Learning Alot From The Academy Tests

[GTP_CargoRatt]

Just wanted to see if there are others out there like me that are not only competing in the Academy, but also using it as a learning experience. I have been playing since launch, but mainly racing NASCAR cars at Daytona and Indy. It wasn't until about 6 months ago that I started racing other cars on circuits instead of ovals. Since then, I have taken great interest in learning the art of circuit course racing. I have been doing everything I can to become better. Running these tests in the Academy has taught me even more about driving lines, shift points, etc. I may not be a threat to be a finalist, but its the learning experience thats a real win for me. Just wondering if anyone out there feels the same.

 

[chriz00]

Yup, even if you don't make all the way through to the finals, using this experience as a way to better your driving skills is better than nothing.

I competed in last year's GT Academy, only making through to Round 3, but this time around I seem to have gained a lot more experience since last year and am much more closer to the top guy's times.

It's all due to learning from the top guys and lot's of practice, lot's.

 

[Xiamoto]

I Agree. In many ways 1-1 and 3-1 (?) have really got my attention more than any other Tests. Makes me realize that the little details can make all the difference.

 

[carracerptp]

I really like how it is just one sector or corner. really shows how small line changes can result in lost time. It's really nice to see how some of the aliens make time in every little spot.

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

Yea, I have some of the top guys from the TT's on my friends list and learning from them is an invaluable experience also. I practice about 5 hrs a day also.

 

[opelgt1969]

I Agree. In many ways 1-1 and 3-1 (?) have really got my attention more than any other Tests. Makes me realize that the little details can make all the difference.

Plus how far the GT5 driving lines are off!

 

[dan0543]

Im learning a lot too, the one sector time trials really help with understanding the fastest possible line. Because I didn't really worry about it in gt5 I settled into a lot of bad habits. I used to just slam the brakes on into any corner and rely on the car to pull itself around, which was consistent but slow. After improving in GT academy 2012, i understand handling characteristics much better than i did before and can feel all of the small weight load changes around the car even with a ds3 controller.

 

[carracerptp]

Yea, I have some of the top guys from the TT's on my friends list and learning from them is an invaluable experience also. I practice about 5 hrs a day also.

5 Hours a day in GT Academy? Wow, I normally hope on and try to keep my times so I'm in the top 5 of my friends list - Not easy with my friends that like staying in the top 500 but still I'm only putting in about 2 hours at the most.

Plus how far the GT5 driving lines are off!

...NEVER.USE.THE.DRIVING.LINE...



Really, can't find out why the game has the line so far off the real line. It just hurts new drives.

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

I really like how it is just one sector or corner. really shows how small line changes can result in lost time. It's really nice to see how some of the aliens make time in every little spot.

Exactly. For instance, I never really knew how to take that one circle corner at Madrid. Now, after watching a replay (think maybe it was my friend yinato) and about 2 hours of practice, I'm alot better. Before, I just went into that corner guns a blazin' and hoped for the best, lol. Now, there is actually a method to my madness, lol.

 

[jiggyboo55]

The academy is a real learning curve for many including myself..im learning lots also.

 

[carracerptp]

Exactly. For instance, I never really knew how to take that one circle corner at Madrid. Now, after watching a replay (think maybe it was my friend yinato) and about 2 hours of practice, I'm alot better. Before, I just went into that corner guns a blazin' and hoped for the best, lol. Now, there is actually a method to my madness, lol.

What truly amazed me is how I have to rethink just driving in a straight line. They're even optimizing that.

I used to think two corners ahead: the corner I'm coming into, and the corner after it. Now I'm thinking three/four corners a head. Every little thing you do has to be done to optimize speed. Nothing left.

Also, the time differences. Normally, if I'm within half a second of the top time on a normal weekly time trial, I call that a victory. Here, I'm not counting tenths, I'm looking for thousandths.

Another thing I find informational is how little they steer and how much they use the brakes and gas to move the car around the corner. Really, what seems to separate the aliens from the rest of the pack is masterful braking and throttle control.

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

5 Hours a day in GT Academy? Wow, I normally hope on and try to keep my times so I'm in the top 5 of my friends list - Not easy with my friends that like staying in the top 500 but still I'm only putting in about 2 hours at the most.



...NEVER.USE.THE.DRIVING.LINE...



Really, can't find out why the game has the line so far off the real line. It just hurts new drives.

