SNAIL Michelin Pilot Challenge 2024, "PS5 Users Only", GS/GT4 Monthly Series on Friday Nights 9pm EST, **Recruiting New Drivers**Open 

  • Thread starter llNovall
  • 562 comments
  • 43,719 views
Thx heaps everyone for some great racing, awesome being back on track with you 🦘

Won’t be able to make the next round - it’s still Surf Patrol season - but hopefully the one after.

In the meantime, I did a track day last week w/ some ppl who raced the Bathurst 12hr this year.
Got some interesting tips on lines & overtaking. I hope to race there IRL one day.

This is me throwing my totally-stock 25yo Miata around.
New coilovers arrive next week, should make a nice difference 👌👌
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3260.jpeg
    IMG_3260.jpeg
    124 KB · Views: 3
What a fun race last night, I know there was some bumps and bruises but after watching both replays a couple times, I saw a lot of teamwork and bump drafts and pack racing that's not commonplace on the more technical tracks. Special shout out to @socalnatv and @llNovall for very close quarters racing and sticking with me to avoid some major spinouts in the mountain!

Also want to thank @Wetroadracer, the likely true winner of the second race for graciously forgiving me of the bump that sent him to 3rd, we were both at max brakes and sending it deep into the turn to fight for first place and I carried a little too much speed. Lessons for next time.

Great race everyone! See you in a couple weeks
 
Last edited:
1740442822696.png

(in order of Championship Final Season Standings after Event #4)
Award Recognition
Checkered Flag = Single Race Wins
Track Map Outline = Overall Event Wins

Post Race Report and Scoring
Event #4 at Mount Panorama


Mount Panorama reaped some with rewards, and punished others on the Mountain. Some great battles on this one. The racing was close and intense. Qualifying and fast laps were very close across the field, and are only expected to get closer as each event passes. I had some good battles in Race 1 on my recovery drive from 16th to 4th place. Race 2 saw a long nose to tail battle with @THMP with positions exchanged a long the stretch. All in all, I was quite happy with my result despite the setback in Race 1. I am glad I had the BMW which proved strong at this track when I really needed it. Too much else to highlight, but take a look at the replays...certainly worth the watches.
Race broadcasts and race re-caps are linked below, compliments of @Buffalo_DRD .....Great work as always sir. Also, for anyone interested, you can view the actual in-game replays through the search tag: snailmpc. Feel free to elaborate on any battles/exchanges you may have shared for this event.
Despite a few incidents, overall it was a great night of racing.

Minimal lag/jittering was present across the field, but was overall manageable.

Now for Scoring:
Congratulations to kgffty / @Kgffy (#84) on the Overall Win on the night. Great job on taking the Overall on the race night.
Great work!! :cheers:

Also, Congratulations to our Top 3 Overall:
1st: kgffty / @Kgffy (#84)
2nd: NOVA-0479 / @llNovall (#4)
3rd: DucatiRobb / @Bologna_Duc (#88)

*NOTE: @THMP was our preliminary 1st place Overall Winner, however, two IR's were filed and a penalties were issued relegating him to 5th place Overall for the Official placement. Success ballast is rewardred based on prelininary Overall placement on the race night prior to any issuance of penalty points.
Awards:
kgffty / @Kgffy (#84), please apply the checkered flag decal linked below in recognition of your Race 1 win, and also apply a "white" track map decal of Mount Panorama to your driver side quarter window in recognition of your official overall Event #4 win.
Thumpleton (THMP) / @THMP (#003) , please apply the checkered flag decal linked below in recognition of your Race 2 win to your driver side quarter window. >>>> Awards Link for Details and Decals
Series main Spotters Guide and Driver Profile page has been updated in order of driver standings with award tags and overall podium placemnet acknowledgements.>>>Driver Profile Page and Spotter's Guide

For any drivers that care to participate in displaying their Driver Standing for next event, please see the spoiler tab below for details. Please verify your current driver standing on the scoresheet provided, or by the driver profile page linked in this post. Please be sure to update your livery prior to each event. If in doubt, simply remove the numbers before the event. See the Spoiler tab below:
Driver Standings Recognition
Drivers will be encouraged, not required, to display their current driver standing going into each event after Event #1, though there will be a few rules and requirements.
Drivers who are interested in diplaying their current standing, should collect the following green digital numbers 0-9.
19298d4c15a5-screenshotUrl.jpg


