GT5 Tracks

[Nattefrost]

A good car is a good car, well, the same goes for tracks, and it's less likely to see prejudice against tracks... After all, it's asphalt or concrete... that's it. I'll mostly only be able to name American tracks, because those are in my giant, far away from the others, country. But what I really want is an equal share with tracks, along with cars. Everything good from everywhere. No exceptions, at the least, an equal balance, Japanese-based (company) or not, they have the money, and I'll pay a little more for it, be it 10-15$ more than a standard game.P.S. Nordshleife was a Fantastic addition to GT, day/night changes would be great, and all the versions would be great, but even as it is, is was a great addition for the game.

Now what if there's a LOT less American tracks in GT5 than other tracks (like it's always been), but we still end up with about 50 new great tracks. Will you really complain about the balance?

I like to think all this "I want an equal balance" is irrelevant. It would be more of a limiting factor to PD than anything else. I imagine they would find about 10 American tracks they want to put in the next GT, and a hell of a lot more Japanese and European (or Australian even) ones. Should they say "Ah damn we already did 10 new European and 10 new Japanese tracks, we shall have to leave out all these other great tracks we had in mind" ?

The answer is of course no. Don't worry, they know there are worthwile tracks in America, they'll put some of them in the game. But they'll look for good tracks, no matter where they come from, and that's more of quality-guarantee than looking for location-specific tracks. Japanese tracks will still have the upper hand, as they would know of a lot more good Japanese tracks than say American tracks. But that doesn't matter, you'll still have good tracks. Good tracks you never heard of, and it's never too late to learn new stuff.

 

[Disturbed07]

That is all quite true, Nattefrost, as I said in the post before, I really don't care to much as far as what they are, or where they are, but I can say there's a lot of tracks in America, and I'd assume quite a few more here than in Japan, therefore, finding an equal amount shouldnt be too hard. I want equality simply because It's not only somthing they've never done, it'll make there be way more tracks i'm familiar with, (which is nice) but Mainly, above all else, it'll equally represent the motor sport world, and everything is included, nobody gets left out, and also to not be leaning towards any mans definition of a "good" track. As any track can be fun, and/or good, depending on who's eyes see it.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

Looking on how and wich new additions of tracks made it to GT4, I´d say new additions in GT5 will probably be the same type of tracks, ie tracks with some historic significans. So new additions would be Spa, Monza from Europe, Long Beach is a good guess, and maybe an oval or something from USA, Bathurst and some Japanese track. Then the usual made up tracks and the return of some older ones aswell. I think a pretty realistic number of tracks in GT5 will be around 70.

 

[InZan3]

then waht about the swedish winter rally? added to the rally courses

it is said to be one of the most difficult rallies in the world except for the baja

and if the add baja races I want my dune buggies

 

[Sting]

I wouldn't mind seeing those special stages from the WRC where two cars go head to head, and complete 1 lap of each lane.

 

[JohnBM01]

How many of you would rule out fantasy courses based on American tracks? You know, like that track in Forza Motorsport which was based off of Bathurst? I don't make a big deal about nationality in terms of tracks or cars, but what makes people want to see a lot more cars and tracks from a certain nation? I'm talking in terms of GT gamers dissatisfied with mostly Japanese courses and wanting more American venues.

I think if you're a NASCAR fan, you have Sears Point in the game, but Watkins Glen (both configurations) would be nice. My only problem is that... with all due respect to the course, it's not very interesting to me anymore. Sears Point is a much better challenge. Grand-Am killed the Six Hours at The Glen (not to mention the Rolex 24 as well), so I couldn't care less to seeing Daytona Prototypes or anything in GT5. If there was something American that I think would be nicely represented, let it be Trans-Am, maybe especially Trans-Am. Trans-Am is the oldest road racing series in America and is still one of the finest racing series in the U.S. of A. The cars may suck up to NASCAR in terms of tube-framed cars that you climb into with no functional headlights, but they still have a nice roar at speed.

If you have any comments to add, do so now.

 

[fxscreamer]

Oh COME ON. They need to put Indianapolis in there. It's a racing icon for the world and hosts 3 championship races a year...one being a European League (U.S. Grand Prix), being Formula 1.

It's a no brainer. JEEZ.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

The question is, is Indy considered to be a historicly significant track by the Japanese? They think Motegi has some important place in racing history, so they should want Indy... but I´d say Road America is a more natural choice for PD. Can´t back this, just a hunch.

