 covered the top four, this was going to be a tight finish as the all pit crews including mine were all nervous and could not watch as this going to be a photo finish. Then the lead switched again, as out of turn three and heading into turn 4, with the AMG Mercedes decided to take its chances and go on the inside and took the lead away from the Peugeot 905. Things just got a little complicated and knew I had to go for the lead now and it turned to a double or bust situation.
Then I turn into aggressive mode and decided go round to pass Crystals Pescarolo Judd on the outside of turn 4 heading to the finishing line, but she was playing dirty and ramming against me but I was not having any of it. Then I decided to ram what was last remaining of my NOS power boost as the Pescarolo Judd was left to dust as I passed Rav and she gave the finger at me as I passed, but I ignored her as I was now gunning for the win.
It was now three down and two to go, as I was chasing the Peugeot 905 and the AMG Mercedes for the win, I could sense I could beat the girls, pocket 20,000 and win that concept car I was always dreaming been of. I was still ramming the NOS as the Suzuki was building up to 240mph, I could vision for the win as the car was pulling 2g down the curves as I felt the speed right down to my body.
Then with the speed advantage, I was able to pass the Peugeot 905 on the outside into second place just before the entrance of the pit straight and it was now the Suzuki vs. the AMG Mercedes for the race win. The finish line was just metres away and every moment was getting closer and closer as we were racing for the finish line.
Once again, I was holding the winning hand against a most worthy adversary and a monumental victory was inevitable. While the pit crews were all on the side waiting for the result, the tension was unforeseeable, as no one could not bear watching this gripping race.
All four cars were streaming pass to the finish line and the chequered flag person was out waving the finishing flags as I could see it barely in the left corner of my eye. I had one last bit of NOS left corner as we were all nose-to-tail, the classic 1998 Le Mans car was rolling toward the finish thinking it was going to win, the modern concept Suzuki car was charging to pass on the outside and I was not giving up. The overpowering acceleration of this lightweight car equipped with a NOS canister, which had at one time thoroughly my female friends doubted and thought I was a loser would now become their downfall.
Heading towards the line, the AMG Mercedes was ahead by just inches and Chantel thought this race was in the bag. I had one last trick up my sleeve, as I still had enough NOS to overtake right in the last minute and said, Its not over until its over!!!! as I was ramming the last bit of power I had in this car and giving it all what I have got.
As we went across the line, the world stopped, my hearted pounded, and for a split second everything slowed down and my senses were all numb as it felt I was like in bullet time mode like the Matrix.
To the sign of my relief, I managed to win by just 0.00.005 of a second as it appeared on my HUD from the AMG Mercedes who finished in second by inches
what a close race I thought. I won by a bumpers width and done it, I won against a series of Le Mans cars and won in style by one of the closest margins I have raced.
The news filtered through to the paddock as my team were in frenzy mode as they celebrated in style as I beat a series of Le Mans cars by fractions of a second, the other pit crews were in disbelief and could not believe it they got a drubbing by a concept car.
The AMG Mercedes finished second and Chantel was so disappointed she was swearing and cursing as she lost by 0.00.005 of a second from a 275bhp Suzuki. Meanwhile the Peugeot 905 finished third, just 0.00.074 down from me winning with Paula contend but same as Chantel, disappointed she could not win. The Playstation Pescarolo Judd finished in fourth, just 0.00.149 away from a win and Crystal was upset that she was only 0.00.075 of a second away from a podium finished. The girls were all disappointed and knew the lost the bet and were all sunk in their hearts and minds as they had to swallow their pride. Whilst on the slowing down lap, In the end, I was laughing and was so happy inside the car, that I was tapping the car's dashboard as I was giving it a good pat on the back. In fact I shouted to myself to them
"Yipee Cai-yay SUCKERS!!!!!!" as I had the most biggest grin on my face as were slowing down and heading back into the pits.
After race chatter:
As soon as we got back to the paddock, my pit crew all gave me praise as I got out the car managed to climb on top of the Suzuki and do a Frankie Dettori style jump off the car bonnet as I raised my fists in the air for sure delight. I found out that the top four were only separated by just 0.00.149 for a second and it was a dam close race right to the end. In fact when I review the tape, it was a close race and over 10 million people watched the finish on tv.
Then Rav, Amy, Crystal, Chantel and Paula all waited for me in pit lane, could hardly believe what had just happened, and could only smile as I could see the disappointment in their eyes. I thanked them for the opportunity to set this challenge before me and told them that I had never been through such a difficult challenge before. They were easy about it and asked me to join their team after that drive, but I kindly declined stating I would rather do it my way but would always accept a challenge from you lot again.
I pocketed the twenty grand as quickly as it was presented to me, a gold trophy and the girls handed me the keys to a brand new Volkswagen W12 Nardo Concept 2001 car in orange that money could not buy as my reward. It was a truly remarkable drive that I would never forget as I got into the VW Nardo car as I went back to the office adding another car to my ever-growing car collection.
RACE RESULTS:
Pit stop strategies:
Nissan R92CP Race Car 92 Lap 3
AMG Mercedes CLK-GTR Race Car 98 Does not pit
Pescarolo Courage C60/Peugeot Race Car 03 Does not pit
Peugeot 905 Race Car 92 Does not pit
Playstation Pescarolo C60/Judd Race Car 04 Does not pit
Suzuki GSX-R/4 01 Does not pit
Results:
Suzuki GSX-R/4 01 834.704, 33.3 miles covered
AMG Mercedes CLK-GTR Race Car 98 +000.005
Peugeot 905 Race Car 92 +000.074
Playstation Pescarolo C60/Judd Race Car 04 +000.149
Nissan R92CP Race Car 92 about 30 seconds down
Pescarolo Courage C60//Peugeot Race Car 03 about 45 seconds down
Finishing result times
Suzuki GSX-R/4 01 834.704
AMG Mercedes CLK-GTR Race Car 98 834.709
Peugeot 905 Race Car 92 834.778
Playstation Pescarolo C60/Judd Race Car 04 834.853
Nissan R92CP Race Car 92
Pescarolo Courage C60//Peugeot Race Car 03
Fastest lap: 1.44.444 (Lap 4 Suzuki GSX-R/4 01)
Hope you have enjoyed reading this race report and views and comments are welcome, until next time
this has been a race report supplied by MYNAMEISSPORT.
but i would make a different bet with 5 girls at this point.
Great job
