SupaTunaGT
Online Events => GT Endurance Racing => Topic started by: RickS95 on March 18, 2013, 08:59:29 AM
-
The travel agents have been hard at work booking track time across Europe. Due to Feldynn's generosity, we've got a little over an hour of track time scheduled this Thursday night, March 21 at 9:00 EASTERN to put some laps down at the Monza layout, with chicanes.
After Thursday's race, there will be three other stops in Europe on differing future Thursday nights in France, Germany and Belgium. Pick your ride and stick with it for the entire Euro Trip. Grab one of the following:
Audi RS 6 Avant
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Jaguar XKR Coupe
Get your keys and visit our friends at the Tire Rack for some Sports Soft tires, then visit Pep Boys for some mild adjustments. Ask them for the Euro Trip package and they'll install:
Fixed Sports Kit (suspension)
Twin Plate Clutch (drivetrain)
Semi-Racing Flywheel (drivetrain)
Carbon Drive Shaft (drivetrain)
That's it...you're ready to race (though you ought to change the oil and break in the car a little).
Damage will be set to light, there won't be any boost, and tire wear and fuel consumption will be set to fast (but don't worry, the tires are ok and last about as long as the fuel will).
We've only got an hour or so of track time, but when the track owner start to get testy, we'll be sending in Salma Hayek to smooth things over, so we might take our time getting off the track and we could push 75 minutes on these races if we're lucky. Lap times at Monza should run about 2 minutes and it should take a couple pit stops to get through 32 laps, so I'm thinking about 70-ish minutes total.
These cars all match up well, but come with their own, unique charm. Each car seems to be better at one track than the others, but like I mentioned earlier, pick one car for the whole trip.
Thursday night was picked because we're renting time from Feldynn and his event. It also happens to be the first night of the college basketball tournament. If interest in this event sucks, we'll cancel it altogether. If interest in Thursday night sucks because of the basketball games, we'll reschedule for some other night.
-
I'm in! Not sure which car I'm going to be in yet but I'm definitely going to be there!
(http://i.imgur.com/XG2AXM2.jpg)
-
I have a hard time committing to work night events, but I'll try and make.
-
I'll be there. Car choice pending!
-
I could be there as well. Have to check my schedule the next while. Is this going to be consecutive weeks?
-
I could be there as well. Have to check my schedule the next while. Is this going to be consecutive weeks?
At this point it won't be consecutive weeks. We're renting time from Feldynn and his Thursday night series so it'll be approximately every three weeks. Tentative future dates are April 11, May 2, and May 23.
-
I'll be riding around Europe in a stylish black Jag-ewe-arrr :).
-
Phreak and I spent about 90 minutes last night throwing these cars around a few tracks trying to get a feel...
I've narrowed my choice down to 1-2 cars but nothing final yet
BTW we both thought all the cars were very evenly matched performance-wise. Well done Rick.
-
And three of the four are real lookers.
Also, when you're having the Tire Rack put on those Sports Soft tires for you, go ahead and have them upgrade your rims. They'll even paint the rims for you if you want (and don't hesitate to paint the car).
-
i hope to get in on some of this fine looking action in a fine looking green Aston
Also..... dibs on giving Salma a ride if she shows up
-
I'll be showing up in a Jaguar as well...
...but if that car proves too popular I don't mind switching to a DB9....
....and if there are too many of those I'll happy take the reigns of the Avant :)
-
Since Feldynn probably has everyone one interested in this on his friends list, I think we'll run the race in his lounge. Since it's a semi-endurance race, I don't think qualifying is that important, so we can decide when everyone arrives if they want to even bother. We can skip it altogether if guys want, or we can Q for ten minutes.
I don't like the Audi because too many tires drive at the same time and I'm torn between the other three cars. The Jag might be the fastest, but on mine, the rear end keeps trying to pass the front end. I look best in the Aston, but it's not the fastest of the four cars. The Alfa has the best transmission and doesn't try to kill me as the tires wear, but again, probably not the fastest.
-
I want to show up in the Alpha, but I will probably be home to late to play. Have fun see you on track soon. ^-^
-
Warning MMAcek96 will probably make an appearance. ;) Dang and I just purchased a Jag due to an add. Well I can't afford the real deal and the car looked awesome in the advert.
-
cool... I'm going to try and last-minute join once all this updatin' crap is over with.
-
I'll be in the room as soon as this blasted PSN update is finished installing!!! ::)
-
:stoopid:...updates...
