2021 FIA Series Race Discussion

[challenger001]

Heart in the mouth, stupid as hell, but great fun. I love these Route X races.

Picked the Crown, got into a lobby of primarily '88 Supras, but found my slipstream buddies amongst a Greek 930 Turbo and a French M3. We caught up to a pair of squabbling Italians in 993s quick enough, and they latched onto our game, but didn't have the patience, so we ended up qualifying as a bloc around the middle of the grid. Lets' just see how bad the Supras are off the start, shall we?

Good lord, it was ridiculous. Me and the Greek driver were basically weaving through the pack trying to keep at least some slipstream until the Italians caught us up and bumped us back up top. Unfortunately the Spanish Supras in front didn't like the idea of their monopoly being affected so there was a plenty amount of argy bargy and the rest of the pack caught us up despite me trying to keep the bump drafting going. As we came around Turn 4 to end the first lap, the top 14 could have been covered by a second and I knew it would get messy. It did. We lost a lot of people, primarily the Italians in the 993s, which left us with about 7 or 8, the French M3 trailing us by some seconds. Another squabble going into Turn 1 and a Ukranian Supra slid into my Greek friend in the 930 and took him out, bumping me against the walls. The French M3 got through, which left me and the Ukranian to keep it going to the end. Going into the final banking again, the German Supra up front had lost it leaving the Spaniard and the South African to squabble for top honours, with the French M3 coming home a good 3rd, and I pipped my Ukranian slipstream buddy to the line for 4th, 70 points, and enough on my main account.

...now, do I hop on the secondary account for shiggles and see how far I can get with some off-meta choiches?

 

[Benay79]

Qualified 2nd, finished 3rd. A race of just hoping others don’t do anything stupid!

993 on pole, a train of 10 Supras behind me with a total of 16 Supras, one other Fugu and one other 993. Me and the 993 shot off at the start pulling out 4 seconds on the chasing pack. They had caught us though by the time we came off the bank so rest of the race was one massive group all the way to the end. Pole sitter had dropped right to the back of the pack approaching final bend and some how navigated through us all to take the win. I was 5th coming off the bank and used his draft to snatch 3rd on the line

 

[stpatty]

Started 6th in the R34. Went down to 10th as Porsches passed me and was still in slipstream range of 9th coming up to the end of the first straight, though neither of the two guys behind were bumping me. As the pack above were going up the hill two trains started to form and there was a bit of contact between a Spaniard and a Ukrainian, but both recovered. By the time they reached the first corner there were nine cars. One Spaniard managed to put himself into the wall with no contact with anyone, I'm not sure how. Here's how that corner looked:

Naturally, this meant I managed to catch the pack and get some proper slipstream speed by the second straight. Two trains formed here with twelve cars in total. There was a bit of movement around the 4000 metre mark and this broke up for a bit before going back to two lines, with the pole-sitter ending up a victim going into the wall and going down in a pack at the back.

Here's how things looked going into the second corner:

The Ukrainian in the blue Porsche on the right just drifted high going through the bend, when he went to move back down the car behind was in the way. He got pitted, and this happened:

Shortly after the same car who took out the Ukrainian did the same to a Hungarian which meant there were only five of us in the lead pack on the last lap. It became a bit of a chess match in the last corner and the R34 just doesn't have the speed the Porsche does, but it was peak chess for the Spaniard in the lead who went low out of the exit and forced this:

He got some karma though because the Italian he'd initially moved to block passed him and took the win:

While I took 4th and a new points record:

 

[Erebus_9]

The quintessential SSRX Experience:

Can someone edit in the commentary from this clip?

Well, I did it myself. Timing works perfectly

 

[Norrin Radd]

Had a busy day so only 2 slots and don't know what to take, fancy trying the E-type and the Fugu as using the metas (Supra and 933) doesn't appeal. Since I know the E-type will redline I'm going with Fugu. I get the idiots who don't want to qualify well and end up 12th. Know I need to break forward to have any chance. Well I get to 1st and then despair as everyone tries to overtake, no attempt to try and break the slip to the next group. First corner and 10 cars fighting, I just try and keep it on the road.....no I get spun race over and quit. This is one of the most tactical races and I just hope I find a guy with a brain in the next shot.

