Laguna Seca 200 Miles Companion & Competition

[GTsail]

Yep, it's all a bit crazy with the PP levels for certain cars these days. There looks like a possible update in the near future which might sort this out, but for now it makes for some incredibly low level runs.

Yeah, some cars now seem to have PP values that have vaulted them to the head of the class.

Sport Medium Tire Leaderboard - Ranked by PPV
399PP - Lotus Elise 111S '03 - Dotini•
400PP - Honda Civic Type-R (EK) '97 - axletramp#/**
415PP - Ford Focus ST '06 - axletramp•/#

Looking at the sport medium tire leaderboard, my 398PP run in the RUF 3400S has bested all of the car's previously run with SM tires even though I was on SH tires.

I would say that the game now has some un-balanced PP values!👎

Respectfully,
GTsail

 

[von Stiefel]

Yeah, some cars now seem to have PP values that have vaulted them to the head of the class.



Looking at the sport medium tire leaderboard, my 398PP run in the RUF 3400S has bested all of the car's previously run with SM tires even though I was on SH tires.

I would say that the game now has some un-balanced PP values!👎

Respectfully,
GTsail

I have noticed that wholly ordinary FF family cars now have more or less the same PP as pretty hot FR ones, meaning that the FR cars are so much stronger that the PP do not reflect any real similarities at all. I presume - I hope! - an update will fix this, and I think the leaderboards should be cleared of these results.
It has been fun while it lasted, but really: it feels too much like a cheat.

 

[axletramp]

If an upcoming update sorts this out then I'll probably place brackets around these recent results. I'd recommend the same for my stupidly low 333PP win at GVS300 as well.

 

[von Stiefel]

Then I had better hurry in my attempts to better the 333 PP record in the Grand Valley endurance: I cannot do it! At 330 PP I lap at least 4 seconds slower and I am close to despair. I will do it ..I SHALL do it.

 

[GTsail]

I decided to give another one of the post V2.10 update advantaged cars a try, so I find my Holden Monaro and give it an updated tune. After some minor wrenching my Holden Monaro CV8 '04 has the following spec's:

Horsepower: 263
Weight: 1560kg (added 68kg of ballast after a stage 1 wgt reduction)
PPvalue: 385
P.Limiter: 87.8%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
Acquired: 10/24/2012
Wins: 3
Mileage: 11,605.5
No skid

I decide to try my luck against the Alternative lineup # 4 again:
------------------------------------------
1) Chevy Camaro SS '69
2) Chevy Camaro SS '00
3) Ford Mustang GT '05
4) Corvette Grand Sport C4
5) Mustang SVT Cobra R
6) Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi
7) GTsail in the Holden Monaro
8) Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
9) Mercury Cougar XR-7 '67
10) Corvette Coupe C2 '63
11) Tempest Le Mans GTO '64
12) Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe

The flag drops and we're off for another Laguna Seca run!

Feeling confident, from the start I coast for a bit and allow the field to stream past, so I enter the Andretti hairpin in last place, just behind the Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe. During lap # 1, I pass the Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe going thru the corkscrew and end the lap 12 seconds behind the race leader after a 2.00.875 lap.

During lap # 2, I pass the 10th place Cougar XR-7, the 9th place Pontiac Tempest LeMans GTO and the 8th place Corvette Coupe C2 '63 and end the lap still 12 seconds behind the race leader after a 1.44.937 lap.

During lap # 3, I pass the 7th place Dodge Charger Super Bee 426, the 6th place Camaro Z28 Coupe '97 and the 5th place Ford Mustang GT '05 and end the lap 12.9 seconds behind the race leading Chevy Camaro SS '69.

On lap # 5, I set an early lap record of 1.43.439 and end the lap only 11.3 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

During lap # 7, I catch and pass the 4th place Mustang SVT Cobra R and end the lap 10.3 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

During lap # 8, I catch and pass the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 '96 and end the lap 10.5 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

During lap # 9, I catch and pass the 2nd place Chevy Camaro SS '00 and end the lap 9.2 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

After 15 laps, I'm still in 2nd place, some 8.5 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.011 lap.

After 20 laps, I get the news that I'm only 4.4 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a 1.44.251 lap. The Corvette Grand Sport C4 is in 3rd place about 6 seconds behind me.

After 25 laps, I'm only 1.1 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a 1.44.893 lap.

Just as I begin lap # 28, the race leading '69 Camaro SS drives past the 12th place Chevy Corvette Coupe C2 '63. I follow and get past the '63 Corvette coming out of the Andretti hairpin.

At the end of lap # 30, the race leading '69 Camaro SS hesitates as it begins to accelerate away from turn # 11. This allows me to accelerate past him as we head up the hill towards the S/F line.

As we begin lap # 31, I see that I have a 0.471 second lead over O.Medina in the '69 Camaro SS.

At the end of lap # 35, I catch and pass the 11th place Pontiac Tempest LeMans GTO and end the lap with a 3.5 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS after a somewhat slow 1.45.126 lap. My lap times have started to suffer a little and get longer since my tires have started to go off even though I still have about 75% of their life remaining on the tire bars.

On lap # 36, I catch and lap the 10th place Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe and the 9the place Dodge Charger Super Bee.

On lap # 37, I catch and lap the 8th place Ford Mustang GT '05 and end the lap with a 6 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS.

By the end of lap # 43, I get the news that I have a 12 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS, who has been getting held up by the back-markers. My last lap was a 1.46.036, so my tires are starting to get to the end of their useful life.

I have a 15 second lead when I dive into the pits at the end of lap # 45 to get a new set of SH tires and ask for 50 liters of fuel for my thirsty Monaro.

While I'm in the pits, the '69 Camaro SS, the Corvette Grand Sport and the Camaro Z28 Coupe '97 all drive past and drop me into 4th place. Three other back-markers also drive past while I'm in the pits, so as I exit the pits, the track ahead is crowded with cars of every stripe! I look forward to re-passing them all!

At the first checkpoint on lap # 46, I see that I have fallen 30 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after my 45 second pit-stop. At the end of lap # 46, I watch the Dodge Charger Super Bee enter the pits, so he goes back a lap down without any exchange of paint.

During lap # 47, I pass both the Pontiac Tempest LeMans and the Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe, and put them both a lap down again.

During lap # 48, I catch and pass the 3rd place Camaro Z28 Coupe '97 and end the lap in 3rd place, some 21 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

The '69 Camaro SS pits at the end of lap # 50, which allows the Corvette Grand Sport C4 to take over the race lead.

As I begin lap # 51, I find myself in 2nd place only 10 seconds behind the race leading Corvette Grand Sport C4 after a decent 1.43.717 lap.

I'm right on the rear-bumper of the 1st place Corvette Grand Sport when he pits at the end of lap # 53, so I take over 1st place in the race as I begin lap # 54.

At the second checkpoint on lap # 54, I get the news that I have a 39 second lead over the 2nd place Camaro SS '00 who has climbed up into 2nd place because he hasn't pitted yet.

On lap # 55, I catch and lap the 7th place Mustang SVT Cobra R and set a new lap record of 1.42.937 and end the lap with a 45 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS, who has re-claimed 2nd place since the Camaro SS '00 finally pitted.

After 60 laps, I see that I have increased my lead to 49 seconds over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.43.223 lap. I'm afraid that the race is over and that the AI will no longer give me any trouble since my Monaro is too strong for them.

After 70 laps, I have increased my lead to 52 seconds over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS after a 1.45.111 lap.

Just before the end of lap # 80, I catch and pass the 5th place Mercury Cougar XR-7 and end the lap with a 58 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS.

After 85 laps, I get the news that I have a 63 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS after a fast (for the state of my tires) 1.44.814 lap.

After 90 laps I win another trophy!

Total race time was 2 hours, 39 minutes and 00.537 seconds.

Finishing order:
---------------
1) GTsail in the Monaro CV8
2) Camaro SS '69 ------ 1min, 9.697 secs back (BL 1.44.017)
3) Corvette Grand Spt -- 1min, 11.324 secs back (BL 1.43.533)
4) Camaro Z28 Coupe -- 1min, 13.083 secs back (BL 1.43.162)
5) Cougar XR-7 --------- 1 lap down (BL 1.44.333)
6) Mustang SVT --------- 1 lap down (BL 1.44.350)
7) Camaro SS '00 -------- 1 lap down (BL 1.44.620)
8) Charger SuperBee ---- 2 laps down (BL 1.45.060)
9) Tempest LeMans ----- 2 laps down (BL 1.46.065)
10) Mustang GT '05 ----- 3 laps down (BL 1.46.714)
11) Pontiac GTO 5.7 ---- 3 laps down (BL 1.45.543)
12) Corvette C2 '63 ----- 3 laps down (BL 1.47.558)

Post race notes:
----------------
A very nice race for the first 45 laps, after that though my Holden Monaro proved to be too strong. I might try it again with slightly reduced horsepower and see if I could get a closer race towards the end. After the race, I check my odometer and see that it reads 11,806.1, so I drove 200.6 miles during the race.