...I'll be in a 8C if i make it in time for the green
-
Updated and tried joining, room full :-(
-
Updated and tried joining, room full :-(
That's weird. I don't ever remember seeing more than 11 in the room at any given time.
-
Exactly, room was maxed at 11
-
Exactly, room was maxed at 11
Sorry Phreak. It wasn't the only thing I messed up tonight. We ran in Feldynn's room. I checked most of the parameters for the race and that was the first mistake. I checked the laps, whether fuel consumption and tire wear was set to fast, and crap like that. What I forgot to check was the race finish delay countdown thingy. I don't think it was set at more than 30...so I've only got two finish times (meaning the guys finishing poorly are still very much in this Cannonball Run type thing).
1) Rick--1:06:28.579
2) Badaboya--1:06:29.234
3) Chrome--+1 second
4) Dawson--+2 seconds
5) ExXbox--+3 seconds
6) EnyoGrill--+4 seconds
7) TurboTuna--+5 seconds
8) Mmacek--+6 seconds
9) Feldynn--+7 seconds
10) MondoTuna--+8 seconds
11) Cipriani--+9 seconds
We off to a slow start due to an update and guys getting booted left and right. The race finally got started about 10 minutes late. Then Grill joined the room. We waiting a few laps to see if Dude was going to join and after realizing he wasn't, we restarted the race so Grill could join us.
As the race reached double digit laps, guys started to realize preparation was key for this race because the issue at hand was one pit stop or two. It could be done either way in the Alfa, but if you were going to only make one stop, you needed to know it early. Cip realized it early, Mac didn't.
It turns out, it only sort of mattered. I went for one stop while Badaboya went for two. We effectively finished in a dead heat.
Question time: As I started getting ready for this, I went out in the Jag, ran it hard and got 14 laps before needing fuel. I figured a 30 lap race would be perfect...if you ran crazy hard, you might or might not make 30 laps with just one stop.
After that, I ran the Aston. Ran it hard and again got 14 laps, but had just enough fuel for 1 more, meaning 15 was only going to require one stop. Then I ran the Alfa. Ran it hard and got 14 laps, only to realize that if I ran it a bit easier, I could get 16, if the tires would last. I could run 1:58 flat in the Alfa, but ruined the tires. If I help back and ran 2:01 laps, I could get 16 laps on the fuel and could probably get the same on tires.
So, I knew I could get by on one stop, but I had to baby the car. I find the strategy in racing as entertaining as the racing itself. But I get the feeling others don't feel the same way. For future events, do you want strategy to play any part, or do you not simply want to hop in the car, drive the shit out of it, and not worry about anything else?
-
Actually I was a not thinking about fuel due to lack of preparation. I only new about this event from about 7 pm est. Plenty of time but Bada and I didn't start practicing until 9 pm . I ran My Jag cause well, I though the cars were going to be equal. Also I don't often run long events and was not figuring on needing to stop more than once. I ran eight laps in tests and tyres looked to be ok. So Iwould say maybe a warning of Hey Drivers fuel may be an issue. Good Race Congrats Rick n Crew.
Mike 8)
-
Rick I thought the formatting was perfect. I felt like my Jaguar (with a 2 stop strategy) was very competitive. I had one big off (in the last turn) that cost me over 20 seconds and 1-2 other little mistakes that hurt and dropped me back. However for almost the entire 2nd half of the race I was gaining ground on the leaders consistently. While maintaining a balance between tire wear and speed I was running consistent 2:00s - 2:01s. My best lap was around lap 28, a 1:59.393 with no drafting. The big boy can hustle.
And now, I feel like I should apologize. Since the race started about 40 minutes late...about partway through the delays (9:15ish) I informed TunaPhreak that we hadn't started. I encouraged him to set up and get in if possible, but wasn't sure if he could pull it off in time (mainly b/c of the PSN update). Since we had already had several delays and as I didn't know how long it would take for him to be ready I kept my mouth shut and didn't mention it in the lounge.
I feel bad for that, he wanted to join in. It's on me for not saying anything so I apologize :(
-
Exactly, room was maxed at 11
Phreak, due to a couple issues that weren't handled well, I have a couple options to offer to you as an apology:
Option 1--You pick up 12rd place at 10 seconds behind the second place car.
Option 2--You pick up 1th place, ahead of Badaboya and I take over 12rd place as punishment, 10 seconds behind the second place car.
Because I failed to noticed the race delay thing, everyone is still capable of winning this. I'll let you decide which option you pick.