 

[Norrin Radd]

Attempt No.2 and after asking got all the Brits on board for drafting. Worked well enough Q1,2(me) and 5, the other 2 weren't lucky one had crashy issues and the other wasn't with us. Our group of 5 was 5 secs ahead of the next lot!!!! See working together has huge advantages especially on a track like this.
Me a Brit and a stupido Portuguese guy break free, we're nearly 3 secs ahead. Well the F (foreigner honest) nearly had me off, but we got him to the front and drafting away. I made a slight error and thought it was just best to take the lead near the beginning of 2........10 secs later I'm solo with 3 sec lead sorry 2 no I'm now in a group of 10+ and sitting 8th. Got shoved on last corner and came back of the pack 11th.
Such an easy win (well podium anyway) thrown away by stupidity. Brit came 15th and F came DFL 17th.

 

[OJBrit]

Could only do the last slot due to things going on in the day and of course it gets ruined by a cowardly idiot.
Managed to get out into a decent place in qualifying for once. Was bumpdrafting where possible and got a 9th on the grid. This seemed to change to 8th between the pre race line up and the green light as I was 8th as the race started.
First straight seemed to go o.k. We all break away from 9th and behind so if we all play nice some good points are in the bag. First corner seems the usual mayhem with cars all over the banking. I'm following an Italian up high. For some reason he forgets to turn and begins to scrape the wall. I obviously pull around him as to not loose speed myself. Of course he then turns on me and pits me. I spin left then right then left again after getting some air. All the groups pass me and I am DFL. I hope that others may wreck and I can gain places. The interval just slowly and despondently increases. I see a few arrows spinning but their wrecks are obviously less spectacular and they don't loose the pack. I finish 18th after someone else quits. I call him out after the race but he can only call me an idiot back. I did nothing to him, well other than try and help him gain speed and work with him. All I got was a haymaker to the face and no apology. What a 🤬
This is the drivers stats.

Quite an erratic driver. Added to my list.
Unfortunately he is a coward so cannot even try and discuss the incident like an adult.

 

[Baka_Marimo]

If you happen to hate changing gears you might wanna consider the Ford GT40 for the next Nations Cup race. It does about 75% of the Nordschleife in first and second 💩 Jokes aside, I am used to being several seconds off the pace but I am really curious about what the car could achieve in more capable hands. (Yes yes I know my name will be wiped off that leaderboard in an instant. Lemme just savour the moment will ya? )

 

[csmirnoff]

After the big frustration at Sardegna last week, I decided to do the meme race and see what would happen... Took the Porsche.

CSA Slot 1. Door #16 in a 233-point split 2 lobby. Qualified P7. Gained a few places from Supras at the start and then took it quite conservatively. Lost and won places but as a few guys went out of the train too early, I eventually settled in 3rd, bump drafting the two guys ahead until the final corner.

It seemed like I was going to finish 2nd or 3rd at least, until a Bolivian driver lost the rear and pushed me to the wall when entering the final straight. Unfortunately, that cost me 15 kph which ended up dropping me to P6 at the end, 2 tenths off the winner.

184 points which are pretty good after the Sardegna disaster, where I should have scored around 200 and ended with nothing. I end up getting many more points in a race with no skill involved than in one where I think I would have deserved them...

P3 would have been a best-ever 214 points, so bittersweet feelings, however. I think points will drop slightly in the next slots (and I don't think I will get to top split today), so I will keep these.

 

[FractalSalt]

SSRX is like driving through a painting... at 190 mph.

 

[05XR8]

If you happen to hate changing gears you might wanna consider the Ford GT40 for the next Nations Cup race. It does about 75% of the Nordschleife in first and second 💩 Jokes aside, I am used to being several seconds off the pace but I am really curious about what the car could achieve in more capable hands. (Yes yes I know my name will be wiped off that leaderboard in an instant. Lemme just savour the moment will ya? )

Same here. I started with the GT40. One lap netting me a 7:58. Jumped in the Miura. That thing was like driving on roller skates. I knew the "suspension" was soft, but holy snaps! The Miura is just a pretty face. Nice top speed on the straight(270km/h). Was 8 minutes flat.
Ran the 996, as I had success with that versus the S-FRs at Tsukuba. Knew the RR layout would give me good acceleration out of corners. Plus, the brakes are excellent.

I'd also like to see how fast the faster players would go in the GT40 and 996.

 

[stpatty]

Oh boo. I've recently bought the Miura, I was hoping to run it as a flex.

 

[afc5150]

I've been looking forward to / dreading this one all day. Back in an A/S FIA lobby for the first time in a while, and I probably aged 10 years in the process!