After scoring is finalized and Post Race report issued, drivers will be cleared to edit their driver standing on their number board along with any award tags. Drivers should apply their Standing on both side's boards and be sure their number is in line with their actual standing in the Championship.
Should look like this:
19298d4a4df4-screenshotUrl.jpg



Rules and requirements:
To maintain accuracy and integrity to this recognition, drivers who choose to add their standing to their car will be required to submit an updated profile picture before each event with their scrutineering tuning sheet. Submissions will be reviewed post event just as I do for the driver regulations.
If a driver forgets to submit the car picture with a standing displayed or has the wrong standing placement displayed , it will result in a 5 point penalty against the overall event score. This has to be in place to ensure that those who want to display their standing, maintains the attention and accuracy for it to be credible.
If choosing to display, be sure your edited livery is correct, accurate, and saved prior to each event. If unsure or not interested in displaying your standing, simply leave it blank or just apply double zeros.
The profile pictures will not be used for the Driver profile page, only for scrutineering to maintain the integrity of this recognition.
Again, this is optional, but if done correctly, it will be a great way to know who is where in the standings as the season unfolds.
Screenshot_20250224_191231_Sheets.jpg
Screenshot_20250224_191125_Sheets.jpg
Screenshot_20250224_191143_Sheets.jpg

Race Broadcasts currently in processing

Below is the PP Regulation changes after Event #4. Drivers with changes noted, please adjust and tune accordingly.
Race Lobby PP Max Regulation for Event #5 remains set to 670.00 PP
(Please be sure to set Max PP correctly, as noted above, for practice lobbies to allow those drivers with concessions to enter)

Next Event (#5) Driver Regulations is noted in the far right column.
Screenshot_20250224_193750_Sheets.jpg


Reminder, IR filings are still accepted until 8pm est today. Any IR's filed will be reviewed and any penalties levied will be applied to final standings. I will update if there are any changes in Overall Placement in the standings if necessary.

Next Event:
Date: March 7th, 2025 at 9pm est
Track: Nurburgring GP
Conditions: Afternoon, C04 Cloudy and Chilly
Laps: 15
Target Lap Times: 2:05's
(See Section 1, Tab 1.3 for Lobby Settings)
Additional details in the next post

Great racing everyone. Looking forward to our next event. We already have 18 drivers confirmed for Event #5. Be sure to confirm your attendance to secure reserve priority for our next event. See you guys for some practice over the coming weeks.

NOVA-0479 / @llNovall (#4)
2.) JDMKing13 / @JDMKING13 (#9)
3.) kgffty / @Kgffy (#84)
4.) DRD_Niagara / @Buffalo_DRD (#78)
5.) Sand_68 / @socalnatv (#68)
6.) DUB-L-DEE / @DublDee (#33)
7.) Cdn_Sweet_Tee / @CdnSweetTee (#22)
8.) DucatiRobb / @Bologna_Duc (#88)
9.) Fudman420 / @Fudman420 (#42)
10.) Rauljimenez76 / @Noob01_lmdead (#12)
11.) cesarr64 / @cesarr64 (#64)
12.) GTP_WorstDriver / @Worst_Driver (#13)
13.) Wetroadracer / @Wetroadracer (#187)
14.) Phlano_099 / @Phlano099 (#99)
15.) MrDonovan / @MrDonovan (#46)
16.) radliffpower / @radliffracing (#85)
17.) mac1032763 / @Mac1032763 (#420)
18.) R1600Turbo / @CodeRedR51 (#62)
19.) GTP_RACECAR / @RACECAR (#32)
20.) Thumpleton (THMP) / @THMP (#003)
21.) Ridger23 / @bublyman (#7)
22.) Dragonwhisky / @Dragonwhisky (#5)
23.) CyberSalad_502 / @CyberSalad (#89)
24.) jakeblack3 / @JakeMk8 (#3)
 
Last edited:
1740443512757.png

Event #5 Race Details
March 7th, 2025, 9pm est
Nurburgring GP

Afternoon
C04, Cloudy and Chilly
15 laps/Race


Below are the details for Event #5 at Nurburgring GP on Friday, March, 7th, 2025.
Drivers are encouraged and reminded to confirm their attendance status as soon as possible to secure their spot on the grid for race night or Reserve Priority. Be reminded, this series runs on a "first to confirm" priority. First 16 drivers to confirm are guaranteed a grid spot. All additional drivers that confirm thereafter will be marked as Reserve drivers with priority based on order confirmed. Be sure to confirm your attendance as early as possible. We are currently sitting at 18 drivers confirmed for Event #5. All additional drivers to confirm will be on Reserve status for this event.