Enjoy the racing!
GTsail

 

[GTsail]

I have decided to give another one of the post V2.10 update advantaged cars a try, so I find my Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe and give it an updated tune. After some major wrenching my Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe '04, which is painted a nice Impulse Blue Metallic, has the following spec's:

Horsepower: 283
Weight: 1835kg (added 145kg of ballast)
PPvalue: 385
P.Limiter: 85.0%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
Acquired: 10/28/2012
Wins: 0
Mileage: 13,445.3
No skid

I decide to try my luck against the Alternative lineup # 4 again:
------------------------------------------
1) Chevy Camaro SS '69
2) Chevy Camaro SS '00
3) Ford Mustang GT '05
4) Corvette Grand Sport C4 '96
5) Mustang SVT Cobra R
6) Dodge Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi
7) GTsail in the Pontiac GTO
8) Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
9) Mercury Cougar XR-7 '67
10) Corvette Coupe C2 '63
11) Pontiac Tempest Le Mans GTO '64
12) Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe '04

The flag drops and we're off for another Laguna Seca run!

From the start, I get swamped by the 8th place Camaro Z28 coupe '97, so I can only follow him thru the Andretti hairpin. I'm able to re-pass him as we go thru turn # 4. I then pass the 6th place Dodge Charger Super Bee and the 5th place Ford Mustang GT '05 going thru turns nine and ten, which puts me right behind the 4th place Mustang SVT Cobra R as we brake for turn # 11, the final left-hander. I drive around the outside of the Mustang SVT Cobra, and head up the hill with the position. At the end of the lap, I'm in 4th place, some 6.2 seconds behind the race leader after a 1.54.678 lap.

At the end of lap # 2, I'm still 6.2 seconds behind the race leading Chevy Camaro SS '69 after a 1.45.565 lap.

During lap # 4, I catch and pass the 3rd place Chevy Camaro SS '00 while setting a new lap record of 1.44.949.

After 5 laps, I'm still 6.4 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a new lap record of 1.44.572.

After 8 laps, I'm only 5.5 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a new lap record of 1.44.335.

After 10 laps, I'm only 4 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after another lap record of 1.44.047. In 2nd place is the Corvette Grand Sport C4, who has been right on the rear-bumper of the race leader for the last five laps. The 2000 Camaro SS is in 4th place, about 6 seconds behind me.

After 15 laps, I'm only 3 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

After 20 laps, I'm still 3 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS who is still running some fast laps since my lap was a 1.44.572.

During lap # 25, I catch and pass the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 and end the lap only 2.2 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.294 lap. I had been hounding the Corvette Grand Sport for two laps, before I found an opening to get past. Up ahead, I can see that we've almost caught the first of the back-markers. They're about 3-4 seconds ahead of us.

At the end of lap # 27, the race leading '69 Camaro SS gets baulked by the 12th place Corvette Coupe C2 '63, so I'm able to drive around both of them going thru turn # 11 and end the lap with a 0.409 second lead.

On lap # 29, as I head up the hill towards the cordscrew, I check my GTO's fuel gauge, and see that I've used about half a tank of fuel during the first 29 laps. I guess that trying to move a 1835kg vehicle takes a lot of fuel!!! My tires still feel decent (I've used about 25% of their life), so I suspect that I could get nearly 45 laps out of them, but due to my fuel situation, I'm going to have to make the race a two-stopper, even though the tires might hold out for a one-stopper.

Near the end of lap # 29, I catch and pass the 11th place Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe and put my counterpart a lap down.

At the end of lap # 30, I dive into the pits for a new set of SH tires, and ask for 30 liters of fuel. While I'm in the pits, I get passed by both the '69 Camaro SS and the Corvette Grand Sport C4.

At the second checkpoint on lap # 31, I see that I have fallen 31 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS. I also check my mirrors and see the 4th place 2000 Camaro SS right behind me.

On lap # 33, I run a nice 1.44.270 lap and end the lap only 25 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

After 36 laps, I get the news that I'm only 20 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after another decent 1.44.262 lap.

On lap # 38, I set a new lap record of 1.43.660 and end the lap only 7 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS who has been held up by a 3-car pack of back-markers. The two slowest back-markers are the Pontiac Tempest LeMAns and the Dodge Charger Super Bee, who I both pass on lap # 39. The fastest back-marker is the 8th place Ford Mustang GT '05, who does his best to hold up the field for an entire lap.

During lap # 40, I follow both the 1st place '69 Camaro SS and the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 past the Ford Mustang GT '05, and end the lap only 2.2 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

During lap # 41, I drive past the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 and end the lap only 0.811 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 42, I drive past the '69 Camaro SS and end the lap with a 1.8 second lead.

After 45 laps, I have pulled out to a 14 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS, who is suffering on worn tires, after a fast 1.43.793 lap.

On lap # 50, I get the news that the Corvette Grand Sport C4 has gotten past the '69 Camaro SS and has taken over 2nd place in the race. I also catch and lap the 7th place Mercury Cougar XR-7 during the lap. At the end of the lap, I see that I now have a 28 second lead over the Corvette Grand Sport.

The 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 pits at the end of lap # 53, so as I end lap # 54, I get the news that I have a 1 minute and 24 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS, who has re-taken 2nd place after the exchange of pit stops.

I still have a 1 minute and 24 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS when I pit at the end of lap # 60 for another set of SH tires and 33 liters of fuel for my thirsty Pontiac GTO.

When I exit the pits and begin lap # 61, I see the 4th place Camaro Z28 Coupe '97, who has un-lapped himself, jsut in front of me. At the 2nd checkpoint on lap # 61, I see that my lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS is down to 45 seconds. This is surely enough, so I settle in for a cruise to the finish.

On lap # 64, I set a new lap record of 1.43.539 in an effort to catch the 4th place '97 Camaro Z28 Coupe and put him a lap down.

During lap # 66, I get a good run going thru turn # 6, so I accelerate past the 4th place '97 Camaro Z28 Coupe as we go up the hill towards the corkscrew.

On lap # 70, I set a new lap record of 1.43.456 and end the lap with a 52 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS.

At the end of lap # 80, I catch and pass my team-mate in the black Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe and put him 3 laps down. At the end of the lap I see that I have a 1 minute and 13 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.43.839 lap.

After 85 laps, I have a 1 minute and 25 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS after another decent 1.44.191 lap. My tires are still in good shape, so my lap times have stayed very consistent.

At the last checkpoint on lap # 90, I get the news that I have a 1 minute and 37 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS. I continue on and win the race and pick up another trophy!

Race time was 2 hours, 38 minutes and 36.650 seconds

Finishing order:
---------------
1) GTsail in the Pontiac GTO
2) Camaro SS '69 ------ 1min, 37.016 secs back
3) Corvette Grand Spt -- 1min, 38.538 secs back
4) Camaro Z28 Coupe ---- 1 lap down
5) Mustang SVT --------- 1 lap down
6) Camaro SS '00 -------- 1 lap down
7) Cougar XR-7 ---------- 1 lap down
8) Charger Super Bee ---- 3 laps down
9) Tempest LeMans ------ 3 laps down
10) Mustang GT '05 ------ 3 laps down
11) Pontiac GTO 5.7 ----- 3 laps down
12) Corvette C2 '63 ------ 4 laps down

Post race notes:
-----------------
Great fun! The Pontiac GTO is surely a heavyweight, but it handles pretty well and doesn't abuse its tires. It does drink down a lot of fuel, but running a two-stop race takes care of this problem. I think I could win with the ballast all the way to the max (another 55kg's).

Enjoy the races!
GTsail

 

[axletramp]

UPDATE v2.11 NOTICE

Update v2.11 has returned the PP levels on certain cars back to those of v2.09, therefore any v2.10 results will be deemed unfair and placed in separate table - see OP.

As you were, guys...

 

[GTsail]

Update v2.11 has returned the PP levels on certain cars back to those of v2.09, therefore any v2.10 results will be deemed unfair

Oh nooooooo's!

I am currently running a 380PP Holden Monaro, in an effort to take over first place on the SH Leaderboard.

Now it won't count!!

Good idea,👍 I will modify my GV300 thread as well, and set up a "special" section for the v2.10 race results.

Respectfully,
GTsail

 

[axletramp]

You could always try it at 419PP and still take top spot.

 

[GTsail]

For my final v2.10 update run, I decided to give my Holden Monaro another chance. So I give it an updated tune. After some minor wrenching my Holden Monaro CV8 '04 has the following updated spec's:

Horsepower: 253
Weight: 1570kg (added 78kg of ballast after a stage 1 wgt reduction)
PPvalue: 380
P.Limiter: 85.8%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
Acquired: 10/24/2012
Wins: 4
Mileage: 11,806.1
No skid

I will try my luck against the Alternative lineup # 4 again:
------------------------------------------
1) Chevy Camaro SS '69
2) Chevy Camaro SS '00
3) Ford Mustang GT '05
4) Corvette Grand Sport C4
5) Mustang SVT Cobra R
6) Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi
7) GTsail in the Holden Monaro
8) Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
9) Mercury Cougar XR-7 '67
10) Corvette Coupe C2 '63
11) Tempest Le Mans GTO '64
12) Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe

The flag drops and we're off for another Laguna Seca run!

On lap # 1, I drive thru the field and end the lap in 4th place, some 5 seconds behind the race leader after a 1.53.481 lap.

Near the end of lap # 2, I try to get past the 3rd place 2000 Camaro SS going thru turn # 11, but I make a mistake while on the rumble-strip, so I spin-out and smack the armco. This causes me to lose three positions and a ton of time!!

On lap # 3, suitably chasened, I set an early lap record of 1.44.438 and end the lap 12 seconds behind the race leader.

On lap # 5, I set another lap record of 1.43.664 and end the lap 11 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

After 10 laps, I see that I'm now only 8 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a new lap record of 1.43.273. I'm pushing my Holden pretty hard to make up for the time I lost on lap # 2.