Had some great help and teamwork both in qualy and in the race and brought it home in 2nd place by 0.010 seconds. Lead most of the way after everyone's favourite Portugeuese/American toxic player tried to eliminate the field in turn 1 on lap 1. He finished 11th and told us all where to go after the race and had a blue S. Good times.

Just couldn't quite hang on through the last turn, but will take the podium, the 162 points and the 1200 DR ~ 35.4K DR

It's a great race if people work together. Good luck to those yet to run.

 

[FractalSalt]

Thanks a pantload, person who wiped me out in Lap 1 of SSRX!

 

[05XR8]

Oh boo. I've recently bought the Miura, I was hoping to run it as a flex.

Hey, if you dare to be different( I always do ), run what you want. If you can keep it together and be within close range of cars before the straight and noone punts you off( by being impatient), you'll make up spots on the final straight. Besides, the V12 will be music for those two laps. Not sure about that 11x tyre wear though.

 

[barak181]

I decided to give slot 1 a go, I mean what the heck, right? I didn't do any practice because, I mean, it's driving in a straight line for 90% of the race...

Qualy was a wreck. I get released from the pits 1st for a change and run away from the Supra in P2. I decide to run away until the end of the back straight and then slow down enough to join whatever slipstream train is there. Instead of joining the train, someone swerves into me and sends me into the wall. After my car repairs itself and gets back up to speed, I'm able to join a group of Supras and give it a go for real. The Supras were pretty well behaved but the corners still got a bit messy. I end up starting P12.

Then the entire reason I chose the 993 pops up at the start of the race - almost half the field, including most of the people in front of me - are in Supras and I watched @Mistah_MCA's Twitter video of all the 993s blowing by him at the start of his practice race in the Supra. I easily blow by all the Supras and slide my way into P5 before the uphill climb. I was hoping we could work together and form a breakaway early but alas, it was not to be. By the bottom of the hill the slipstream train breaks up and by T1 all the Supras catch us.

By the back straight, I've managed to work my up to P3 and again fruitlessly hope for teamwork. What should be a train is much more like a peloton in a cycling race. In T3/T4 I again get sideswipped and spun, this time to the very back. Luckily, the straight is long enough, the car has enough acceleration and the slip is strong enough that I catch the peloton by the end of the main straight. After T1/T2, I work my up into the crowd. On the backstraight there's more chaos and bunch of cars go flying every direction, I weave around them, hang onto the back of the lead pack in P10 and hope to position myself for a slingshot out of the final turn. Going into T3, I keep it low hoping to stay out of trouble. Just ahead of me, I see two cars collide and spin. One immediately ghosts, the other careens into the barrier and bounces off into me. Having nowhere to go with people to my outside I catch the full brunt of the car that refuses to ghost. I again go into a full spin. There's a large enough gap to the chase pack that I only drop to P12 but it was still felt like a frustrating waste of time. Even with no practice and low expectations.

 

[C_Raccoon23]

NA Slot 1, A/S Lobby, 195 points, Door #5

I went into this with the intention of a one-shot, regardless of where I finished. I went with the 993. Tried to work together with a couple of other Porsches and a Supra, but only qualified P10.

Jumped up two positions at the start and bump drafted another Porsche, catching up to the big group ahead. I soon found myself in the middle of it all. And almost immediately going into the first turn, chaos reared its ugly head. A blue Porsche lost control and slammed into the side of me, sending me airborne.

I fortunately stick the landing and keep most of my momentum, falling down to just 160-170 mph. However, a small group of cars fly past me, putting me down to 12th. I was still in the slipstream though and I slowly crept up behind the group while in the tunnel. Turn 2 was incident free, but two Porsches at the front somehow take each other out before the start/finish line, and I climb up to 10th, gaining back up with the main group going into lap 2.

Going through the first turn again, things were actually orderly with very minor contact taking place. I'm in 6th by now. After emerging from the tunnel, two 3-car trains form. (Which you can see in the replay thumbnail below.) Once more, everyone kept their cool while going through turn 2. We all cross the line in one big cluster, with me poking out just enough to take the podium.

This is my last Nations race for this season and what a way to end it. My DR is also at a new high of 42.8k thanks to this result. I'll be switching to Manufacturer races for the remainder of the season and I'm hoping I can keep this streak of good results going.

 

[Trone_Colby]

I finished 4th from 12th.

This guy however:

 

[afc5150]

@Trone_Colby typical of that dude

@C_Raccoon23 well done sticking that landing!