I will be hosting practice sessions in the afternoons periodically over the next two weeks, and am sure there will be other rooms open during the evening prime-time. Get those laps in and be ready.

Date: March 7th, 2025 at 9pm est
Track: Nurburgring GP
Conditions: Afternoon, C04 Cloudy and Chilly
Laps: 15
Target Lap Times: 2:05's (?)
(See Section 1, Tab 1.3 for Lobby Settings)

Track Map and Boundaries
Screenshot_20250224_192840_Samsung Internet.jpg


Keep 2 wheels on or within the white line where curbing is not present, or on the curbs where they are present at all times, except where it is specifically noted otherwise. The white line and curbing is considered legal track surface. Failure to comply to track boundaries could result in penalties if infractions are witnessed and reported.

Exceptions and Specified areas:
none

REMINDER
For any drivers that care to participate in displaying their Driver Standing for next event, please see the spoiler tab below for details. Please verify your current driver standing on the driver profile page (3rd Post in this thread) or quick reference it in the Spotters Guide above. Please be sure to update your livery prior to each event. If in doubt, simply remove the numbers before the event. See the Spoiler tab below:

Driver Standings Recognition
Drivers will be encouraged, not required, to display their current driver standing going into each event after Event #1, though there will be a few rules and requirements.
Drivers who are interested in diplaying their current standing, should collect the following green digital numbers 0-9.
19298d4c15a5-screenshotUrl.jpg


After scoring is finalized and Post Race report issued, drivers will be cleared to edit their driver standing on their number board along with any award tags. Drivers should apply their Standing on both side's boards and be sure their number is in line with their actual standing in the Championship.
Should look like this:
19298d4a4df4-screenshotUrl.jpg



Rules and requirements:
To maintain accuracy and integrity to this recognition, drivers who choose to add their standing to their car will be required to submit an updated profile picture before each event with their scrutineering tuning sheet. Submissions will be reviewed post event just as I do for the driver regulations.
Drivers can submit this to me at my PSN - NOVA-0479 anytime leading up to the next event.
If a driver forgets to submit the car picture with a standing displayed or has the wrong standing placement displayed , it will result in a 5 point penalty against the overall event score. This has to be in place to ensure that those who want to display their standing, maintains the attention and accuracy for it to be credible.
If choosing to display, be sure your edited livery is correct, accurate, and saved prior to each event. If unsure or not interested in displaying your standing, simply leave it blank or just apply double zeros.
The profile pictures will not be used for the Driver profile page, only for scrutineering to maintain the integrity of this recognition.
Again, this is optional, but if done correctly, it will be a great way to know who is where in the standings as the season unfolds.

Roster/Drivers Confirmed
as of 2/24/25 at 7:30pm est
Screenshot_20250224_193556_Sheets.jpg


NOVA-0479 / @llNovall (#4)
2.) JDMKing13 / @JDMKING13 (#9)
3.) kgffty / @Kgffy (#84)
4.) DRD_Niagara / @Buffalo_DRD (#78)
5.) Sand_68 / @socalnatv (#68)
6.) DUB-L-DEE / @DublDee (#33)
7.) Cdn_Sweet_Tee / @CdnSweetTee (#22)
8.) DucatiRobb / @Bologna_Duc (#88)
9.) Fudman420 / @Fudman420 (#42)
10.) Rauljimenez76 / @Noob01_lmdead (#12)
11.) cesarr64 / @cesarr64 (#64)
12.) GTP_WorstDriver / @Worst_Driver (#13)
13.) Wetroadracer / @Wetroadracer (#187)
14.) Phlano_099 / @Phlano099 (#99)
15.) MrDonovan / @MrDonovan (#46)
16.) radliffpower / @radliffracing (#85)
17.) mac1032763 / @Mac1032763 (#420)
18.) R1600Turbo / @CodeRedR51 (#62)
19.) GTP_RACECAR / @RACECAR (#32)
20.) Thumpleton (THMP) / @THMP (#003)
21.) Ridger23 / @bublyman (#7)
22.) Dragonwhisky / @Dragonwhisky (#5)
23.) CyberSalad_502 / @CyberSalad (#89)
24.) jakeblack3 / @JakeMk8 (#3)
 
Last edited:
I stuck around Down Under for holiday and got stuck. The Sony Car Transfer network is down. I am shocked. I can’t get my car to Europe by race day. Fortunately, I found out there are some people racing Vettes in a Master Championship series in Germany. I found a group willing to let me borrow their car. Kind enough to let me put some of my stickers on too.