 

[JohnBM01]

Indianapolis is told to be the World Spectle of Racing... yeah, international exposed to America. I sometimes think they could have found a better course to hold F1, I digress. Indy has one thing over Le Mans- most races run. Le Mans started out in 1922 or sometime, but the first Indy 500 was in 1911. I think if PD is going to put in Indianapolis, certainly Indy cars would be considered to bring an air of authenticity. So if you want to be Mario Andretti, Bobby Rahal, Nigel Mansell, or whomever for a day, you can. If the F1 cars are an indication, Indy-style cars would be a nice fit, maybe even a good idea for a seperate Pro-level racing series.

NASCAR fans would likely want Indy too for the Brickyard 400. However, there are two other big races which actually makes me watch NASCAR- the Daytona 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Daytona has its history even before the oval was built. Imagine racing on the beaches of Daytona Beach, then using a few public roads. That's how it was in the old days. Now, the course is probably as big of a staple of "stock" car racing as Charlotte or Talladega. Talladega is the biggest superspeedway oval in the world at over 2.66 miles (old facts. Set me straight if I'm wrong). Make a mistake, and you'll pay for it. Charlotte/Lowe's Motor Speeday is one of my favorite ovals from the NASCAR games because of the speed you can get on the course and just the fact that this is has been home ground for a number of teams. Also, I call it NASCAR's version of Le Mans because it's the longest, most challenging race in NASCAR. The course is long gone, but many would like to maybe race Riverside from back then. I hear so much about Riverside in American racing.

Other American locales? Let me think... Burke Lakefront Airport is basically a gut check for Champ Car teams with the wide roads and insane speeds. If this track makes it into GT5, it will be the first airport runway race course in GT history. Portland International Raceway is a lovely track in a serene setting. It's played host to series like Champ Car, the American Le Mans Series, Speed World Challenge, even NASCAR Craftsman Trucks back in 1999. The 2006 Valvoline Runoffs will go from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course to Heartland Park Topeka. This track plays host to drag racing in addition to its tough road course racing action. One of the newest courses is the amazing Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL, USA. It is a beautiful course which looks more like a European circuit. Forza has it, so why not Road Atlanta? Petit Le Mans? It would compliment the bigtime endurances from GT4. Maybe if PD wanted to be really real with this course, if you win Petit Le Mans, you can qualify for a Le Mans invite rather than race it straight up.

America- big country, lots of tracks, lots of choices. There are many I haven't mentioned, so don't think I haven't forgotten some key courses. Just because I don't talk about them doesn't mean I've forgot about them. PD has a lot of choices. Just find what you like, and hopefully we'll see it in GT5. You people dig me?

More American tracks listed here from these sites I've sighted:
http://www.etracksonline.co.uk/NAmerica/usa.html
http://www.racingcircuits.net/UnitedStates/index.html (Past and Present)

 

[Disturbed07]

I thought it 2.65, but 2.66, could definetly be right. I know it's close enough, and this should be the closest thing you get to contradiction

 

[amp88]

So if you want to be Mario Andretti, Bobby Rahal, Nigel Mansell, or whomever for a day, you can.

Jim Clark.

http://eis.net.au/~bramwell/indy.htm

edit: This page also shows several occasions where unfair tratement was arguably given to the "outsiders"...

Not black flagging the American even when his car was leaking oil onto the track and forcing the Scot to a "rookie" test even when he was a Grand Prix driver...

 

[SimRaceDriver]

As an "American" who has an affilliation with road racing, I would love to see more 'real' tracks in the next release of GT5 if possible as opposed to 'fantasy' tracks!

Also, because motor-racing in Europe has, in my opinion, a broader 'audience base', and because racing in Europe has an older racing heritage then that of the US, I can see why more European tracks are being asked to be in GT5 then those of the US.

Now, don't get me wrong! I watch my fair share of the SCCA events, as televised here in the US on SpeedTV and am familar with such venues as Mid-Ohio and Road Atlanta and would love to see these tracks in GT5, however I'm pretty sure that other then within the U.S., these two tracks are not as widely recognized as such tracks as:

Spa, Donnington, Silverstone, Bathurst and Monza to name just a few!


