Reefer Madness! Saturday Classic Racing 10pm GMTOpen

[bloodyboyblue]

Amazing racing earlier, some of my favourite races in a long while. Strategic tire management races are always great when you're racing close with a few other people.

That said, I can't help but feel that it'd almost be more fair if we all used the same car for each race, since some are much faster than others, like we could use two cars each week, one for each race, or one for both races. Or you could put sm/SH tires on the fast cars, something that would take about 3 or so seconds off of them since that seemed to be the advantage.

Otherwise, I don't know about everyone else but I'm planning on racing a different car each week, using the fast ones on tracks I dislike (aka 3 of the first 4)

 

[eran0004]

Sorry, I totally forgot the race yesterday! Got distracted by the course maker

 

[buybon355]

Fantastic races last night. Had pressure for the whole race in race 1. No room for any errors. Finished with bbb on my bumper, as he had been for most of the race - Joe was on my bumper for a couple of laps mid race. Top 3 finishing less than a second apart after 20 hard fought minutes with maximum respect given to all- racing room allowed, and no paint swapped at all. Can't remember the last time I had an adrenaline come down after a race.

Race 2 saw bbb refine his strategy, conserved his tyres well and hunted me down, passing me round luffield on the last lap with his extra grip. Thought it was all over, and had Joe right behind me when bbb made his only mistake the whole night going into stowe allowing me to retake the lead as we approached the final corner. Cue another adrenaline come down post race.

Top quality racing, gentlemanly conduct and lovely cars. Well done Joe, looking like a great series

 

[reefer]

Yes, what a good start to the series. These things can so easily go pear shaped in the first corner so I'm very happy it got off to a good start. That is due in the main to the quality of drivers who turned up. I very much appreciate the effort to keep it clean which was quite evident in the replay of the first race i watched. I have also watched the first lap of the second race and it looked like dave got a hard time. Oops, sorry about that dave. Except that, it was quality all round, and some, from the get go. I could write a lot more but don't have the time right now so will refer you to the short and simple race report below.

I take your point bbb that we could run the same cars and maybe we'll consider that as we grow into it for a later date. Some cars are faster, but, for example, my RUF and quattro set up couldn't match yours or buybon's. The option of other cars means I and others can at least be competitive in a car we want to drive. The tyre suggestion you made is also interesting and one to consider. I appreciate the feedback. As things stand it's just a simple championship with simple rules and regs. But what a drive you and buybon had. The braking points had to be super precise and they were. I'm not actually sure your braking behind him could have got any better. First class.

Don't worry about not turning up Eran. I'm going to add a rule change that was suggested by Venari. We'll run an eight-week race championship and the best seven results from the championship races will count towards the driver's total points score. I'll update this on the spiel above. Thanks again gents for the great racing and I'm looking forward to catching up with you at Monaco next weekend!


Short Race Report

Meet 1
Race 1 - 10:10pm GMT


Qualifying Positions

joe__ker
bloodyboyblue
buybon355
dave76543210
iamtooma
bcd73

bloodyboyblue started in the Audi Quattro on the right of the grid, with me (joe__kerr) in the Bluebird, on pole on the left, and buybon355 in the RUF behind me. Then dave, Tom and Boris. Off the line buybon stormed between blue and myself to take the lead. Before turn 3 bcd73, aka Boris in the Beemer, had made up 2 places taking him into fourth.

Running up to Brookland, Dave, also in the Audi, had a sniff up the outside of Boris in the Beemer and was then squeezed and left with nowhere to go which created the opportunity for iamtooma in the E-Type to sneak up the inside. Coming out of the next turn, Luffield, and into Woodcote, B in the B then had a few moments allowing iamtooma and dave to regain their positions. Lap 2 then seen dave and iamtooma have good 'ol ding dong before the Jag ran wide at the the start of lap 3 only to regain it in lap 5 as the Audi ran wide. bdc's BMW appeared to be struggling at the back with its tyres. This E-Type, Audi, BMW order remained like this until the end.

Meanwhile, at the front, blue thought he would place himself directly in the rear view mirror of buybon just to remind him he was in a race! And boy did blue give him a bl**dy good race. Placed 3rd, and within tenths of the leaders, I had the best seat in the house to watch as the battle unfolded half a second in front of me; the Audi was all over the buybon's RUF, flirting to the left and frolicking to the right, keeping him as honest as they come.

Lap 3 saw the Beemer pull up, probably with a frustrated Boris at the wheel, due to its lack of grip.

