This has been an interesting conversation and I sure wouldn’t take offense at being labeled as “Elite”, it’s quite the compliment.
I’m retired (I’m 63) I race a lot at different times throughout the day. I think what people forget is that this is a sport that takes mental awareness as well as some physical stamina. But also, like every other sports, the more you race, the better you get.
When I’m racing consistently, I’m a mid B/S driver and I can compete at that level. If for some reason I take some time off, when I return, I’m still in B lobbies but I find that I can no longer compete and now I’m an impediment on the track.
I think one problem that exists is that some people have progressed faster than their true abilities e.g. drivers qualify fast but race-craft is poor (dirty, can’t drive in crowds, can’t handle pressure etc). One thing I’ve noticed is that racing is bad on Mondays and by Friday, it’s starting to clean up.
I have no history with many of the tracks so it may take me 2 days to learn braking points and passing zones. Much of the race data I get from just reading this forum, such as: can I just do a drive-through or do I need tires. Watching posted race videos is of a very high value to me.
But also, in reference to knowing or not knowing your competitors, I take a qualifying grid photo and a race result photo. I want to know who is around me. If you are doing multiple races, many of those drivers follow you from race to race and you can start tracking some of their habits like what sections are they fast, are they aggressive. There are a lot of drivers that you can let pass you because you know they aren’t going to make the corner.
Bottom line from someone with only 6 months of racing… it takes time in the seat to improve and it can get pretty frustrating at times.
👆What he said. Honestly, this text is in every word my own opinion.
@Barney Da Dog
Hi there new friend. Didn't find the time to write you on PS, cause I need a controller to write, which is kinda frustrating + i already have quite some messages to answers, cause of many friends. Driving fair and even using indicators to let faster drivers pass, is so appreciated, that it could be a sport on its own😂
Mr. Da Dog, because of you, I finished Sunday night in the top 5000 of the world.👸🏼 Because of you, I finished nearly every race in brands hatch in the top 5. I moved from Dr D (being nice on track can have disadvantages) back to Dr B in about 3 days (15-20races). I used your advised set up on the g70 and used and abused you as a ghost many times. By the way, you stayed on top of my friends list till the end, and I have 3 really good always at least A drivers there. But you are topdog now😉 oh, and my time 47.7xx one second slower than you, for me, unbelievable fast.
I even gained confidence to adjust the settings. And I got a little faster. You had the front, pushed to the highest numbers rear lowest. 10 - 1 stabilizers
4.00 - 2.50
Etc. I took from each side a fraction away.
9 - 2 stabilizer,
48 - 32 rear suspension
And the traction 6 - 48 - 7 for rear and front. It was perfect. Bb - 2 (to the front) and 0 traction.
But, you were right, all my really good laps were with the tcm switched on. That was really surprising to me.
Sorry for the long post. everyone who reads it deserves a cookie,