However, I can understand, from PD's P.O.V., the amout of travel time to each venue, time needed to gather sufficient track data and everything else that goes into bringing real life race tracks to our console game is tedious work and thus dictates how many do or would be added to future releases. I guess some of us get spoiled because there are other games out there (TOCA) which have many more of these legendary tracks in their games then GT has ever had and thus, wonder why if one company (Codemasters) can do it, others (PD) can't?

Bottom line...keep the current 'real life tracks' from GT4, lose the fantasy tracks and put in:

• Spa
• Donnington
• Monza
• Silverstone
• Brands Hatch
• Indy
• Bathurst
• Mid-0hio
• Road Atlanta
• Hockinheim (Spelling?)
• Zandvoort
• Motopark Oschersleben
• A1 Ring
• Mantorp Park
• Anderstorp

and I'd be a very, very happy gamer!

 

[Tappajakoala]

With all respect I hope there will be NO any ovals, but Test Course - and even that should be just for machine testing.

I don't know more stupid racing form than driving circle on stadium.
Even drag racing has some more sense.

I hope to see some classic tracks from world: Pike's Peak, Bathurst, Monza, Silverstone, Spa, Isle of Man, etc.

Longer the track, the better.

 

[Gabkicks]

the racing history of europe isnt much older than america's. unless you want to go all the way back to freaking chariot/ horse and buggy racing.

there are tons of popular european, american, and even some asian tracks missing.

 

[JohnBM01]

Naturally, I would say that I'd hate ovals and wouldn't want them in the game. I think PD would pursue ovals for one reason- many Americans love oval racing. Oval racing's probably been around since freakin.. Ben Hur or somebody. If PD wanted to impress American oval fans, they can choose either Indianapolis, Daytona, or Charlotte. Ovals are boring, but I think all three make interesting challenges. I just don't want like, all three in the game. The popular bet would be between Daytona and Charlotte. Because after all, American racing (especially NASCAR) grew up in the southeast.

I don't know... are some American GT fans just too picky about American cars and American tracks? Or do we feel that while the variety is good, there could be much more? It's something I've wondered since maybe GT4 being in the works.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

I don't know... are some American GT fans just too picky about American cars and American tracks? Or do we feel that while the variety is good, there could be much more? It's something I've wondered since maybe GT4 being in the works.

The latter would be my pick. We have been spoiled by PD, and are frankly just screaming for more, while there already are plenty. Compare the number of tracks in GT4 to just about any other racinggame out there, and GT4 will have the yellow leaders shirt! And the fact that PD depicts the tracks very, very good, doesn´t make tings better. We have simply become spoiled brats!

 

[L8 Apex]

My dream GT5 Course List:
-All tracks and variants from GT4
-Seattle Short
-Rome Circuit
-Rome Short
-Rome Night (not necessarily at night, tho )
-Mount Panorama (Bathhurst)
-Sebring
-Pikes Peak Hillclimb (the real one, not the Cliff Notes version in GT2)
-Monza 1 (Current GP circuit)
-Monza 2 (GP circuit + banked oval)
-Interlagos
-Brands Hatch Indy
-Brands Hatch GP
-Spa Francochamps 1 (Current circuit)
-Spa Francochamps 2 (Pre-1978 layout)
-Hockenheim GP
-Hockenheim Club Circuit
-Hockenheim Dragstrip
-Hockenheim '90s (Blast through forest w/ chicanes)
-Hockenheim '60s (Same as '90s w/ chicanes bypassed)
-Le Mans Bugatti Circuit
-California Speedway Oval
-California Speedway Road Course
-California Speedway Motorcycle/'04 JGTC Road Course
-California Speedway Infield Road Course
-Long Beach Grand Prix Street Circuit
-Mosport
-Road Atlanta
-Road America
-Cote d' Azur 2 (Current Monaco layout)
-Nurburgring GP Circuit
-Nurburgring Short Circuit
-Nurburgring 24hr Circuit (GP + Nordschleife)
-Norisring
-Brno
-Surfers Paradise Street Circuit
-Red Rock Valley
-Grindelwald
-Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval
-Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course
-Circuit de Catalunya GP Circuit
-Circuit de Catalunya Short Circuit
-Mexico City (current Grand Am/Champ Car course through stadium)
-Mexico City (old layout around stadium)
-Zandvoort GP Circuit
-Zandvoort Short Circuit
-Hidden Valley
-SS Route 11 (GT3 Version)
-Goodwood Hillclimb
-Goodwood Revival Circuit
-Estoril
-Silverstone Club Circuit
-Silverstone National Circuit
-Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit
-Macau
-Barber Motorsports Park
-Willow Springs
-Sandown
-Zolder
-Snetterton 2005
-Snetterton 2007
-Lime Rock Park I
-Lime Rock Park II (w/ chicane)
-Watkins Glen GP
-Watkins Glen Short
-Watkins Glen Historic (Original street course )
-Daytona International Speedway Oval
-Daytona International Speedway Road Course
-Thruxton
-A1 Ring GP
-A1 Ring Short
-A1 Ring Proposed Extension
-AVUS I (1994-99 version)
-AVUS II (Stupid-long, stupid-fast prewar version)
-All I can think of for now...