Into lap 4 and blue ran a touch wide allowing me to take 2nd position. "Yeah," I thought, "1st would be nice but I'll take 2nd.. meantime keep the heid as it's not over 'till the fat lady sings!" And sure enough, lap 6, I ran a little wide at Arena and blue was perfectly positioned to pick me off dashing my hopes of a run on the RUF and a possible 1st. The front three runners of buybon, blue and myself ran within a second of each other until lap 8 where I lost a few seconds in Arena.

For the next 2 laps blue continued to harry buybon with very clean driving running approx one tenth of a second behind him. In fact, on watching the replay, it's clear to see that absolute quality was on display and my earlier thoughts of a win, with my ability, was simply just wishful thinking on my part. Nevertheless, in for a penny, ..

Lap 9, the final lap, saw an incredible tussle between the front two, running bumper to bumper, which was great to witness considering tyre wear was on 'very fast'.

Blue was now closer than ever and ready to pounce.

I closed the gap just in time to witness blue's persistence paying off when he got the run on buybon into Brooklands taking the lead only to run wide at Luffield allowing buybon back into the lead again 3 sec later! I could feel blue's pain. However, buybon never gave in to the relentless pressure from blue and kept his nerve finishing just 0.141 seconds in front. What a final lap! And what a great finish to Race 1 of Meet 1! (Sorry, don't have time to do a Report for Race 2 just now.)

Thanks to everyone who turned up and gave their all and congratulations to buybon on his two wins. It was buy all accounts a bl**dy good morning's racing old boys!

Meet 1

Race 1 Results

1st buybon
2nd bloodyboyblue +00.141
3rd joe__kerr +01.109
4th iamtooma +50.986
5th dave76543210 +54.986
6th bcd73 DNF


Meet 1

Race 2 Results (report to follow)

1st buybon355
2nd bloodyboyblue +00.275
3rd joe__kerr +00.785
4th dave76543210 +01.06.4
5th iamtooma +01.39.2 (run on sports medium!)
6th bcd73 DNF

Driver Standings

buybon 50
bloodyboyblue 36
joe__kerr 30
iamtooma 22
dave76543210 22
Eran0004 0
Venari 0
bcd73 0

Please note: all up-to-date race results and the Driver Standings can be found on post #4 and 5

 

[buybon355]

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[reefer]

UPDATE

We'll be running an eight-week race championship and the best seven results from the championship races will count towards the driver's total points score. This means anyone who misses a week won't be penalised. Any questions, get in touch.......

 

[Venari]

That looks like it was fun. Someone stole my BMW!

As for cars being faster, handicapping cars with weights/power restrictions is feasible with a bit of testing, as long as they aren't too far apart. I can try it when I return home and forward my results. Take the cars to Trial Mountain if you want to do back-to-backs times with me.

 

[bloodyboyblue]

The last corners of the first race I was going flat out whether I touched bb or not, luckily for him I didn't, but I was hoping to move him a bit. The second race I was trying to drive how I usually drive AWDs going into that one corner (Stowe, apparently), braking the car sideways trying to drift around the corner so my rear tires would be hot so I could be really loose for the last chicane, but my front tires (I think which were at 3 and 5) had other ideas, deciding to pull left as I turned right, sending me way wide. Like I said, that was the only time I braked really hard all night other than in practice and qualifying.

I picked the Quattro last night since AWDs have always suited my driving style, and I really don't like Silverstone, it's way too flat for me, I like tracks where you can throw your car out of the corner and there's some banking there to catch you.

Monaco is my absolute least favourite track in the game, I'm generally about 3-5 seconds off the pace there even in a fast car, I'll probably drive either the stratos or the Cosmo. Both cars I would love to drive/own in real life. Stratos is one of my favourite car designs of all time, and that nameplate font is the best.

The ring is my 2nd least favourite track (and I know buybon doesn't like it either) but I've improved there based on repetition lately so I might not be completely out to lunch there, usually I'm competitive there if everyone's in really slidy loose cars.

I also had a bit of an increased heart rate at the end of the first race, which was weird. The second race my girlfriend was siting beside me telling me I was going to mess up so I didn't get quite as into it.

 

[Venari]

Pick'n'mix is another way. One you've chosen one car (of eight available for the eight races) you can't choose it again.

 

[bloodyboyblue]

Pick'n'mix is another way. One you've chosen one car (of eight available for the eight races) you can't choose it again.

I agree with this

 

[Venari]

I agree with this

When I get home I'll have a think about how we could retain all 18 cars while having a pick 'n'mix type system. (It would be groupingsvbyv rough performance.)

 

[bloodyboyblue]

Well I think we should keep all 18, just you have to choose eight off the list to race, keep the choice there.