After 15 laps, I get the news that I'm only 4.2 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.43.912 lap.

After 20 laps, I'm only 2.6 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a 1.44.052 lap.

During lap # 23, I catch and pass the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 and end the lap only 1.1 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a 1.44.328 lap.

During lap # 24, I catch and pass the race leading '69 Camaro SS as we go thru turn # 11, and end the lap with a 0.772 second lead.

On lap # 26, I catch and pass the 12th place Corvette Coupe C2 '63 and put him a lap down for the first time. I end the lap with a 4 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS after another decent 1.43.979 lap. My tires have been holding up very well.

After 30 laps, I have a 10 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS. My tires are still decent, so I'm sure that I could stretch them to the half-way mark of 45 laps, but I decide to keep fresh tires on my Monaro, so at the end of lap # 31, I dive into the pits for a new set of SH tires and ask for 25 liters of fuel.

While I'm in the pits, I get dropped into 3rd place, since both the '69 Camaro SS and the Corvette Grand sport C4 drive past.

At the 2nd checkpoint on lap # 32, I see that I have fallen 27 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro.

On lap # 34, I try to pass the 12th place Corvette Coupe C2 going thru turn # 9, however, the Corvette gives me a nudge and I get spun off into the sand and almost get stuck!

Lap # 34 takes me 1 minute and 59 seconds since I spend so much time at the beach!, so I end the lap a full 35 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 36, I re-catch the '63 Corvette Coupe C2 and give him a return smack as we go thru the corkscrew.

By the end of lap # 37, I've narrowed the '69 Camaro's lead to 25 seconds as I recover the 10 seconds that I lost while sun-tanning at the beach.

After 40 laps, I see that I'm only 15 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.112 lap.

On lap # 42, I catch and lap the 8th place Ford Mustang GT '05.

At the end of lap # 44, I catch and pass the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport and end the lap only 0.949 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

During lap # 45, I catch and pass the 1st place '69 Camaro SS and end the lap with a 2 second lead. The Camaro's tires must be junk since he's moving pretty slowly now.

After 50 laps, I have pulled out to a 23 second lead over the Corvette Grand Sport C4, who has taken over 2nd place in the race from the tire challenged '69 Camaro SS.

The Corvette Grand sport C4 pits at the end of lap # 53, so he falls back into 4th place behind the '69 Camaro and the 3rd place 2000 Camaro SS, who hasn't pitted yet. At the 2nd checkpoint on lap # 54, I see that I have pulled out to a 1 minute and 18 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS. My lead has grown to an in-surmountable amount, so I'm afraid that once again, my Holden Monaro is just too strong for the field!

I still have a 1 minute and 16 second lead when I dive into the pits at the end of lap # 60 for another set of SH tires and 22 liters of fuel.

When I exit the pits and begin lap # 61, I find myself about 2 seconds behind the 5th place Mercury Cougar XR-7. At the 2nd checkpoint on lap # 61, I see that my lead has shrunk to 46 seconds over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS.

After 65 laps, I still have a 45 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS who doesn't seem to be making any inroads into my lead. I still haven't been able to catch the 5th place Mercury Cougar who has managed to stay in front of me over the last five laps, even though I have been running some fast laps.

During lap # 67, I finally catch and pass the 5th place Mercury Cougar and put him a lap down.

After 70 laps, my lead has grown to 47 seconds over the '69 Camaro SS who must still be getting held up by the back-markers.

On lap # 74, I set a new lap record of 1.43.248 and end the lap with a 57 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS.

I run another fast lap on lap # 75, so as I begin lap # 76, I check the "Best Lap" list and see that it doesn't show lap # 75???

I have hit the time warp again!!!

Somehow its followed me over from the Grand Valley Speedway!!!
I take a deep breath, and continue on with some trepidation!!

When I begin lap # 77, the "Best Lap" list says:

76----1.43.449
74----1.43.248
73----1.44.144

Lap # 75 has disappeared into the twilight zone!!


When I begin lap # 78, the "Best Lap" list says:

77----1.44.708
76----1.43.449
74----1.43.248

I guess lap # 75 is gone for good!!

After 80 laps, I see that I've increased my lead to 1 minute and 5 seconds over the '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.244 lap.

After 85 laps, my lead has grown to 1 minute and 13 seconds over the '69 Camaro SS, who is obviously no longer trying to catch me.

After 90 laps, another trophy is mine!

Race time was 2 hours, 38 minutes and 58.367 seconds

Finishing order:
---------------
1) GTsail in the Holden Monaro
2) Camaro SS '69 ------ 1min, 23.061 secs back
3) Corvette Grand Spt -- 1min, 24.719 secs back
4) Camaro Z28 Coupe --- 1min, 26.480 secs back
5) Cougar XR-7 ---------- 1 lap down
6) Mustang SVT --------- 1 lap down
7) Camaro SS '00 -------- 1 lap down
8) Charger Super Bee ---- 2 laps down
9) Tempest LeMans ------ 3 laps down
10) Mustang GT '05 ------ 3 laps down
11) Pontiac GTO 5.7 ----- 3 laps down
12) Corvette C2 '63 ------ 4 laps down

Post race notes:
----------------
Quite a nice race, but once again my Holden Monaro was too strong. I don't know what to say about lap # 75, my game must have a fascination for losing laps! I was not signed in to the PSN while running this race. However, I did have the game paused overnight, and the system flashed the v2.11 update notice on my TV screen, which I ignored so I could finish the race before any upgrades. After the race, I installed the v2.11 update and checked the PPV for my Holden Monaro. It now has a 431PP, so no first place on the SH Leaderboard for me! After the race, I checked my mileage and I drove 200.5 miles during the race, so I think that I completed the full 90 laps (now, if I could only find a reliable method of making the AI drive 90 laps while I would only drive 89 laps, I could move up the Leaderboard).

I guess its on to v2.11 racing!!
GTsail

 

[axletramp]

Bizarre. I guess it must have something to do with the update, but how I'm not sure.

Good run with the old Monaro, but yes, this has to go down as a 431PP run I'm afraid.

Did some v2.11 testing yesterday with a few select Elises and Speedsters in my garage all at 360PP. Didn't actually tell me much other than the Elises are potential winners on SS with a slow grid and the Speedsters (although being based on the same chassis) aren't as they can't come near their times - mainly due to being on average 200KG heavier.

For the record, a premium Elise '96 is a second a lap faster at GVS than a standard Type 72 with identical tuning. That's quite surprising so I'll leave that here for anyone who's interested.

 

[GTsail]

For my first v2.11 update run, I decided to give a Honda NSX a chance. So I search my garage and pick a Platinum White Pearl NSX and give it a tune. After some minor wrenching my Honda NSX Type S Zero '97 has the following spec's:

Horsepower: 220
Weight: 1350kg (added 80kg of ballast)
PPvalue: 416
P.Limiter: 86.3%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
Acquired: 7/28/2011
Wins: 2
Mileage: 53,271.9
No skid

I will try my luck against the Alternative lineup # 4 again:
------------------------------------------
1) Chevy Camaro SS '69
2) Chevy Camaro SS '00
3) Ford Mustang GT '05
4) Corvette Grand Sport C4
5) Mustang SVT Cobra R
6) Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi
7) GTsail in the NSX Type S Zero
8) Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
9) Mercury Cougar XR-7 '67
10) Corvette Coupe C2 '63
11) Tempest Le Mans GTO '64
12) Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe

The flag drops and we're off for another Laguna Seca run!

As soon as we get underway, I get passed by the 8th place Camaro Z28 Coupe '97, so I follow him thru the Andretti hairpin. During lap # 1, I drive thru the field and end the lap in 4th place, some 5.2 seconds behind the race leader after an opening lap of 1.53.632.

On lap # 3, I set an early lap record of 1.45.674 and end the lap 6.5 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 5, I set a new lap record of 1.45.336 and end the lap 8.3 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 6, I have started to hound the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 who is stuck behind the slower 2000 Camaro SS.

During lap # 8, I catch and pass the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 and the 2nd place 2000 Camaro SS, and end the lap 10 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 10, I set a new lap record of 1.44.263 and end the lap only 8.5 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

After 15 laps, I'm still 8 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a new lap record of 1.44.256.

The 2000 Camaro SS still holds down 3rd place in the race, and is about 8 seconds behind me and he's still been holding up the Corvette Grand Sport.

On lap # 18, I set a new lap record of 1.43.961, as I come to grips with my NSX's handling, and I end the lap only 6 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 20, I set a new lap record of 1.43.910 and end the lap only 4 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 27, I'm right behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS when he catches a 2-car pack of back-markers, (the 11th place Corvette Coupe C2 and the 12th place Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe), who are traveling together. Going thru turn # 10, I use the Pontiac GTO 5.7 as a pick, and drive past both the race leading '69 Camaro SS and the 12th place Pontiac GTO. Going thru turn # 11, I pass the 11th place Corvette Coupe C2 '63 and end the lap with a 0.823 second lead.

Looking back, I see that the Corvette Grand Sport C4 has taken over 3rd place from the 2000 Camaro SS, however, he's at least fifteen seconds behind me so he's not really a threat.

At the end of lap # 30, I have a 3 second lead when I pit for a new set of SH tires and ask for 28 liters of fuel. My tires were only about 20% gone, but I decided that a set of fresh tires would be worthwhile. While I'm in the pits, I get passed by the '69 Camaro SS and the Corvette Grand Sport C4, so I'm in 3rd place when I begin lap # 31.

