I wouldn’t say never for my races. Yes, AI will adjust speed which I don’t like. However, it really does depend what cars and tracks players use that the programming adjusts to. Group A and Super Touring cars work the best for me. I just found through the way I set the cars up not even having to handicap my own car. I use the same exact car the AI use. This way I can jump in an alternate livery without adjusting the car. Only the AI have all aids turned on. I only use ABS Default.But this isn't the case at all. Even in custom races the AI still sucks. I set up a mock NLS race where I had Gr3s and Gr4s on grid with me being in a Gr4, and the leading cars dropped 16 seconds in their lap times from the first lap to the third. The AI doesn't maintain a decent pace, adjusts their speed to make things "fair", drives with blinders on, and is in no way any sort of realistic competition.
I came in third place absolutely blasting past 7 of the Gr3s with no fight put up by them, and I was hot on the heels of the first two down Dottinger straight. With another lap I would have won the race.
I did another one recently with the Trueno AE86 (stock on SH tires) in a custom race starting from the back on the 'Ring, and I passed every one before Adenauer, completely stopped at Ausfahrt and waited for every car to pass, then passed them again in the next few corners. Watching the replay back the AI slowed down to like 30mph and were waiting for me. This is on professional difficulty. Pretty pathetic.
Sophy is the closest thing we have to real competition in game, but it can't be used in custom races, and is very limited in where it can be used.
Custom race AI is never competitive.
For those that it’s too long and didn’t watch, not going to lie and say every race is a hit. I do have misses with some set ups and unfortunately I shouldn’t have to stay away from some cars and track combinations. I will, for my experiences, call my races fifty fifty for how competitive the programming is. I’m rarely winning let alone making it on the podium in my races. No matter the length of any one race.