Unfortunately, I’m not willing to shell out for a new racing suit. So I grabbed what I had in the closet that color matched, cuz, of course. But it’s my Porsche series suit, and that would be tacky to wear in a Chevy, right? So I grabbed a Sharpie and some duct tape…

IMG_0260.jpeg



IMG_0264.jpeg
 
Michelin Pilot Challenge 2024 - Presented by SNAIL
Hosted by PSN: NOVA-0479


Event #4 / Race #1 Recap

Event #4 - Mount Panorama
Friday February 21, 2025

MPC GT7 2024 Spotter guide Event #4.png


Preamble:

The global PSN outage on February 7th forced this event to be rescheduled to February 21st. The changes to the grid from Event #3 to Event #4 are as follows:
Qualifying Table:
250221 - Qualifying Table 1.jpeg

250221 - Qualifying Table 2.jpeg


@Kgffy and his BMW put the whole grid on notice right away with a blistering lap in qualifying of 2:10.197, a whole 3/10th ahead of 2nd place @llNovall . We've had 4 events in this series and this is the 4th different manufacturer to claim pole which further illustrates the parity in this field. If this trend continues, I'm looking at @radliffracing 's Toyota or @Worst_Driver 's Aston Martin to grab pole at Event #5 in a few weeks.

Event #4 / Race #1:

LAP #1:
It's lights out down under in the twilight at Mount Panorama. The two BMW's of @Kgffy and @llNovall will start on the first row and they'll have @radliffracing and @Mac1032763 right behind them in the 2nd row.
SHARE_20250223_1239530.jpeg


With a very short runway and a full grid of 16 cars, we all had to be careful to ensure we all get away cleanly. @Mac1032763 's McLaren was quick off the line and got ahead of @llNovall just before Turn 1. But some chain-reaction bumping led to @llNovall being pushed wide into the sand. He's rejoin the race in 16th position.
SHARE_20250223_1240180.jpeg


LAP #2:
It was @Kgffy , @Mac1032763 and @bublyman that made the most of their favorable starting positions and got away from the main pack early. At the top of the mountain, @Mac1032763 touches grass and crashes. Knowing he's in a dangerous spot, he graciously waits for traffic to go by before re-entering the track in 15th spot. In this picture, @Bologna_Duc is seen through the tree running 4th while @radliffracing rounds up the top 5.
SHARE_20250223_1240480.jpeg


LAP #4:
@Kgffy still leads the race. Pictured here is @radliffracing , currently 3rd chasing @bublyman who is in 2nd. @Bologna_Duc again in the background beginning his decent of the mountain is in 4th. A few moments later, @radliffracing would spin out on his decent but would do well to leave his car in the safest spot for traffic to go by. He'd drop from 3rd to 16th.
SHARE_20250223_1241160.jpeg


LAP #5:
By the time he reached the mountain top in Lap #5, @llNovall has already managed to get himself back to 8th spot from 16th after the turn 1 incident on Lap #1 . I saw him coming up behind like a man on a mission. I thought it pointless to defend too hard and he overtook me to move into 7th, and he wasn't done there.
SHARE_20250223_1241420.jpeg


LAP #5:
Maybe I'm having a déja-vu but here's once again the Corvettes of @Bologna_Duc and @socalnatv , but instead of doing battle they're working together, from the 3rd and 4th position, to try to close the gap between themselves and @bublyman still in 2nd, and @Kgffy still in 1st.
SHARE_20250223_1242280.jpeg


LAP #6:
For the most part, there's pretty tight racing occurring all over the grid still. @CdnSweetTee manages to catch and pass @Noob01_lmdead at the start of the long straight to move into 9th place. Just behind them is @JDMKING13 's McLaren, currently running 11th.
SHARE_20250223_1242550.jpeg


LAP #7:
@DublDee in 5th place, feeling the pressure applied by @THMP and goes a little too deep on the lefthander on top of the mountain which would allow @THMP to take the position. And chalk another one up for @llNovall who would also capitalize on the opportunity and move up to 6th.
SHARE_20250223_1243220.jpeg


LAP #9:
@socalnatv did well to hang around with @Bologna_Duc for a few laps but he would get pulled into a fight with @THMP and @llNovall . @Bologna_Duc , still in 3rd, probably had eyes on his rearview mirror to watch those three go 3-wide up the mountain.
SHARE_20250223_1243570.jpeg