At the second checkpoint on lap # 31, I see that I have fallen 32 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

After 35 laps, I see that I'm only 24 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS as I claw-back the time lost in the pits.

At the end of lap # 40, I almost catch the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport C4, so I end the lap only 11 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

At the end of lap # 41, I catch and pass the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 going thru turn # 11, because he gets blocked by the Pontiac Tempest LeMans, so I drive past both of them.

At the end of lap # 42, I'm only 8 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

Lap # 45 takes me 1.44.642 and I end the lap only 0.903 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

During lap # 46, I catch and pass the race leading '69 Camaro SS going thru turn # 5 and pull out to a 3 second lead by the end of the lap.

The '69 Camaro SS pits at the end of lap # 49 and falls back into 4th place. At the 2nd checkpoint on lap # 50, I see that I have a 21 second lead over the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport C4. Lap # 50 is a fast 1.44.068 lap.

The 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 pits at the end of lap # 53, so I pull out to a 1 minute and 20 second lead over the 2000 Camaro SS who hasn't pitted yet. At this point it does seem that my NSX is too strong for the AI field and its time to start counting the race winnings!

The 2000 Camaro SS pits at the end of lap # 54 which allows the '69 Camaro SS to re-claim 2nd place in the race.

I still have a 1 minute and 21 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS when I dive into the pits at the end of lap # 60 for another set of SH tires and 10 liters of fuel.

At the 2nd checkpoint on lap # 61, I see that my lead has been reduced to 53 seconds over the '69 Camaro SS. This is surely enough, so I settle in for a relaxing cruise to the finish!

After 70 laps, I have increased by lead to 58 seconds over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 75 I get passed by the 4th place '97 Camaro Coupe Z28 goinig up the hill towards the corkscrew. Thankfully, he is a lap down, so no worries!! He had been hounding me during the last five laps, so it wasn't unexpected to see him come past. I'm not sure where he got all his speed at this late point in the race.

On lap # 76, I re-pass the 4th place '97 Camaro Z28 Coupe and put him a lap down again.

After 80 laps, I still have a 58 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.202 lap. I still have the '97 Camaro Z28 Coupe on my rear-bumper.

After 85 laps, I see that I've increased my lead to 68 seconds over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS.

Lap # 90 takes me 1.45.646 and I win another trophy!

Race time was: 2 hours, 39 minutes and 04.496 seconds

Finishing order:
---------------
1) GTsail in the NSX Type S Zero
2) Camaro SS '69 ------ 1min, 13.435 secs back
3) Corvette Grand Spt -- 1min, 14.868 secs back
4) Camaro Z28 Coupe ---- 1 lap down
5) Camaro SS '00 -------- 1 lap down
6) Cougar XR-7 ---------- 1 lap down
7) Mustang SVT --------- 1 lap down
8) Charger Super Bee ---- 2 laps down
9) Tempest LeMans ------ 2 laps down
10) Mustang GT '05 ------ 3 laps down
11) Pontiac GTO 5.7 ----- 3 laps down
12) Corvette C2 '63 ------ 3 laps down

Post race notes:
-----------------
A decent race, but my NSX was a bit too fast. I will try this again with a little less power and see if I can engineer a closer race. Since my pit-strategy was a two-stopper, I always had fresh tires, so when the AI started to slow on their worn tires I really pulled away a significant amount each lap.

Enjoy the racing!
GTsail

 

[GTsail]

Twilight Zone again!

For my next v2.11 update run, I decide to give the Toyota 86 GT a chance. So I check my garage and pick my 86 GT which is painted a nice Strong Blue Metallic and give it a tune. After some minor wrenching my Toyota 86 GT '12 has the following spec's:

Horsepower: 220
Weight: 1340kg (added 110kg of ballast)
PPvalue: 414
P.Limiter: 95.8%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
Acquired: 1/26/2012
Wins: 2
Mileage: 273.6
No skid

I will try my luck against the Alternative lineup # 4 again:
------------------------------------------
1) Chevy Camaro SS '69
2) Chevy Camaro SS '00
3) Ford Mustang GT '05
4) Corvette Grand Sport C4
5) Mustang SVT Cobra R
6) Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi
7) GTsail in the Toyota 86 GT
8) Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
9) Mercury Cougar XR-7 '67
10) Corvette Coupe C2 '63
11) Tempest Le Mans GTO '64
12) Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe

The flag drops and we're off for another Laguna Seca run!

During lap # 1, I drive thru the field and end the lap in 4th place some 4.9 seconds behind the race leader after a 1.53.435 opening lap.

Near the end of lap # 3, I start to hound the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 who is being held up by the 2nd place Chevy Camaro SS '00.

On lap # 4, I drive past the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport as we go thru turn # 10, so I end the lap 6.9 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a lap record 1.44.770.

On lap # 5, I drive past the 2nd place Chevy Camaro SS '00 going thru turn # 9, and I end the lap only 6.1 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a lap record 1.44.243.

On lap # 6, I set a new lap record of 1.44.149 and end the lap only 5.1 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS. I'm getting the feeling that my Toyota 86 GT is too strong for the AI field. I'm already running some fast laps with a full tank of fuel, so my lap times will only get better.

On lap # 7, I cross the S/F line after another fast lap, which I think nearly matches my lap record of 1.44.149 (set on lap # 6), however I get time warped again! Lap # 7 disappears off into the twilight zone and doesn't get recorded!

After 8 laps, I'm only 4.4 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS. The "Best Lap" list shows:

Lap # 8----1.44.326
Lap # 6----1.44.149
Lap # 5----1.44.243

On lap # 9, I set a new lap record of 1.44.059 and end the lap only 3.3 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS. The Best Lap list shows:

Lap # 9----1.44.059
Lap # 8----1.44.326
Lap # 6----1.44.149

Twilight Zone!

Looking about 8 seconds back down the track, I see that the Chevy Camaro SS '00 still holds down 3rd place, but he has the Corvette Grand Sport C4 and the Mustang SVT Cobra right on his tail.

After 11 laps, I'm only 1 second behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a lap record 1.43.827.

On lap # 15, I drive past the 1st place '69 Camaro SS as we skate thru turn # 9, so I take over the race lead. I end the lap with a 1.1 second lead over the '69 Camaro.

On lap # 17, I set another lap record of 1.43.458 and end the lap with a 3.7 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS. My Toyota 86 GT is surely too strong if I can run laps in the 1.43's, so I'm going to take few notes the rest of the way since there isn't going to be any doubt about the race winner!

After 23 laps, I have a 15 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 27, I set a new lap record of 1.43.205 and end the lap with a 25 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 38, I catch and pass the 7th place Mercury Cougar XR-7 and put him a lap down and end the lap with a 57 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.43.527 lap.

After 45 laps, I dive into the pits for a new set of SH tires with a 1 minute and 20 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS, and ask for 23 liters of fuel.

Time for a race break!

At the second checkpoint on lap # 46, I see that my lead has fallen to 53 seconds. With my nice fresh tires, I will push my Toyota for a few laps to see if I can catch and lap the entire field.

The Corvette Grand Sport C4 pits at the end of lap # 53, which allows me to put him a lap down without any fender rubbing, as I begin lap # 55. The '69 Camaro SS had pitted a lap or two earlier, so he had already fallen back into 3rd place.

On lap # 58, I catch and pass the 7th place 2000 Camaro SS and put him 2 laps down as I continue to decimate the field.

On lap # 59, I catch and pass the 6th place Mustang SVT Cobra and put him 2 laps down as well.

On lap # 66, I catch and pass the 4th place Mercury Cougar XR-7 and put him 2 laps down.

Lap # 80: I'm just cruising at this point and my lead is one and a half laps over the '69 Camaro SS.

After 90 laps I cross the Finish Line only about 15 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS and the Corvette Grand Sport, so I came pretty close to lapping them twice!

Race time was: 2 hours, 36 minutes and 52.168 sec's

Finishing order:
---------------
1) GTsail in the Toyota 86 GT
2) Camaro SS '69 ------- 1 and 3/4 laps down
3) Corvette Grand Spt -- 1 and 3/4 laps down
4) Cougar XR-7 ---------- 2 laps down
5) Camaro Z28 Coupe ---- 2 laps down
6) Mustang SVT --------- 2 laps down
7) Camaro SS '00 -------- 2 laps down
8) Charger Super Bee ---- 4 laps down
9) Tempest LeMans ------ 4 laps down
10) Mustang GT '05 ------ 4 laps down
11) Pontiac GTO 5.7 ----- 4 laps down
12) Corvette C2 '63 ------ 5 laps down

Post race notes:
-----------------
Wow, the Toyota 86 GT is just too strong! It handles like a dream, so even with the relatively low horsepower, it eats up the track at Laguna Seca and just smashed the field.
I don't know what to say about the Twilight Zone lap. My game has a fascination for them I guess. I was not signed into the PSN for this race and I did not get any update messages while running the race, so I don't think that my race got interrupted by the PSN system for any reason. My Toyota 86 GT now has 474.4 miles on the odometer, so I drove 200.8 miles during the race, which means I drove the full 90 laps.

Enjoy the racing!
GTsail

 

[axletramp]

That's odd. I've never experienced anything like that, but then I'm always signed in to the PSN. Your PS3 must be haunted, it's the only logical explanation! Have you searched the forum to see if anyone else has experienced this?