Sorry, didn't mean it as all 5 hours in the Academy alone. I practice on GT5 also doing other things. I'm like 70% disabled btw, so all I got is time, lol. I can't walk or stand for long periods of time due to a back injury. Even playing GT5, I have to take a break after a few hours, then back at it when I get the feeling back in my legs, lol. You see, for this reason and lack of being able to do much else, I aim to be the best. Remember my name, I will be there someday, lol.

 

[Spagetti69]

5 Freakin hours. Woah.

 

[CodeRedR51]

I really like how it is just one sector or corner. really shows how small line changes can result in lost time. It's really nice to see how some of the aliens make time in every little spot.

Speak for yourself. Took me a while last night just to beat your times. And Gravy at the top of the list for the Suzuka Spoon Curve challenge!?! All of you guys are getting really fast.

Another thing I find informational is how little they steer and how much they use the brakes and gas to move the car around the corner. Really, what seems to separate the aliens from the rest of the pack is masterful braking and throttle control.

The Indy 370Z challenge is a great example of this. Spent a good hour on that one last night (as my time shows) and it really came down to correct gear selection, minimal braking to prevent the rear from stepping out and getting on the throttle at the exact millisecond.

5 Freakin hours. Woah.

I spent around 4-5 hours on all of the tests combined last night. But I'm finished with them now, so waiting on rounds 5 & 6 now.

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

5 Freakin hours. Woah.

Like I said, I'm mostly disabled. All I got is time. Sometimes its more, just depends on doctors appt. and physical therepy schedules.

 

[Spagetti69]

Like I said, I'm mostly disabled. All I got is time. Sometimes its more, just depends on doctors appt. and physical therepy schedules.

Ah I see mate. I'm in the same boat with regards to physio's and stuff. My right arm is semi paralysed around the shoulder.

Still I couldn't bang out 5 hours. Good luck.

 

[Tidgney]

Finally glad to see some people actually do realise that these early rounds are a great learning curve for new, slower and faster drivers....

I have stopped saying it to people now as everyone was like 'what's the point' no matter how much time you spend on an event, you will apply it elsewhere, as your essentially embedding the skills you are learning. Doesn't matter if its 1-1 and perfecting that degree of angle on the turn, or madrid with trail braking, its all practice, progression and improving !

Keep at it guys, keep improving, it's all worth while in the end !

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

Ah I see mate. I'm in the same boat with regards to physio's and stuff. My right arm is semi paralysed around the shoulder.

Still I couldn't bang out 5 hours. Good luck.

Thanks my friend. Good luck to you also. Guess its just my drive and determination to be the best that keeps me going. Plus my love for and interest in racing in general.
I also have notice that its alot more about throttle and brake control than I thought. I think thats the hardest thing for me to learn.

 

[carracerptp]

Sorry, didn't mean it as all 5 hours in the Academy alone. I practice on GT5 also doing other things. I'm like 70% disabled btw, so all I got is time, lol. I can't walk or stand for long periods of time due to a back injury. Even playing GT5, I have to take a break after a few hours, then back at it when I get the feeling back in my legs, lol. You see, for this reason and lack of being able to do much else, I aim to be the best. Remember my name, I will be there someday, lol.

Sorry to hear about that, when you get to the top, tell me how you get there

Speak for yourself. Took me a while last night just to beat your times. And Gravy at the top of the list for the Suzuka Spoon Curve challenge!?! All of you guys are getting really fast.

It your fault, running series with the likes of Aderrrm, yourself, and twissy forced us to take desperate measures just to stay in the mid-pack.

The Indy 370Z challenge is a great example of this. Spent a good hour on that one last night (as my time shows) and it really came down to correct gear selection, minimal braking to prevent the rear from stepping out and getting on the throttle at the exact millisecond.

I'm going back to Indy tonight to get a full run in, I really like Indy now, and I have yet to give it a full go with a wheel.

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

Finally glad to see some people actually do realise that these early rounds are a great learning curve for new, slower and faster drivers....

I have stopped saying it to people now as everyone was like 'what's the point' no matter how much time you spend on an event, you will apply it elsewhere, as your essentially embedding the skills you are learning. Doesn't matter if its 1-1 and perfecting that degree of angle on the turn, or madrid with trail braking, its all practice, progression and improving !

Keep at it guys, keep improving, it's all worth while in the end !

Hey Tidgney, glad to see you my friend. You are absolutely right. I have always taken these tests as a learning aid. Anything I can learn from, I do, no matter how small or inadequate it may seem. It all has a purpose. Its a joy to compete with you in the TT's as well. Have learned alot from your replays aswell. Thanks for stopping by with your input, much appreciated.