 

[AstroVex]

I finished 4th from 12th.

This guy however:

This guy brings hell to everyone in every race I saw him in ever since the beginning of the season. Yep, what a moron.

For my part, I ended up with 103 points and a 6th place on the second slot. Thanks to all clean racers.
I will take these and focus on getting my DR back to A, as I have big hopes for next week's FIA races

Thank you all and stay safe!

 

[KosmoKazi]

Only ran one, on the Alt, didn’t have time for another On the main, though would like to have. Amazed more people done know that the wets are slightly faster and take the edge off The handling. Also amazed more people can’t just drive in a straight line. You can’t win the race until the last turn, you can only lose it. Duh.

picked the 993 as it sounds better at WOT/top speed than the Fugu, and comes in different colors! Strategery.

(oh, and no way in hell I want to drive 200+ mph in a GTI or E-type!)

was really happy that over the course of my race, everyone after tenth place eventually was taken out from trying to bully into the line or hit people out of it. Karma.

Entered the last turn in a lead pack of 6, which was nice, but was hit out of 5th place or 4th in the middle of a strong run on the inside, ending my chances for better. Limping over the line in 6th at 45k DR resulted in a nice points haul, though I’m not worried about FIA points on the Alt. maybe I should be as I’m nudging up to A+ rating on it and stretching a lead on my main account!

 

[GTWolverine]

Slot 1: For the first time this season in Nation's, I wasn't immediately thrown into Top Split in the first slot, and instead found myself in 2nd Split. It didn't matter anyway because I had to bail out because my hotel's garbage WiFi wouldn't let me race without lagging everywhere, and I'm sure it would've disconnected me anyway had I stayed...

Slot 2: I switched to my phone's mobile hotspot and found a much more stable connection (even better than my home WiFi...). I was in 2nd Split again and qualified 11th after getting t-boned twice on my qualifying lap, but since I was in the Golf, I avoided spinning and only lost momentum. I finished 5th after dodging a small wreck or 2. I was awarded 213 points, which wasn't enough for my liking at an event that had the potential to be by far my best-scoring round of the season, so I planned to race in Slot 3 and for once I was actually hoping to end up in Top Split...

Slot 3: I did end up in Top Split this time, along with @Roman_GT23 and @kevinddr. I qualified and finished 7th after getting shuffled out of the train on the 2nd lap and looking like I wouldn't even get back into the Top 10. It took a rather hectic and fortunate final corner for me to get back up to where I started for 234 points. It was good enough for me to not consider going again, but at the same time I feel like I could've grabbed even more had I not allowed myself to be shuffled out of line in the first place (I was running 6th when that happened).

Here's the replay of the final corner of Slot 3:

 

[afc5150]

Sucked to be the yellow Porsche. Shucks.

 

[RX8 Racer]

Sucked to be the yellow Porsche. Shucks.

Rule #1 of SSRX: Being ahead means absolutely nothing unless you are right at the finish line.

It’s amazing how some people still have not worked that out after SSRX has come up at least 4 times in Nations and Daily Races combined (Not counting today’s race).

 

[Roman_GT23]

I finished 4th from 12th.

This guy however:

Will he be on GTS Idiots of the week?

Slot 1: For the first time this season in Nation's, I wasn't immediately thrown into Top Split in the first slot, and instead found myself in 2nd Split. It didn't matter anyway because I had to bail out because my hotel's garbage WiFi wouldn't let me race without lagging everywhere, and I'm sure it would've disconnected me anyway had I stayed...

Slot 2: I switched to my phone's mobile hotspot and found a much more stable connection (even better than my home WiFi...). I was in 2nd Split again and qualified 11th after getting t-boned twice on my qualifying lap, but since I was in the Golf, I avoided spinning and only lost momentum. I finished 5th after dodging a small wreck or 2. I was awarded 213 points, which wasn't enough for my liking at an event that had the potential to be by far my best-scoring round of the season, so I planned to race in Slot 3 and for once I was actually hoping to end up in Top Split...

Slot 3: I did end up in Top Split this time, along with @Roman_GT23 and @kevinddr. I qualified and finished 7th after getting shuffled out of the train on the 2nd lap and looking like I wouldn't even get back into the Top 10. It took a rather hectic and fortunate final corner for me to get back up to where I started for 234 points. It was good enough for me to not consider going again, but at the same time I feel like I could've grabbed even more had I not allowed myself to be shuffled out of line in the first place (I was running 6th when that happened).