Congrats on your two runs which see you to the top of the SH table. 👍

 

[GTsail]

Have you searched the forum to see if anyone else has experienced this?

Good idea!

So I did some thread searching and found ashes619

Missing Lap Time thread.

I was racing in the Ferrari Formula Challenge at Nurburgring GP/F track and racing away like normal. I did lap 5 which was a 1:33:807 (I know I am not good) and then I did lap 6 which I think was the exact same lap time but not 100%. On the little board it didn't show up. I then completed lap 7 and it showed up on the board but still no lap 6. Here is what it sort of looked like.

Best Lap Time
5. 1:33:807

7. 1:38:xxx
5: 1:33:807
4: 1:33:9xx

Just wondering where my lap time went, if this has happened to any one else and if it was because I maybe got the exact same lap time.

If it was the exact time in Lap 6 it would not appaer in the list. I do not know why they have implemented that way, but I am sure it is like that.

I have the same issue yesterday with two exact same lap-times in two laps in a row and the second lap does not appear in the list too.

It seems that the explanation is that if your lap time exactly matches the previous lap's time, then the game drops the 2nd lap!!

It just goes to show how consistent my lap times are since I keep running laps that exactly match the previous lap!

Very nice!
GTsail

 

[von Stiefel]

Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg ZR '97

One for the FF leaderboard, Sport Soft tyres.

BHP 181 (PL 98.2 %)
Weight 1260 kg (ballast 200 kg, +50)
PP 379 (reduced to 377 during the race)

No aids except an ABS of "1"
Sony controller

Alternate LS Lineup #4 (After British Lightweights, Professional Series)

Camaro SS '69
Camaro SS '00
Mustang GT '05
Corvette Grand Sport '96
Mustang SVT Cobra R '00
Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi '71
Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
Cougar XR-7
Corvette Coupe '63
Tempest LeMans GTO '64
GTO 5.7 Coupe '04



Initial testing was promising, but only really improved when I raised the car quite a bit enabling me to storm through the Corkscrew. Also I learned when to hold back a little along with the front tyres wearing down.
Pit Stops on laps 32 and 64, only a very little put into the tank on stop one, none on stop two. Tyre wear gradually increased lap times but with a bit of care and foresight the car was always controllable.

Only the Corvette Grand Sport mattered among the opposition, then the Camaro SS '69.

Laps 1-32. I took 1st spot before the end of lap 1 and stayed there except for a few mishaps now and then. My greatest advantage was 8-9 seconds around lap 12, then they began to creep closer and closer, my lap times increasing from 1:43's to 1:44's and 1:45's. I pitted right after lapping two cars and gaining a six-second advantage. Best lap was lap 2 of 1:43.498.

Laps 33-64. I rejoined the race trailing by 21 seconds on 3rd spot. I couldn't focus, next lap it was 25 seconds; the next laps saw little improvement until I got my act together as well as profiting from the opposition's tyre wear. Lap 43 trailing by 13 seconds, lap 45 on second spot trailing by 5 seconds. Lap times back in the high 1:43's. Lap 48 on 1st spot and the opposition now really troubled by tyre wear. Lap 52 in front by 18 seconds and the gap steadily increasing. By lap 54 the Corvette Grand Sport had finally pitted and was trailing by 1:21 minute. My lead never was below 1:20 and I pitted with the assurance that the race was won.

Laps 65-90. I rejoined the race 48 seconds in front and slowly added to it for the rest of the race. Best lap was lap 66 of 1:42.572, an improvement of almost one second ...the perfect lap on the brink of disaster and not to be attempted again. I won by 1:01 minute.

Total Time 2:38:54.797
Best lap 1:42.572 (Also best lap overall)

I didn't notice any Twilight Zone. But then I focused on the race, the track in front of me, and barely jotted anything down: my notes are from a quick rerun of the saved game.

 

[Dotini]

It just goes to show how consistent my lap times are since I keep running laps that exactly match the previous lap!

GTsail, the human metronome. His mother was a stopwatch and his daddy a grandfather clock.

Respectfully,
Steve

 

[GTsail]

I decided to give my Honda NSX another chance for glory. So I go back into my garage and pick my previously used Platinum White Pearl NSX and give it an updated tune. After some more wrenching my Honda NSX Type S Zero '97 has the following spec's:

Horsepower: 217
Weight: 1365kg (added 95kg of ballast)
PPvalue: 413
P.Limiter: 86.2%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
Acquired: 7/28/2011
Wins: 3
Mileage: 53,474.7
No skid

The above spec's have a PP value that has been reduced from 416 (see my previous run at post # 162 above) to 413 to give the AI a chance.

I will try my luck against the Alternative lineup # 4 again:
------------------------------------------
1) Chevy Camaro SS '69
2) Chevy Camaro SS '00
3) Ford Mustang GT '05
4) Corvette Grand Sport C4
5) Mustang SVT Cobra R
6) Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi
7) GTsail in the NSX Type S Zero
8) Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
9) Mercury Cougar XR-7 '67
10) Corvette Coupe C2 '63
11) Tempest Le Mans GTO '64
12) Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe

The flag drops and we're off for another Laguna Seca run!

During lap # 1, I drive thru the field and end the lap in 4th place some 5 seconds behind the race leader after an opening lap of 1.53.341.

At the end of lap # 3, I drive past the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 and end the lap 6.9 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a lap record 1.44.502.

On lap # 8, I pass the 2nd place 2000 Camaro SS while braking for the corkscrew. At the end of the lap I see that I'm 9.5 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a lap record 1.44.108.

On lap # 14, I set a new lap record of 1.43.837 and end the lap 7.5 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS. Looking back down the track, I can see that the 2000 Camaro SS still holds down 3rd place in the race, with both the Corvette Grand Sport C4 and the '97 Camaro Z28 right on his rear-bumper. Theu are about 9 seconds behind me, so are not really any kind of threat.

On lap # 17, I set a new lap record of 1.43.689 and end the lap only 6 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

At the end of lap # 23, I catch and pass the 1st place '69 Camaro SS and end the lap with a 1.2 second lead. I am beginning to realize that my Honda NSX is too strong again.

At the end of lap # 30, I dive into the pits with a 12.7 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS, and ask for a new set of SH tires and 25 liters of fuel.

While I'm in the pits, I get passed by the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS and two-back-markers, but not the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport C4, who was about 30 seconds back. The Corvette Grand Sport had only recently been able to claim 3rd place after a recent pass over the 2000 Camaro SS, so he had not yet been able to make back much time.

At the 2nd checkpoint on lap # 31, I see that I have fallen 20 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

After 38 laps, I'm only 1.5 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.418 lap.

At the end of lap # 39, I out-brake the 1st place '69 Camaro SS going into turn # 10, and take over the race lead. At the end of the lap, I have opened up a 1.4 second lead.

With my fresh tires, I begin to pull away from the '69 Camaro SS at an alarming rate!

After 50 laps, I have a 48 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.141 lap. Lap # 49 took 1.44.134, so I came pretty close to matching lap times, which would have enabled me to enter the Twilight Zone again!

At the end of lap # 53, the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 pits, which allows the 2000 Camaro SS to take over 2nd place in the race (since the 2000 Camaro hasn't pitted yet). As I begin lap # 55, I see that I am 1 minute and 40 seconds ahead of the 2nd place 2000 Camaro SS.

At the end of lap # 55, I'm right behind the 2nd place 2000 Camaro SS when he dives into the pits. I continue on and begin lap # 56 just behind the '69 Camaro SS who has re-claimed 2nd place in the race.

On lap # 58, I run a 1.44.134 lap which exactly matches my lap time from lap # 49, but the lap doesn't disappear since it wasn't immediately following the first lap. Just checking!!

At the end of lap # 60, I dive into the pits for a new set of SH tires and ask my pit-crew for 10 liters of fuel.

At the second checkpoint on lap # 61, I see that my lead has fallen to 1 minute and 14 seconds over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS, who just hasn't put up any kind of a challenge during the race.

After 70 laps, I see that I have a 1 minute and 17 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.268 lap.

After 80 laps, I have a 1 minute and 28 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS after another decent 1.44.265 lap.

After 85 laps, my lead over the '69 Camaro SS has grown to 1 minute and 35 seconds as the '69 Camaro gets held up by all the back-markers.

On lap # 89, I reach the rear-bumper of the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport, who is just behind the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS, as we brake for turn # 4. I drive past the Corvette Grand Sport going thru turn # 6, and put him a lap down.

I finish lap # 90, just behind the '69 Camaro SS with a lead of 1 minute and 44 seconds.

Race time was: 2 hours, 38 minutes and 27.549 seconds.

Finishing order:
---------------
1) GTsail in the NSX Type S Zero
2) Camaro SS '69 ------- 1 min and 44 secs down
3) Corvette Grand Spt --- 1 lap down
4) Camaro Z28 Coupe ---- 1 lap down
5) Camaro SS '00 -------- 1 lap down
6) Cougar XR-7 ---------- 1 lap down
7) Mustang SVT --------- 1 lap down
8) Charger Super Bee ---- 2 laps down
9) Tempest LeMans ------ 3 laps down
10) Mustang GT '05 ------ 3 laps down
11) Pontiac GTO 5.7 ----- 3 laps down
12) Corvette C2 '63 ------ 4 laps down

Post race notes:
-----------------
I guess I didn't lower the PP value enough. Since I gave my NSX a bit more tuning attention, it handled better than during my first run, so I was just as fast as before. I will have to try this again with a still lower PP value. I drove 200.7 miles during the race.