 

[bcd73]

I know this Reefers racing series is good series-becose i spent all morning being angry on myself
Over last day i made very good setup for my first chosen car-Golf. I had very good cornering and balance but… that car was slower than others cars on grid last night. (0:30min per lap from leader)
So, i made desicion to use, for race one, my second car i tuned just minutes before quail. And it was mistake
My BMW was very very much oversteering and i struggling alot.
Another mistake was to get back to slow Golf for race two…
It was very depressing to watch other drivers just passing by…
My wife was there and she was begging me to pit stop and leave the car
And i quit. The race.
Angry…but, happy to be a part of this very gentlemans racing series.
Well done Jim!
Well done to Buybon for last night wins!

 

[bloodyboyblue]

Just did some laps (ie 2 with each car so I didn't get too familiar and bias the results) in the cars that were used last night, in the test drive thing you can go to from the garage.

I ran 220.8 in the 2002, 221.4 in the jaguar but made some mistakes, and 222.7 in the golf, compared to like the 219.3 I ran in the Audi when tire wear was off yesterday. So I guess you're right, they're not really that far apart, and some tracks will suit certain cars better.

 

[reefer]

All good comments above: pic ‘n mix, weight restrictions, tyre restrictions, etc. In my testing the majority of cars ran roughly +/- 1.5 seconds per lap. There were only a couple of cars that were a little off but not by much. With this championship one thing to consider is that anyone can drive any car at anytime. It's their choice. So in that respect all is fair. For example, my fastest car at Silverstone wasn’t the Audi or the RUF. In that way I felt I could choose the car that suited my driving style for that course.

Same went for Boris in the race. He wasn’t satisfied with one car and had the option of jumping in another car for race 2. (btw, the Golf was one of the slower cars in my testing).

It’s free, it’s open, and it’s up to the driver to find a quick car from the list that works well for them and that track. Your quick car might be the Fairlady whilst mine may be the Europa etc. Everyone will get something different out of a car. But, yes, as we know, some cars by their very nature are a little faster.

The whole reasoning behind this Championship was to make it easy for people to come along and have a ball. In a sense I’m trying to run a different series to others out there, which means having no weight/bhp/car restrictions etc. Jump in one of the 18 – choose wisely of course – set it to 450pp, and off we go. Simples. Everyone has a different skill set, car they like driving, set up, and I’d therefore like to offer people a free choice of car. However, my ideas are not fixed in stone and, in fact, I may even decide to change something next week! This thing may grow arms and legs, but for now my current thinking is, there’s the list, there’s the pp, if you’re up for it, let’s race! The only restriction I ask is no wings. I’m busy at work during the day, so when I have time for GT6 I just want to have some fun without rubbing too many brain cells together. Pitting one classic’s strong/weak points against another’s appeals to me as I don’t need to think too much. There are enough good, detailed racing series out there that will make you think. I’d like the GT6 Classic Car Club Championship (CCCC) to be appreciated for its simplicity. Quality will usually shine through in the driver’s choice of car and driving anyway. And just to reiterate, none of the above is set in concrete; I’m always open to your opinions, thoughts and persuasions and I appreciate you taking the time to offer them.

If anyone has results of their tests, and is willing to share them, then that would be interesting to see (vs mine). You can get in touch privately if you wish.

Not long ‘till the next race…

I’ll be opening a Room at Monaco from around 12 midday (UK time) for an hour most days this week if anyone wants to join me. psn: joe__kerr

 

[gkgamer]

I will definitely try to join these races, but Sunday 7AM is a tough one. How do you do it @reefer ?
btw Where are you located? I live in Setagaya-ku.
Oh and I join almost daily a J-lobby called "430 SH にゅる　優しく抜き部屋" or "the daily PP430-SH lobby" if you dig. People with various skill levels race casually in 1-lap races around the Nordschleife. Cheers

 

[reefer]

I will definitely try to join these races, but Sunday 7AM is a tough one. How do you do it @reefer ?
btw Where are you located? I live in Setagaya-ku.
Oh and I join almost daily a J-lobby called "430 SH にゅる　優しく抜き部屋" or "the daily PP430-SH lobby" if you dig. People with various skill levels race casually in 1-lap races around the Nordschleife. Cheers

How do I do it? Good question. The answer - I don't know. I guess I must be mad. I keep Saturday night's shenanigans to a minimum and get up at 5:30am to drink lots of coffee. That always helps. But, yes, you need to be a little mad to get up so early when everyone is deep in dream land.

So, you're down in Tokyo. I'm up in Tohoku and it's getting quite cold here already!

Would love for you to join us - if you're mad enough!

 

[Venari]

Fair points about 450pp and it makes sense.

 

[buybon355]

@gkgamer 7am is an easy one for you mate, get into this. See you on track on Satruday

 

[bcd73]

Any referent test lap times on Monaco?

 

[reefer]

Any referent test lap times on Monaco?