 

[kikie]

Wow, that's......an interesting list.

 

[Jump_Ace]

My dream GT5 Course List:
-All tracks and variants from GT4
-Seattle Short
-Rome Circuit
-Rome Short
-Rome Night (not necessarily at night, tho )
-Mount Panorama (Bathhurst)
-Sebring
-Pikes Peak Hillclimb
-Monza 1 (Current GP circuit)
-Monza 2 (GP circuit + banked oval)
-Interlagos
-Brands Hatch Indy
-Brands Hatch GP
-Spa Francochamps 1 (Current circuit)
-Spa Francochamps 2 (Pre-1978 layout)
-Hockenheim GP
-Hockenheim Club Circuit
-Hockenheim Dragstrip
-Hockenheim '90s
-Hockenheim '60s
-Le Mans Bugatti Circuit
-California Speedway Oval
-California Speedway Road Course
-California Speedway Motorcycle/'04 JGTC Road Course
-California Speedway Infield Road Course
-Long Beach Grand Prix Street Circuit
-Mosport
-Road Atlanta
-Road America
-Cote d' Azur 2 (Current Monaco layout)
-Nurburgring GP Circuit
-Nurburgring Short Circuit
-Nurburgring 24hr Circuit (GP + Nordschleife)
-Norisring
-Brno
-Surfers Paradise Street Circuit
-Red Rock Valley
-Grindelwald
-Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval
-Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course
-Circuit de Catalunya GP Circuit
-Circuit de Catalunya Short Circuit
-Mexico City (current Grand Am/Champ Car course through stadium)
-Mexico City (old layout around stadium)
-Zandvoort GP Circuit
-Zandvoort Short Circuit
-Hidden Valley
-SS Route 11 (GT3 Version)
-All I can think of for now...

YES YES YES!!! 100% agree with you man. Great list!

jump_ace

 

[Famine]

Except for the fact there's only 1 British track, and it's not even a current F1 track. Tack on Silverstone and we're doing fine.

And I'd like both GT1 and GT3 versions of SSR11.

And I'd like someone to get rid of Tsukuba. Hateful place...

(good call on the Le Mans Bugatti track)

 

[M5_dude]

Keep all the current tracks, plus, Silverstone, Spa, Road Atlanta, Mosport, Sebring, maybe some more city tracks as well.

 

[strongbadxx2]

Did i tell anyone i like cookies?

 

[road kill]

how about some touge tracks??? like in enthusia they had dragon range and it was awesome so i hope they include some real touge tracks in gt5 for one on one races they gotta add a few at least cause online one on ones will be so cool

 

[purple]

You've got to be realistic when it comes to how many tracks the developers can:

a) research
b) visit
c) model

Also, it comes down to how many tracks Polyphony can squeeze onto the disc.

Personally, i would like to see the fictional tracks scrapped. They're all too wide, too tall (everything seems giant... buildings, stands, distance markers), and too samey. They just remind me of Ridge Racer tracks, and have no place in the development of this fine driving series.

I'm not too bothered about Rally driving either, mainly because I'm no good at it, but I added a couple of tracks I'd like to see, as i'm 100% sure the rally mode will remain.