LAP #11:
@DublDee currently in 7th, is leading three quarters of the White Knuckle Motorsports team rounding turn 1 of lap 11. @DublDee would ride the wall a little bit on the uphill on this lap allowing myself and @CdnSweetTee through. @CdnSweetTee would proceed to pressure me until the end of the race, sometimes from as close as 2/10th of a second but to her credit, I didn't feel the slightest bump from her. Fun few laps @CdnSweetTee !!!
SHARE_20250223_1244240.jpeg


LAP #13:
Circling back to @Kgffy , it took me awhile to try to frame him in a picture with those chasing him to put perspective on the lead he's built for himself. @bublyman and @Bologna_Duc never stopped trying but with a little over 1 lap to go, the best they can hope for at this point is a mistake by @Kgffy
SHARE_20250223_1245010.jpeg


LAP #14:
From pole to checkered flag, @Kgffy put on a masterclass on his controller in this one. He bests his qualifying time by touching into the 2:09's and gets himself and BMW, its first win of the season. @bublyman and @Bologna_Duc would join him on the podium. An impressive run by @llNovall got him from 16th to 4th and @socalnatv rounds up the top 5.

SHARE_20250223_1245320.jpeg

Final Event #4 / RACE #1 Results Table:
SHARE_20250225_0118580.jpeg

SHARE_20250225_0119250.jpeg


Event #4 / Race #1 Broadcast:


Final Thoughts:
  • It's a short turnaround until Event #5 at Nurburgring GP. But as always, I encourage all of you to consider Snail's Sunday Night Spec League. The league has a little bit of wind at its back right now. We've had grids of 10 or 11 drivers in both divisions in recent weeks and would love to keep growing.
  • I'll try to get Race #2 recap out later this week sometime if time permits.
That's how saw Event #4 / Race #1

DRD_Niagara
Director of Media Relations
 
Last edited:
Michelin Pilot Challenge 2024 - Presented by SNAIL
Hosted by PSN: NOVA-0479


Event #4 / Race #1 Recap

Event #4 - Mount Panorama
Friday February 21, 2025

View attachment 1431469

Preamble:

The global PSN outage on February 7th forced this event to be rescheduled to February 21st. The changes to the grid from Event #3 to Event #4 are as follows:
Qualifying Table:
View attachment 1431343
View attachment 1431344

@Kgffy and his BMW put the whole grid on notice right away with a blistering lap in qualifying of 2:10.197, a whole 3/10th ahead of 2nd place @llNovall . We've had 4 events in this series and this is the 4th different manufacturer to claim pole which further illustrates the parity in this field. If this trend continues, I'm looking at @radliffracing 's Toyota or @Worst_Driver 's Aston Martin to grab pole at Event #5 in a few weeks.

Event #4 / Race #1:

LAP #1:
It's lights out down under in the twilight at Mount Panorama. The two BMW's of @Kgffy and @llNovall will start on the first row and they'll have @radliffracing and @Mac1032763 right behind them in the 2nd row.
View attachment 1431346

With a very short runway and a full grid of 16 cars, we all had to be careful to ensure we all get away cleanly. @Mac1032763 's McLaren was quick off the line and got ahead of @llNovall just before Turn 1. But some chain-reaction bumping led to @llNovall being pushed wide into the sand. He's rejoin the race in 16th position.
View attachment 1431347

LAP #2:
It was @Kgffy , @Mac1032763 and @bublyman that made the most of their favorable starting positions and got away from the main pack early. At the top of the mountain, @Mac1032763 touches grass and crashes. Knowing he's in a dangerous spot, he graciously waits for traffic to go by before re-entering the track in 15th spot. In this picture, @Bologna_Duc is seen through the tree running 4th while @radliffracing rounds up the top 5.
View attachment 1431351

LAP #4:
@Kgffy still leads the race. Pictured here is @radliffracing , currently 3rd chasing @bublyman who is in 2nd. @Bologna_Duc again in the background beginning his decent of the mountain is in 4th. A few moments later, @radliffracing would spin out on his decent but would do well to leave his car in the safest spot for traffic to go by. He'd drop from 3rd to 16th.
View attachment 1431352

LAP #5:
By the time he reached the mountain top in Lap #5, @llNovall has already managed to get himself back to 8th spot from 16th after the turn 1 incident on Lap #1 . I saw him coming up behind like a man on a mission. I thought it pointless to defend too hard and he overtook me to move into 7th, and he wasn't done there.
View attachment 1431403