Enjoy the racing!
GTsail

 

[axletramp]

Brilliant runs guys, especially as they are two completely different tyre categories. Just wish I could find some GT5 time at the moment. I've been suspended for over a week at 4:45 (hours) in the 9 hr Tsukuba race!

 

[GTsail]

My continuing quest with the Honda NSX:
I have decided to give my Honda NSX another chance for glory. So after a few Seasonal races for some un-needed credits, I go back into my garage and pick my previously used Platinum White Pearl NSX and give it a slightly updated tune. After some more minor wrenching my Honda NSX Type S Zero '97 has the following spec's:

Horsepower: 214
Weight: 1395kg (added 125kg of ballast)
PPvalue: 410
P.Limiter: 85.0%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
Acquired: 7/28/2011
Wins: 4
Mileage: 53,675.4
No skid

The above spec's have a PP value that has been reduced from 413 to 410 to give the AI a chance (see my previous run at post # 168 above).

I will try my luck against the Alternative lineup # 4 again:
------------------------------------------
1) Chevy Camaro SS '69
2) Chevy Camaro SS '00
3) Ford Mustang GT '05
4) Corvette Grand Sport C4
5) Mustang SVT Cobra R
6) Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi
7) GTsail in the NSX Type S Zero
8) Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
9) Mercury Cougar XR-7 '67
10) Corvette Coupe C2 '63
11) Tempest Le Mans GTO '64
12) Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe

The flag drops and we're off for another Laguna Seca run!

During lap # 1, I drive thru the field and end the lap in 5th place, some 6.3 seconds behind the race leader after an opening lap of 1.54.667.

During lap # 2, I drive past the 4th place Ford Mustang GT '05 and end the lap 6.8 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 5, I set an early lap record of 1.45.014, and end the lap 9 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

During the next ten laps, I try to catch the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport C4, but can't quite catch up with him, though I do get close to him a few times as we brake to make the final left-hander, turn # 11.

After 15 laps, I see that I have fallen 18.4 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS. Finally, it seems that I have lowered the PP value enough to give myself a bit more of a challenging race!

At the end of lap # 17, I drive past the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 and see that I am 20 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS, who has scampered away while I've been battling with the Corvette Grand Sport.

At the end of lap # 18, I drive past the 2nd place 2000 Camaro SS, who doesn't put up any kind of fight as we go thru turn # 11. The 2000 Camaro SS is lucky to be in 2nd place this late in the race since both the Corvette Grand Sport and myself are usually much faster than him.

On lap # 19, with a clear track, I set a new lap record of 1.44.480, and end the lap 19.7 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro.

After 25 laps, I'm still 16.9 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.743 lap, but as you can tell, I've started to reel him in.

On lap # 29, I see that the Corvette Grand Sport C4 has finally gotten past the 2000 Camaro SS, and he takes over 3rd place in the race about 12 seconds behind me.

I'm still 13.7 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS when I pit at the end of lap # 30 for a new set of SH tires and 15 liters of fuel.

While I'm in the pits, I get passed by the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport and the 4th place 2000 Camaro SS. The 5th place Mustang SVT Cobra is at least another 30 seconds further back, so he doesn't catch me.

At the second checkpoint on lap # 31, I get the news that I have fallen 40.6 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS (the low water mark).

At the end of lap # 33, I pass the 3rd place 2000 Camaro SS going thru turn # 11, and end the lap 36.8 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

After 40 laps, I see that I am only 23.9 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.962 lap.

During lap # 44, I pass the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport going thru the corkscrew because he got blocked by the Pontiac Tempest LeMans. I end the lap only 15.6 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro whose lead is deminishing at an alarming rate.

At the end of lap # 49, I'm right behind the 1st place '69 Camaro SS when he dives into the pits. I drive past and head up the hill towards the S/F line and take over the race lead.

After another 12 seconds, the Corvette Grand Sport C4 passes the stationary '69 Camaro SS, so the Grand Sport takes over 2nd place in the race. Another 15 seconds later, I see that the 2000 Camaro SS takes over 3rd place in the race since he hasn't pitted yet either, and the '69 Camaro is still in the pits.

I have a 21 second lead over the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport when he pits at the end of lap # 53. At the next checkpoint, I see that I have a 58 second lead over the 2000 Camaro SS who has taken over 2nd place in the race (the high water mark).

On lap # 56, I see that I have a 57 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS who has re-claimed 2nd place in the race when the 2000 Camaro SS finally pitted.

At the end of lap # 60, I dive into the pits with a 54 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS for another set of SH tires and 15 liters of fuel.

At the second checkpoint on lap # 61, I get the news that my lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS has fallen to 25 seconds. This should be enough for a comfortable win since I now have fresher tires than the rest of the field.

Of course, feeling over-confident, I immediately get passed by the 6th place Mercury Cougar XR-7 who is trying to un-lap himself. I re-pass the Mercury Cougar going thru turn # 5, and then begin a 7-lap battle with the Mercury Cougar, who stays right with me until lap # 68 when I catch the 5th place 2000 Camaro SS while under braking for turn # 11, the final left-hander.

On lap # 69, I pass the 5th place 2000 Camaro SS going thru the Andretti hairpin and put him a lap down. Lap # 69 takes me 1.44.558, and I end the lap with a 26 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS.

After 75 laps, I get the news that I have a 29 second lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.893 lap.

On lap # 80, I set a new lap record of 1.44.354 and end the lap with a 33 second lead over the '69 Camaro SS.

After 85 laps, I've increased my lead to 44 seconds over the '69 Camaro SS after another decent 1.44.652 lap.

After 90 laps, the race winning trophy is mine!

Race time was: 2 hours, 39 minutes and 27.343 seconds

Finishing order:
---------------
1) GTsail in the NSX Type S Zero
2) Camaro SS '69 ------- 53.342 secs back
3) Corvette Grand Spt --- 54.370 secs back
4) Camaro Z28 Coupe ---- 1min, 19.342 secs back
5) Camaro SS '00 -------- 1 lap down
6) Cougar XR-7 ---------- 1 lap down
7) Mustang SVT --------- 1 lap down
8) Charger Super Bee ---- 2 laps down
9) Tempest LeMans ------ 2 laps down
10) Mustang GT '05 ------ 2 laps down
11) Pontiac GTO 5.7 ----- 2 laps down
12) Corvette C2 '63 ------ 3 laps down

Post race notes:
----------------
Quite a nice race! Decently close finally, but still the field fades badly on their worn tires, and since I ran a two-stopper, I had fresh tires the entire race. I suspect that I will run my NSX one more time after changing the PPvalue to 409 by adding some more ballast.

Enjoy the racing!
GTsail

 

[von Stiefel]

Subaru BRZ S '12

Sports Medium tyres leaderboard, FR.

198 BHP (PL 100%)
1430 kg (Ballast 200)
395 PP

No aids except an ABS of "1"

One stop
Sony controller

I first tested several cars on Sports Medium, in particular the Mitsubishi Cyborg, but they all of them gave little else but trouble: lack of grip, lack of speed, lack of acceleration, lack of agility, lack of brakes. In the end it was back to the trusty Subaru and straight into it with but little acclimatization, therefore the first part of the race was a bit wobbly with varying lap times.

Alternate LS Lineup #4 (After British Lightweights, Professional Series)

Camaro SS '69
Camaro SS '00
Mustang GT '05
Corvette Grand Sport '96
Mustang SVT Cobra R '00
Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi '71
Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
Cougar XR-7
Corvette Coupe '63
Tempest LeMans GTO '64
GTO 5.7 Coupe '04



Laps 1-20: I barged into 1st spot before the end of Lap 1, and from then on it was a matter of watching the Camaro SS '69 and the Corvette Grand Sport. The Corvette soon settled into 2nd spot. I thought for good, but to my surprise the Camaro SS '69 took 2nd spot on lap 10 and stayed there, clearly to my benefit with the two of them in a close battle. I was overtaken a few times while I improved my lap times from 1:45's to 1:44's and low 1:43's (1:43.172), but taking back 1st spot was never a problem.

Laps 21-47: Then I slowly opened a gap. My tyres wore evenly and never were real trouble. Lap times had settled and only increased slowly with the small amount of tyre wear. By Lap 22 I was 5 seconds in front. By Lap 30 I was 19 seconds in front, by Lap 42 it was 34 seconds. I began Lap 47 with a best lap of 1:43.032 and a lead of 53 seconds and the two of them still battling it out. I pitted at the end of the lap.

Laps 48-90: 25 liters into tank, new tyres and by the first checkpoint I was 30 seconds in front. Best lap of the race soon followed: Lap 49 of 1:42.839. From then on I only added to my advantage, it becoming huge when the Camaro and the Corvette pitted. I continued to push, while not really attempting a new best lap. By Lap 60 I was 1 lap and a couple seconds in front of the Camaro, the Corvette somewhat further back. In the end I won by 1 lap and 54 seconds, the Camaro and the Corvette on 2nd and 3rd.

Total Time: 2:37:50.941
Best Lap: 1:42.839

There should be plenty of room for a reduced PP.

 

[von Stiefel]

Subaru BRZ S '12

Sports Hard tyres.