-
I would've joined last night (tried to), but even though the room was MAX'd out, I had a honey-do come up. Can I be 13 (my lucky number) next time? And I don't need any "bonus", I expect to be last anyways. Mainly because I do this stuff for fub and relaxation - points don't matter to me...
-
I would've joined last night (tried to), but even though the room was MAX'd out, I had a honey-do come up. Can I be 13 (my lucky number) next time? And I don't need any "bonus", I expect to be last anyways. Mainly because I do this stuff for fub and relaxation - points don't matter to me...
Charlie is more than welcome to join. Three of the four cars are a dream to drive, though some guys mentioned they were slippery and didn't stop well. My car was exquisite and I'm looking forward to driving it again.
-
Updated and tried joining, room full :-(
That's weird. I don't ever remember seeing more than 11 in the room at any given time.
I'll have to check my lounge settings and see if it's somehow set to lower max number of players, no idea why it would be and 11 seems like an odd number but I haven't checked the defaults in forever. If I do have screwed up lounge settings though I'd be more than happy to take a penalty, offer Phreak my (albeit shitty) spot and move to the bottom behind Charlie, or something else :).
On a car related note I really did enjoy driving the Jag, it handled nicely and wasn't too terribly prone to oversteer. Only problem I had with stopping was due to my own inconsistency, the brakes on the Jag did seem pretty good but they were a bit finiky so if you didn't brake "just so" it was really easy to over / under brake. Brakes supplied by Gole D Locks, they only stop if you use the pedal "just right" :).
-
I was completely unprepared. I'd showed up with the three RWD cars and took the one that nobody was using - DB9. You had good reason not to use it. It couldn't notice any advantage over the other two...which I tested After the race. Underpowered and not especially good in corners. it was also hard on tires and fuel, but that's partly me as well. I knew after 7 laps that it was a two stopper for me.
My best lap without a draft was a low 1:52. I did two laps afterward in each of the other two and all 4 laps were below 1:51.5. Still nowhere near competitive with some of you last night, but interesting to me.
I don't think strategy was too important, as noted by the time between You and badaboya, Rick. Strategy didn't hurt me at all. I simply wasn't fast in that Aston, and probably wouldn't have been in any car. Everyone needs to be careful of fuel though. always make fuel calculations without the pit's recommendation, especially if tire wear is fast or very fast.
IF you want strategy slightly less, you could have, for example, made this race 25 laps or 35(?). 25 would make 2 stops unnecessary and probably a very bad idea, even for me, 35 would probably make two stops the only reasonable option. It would in a sense even things out so that most people are 'forced' into the same number of stops, though the timing of the stops might be flexible.
That's all I got now. I'll spew more BS another time, perhaps.
-
I had planned on running the DB9, but when I checked it and the others last night, the Alfa was the only one that didn't have Stage engine mods. It's kinda funny, I've used that Alfa 3 times, and all 3 have been for tuneless evnets. It's a pretty sweet ride, but it'll bite you in the ass if you're not careful.
I went the 1 stop route, even though at lap 10 I didn't think I would be able to. First half of the race, I ran consistent 2:00 laps for a good 8-9. Second half for some reason felt a little looser, and while I managed a couple 2 minute laps, most were 01s-03. My hands were killing me.
(http://i.imgur.com/77rrgz2.jpg)
-
I was completely unprepared. I'd showed up with the three RWD cars and took the one that nobody was using - DB9. You had good reason not to use it. It couldn't notice any advantage over the other two...which I tested After the race. Underpowered and not especially good in corners. it was also hard on tires and fuel, but that's partly me as well. I knew after 7 laps that it was a two stopper for me.
My best lap without a draft was a low 1:52. I did two laps afterward in each of the other two and all 4 laps were below 1:51.5. Still nowhere near competitive with some of you last night, but interesting to me.
I don't think strategy was too important, as noted by the time between You and badaboya, Rick. Strategy didn't hurt me at all. I simply wasn't fast in that Aston, and probably wouldn't have been in any car. Everyone needs to be careful of fuel though. always make fuel calculations without the pit's recommendation, especially if tire wear is fast or very fast.
IF you want strategy slightly less, you could have, for example, made this race 25 laps or 35(?). 25 would make 2 stops unnecessary and probably a very bad idea, even for me, 35 would probably make two stops the only reasonable option. It would in a sense even things out so that most people are 'forced' into the same number of stops, though the timing of the stops might be flexible.