LAP #5:
Maybe I'm having a déja-vu but here's once again the Corvettes of @Bologna_Duc and @socalnatv , but instead of doing battle they're working together, from the 4th and 5th position, to try to close the gap between themselves and @bublyman still in 2nd, and @Kgffy still in 1st.
View attachment 1431405

LAP #6:
For the most part, there's pretty tight racing occurring all over the grid still. @CdnSweetTee manages to catch and pass @Noob01_lmdead at the start of the long straight to move into 9th place. Just behind them is @JDMKING13 's McLaren, currently running 11th.
View attachment 1431406

LAP #7:
@DublDee in 5th place, feeling the pressure applied by @THMP and goes a little too deep on the lefthander on top of the mountain which would allow @THMP to take the position. And chalk another one up for @llNovall who would also capitalize on the opportunity and move up to 6th.
View attachment 1431407

LAP #9:
@socalnatv did well to hang around with @Bologna_Duc for a few laps but he would get pulled into a fight with @THMP and @llNovall . @Bologna_Duc , still in 3rd, probably had eyes on his rearview mirror to watch those three go 3-wide up the mountain.
View attachment 1431409

LAP #11:
@DublDee currently in 7th, is leading three quarters of the White Knuckle Motorsports team rounding turn 1 of lap 11. @DublDee would ride the wall a little bit on the uphill on this lap allowing myself and @CdnSweetTee through. @CdnSweetTee would proceed to pressure me until the end of the race, sometimes from as close as 2/10th of a second but to her credit, I didn't feel the slightest bump from her. Fun few laps @CdnSweetTee !!!
View attachment 1431411

LAP #13:
Circling back to @Kgffy , it took me awhile to try to frame him in a picture with those chasing him to put perspective on the lead he's built for himself. @bublyman and @Bologna_Duc never stopped trying but with a little over 1 lap to go, the best they can hope for at this point is a mistake by @Kgffy
View attachment 1431449

LAP #14:
From pole to checkered, @Kgffy put on a masterclass on his controller in this one. He bests his qualifying time by touching into the 2:09's and gets himself and BMW, its first win of the season. @bublyman and @Bologna_Duc would join him on the podium. An impressive run by @llNovall got him from 16th to 4th and @socalnatv rounds up the top 5.

View attachment 1431450

Final Event #4 / RACE #1 Results Table:
View attachment 1431452
View attachment 1431453

Event #4 / Race #1 Broadcast:


Final Thoughts:
  • It's a short turnaround until Event #5 at Nurburgring GP. But as always, I encourage all of you to consider Snail's Sunday Night Spec League. The league has a little bit of wind at its back right now. We've had grids of 10 or 11 drivers in both divisions in recent weeks and would love to keep growing.
  • I'll try to get Race #2 recap out later this week sometime if time permits.
That's how saw Event #4 / Race #1

DRD_Niagara
Director of Media Relations

As always @Buffalo_DRD , thanks for your time and efforts on these. I always look forward to the race report and replays. Great work.
 


Driver Race Craft Reminder Bulletin


I want to make sure that this does not come off pointedly towards any one driver, and that this post is simply food for thought when it comes to racecraft, consistency, and patience among our drivers with concessions afforded.

Under normal circusmstances, racing even up...be it Sport, open lobby, or many other online series', drivers of the highest skill level typically are afforded the advantage of running at about 8/10's of their actual pace when racing against the average of the rest of us. As such, their consistency is always strong and mistakes, minimal. Unless challenged by drivers of their same skill set, they are not forced to run at the edge, and even then that is usually only a driver or two on the grid. (unless, of course, they are running in the finals of the GT7 formal Championships). For the rest of us, our 10/10's is the equivalent to their 5/10's to 8/10's....meaning, we need to run on the ragged edge to even be in the same sector as them. This is where our series comes into play. This series allows the average and slightly above average drivers to race comfortably at their 7/10's-8/10's and remain competetive with the fastest among our group. Those at the base, set the average. Those with handicaps are now being forced to run closer to their edge more often, presenting them with this steady challenge, but remaining consistent and competetive.

Those with concessions are afforded the extra grip and power to allow them to not be forced to run past their comfort zone and still be in the pace. The idea is to encourage patience, consistency, and the extra room to hone their race craft without having them at their limits. Basically, our lap consistency across all skill groups should have us lapping in the 8/10's range of our personal driver capability. The extra tenth or two is the reserve available to all of us to lean on when needed, but at the risk of mistakes. This is where the patience and race craft comes in. Knowing when to use that extra and when not to. Our handicapped and base level drivers know how to implement this best, and is something that every driver with a concession should be focusing on. That leads me to the point of this Bulletin.