This is where you make the Subaru really shine.
First I added a couple of upgrades bringing the PP to 406: I barged to front, won the 1st lap in the 1:47's, lap 2 was similarly very fast indeed. I stared at it and the stopped the race to check whether I had put on Racing Hard by mistake? Nope.
I removed one upgrade for a PP of 402 and restarted. 15 laps later I was leading by 10 seconds and steadily increasing the gap driving laps in the low 1:43's and high 1:42's. Did I somehow change the driver aids? I stopped the race and checked. Nope, only an ABS of "1".
I removed the last upgrade and was back at 395 PP. Restart ...and much the same, staying in front quite comfortably.

Now I'm having a breather before a go at a PP of 393.

 

[von Stiefel]

Subaru BRZ S '12

Sports Hard tyres leaderboard, FR.

196 BHP (PL 98.8%)
1430 kg (Ballast 200)
393 PP

No aids except an ABS of "1"

One stop
Sony controller


Alternate LS Lineup #4 (After British Lightweights, Professional Series)

Camaro SS '69
Camaro SS '00
Mustang GT '05
Corvette Grand Sport '96
Mustang SVT Cobra R '00
Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi '71
Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
Cougar XR-7
Corvette Coupe '63
Tempest LeMans GTO '64
GTO 5.7 Coupe '04


Laps 1-15 : The start went very well indeed, and I took 1st spot more quickly than ever before. While Sports Hard tyres do make for slower laps, on some parts of the track (or more correctly: off the track?) they appear to be an advantage. The Camaro SS '69 was 2nd, the Corvette GS was stuck behind the Camaro SS '00 and stayed there for a long time, to my later advantage. My lap times wew so-so, the best 1:44.138 and the SS '69 always close behind me. The SS '00 and the Corvette GS 8-10 seconds behind. Then on lap 15 while descending from the Corkscrew .....too fast ..too faaaaaast!! ...I hit the flat completely out of control and spun out. I closed my eyes. When everything had settled down I opened them again and found myself facing the wrong direction and sort of wedged in a barrier triangle. Finally managing to rejoin the race I was on 4th spot and trailing by 12 seconds.

Laps 16-31: The Corvette GS and the SS '00 were soon overtaken within half a lap, then the hunt for the SS '69 was on. But it was a slow process. Best Lap improved to 1:44.138, to 1:44.003. By Lap 26 I was still trailing by 8 seconds. Then his tyre wear kicked in while I had another best lap of 1:43.951. Lap 30 : only trailing by 2 seconds. The Corvette was now on 3rd but trailing by 24 seconds. Lap 31 I was finally back on 1st.

Laps 32-48 : While my lap times slowly increased those of the opposition increased more and I opened the gap. Beginning lap 48 I was in front by 24 seconds, the Corvette GS now close behind the SS '69. I pitted at the end of the lap.

Laps 49-90 : 23 liters of fuel, and I rejoined the race on 3rd spot close behind the Camaro and the Corvette. By the 1st checkpoint I was already 1st and stayed there.
The rest of the race is merely a tale of increasing my lead, including a new Best Lap of 1:43.560 on Lap 51 and 1:43.411 as late as Lap 83.

I won by 1 minute 15 seconds, the Camaro SS '69 2nd. The Corvette GS on 3rd.

Best lap 1:43.411
Total Time 2:39:26.02

Comfort Soft, here I come!

 

[von Stiefel]

Hommel Berlinette R/S Coupe '99

Comfort Soft tyres, MR.

BHP 220 (PL 100%)
Weight 1150 kg (Ballast 200)
PP 425
(422 PP by the end of the race, and BHP reduced to 216)

No aids axcept ABS of "1"

2 stops
Sony controller


The Hommel is a sensitive wee thing on Comfort Soft, demanding a very light touch on steering, throttle and brakes ...and preferably only one of them at a time! Also the smallest amount of tyre wear makes itself known immediately, and while the best lap is quite fast lap times soon increase, making this one a slow race.


Alternate LS Lineup #4 (After British Lightweights, Professional Series)

Camaro SS '69
Camaro SS '00
Mustang GT '05
Corvette Grand Sport '96
Mustang SVT Cobra R '00
Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi '71
Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
Cougar XR-7
Corvette Coupe '63
Tempest LeMans GTO '64
GTO 5.7 Coupe '04

Laps 1-5 : I was on 2nd spot half way through Lap 1, but overtaking the Camaro SS '69 was a different proposition altogether and only achieved near the end of Lap 5, driving a Best Lap of 1:43.419.

Laps 6-15: But I could not shake off the SS '69 and the Corvette GS. The first minute amount of tyre wear made laps of 1:45 and 1:46 more and more frequent.

Laps 16-22 : The SS '69 overtook me now and then, and getting back in front became increasingly difficult. Lap times in the 1:46's and 1:47's.

Laps 23-27: The SS '69 overtook me for good, but I kept him within a 2-second distance.

Laps 28-30: I was back on 1st spot ...only just.

Laps 31-47: Tyre wear struck the oppostion, finally! First a 3-second gap, Lap 33 it was a 5-second gap, Lap 35 it was 8 seconds. I managed to keep most laps in the 1:46's. Lap 41 I was 14 seconds in front. Lap 45 it was still 14 seconds: my own tyre wear had driven lap times up in the 1:47's and 1:48's. When I pitted at the end of Lap 47 the car had become somewhat difficult to handle although there was quite an amount of rubber left.

Laps 48-71: 23 liters into the tank, I rejoined on 3rd spot trailing by 17 seconds. But now I had the advantage and gained lots of ground but only back on first spot when they had all pitted by Lap 54. Lap 57 I was 35 seconds in front of the SS '69, driving laps in the 1:43's. Best Lap was 1:42.668, Lap 61, and the gap began to open. By lap 66 I was beginning to feel the effect of tyre wear again, laps in the 1:45's and 1:46's and 42 seconds in front. From then on my lead shrank again very slowly, and I began to reconsider my pit stop strategy. When Lap times reached the 1:47 and only 30 seconds in front - a minor incident did not help - I pitted at the end of Lap 71 for new tyres only.

Laps 72-90 : I exited the pit lane 2-3 seconds behind the SS '69 and soon overtook him. From then on it was my new tyres against his oldish ones, the Corvette GS further behind us. I opened the gap for every lap and won by 22 seconds.

Best Lap : 1:42.668
Total Time: 2:40:09.137

 

[von Stiefel]

Hommel Berlinette R/S Coupe '99

Sports Soft tyres, MR.

BHP 139 (PL 93.0%)
Weight 1150 kg (Ballast 200)
PP 361

(359 PP by the end of the race, and BHP reduced to 137)

No aids axcept ABS of "1"

2 stops
Sony controller


Alternate LS Lineup #4 (After British Lightweights, Professional Series)

Camaro SS '69
Camaro SS '00
Mustang GT '05
Corvette Grand Sport '96
Mustang SVT Cobra R '00
Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi '71
Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
Cougar XR-7
Corvette Coupe '63
Tempest LeMans GTO '64
GTO 5.7 Coupe '04

Laps 1-19: I had to restart ...erm ..several times until I got the suspension and my driving just right: getting into 1st spot before the end of lap 1 and staying there. Best lap was lap 3 of 1:42.652. Luckily the Corvette GS got stuck behind the Camaro SS '00 and I only had the SS '69 to reckon with. Which was plenty. I didn't block him though, it was more outbraking and outcornering him whenever he came close. Most laps were in the 1:44's and 1:45's. The SS '69 was in my mirror throughout the first 19 laps.

Laps 20-31: Then a gap began to open up, when his tyre wear began to take effect. It was certainly not my lap times which caused it. By lap 22 a 5-second lead, by lap 24 an 8-second lead. By Lap 30 my laps were in the 1:46's and I was 16 seconds in front. The Corvette now on 3rd spot trailing by 28 seconds. I considered: pit now or choose a one-stop strategy? The tyres looked fine. Still, I pitted at the end of lap 31.

Laps 32-62 : No fuel, tyres only. By the end of Lap 32 the SS '69 was 9 seconds ahead of me. The hunt was on and his tyre wear made it inevitable that I lapped 2-3 seconds faster. A slight ....mishap delayed it but I finally overtook him on lap 38, and immediately the gap between us opened up. Lap 43 a lead of 19 seconds, lap 48 a lead of 35 seconds. Lap 49 a new best Lap of 1:42.633. Lap 60 and following their stops a lead of 1 lap and a few seconds. I pitted at the end of lap 62.

Laps 63-90: No fuel. For many laps my lead didn't change much beyond 1 minute 12 seconds. But by lap 80 the tyre wear had struck the SS '69 and I had a lead of 1 minute 25 seconds. And there it stayed until the end ...it became a sleepier Sunday afternoon than predicted. I spun out twice from lack of focus.

Total Time 2:39:08.768
Best lap 1:42.633


(AND yesterday:

Scion FS-R '12

Sports Soft, FR

BHP 168
Weight 1430 kg
PP 377

Total 2:36:26.882
Best lap 1:41.444
Won by 2 laps and 25 seconds. And in the end quite a boring race with nothing much to tell. I was setting the car up for a very low-PP run on Sports Hard but decided to attempt the Hommel instead: Dotini's 362 PP run always was tempting and I doubted there was another car capable of bettering it)

That's enough for now. A few days off racing for me)

 

[von Stiefel]

Some general advice: do attempt a few hairraising races on Sports Hard and Comfort Soft, really work on it. Afterwards you can win anything in the Fiat 500 on Sports Soft.