Here's the replay of the final corner of Slot 3:

I felt bad dude. If I had a gap behind me I would have let you through. But from the first two slots I was so red misted I wasn't letting anyone by me or move me out of the way. Not even my momma!. My night basically saw two halfs of me. And if anyone plays Pokemon you'll know who this little guy is.

Mood before slot 1:

Slot 1: I tried the Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaag. Qualy did not go as planned. Started towards the back. Miraculously I was still in slip range, but the on the last corner I tried to go for an outside move, not seeing another car was on my fender and into space I went. Finished 9th. Eh, onto the next.

Slot 2: Seeing how rough Slot 1 was I decided to go for the GTI for being a sponge with contact. Wound up in the top split (for what was left) and qualified 14th. Was as high as 6th I think but then someone moved me out of the slip and I fell all the way back to 17th. Dude wouldn't even share!

My mood after slot 2:

Slot 3: That's it. Sleeves rolled up. Elbows coming out and if someone tried to move me I was fighting back! Took the Porsche this time. Started 11th. Some people tried to move me and I told them to get bent. Before the chaos I basically had two cars that tried to move me out the way sent to the shadow realm. Heading towards the end I was communicating with friends and we all decided to just stick to bumpers. Then chaos ensued. I got by it with no speed loss. I couldn't get down to Greasy to push him for the him, so either it was try to go for the lead or push MoP. I decided the best choice was to push MoP and try to create a gap. More people tried to shove me and I was in a pinball effect, but I toughed it out and came across second.

My mood after slot 3 and 299 points! My best haul evAr!:

If you fancy a watch here you go. See FIA is off for next week so I'll catch you guys the last week of August!

 

[afc5150]

It’s amazing how some people

The poor soul in the yellow Porsche isn't "some people".

 

[JoeDaSnow]

Round 5 at Route X proved I was incompatible with the race. I had quit this thrice ffor not getting the results that I want. As a result, I vow never to return to this track in point races. I also chose to be absent at round 5 of the Manufacturers Series on Wednesday realizing that it wasn't the right one for me.

 

[Trone_Colby]

Will he be on GTS Idiots of the week?

You know I’m trying lol. I’ve submitted it. We’ll see.

 

[GTWolverine]

Will he be on GTS Idiots of the week?

I felt bad dude. If I had a gap behind me I would have let you through. But from the first two slots I was so red misted I wasn't letting anyone by me or move me out of the way. Not even my momma!. My night basically saw two halfs of me. And if anyone plays Pokemon you'll know who this little guy is.

Mood before slot 1:

View attachment 1074428

Slot 1: I tried the Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaag. Qualy did not go as planned. Started towards the back. Miraculously I was still in slip range, but the on the last corner I tried to go for an outside move, not seeing another car was on my fender and into space I went. Finished 9th. Eh, onto the next.

Slot 2: Seeing how rough Slot 1 was I decided to go for the GTI for being a sponge with contact. Wound up in the top split (for what was left) and qualified 14th. Was as high as 6th I think but then someone moved me out of the slip and I fell all the way back to 17th. Dude wouldn't even share!

My mood after slot 2:

View attachment 1074429


Slot 3: That's it. Sleeves rolled up. Elbows coming out and if someone tried to move me I was fighting back! Took the Porsche this time. Started 11th. Some people tried to move me and I told them to get bent. Before the chaos I basically had two cars that tried to move me out the way sent to the shadow realm. Heading towards the end I was communicating with friends and we all decided to just stick to bumpers. Then chaos ensued. I got by it with no speed loss. I couldn't get down to Greasy to push him for the him, so either it was try to go for the lead or push MoP. I decided the best choice was to push MoP and try to create a gap. More people tried to shove me and I was in a pinball effect, but I toughed it out and came across second.

My mood after slot 3 and 299 points! My best haul evAr!:
View attachment 1074430

If you fancy a watch here you go. See FIA is off for next week so I'll catch you guys the last week of August!

No worries! You've got to take every opportunity to make low-risk passes like that when you can. I just unfortunately had my wheels turned slightly to the left when I get a large push, and that was enough to spit me out of line like what happened to the other Golf earlier in the race.

 

[05XR8]

Sweet. At least one of the faster players tried it. I knew it'd be quick. Think I'll try a tyre wear run.

Edit: M4 is at the top with a 7:45.438. .8s quicker than the P2 S-FR.