For our drivers with concessions of hp increase, tire compound advantage, or both, this reminder is focused toward helping you improve your overall patience, consistency, and race craft. With the extra HP and, for some, the extra grip, outright lap times/pace should not be your primary focus. The priority should be placed towards lap consistency (get to know and hit your marks across a lap, over and over), and overall clean driving/race craft.

I have seen many, too many, recent attempts of drivers trying to out-brake the Pro-Am and Pro level drivers going into corners, expecting the added grip of the rm tires to be the difference. Alot of these instances, I see a rm equipped car brake later than a rh equipped car. When this happens, you are already likely to be too late on the brakes, as the Pro-Am and Pro drivers are already more comfortable braking later and more near the threshold. You should be braking at the same point, or even earlier to set up the better exit to then rely on the extra HP to execute the easier pass on the subsequent straight. This is the patience part of it. By setting up the better and more tidy entry, you set yourself up for the better and faster run off the exit. With the added HP advantage, the rest of us should be sitting ducks. And, if you cannot execute the pass on that straight, be ok with backing down to try again. Sometimes, just the pressure will cause the small mistake and hand you the position. By driving with this strategy, you allow yourself oppurtunities without risking incident or loss of time, which then maintains that overall lap consistency. This is race craft. Knowing when to lean on and past your comfort pace and when to stay on strategy to maintain a solid race is what will make you a better driver all around and eventually elevate your pace potential.

I hope everyone views this Bulletin as it is intended. Any questions, feel free to post and discuss in the main thread, or if you prefer to discuss more in private, do not hesitate to pm me. This is an amazing group of drivers at all skill levels with most of us still learning at every race. The goal of this is to enhance and better all of us to achieve even better racing than what we already enjoy. Everyone have a great weekend, and get those laps in for the Nurburgring GP course. See you all on track soon.

NOVA-0479 / @llNovall (#4)
2.) JDMKing13 / @JDMKING13 (#9)
3.) kgffty / @Kgffy (#84)
4.) DRD_Niagara / @Buffalo_DRD (#78)
5.) Sand_68 / @socalnatv (#68)
6.) DUB-L-DEE / @DublDee (#33)
7.) Cdn_Sweet_Tee / @CdnSweetTee (#22)
8.) DucatiRobb / @Bologna_Duc (#88)
9.) Fudman420 / @Fudman420 (#42)
10.) Rauljimenez76 / @Noob01_lmdead (#12)
11.) cesarr64 / @cesarr64 (#64)
12.) GTP_WorstDriver / @Worst_Driver (#13)
13.) Wetroadracer / @Wetroadracer (#187)
14.) Phlano_099 / @Phlano099 (#99)
15.) MrDonovan / @MrDonovan (#46)
16.) radliffpower / @radliffracing (#85)
17.) mac1032763 / @Mac1032763 (#420)
18.) R1600Turbo / @CodeRedR51 (#62)
19.) GTP_RACECAR / @RACECAR (#32)
20.) Thumpleton (THMP) / @THMP (#003)
21.) Ridger23 / @bublyman (#7)
22.) Dragonwhisky / @Dragonwhisky (#5)
23.) CyberSalad_502 / @CyberSalad (#89)
24.) jakeblack3 / @JakeMk8 (#3)
 


Driver Race Craft Reminder Bulletin


I want to make sure that this does not come off pointedly towards any one driver, and that this post is simply food for thought when it comes to racecraft, consistency, and patience among our drivers with concessions afforded.

Under normal circusmstances, racing even up...be it Sport, open lobby, or many other online series', drivers of the highest skill level typically are afforded the advantage of running at about 8/10's of their actual pace when racing against the average of the rest of us. As such, their consistency is always strong and mistakes, minimal. Unless challenged by drivers of their same skill set, they are not forced to run at the edge, and even then that is usually only a driver or two on the grid. (unless, of course, they are running in the finals of the GT7 formal Championships). For the rest of us, our 10/10's is the equivalent to their 5/10's to 8/10's....meaning, we need to run on the ragged edge to even be in the same sector as them. This is where our series comes into play. This series allows the average and slightly above average drivers to race comfortably at their 7/10's-8/10's and remain competetive with the fastest among our group. Those at the base, set the average. Those with handicaps are now being forced to run closer to their edge more often, presenting them with this steady challenge, but remaining consistent and competetive.