Boris, I ran a few laps tonight and got a 1:46.0 with tyre wear on and 1:44.8 without tyre wear..

 

[reefer]

Côte d'Azur, a slightly adapted version of the Circuit de Monaco, and 2.075 miles long with 19 corners is our next destination on the GT6 Winter Classic Car Club Championship calendar. As the track is so narrow and lined with barriers, there are few overtaking opportunities hence the importance of a good qualifying lap. Cars that tend to go well here will have plenty of downforce and good traction in the slow corners. Tyre wear will be on Very Fast, so pick your pony wisely!

The race(s) will demand all our skills and a particular technique of driving close to the barriers in order to gain a podium place; we’ll also have to display great awareness and braking to avoid any collisions! The F1 cars run around 45% of the lap at full throttle and braking for around 12% (in the 13 braking zones) and I can’t imagine we’ll be much different. Looking forward to catching up with you all on Saturday at 10pm GMT.

To whet your appetite, some Monaco photos from back in the day.

1930s

Italian driver Tazio Nuvolari in his Alfa-Romeo 8C 2600 before Varzi, winner in Bugatti 51 in 1933

View of tunnel with Carpano Vermouth sign during the 60s

The start of the Monaco Grand Prix, 22nd May 1955. Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss in the Mercedes W196 bracket Alberto Ascari's Lancia D50 as Eugenio Castellotti's Lancia follows closely

Stirling Moss in a Lotus-Climax 18, with the side panels taken out in '61. Moss went on to win the race

Spectators watch the action in '64

Our playground this weekend​

 

[gkgamer]

Any referent test lap times on Monaco?

1 lap with the Isuzu 117 in race conditions : 1'48"007
1 lap with the Stratos same conditions : 1'44"499

I reckon I have put more mileage on the Lancia but still it is quite a gap.

 

[buybon355]

Just race the Isuzu then lol:idea:

 

[reefer]

Just race the Isuzu then lol:idea:

Simples. Sorted then

1 lap with the Isuzu 117 in race conditions : 1'48"007
1 lap with the Stratos same conditions : 1'44"499

I reckon I have put more mileage on the Lancia but still it is quite a gap.

That's a crazy fast time in the Stratos if you're doing that with tyre wear on.

My Isuzu seems to be a little faster than yours and much more stable that the Stratos after 10 laps, but, again, I take the point that some cars are faster. I think short-wheel based cars will be faster at Monaco anyway. If we want well-matched races then it might be something we should look at. I like simple though. I can't get your Stratos time, however, my Isuzu appears faster than yours, and these variations will take (testing) time to iron out. I'm prepared to look at it but would need other testers to compare against.

 

[Venari]

From cars I've tested at Monaco, I'm in the ballpark. Typical is 1m45-46, my 450PP public tune Bluebird did it in 1m45.564, which surprised the heck out of me, but on reflection it's the car I spent a lot of time thrashing around Midfield in online lobbies.

I'm trialling without tyre wear though. That maybe makes my times not comparable... but my Stratos time and one other are quicker than 1m44. Isuzu a touch too tail happy at the top of second for me, 1m45.5

 

[reefer]

From cars I've tested at Monaco, I'm in the ballpark. Typical is 1m45-46, my 450PP public tune Bluebird did it in 1m45.564, which surprised the heck out of me, but on reflection it's the car I spent a lot of time thrashing around Midfield in online lobbies.

I'm trialling without tyre wear though. That maybe makes my times not comparable... but my Stratos time and one other are quicker than 1m44. Isuzu a touch too tail happy at the top of second for me, 1m45.5

Hi Venari, with tyre wear on you can add a second to your times, even when running with fresh tyres at all 10s. Still, I:43 something + 1 sec is a great time. Got me worried now

 

[buybon355]

1.47s for me offline without tyre wear in the ruf. Bogey track, along with nordschliefe I'm always slow at these two. Going to stick with the same car all season though, take the good with the bad

 

[bloodyboyblue]

I also was at 147 in the stratos offline. I'm just picking cars at random, I'm not practicing or comparing any of them, just picking what I feel like. I know which ones are fast just from racing against them, but I'm not going to try all of them to see what's best on each track. I think I'll do the 2002 next week and the Isuzu at the nordscheife after the stratos this week.

 

[Venari]

Just punted my Verde Mela Alfa Guilia GTA around, not too slow, not superfast (@ 265hp/28kgfm/945kg.) Surprised it's not in the list - fabulous watching the replay with my softly sprung setup, it nodding and bobbing and flicking its tail around through Piscine.

Now I've done some tyre wear testing in a lobby, I have chosen my weapon. It's not the Stratos (a touch twitchy) and I look forward to the variety in the race!

(It's not this... this was just for fun.)