Sorry to hear about that, when you get to the top, tell me how you get there



It your fault, running series with the likes of Aderrrm, yourself, and twissy forced us to take desperate measures just to stay in the mid-pack.


I'm going back to Indy tonight to get a full run in, I really like Indy now, and I have yet to give it a full go with a wheel.

It may not happen that way, but all I'm saying is don't count the crippled old man out, lol.

 

[Tidgney]

Hey Tidgney, glad to see you my friend. You are absolutely right. I have always taken these tests as a learning aid. Anything I can learn from, I do, no matter how small or inadequate it may seem. It all has a purpose. Its a joy to compete with you in the TT's as well. Have learned alot from your replays aswell. Thanks for stopping by with your input, much appreciated.

Hey, It's good to see your still keeping at it and improving all the time!! That's what this competition is about, dedication and determination !!

Also if anybody is looking to improve at all, my videos of the latest round have finally been uploaded (Silly internet stopped during the night !). The lines I take are generally quick, obviously more time spent on them as I only spent 20 minutes on each event max would see improved driving, but you get the general jist of lines and braking/acceleration !

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7093007#post7093007

 

[lator-illa]

Hey, It's good to see your still keeping at it and improving all the time!! That's what this competition is about, dedication and determination !!

Also if anybody is looking to improve at all, my videos of the latest round have finally been uploaded (Silly internet stopped during the night !). The lines I take are generally quick, obviously more time spent on them as I only spent 20 minutes on each event max would see improved driving, but you get the general jist of lines and braking/acceleration !

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7093007#post7093007

dude I can never catch you in any of the rounds :|

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

Thanks for the videos Tidgney. I didn't know about them till now and will certainly use them. Thanks for your effort in putting these together. Much appreciated my friend. Peace.

 

[Tidgney]

Thanks for the videos Tidgney. I didn't know about them till now and will certainly use them. Thanks for your effort in putting these together. Much appreciated my friend. Peace.

It's not a problem, hope they help !

dude I can never catch you in any of the rounds :|

Keep at it mate, don't focus on my time though, think about any test your on and then just focus on improving on that test, before moving to the next one once you've accomplished what your out to do !

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

Great advice Tidgney as I did that very thing last night. I practiced 4-5 last night till I got into 2nd on my friends list. GTPL_yinato is first and there just isn't any catching that guy, lol. I'm close tho. I think I was ranked in the 800's on that test. Thats the only test I checked my rankings on since I was somewhat close to his time.

EDIT Tried adding you Tidgney, but your friends list is full.

 

[turismoslayer]

I too have been learning a lot from the GT academy tests. A plus for me is being able to compete with the top ghost replays when available. I've always thought of the license tests as being a great part of the game to improve your skill. Too bad there are no leader boards for them. Could add another dimension to the game.

 

[Tidgney]

Great advice Tidgney as I did that very thing last night. I practiced 4-5 last night till I got into 2nd on my friends list. GTPL_yinato is first and there just isn't any catching that guy, lol. I'm close tho. I think I was ranked in the 800's on that test. Thats the only test I checked my rankings on since I was somewhat close to his time.

EDIT Tried adding you Tidgney, but your friends list is full.

Sorry about that I'll have a look if any of the friends are there are now inactive. I'll have a look tonight or next time will be saturday.

 

[STVBDKD]

Yup, even if you don't make all the way through to the finals, using this experience as a way to better your driving skills is better than nothing.

I competed in last year's GT Academy, only making through to Round 3, but this time around I seem to have gained a lot more experience since last year and am much more closer to the top guy's times.

It's all due to learning from the top guys and lot's of practice, lot's.

I don't think they had last year GT academy demo in the ps store if they did i would have sign up for it

 

[MustangManiac]

I too have been learning a lot from the GT academy tests. A plus for me is being able to compete with the top ghost replays when available. I've always thought of the license tests as being a great part of the game to improve your skill. Too bad there are no leader boards for them. Could add another dimension to the game.

I agree about the license tests. Even if I won (which is not going to happen) I have a broken neck and would never pass a physical for a top level racing license. I kind of have to fudge things a bit now and then with the club racing. But this is a great way to tear down a race to component parts and keep the skills sharp.

 

[CorvetteConquer]

The gold times on GT Academy are definitely much easier than a A-Spec license's gold would be (this goes for seasonals, too.) But I understand why PD does this. It's to keep casuals playing and to give them a sense of pride, as well. Not everyone is a pro.

I imagine if GT Academy TT's were licenses in A-spec, they'd be about 2 seconds to 5 seconds lower....depending on the TT.