Here is my list, encompassing the major motorsporting countries, and including handy links to the circuit maps (courtasy of www.racingcircuits.net):


--JAPAN--
Fuji (1980's, 1990's, 2005)
Suzuka (GP Circuit, East, West)
Tsukuba
Motegi (Road, East, West, Oval)

--AUSTRALIA--
Mount Panorama (Bathurst) (Full Circuit)
Adelaide (GP Street Circuit)
Surfers Paradise (CART/Indy Street Circuit)

--NORTH AMERICA--
Laguna Seca
Sears Point (Infineon) Raceway (GP Circuit, Short Circuit)
Indianapolis (Oval, GP Road Course)
Caesar's Palace ('81-'82 GP Circuit, used as a tarmac rally stage)
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (Montreal Street Circuit)

--UNITED KINGDOM--
Silverstone (GP Circuit, International, Rallycross Sprint)
Rockingham Motor Speedway (Oval, Road)
Brands Hatch (GP Circuit, Indy Circuit)

--FRANCE--
Le Mans (Circuit de la Sarthe, Circuit Bugatti au Mans)
Monte Carlo

--ITALY--
Monza (GP Circuit, 1922-79 Oval, 1922-33 Full Circuit)

--BELGIUM--
Spa Francorchamps (GP Circuit)

--GERMANY--
Nurburgring (Nordschleife, GP Circuit, Combined)
Hockenheim (1960's GP, 1990's GP, 1990's Short

--SPAIN--
Jerez (GP Circuit)

--SOUTH AMERICA (BRAZIL)--
Interlagos (GP Circuit, 1940-89 Circuit)


Well, thats my two pennies worth, and my first post accoumplished. There's 43 of my favourite tracks there, from past and present, and with all combinations. Plenty enough to keep any racing, and indeed, GT enthusiast happy.

 

[Erocks13]

I agree with Frantic about Mid Ohio Sportcar Corse. I also Would like to see Road America as is is only about half an hour from my house. Or Ebisu circiut.

 

[Erocks13]

I also would like to see some kind of downhill track. Mabey some kind of point to ponit races???

 

[JohnBM01]

I'd like a mix of fantasy and real-world. The formula is fine as is. Why fix what isn't broken? I don't care about all real courses. They are nice to race on because you can easily identify them in real life and know they were based on real-life courses. But do you need only real courses? Fantasy courses offer a nice challenge whether they are based on realistic courses, completely fictional, or whatever. I'd especially keep Grand Valley Speedway. That's been the signature race course for Gran Turismo since the first game. Get rid of that, and what would be the new signature race course for GT? Someimes, you have to use your imagination. I'd especially want to see some more Australian venues, even if you include Bathurst, Eastern Creek, Sandown, Adelaide, Surfer's Paradise, or fantasy street courses from Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth. I'd even throw in a track I can't pronounce- Pukekohe. If you can't include actual tracks, then fantasy ones are always a good choice. I like the challenge of a street course, much less a fantasy street course. Just don't make street courses like Canberra (like in Pro Race Driver).

I sometimes believe that if you want to be the best racer in video games or in real life, you need to be tested on a variety of real courses and fantasy courses. Why? It's because of the fact that showing yourself as a great racer means you're able to take on any challenge in any car and still be the best. To me, it's about challenge in any situation. That's how I felt I've matured as not only a GT gamer, but a racing gamer... and even when I did some go-karting. My view, make the series better each sequel.

 

[Nattefrost]

But do you need only real courses? Fantasy courses offer a nice challenge whether they are based on realistic courses, completely fictional, or whatever.

The thing is, real life courses are more likely to make for an interesting race. I've felt that a number of fantasy courses in GT4 aren't nicely laid out tracks. Some of them, however, are very nice, like Grand Valley as you mention yourself, which is my favourite GT-original track.

But still this track isn't as interesting as most real life courses (to me at least). While it's a lot better than Motegi (which is actually pretty dull in the game) and Tsukuba, tracks like Fuji, Suzuka, Laguna Seca, La Sarthe, the Ring, etc. are far better.

Still, they should keep their own tracks, except for the least interesting ones. But when it comes to adding new tracks to GT5, they should really consider focussing on real tracks, unless they can come up with some really good tracks, which I doubt somehow.

 

[Badsight]

Zolder

Spa

Watkins Glen

Bathurst

Aida

but Zolder has always been my favourite

 

[purple]

I'd especially want to see some more Australian venues, even if you include Bathurst, Eastern Creek, Sandown, Adelaide, Surfer's Paradise, or fantasy street courses from Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth.

I think you'll find Melbourne already has a street course. It's called Albert Park, and it has been host to the Australian Grand Prix since 1996.