Those with concessions are afforded the extra grip and power to allow them to not be forced to run past their comfort zone and still be in the pace. The idea is to encourage patience, consistency, and the extra room to hone their race craft without having them at their limits. Basically, our lap consistency across all skill groups should have us lapping in the 8/10's range of our personal driver capability. The extra tenth or two is the reserve available to all of us to lean on when needed, but at the risk of mistakes. This is where the patience and race craft comes in. Knowing when to use that extra and when not to. Our handicapped and base level drivers know how to implement this best, and is something that every driver with a concession should be focusing on. That leads me to the point of this Bulletin.

For our drivers with concessions of hp increase, tire compound advantage, or both, this reminder is focused toward helping you improve your overall patience, consistency, and race craft. With the extra HP and, for some, the extra grip, outright lap times/pace should not be your primary focus. The priority should be placed towards lap consistency (get to know and hit your marks across a lap, over and over), and overall clean driving/race craft.

I have seen many, too many, recent attempts of drivers trying to out-brake the Pro-Am and Pro level drivers going into corners, expecting the added grip of the rm tires to be the difference. Alot of these instances, I see a rm equipped car brake later than a rh equipped car. When this happens, you are already likely to be too late on the brakes, as the Pro-Am and Pro drivers are already more comfortable braking later and more near the threshold. You should be braking at the same point, or even earlier to set up the better exit to then rely on the extra HP to execute the easier pass on the subsequent straight. This is the patience part of it. By setting up the better and more tidy entry, you set yourself up for the better and faster run off the exit. With the added HP advantage, the rest of us should be sitting ducks. And, if you cannot execute the pass on that straight, be ok with backing down to try again. Sometimes, just the pressure will cause the small mistake and hand you the position. By driving with this strategy, you allow yourself oppurtunities without risking incident or loss of time, which then maintains that overall lap consistency. This is race craft. Knowing when to lean on and past your comfort pace and when to stay on strategy to maintain a solid race is what will make you a better driver all around and eventually elevate your pace potential.

I hope everyone views this Bulletin as it is intended. Any questions, feel free to post and discuss in the main thread, or if you prefer to discuss more in private, do not hesitate to pm me. This is an amazing group of drivers at all skill levels with most of us still learning at every race. The goal of this is to enhance and better all of us to achieve even better racing than what we already enjoy. Everyone have a great weekend, and get those laps in for the Nurburgring GP course. See you all on track soon.

NOVA-0479 / @llNovall (#4)
2.) JDMKing13 / @JDMKING13 (#9)
3.) kgffty / @Kgffy (#84)
4.) DRD_Niagara / @Buffalo_DRD (#78)
5.) Sand_68 / @socalnatv (#68)
6.) DUB-L-DEE / @DublDee (#33)
7.) Cdn_Sweet_Tee / @CdnSweetTee (#22)
8.) DucatiRobb / @Bologna_Duc (#88)
9.) Fudman420 / @Fudman420 (#42)
10.) Rauljimenez76 / @Noob01_lmdead (#12)
11.) cesarr64 / @cesarr64 (#64)
12.) GTP_WorstDriver / @Worst_Driver (#13)
13.) Wetroadracer / @Wetroadracer (#187)
14.) Phlano_099 / @Phlano099 (#99)
15.) MrDonovan / @MrDonovan (#46)
16.) radliffpower / @radliffracing (#85)
17.) mac1032763 / @Mac1032763 (#420)
18.) R1600Turbo / @CodeRedR51 (#62)
19.) GTP_RACECAR / @RACECAR (#32)
20.) Thumpleton (THMP) / @THMP (#003)
21.) Ridger23 / @bublyman (#7)
22.) Dragonwhisky / @Dragonwhisky (#5)
23.) CyberSalad_502 / @CyberSalad (#89)
24.) jakeblack3 / @JakeMk8 (#3)

Great post @llNovall was having a similar discussion last night with some of the other RM drivers that its essential to be careful if we are behind a car with RH tires, we just have to afford more space and change the braking distances when in that order.

I can only speak for myself, but I tend to have an issue just "following my line" and not adjusting for the changing circumstances and situations and this is very much my "rookie" and sport mode upbringing showing.

It's easy to be fast, but hard to be safe and consistent!

Running at 8/10ths is a great example, as just to keep up with you guys, I'm always at a 10/10 and as such make mistakes when I need to zig or zag.

Thanks for the patience with us rookies, we are all trying to get better :cheers:
 
Back