 

[GTsail]

My continuing quest with the Honda NSX:
I have given my Honda NSX another chance for glory. So after a few more Seasonal races for some un-needed credits, I go back into my garage and pick my previously used Platinum White Pearl NSX and give it a slightly updated tune. After some more minor wrenching my Honda NSX Type S Zero '97 has the following spec's:

Horsepower: 214
Weight: 1425kg (added 155kg of ballast)
PPvalue: 408
P.Limiter: 85.0%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
Acquired: 7/28/2011
Wins: 5
Mileage: 53,875.8
No skid

The above spec's have a PP value that has been reduced from 410 to 408 to give the AI a chance (see my previous run at post # 170 above).

I will try my luck against the Alternative lineup # 4 again:
------------------------------------------
1) Chevy Camaro SS '69
2) Chevy Camaro SS '00
3) Ford Mustang GT '05
4) Corvette Grand Sport C4
5) Mustang SVT Cobra R
6) Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi
7) GTsail in the NSX Type S Zero
8) Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
9) Mercury Cougar XR-7 '67
10) Corvette Coupe C2 '63
11) Tempest Le Mans GTO '64
12) Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe

The flag drops and we're off for another Laguna Seca run!

On lap # 1, I drive thru the field and end the lap in 5th place, some 6.1 seconds behind the race leader after an opening lap that took 1.54.609.

During lap 3 2, I pass the 4th place Mustang SVT Cobra R and end the lap 5.9 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

At the end of lap # 5, I catch and pass the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 going thru turn # 11. I also set an early lap record of 1.44.362 and end the lap 7.3 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

Near the end of lap # 6, I catch and pass the 2nd place 2000 Camaro SS, and end the lap 7.4 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 10, I set a lap record of 1.43.971 and end the lap 8.4 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS. Looking back, I see that I have a 5 second lead over a 3-car pack being lead by the 2000 Camaro SS who is still holding up the Corvettte Grand Sport.

After 15 laps, I get the news that I'm 8.5 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.612 lap.

During lap # 18, I see that the Corvette Grand Sport has passed the 2000 Camaro SS and has taken over 3rd place in the race about 5 seconds behind me. By the end of lap # 18, I see that I've fallen 10.5 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 24, I catch some sand on the outside of turn # 6, so my NSX slews across the track and smacks the inside wall. This costs me about 5 seconds, so lap # 24 takes me 1.51.463 and I see that I've fallen 12.5 second behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS. I now have the 3rd place Corvette Grand Sport tight on my rear-bumper!

On lap # 26, I let the rear of my NSX come-around to the front as I exit the corkscrew, and once again slide off the track. This allows the Corvette Grand Sport to drive right past me and head off after the race leading '69 Camaro SS. By the end of the lap, I see that I have fallen a full 20 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a miserable 1.52.668 lap. Two mis-haps in a row are a sure sign that my tires are starting to show their age. Can they get me to lap # 30 if I'm more careful?

On lap # 28, the race leading '69 Camaro SS catches the first of the back-markers. This slows him down some, so I'm only 18 seconds behind him by the end of the lap.

At the end of lap # 30, I dive into the pits for a new set of SH tires and for 15 liters of fuel.

Even though my pit-crew gives me a fast pit-stop, I still get passed by the 4th place 2000 Camaro SS , the 5th place Mustang SVT Cobra, and the 6th place Mercury Cougar XR-7, so when I exit the pits and begin lap # 31, I'm being shown in 6th place.

At the second checkpoint on lap # 31, I see that I've fallen 42 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

Near the end of lap # 32, I drive past both the 5th place Mercury Cougar and the 4th place Mustang SVT Cobra.

Near the end of lap # 33, I drive past the 3rd place 2000 Camaro SS and end the lap 38 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

At the end of lap # 36, I catch and pass both the 12th place Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe and the 11th place Corvette Coupe C2 '63, and end the lap 33 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.860 lap.

After 40 laps, I get the news that I'm only 20 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.529 lap. Looking up the track, I see that the two front-runners have been having a hard time with the back-markers, so this is allowing me to catch up with them.

During lap # 43, I catch and lap the 8th place Ford Mustang GT '05. After a fast 1.44.257 lap, I get the news that I'm now only 11 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS who is now driving very slowly on his worn tires.

By the end of lap # 45, I'm only 3.5 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS. I'm also close enough to almost catch the 2nd place Corvette Grand Sport C4 as he brakes for turn # 11.

On lap # 46, as we exit the corkscrew, I drive past the 2nd place Corvette Grand sport. At the end of the lap, I see that I'm only 0.978 seconds behind the race leading '69 Camaro SS.

On lap # 47, I drive past the 1st place '69 Camaro SS and take over the race lead for the first time!

My pass may have discouraged O.Bogdanov, the driver of the '69 Camaro, because he immediately lets the Corvette Grand Sport get past him as well. At the end of the lap, I see that I have a 3 second lead over the Grand Sport.

By lap # 50, I have extended my lead over the Corvette Grand Sport to 11 seconds. The 2000 Camaro SS has taken over 3rd place in the race since the '69 Camaro SS has entered the pits for his pit-stop.

The Corvette Grand Sport pits at the end of lap # 53, so he falls back into 4th place, and the '69 Camaro SS re-claims 2nd place in the race. The '69 Camaro SS is shown as being 1 minute and 13 seconds behind me at this point as I begin lap # 55.

I still have a 70 second lead when I enter the pits at the end of lap # 60 for a new set of SH tires and 15 liters of fuel.

When I exit the pits and begin lap # 61, I find my lead over the 2nd place '69 Camaro has shrunk to 42 seconds. I also find that I have exited the pits just behind the 4th place Mercury Cougar XR-7 who has un-lapped himself, so I will see if I can catch him again.

At the end of lap # 63, I catch and pass the 4th place Mercury Cougar because he gets baulked by the 8th place Dodge Charger Super Bee going into turn # 11.

After 70 laps, I still have a comfortable lead of 38 seconds over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS after a decent 1.44.609 lap.

After 75 laps, I see that I have increased my lead over the '69 Camaro to 41 seconds after a decent 1.44.586 lap.

After 80 laps, I see that my lead is now 44 seconds over the 2nd place '69 Camaro SS.

After 85 laps, my lead has increased to 50 seconds over the '69 Camaro SS after a very fast 1.44.419 lap.

After 90 laps the win is mine once again!

Race time is: 2 hours, 39 minutes, 28.583 seconds

Finishing order:
---------------
1) GTsail in the NSX Type S Zero
2) Camaro SS '69 ------- 53.894 secs back
3) Corvette Grand Spt --- 55.460 secs back
4) Cougar XR-7 ---------- 1 lap down
5) Mustang SVT --------- 1 lap down
6) Camaro Z28 Coupe ---- 1 lap down
7) Camaro SS '00 -------- 1 lap down
8) Charger Super Bee ---- 2 laps down
9) Tempest LeMans ------ 2 laps down
10) Mustang GT '05 ------ 2 laps down
11) Pontiac GTO 5.7 ----- 2 laps down
12) Corvette C2 '63 ------ 3 laps down

Post race notes:
------------------
Another good race for the first 45 laps or so, but then the AI just stays out too long on their tires and loses a ton of time. My NSX is still just as fast as before, even with the extra ballast, so my lap times were fairly similar to the last race. Its only the last five laps before the pit stops that my tires start to go off and I have to be careful not to drive too hard and make a mistake.

Enjoy the racing!
GTsail

 

[Dotini]

Lotus Elise 111R '04
12,877 miles
189 hp
1060 kg
421 pp
92.5% pl
comfort soft tires

Total time 2:39:13.002
MoV 1:03
Best 1:42.790
pitstops laps 33 and 63

I have emerged from a winter of hibernation, mostly spent reading and rereading The Game of Thrones epic fantasy novels (all 5!). But today, I took a neat, clean and tidy win against alternate grid #4. My Elise 111R now has 38 wins, so with the evolved tuning, it was very easy driving.

However, I struggled with some kind of technical issue during the race. I have noticed this for several races, and it is getting worse. I'm going along, accelerating with my foot down on the G27 pedal, and the car just stops accelerating and holds steady speed and rpm. To correct this, I'm letting off the throttle and letting it coast down to a lower gear (I'm in AT mode), then I can resume again as normal.

I don't know the cause of the problem, but I suppose it could be the pedal (potentiometer?), or perhaps something in the PS3? I'll try to disassemble the pedal and take a look at it. Any advices out there??

Respectfully submitted,
Steve

 

[GTsail]

However, I struggled with some kind of technical issue during the race. I have noticed this for several races, and it is getting worse. I'm going along, accelerating with my foot down on the G27 pedal, and the car just stops accelerating and holds steady speed and rpm. To correct this, I'm letting off the throttle and letting it coast down to a lower gear (I'm in AT mode), then I can resume again as normal.

I don't know the cause of the problem, but I suppose it could be the pedal (potentiometer?), or perhaps something in the PS3? I'll try to disassemble the pedal and take a look at it. Any advices out there??

This sounds similar to the acceleration problem that I have eventually experienced with my DFGT wheels, where eventually the brake pedal begins to wear-out and stick, causing the brakes to be applied a little, even when I'm not pressing on the brake. I'm on my third DFGT wheel and its beginning to happen again, so its a sure sign that its time to replace my wheel.

Is your brake light indicator showing red?

GTsail

 

[Dotini]

Is your brake light indicator showing red?

GTsail

I hadn't noticed it. But it seems there's nothing to do but buy another one.

Edit: I just repeated the test and the brake light DID come on slightly! I ordered a new one.

Thanks,
Steve