That's all I got now. I'll spew more BS another time, perhaps.
These longer races are an event for me. I don't enjoy some of the racing nights where we grab a car and run one race at one track, then visit another, then visit another. So, I look forward to the longer races that are thrown from time to time. I enjoy the preparation of the race. In any enduro type race, I usually know exactly how many liters of fuel each lap takes because I can then figure out how many liters I need at each stop to finish the race with as little as possible...no point in carrying around any extra weight. I'd jotted down the Jag took about 7 liters per lap, the Aston about 6.4 liters and the Alfa about 6.2 liters. I also jotted down some notes about tire wear.
After early initial testing, I chose to bump the race from 30 laps where practically anyone could make it with one stop, up to 32 laps where you could likely make it, but you had to work it. Again, for me, it was all about strategy. My car was perfectly capable or running 1:58 laps, but I'd need to make two stops, so I opted to let Mmacek and Cip get away early and instead ran 2:01 and 2:02 laps. As mentioned, it really didn't matter because of how close BB and I finished...but it made for a dramatic finish because if we'd have had to race for one more turn, BB would have caught me.
I'm still not sure how exactly I want to proceed because I do think strategy should be involved. If not, we could just race on racing softs with tire wear turned off.
-
A couple notes of thanks.
First to Feldynn, for both allowing us to run on his Thursday night, and for using his lounge for the race.
Also to everyone who came out (or tried to come out, or wanted to come out and couldn't). Turnout was much greater than I expected.
Thanks.
-
For what it's worth I think the race length was just about perfect, I think it was just long enough to allow for either 1 or 2 stop strategies but it depends on the car and how you drive it. I hurt my tires early on and had to stop by about lap 12 but for the 2rd stint I was actively trying to be a little more careful and saved significantly more tire without any significant slowing of lap times.
The kicker is the difference in fuel loads, one stop you pretty much need a full tank refill but two stops allows you to spend less time taking on fuel. I took 50 liters first stop, ran til fumes then I think I took 80 liters and finished with a good 1/4 of a tank or more left. I'm not sure that the difference between full tank vs. partial tank refills would be completely equal but I do think that coupled with the difference in tire wear makes it close enough to be interesting.
Also, you're more than welcome Rick :). I'm glad to help out and that we could find a day to run this series that was good for so many people!
-
Nothing different with my story ... logged in and got hit with updates. Got past that, and found a car that fit in, but found a room I didnt fit in.
No biggie as i was totally unprepared and shouldnt have been on the track with the professionals anyway.
Maybe next time.
-
the Aston about 6.4
After early initial testing, I chose to bump the race from 30 laps where practically anyone could make it with one stop, up to 32 laps where you could likely make it, but you had to work it.
I guessed around around 6.5 L for the Aston also, which means over 200 liters, which forced 2 stops.
The second statement here is one I would focus on. I only ran more than 7 laps once (which was in the race) but doubt I could reliably make 15 laps. I was getting sketchy in 11 laps. That would have improved with practice, but not that much. Perhaps this is one case I don't fit into 'practically anyone'.
-
Maybe we should do the first race over, just call it a learning experience. looks like we could of had a real full room.
No, I `m not just saying this because I got disco`d when I had the lead with 10 laps to go.
-
Cip, perhaps we could call that first run a dress rehearsal and start keeping times for the final three races. A couple guys weren't happy about missing the race, you got disco'ed and I only have two legitimate times for the races. I'm open to that.
Turbo, I factored a couple things into my statement. First, I figured for an endurance type race guys would be running at 80-90% of their regular pace so they didn't end their race in the sand. And second, with the draft, they might have been able to get an extra lap out of the car that running by themselves they wouldn't have achieved.
The common theme is that I picked the lap count based solely on strategy.
-
No biggie as i was totally unprepared and shouldn't have been on the track with the professionals anyway.
That should never stop you. I hadn't setup the car until just before joining the lounge, and managed to pull out a solid 3th place.
I don't believe in practice, the main thing is, I had fun. :)
-
I'm with you Chrome.
I concur
Fun is FUNdamental...
-
Like I said, No Biggie. My plan was to off-track to the back and then stay out of the way. I like 2 of the cars and wanted to drive 'em around ... maybe hook up with some other fun-like-minded-non-serious drivers and have some cool runnings while laying down some fast laps. ;)
Next time ... 8)
-
Well :fuck!
It turns out that my Lounge Settings were indeed set to a max of 11 players, no clue why I'd have set it like that but apparently I must have some time ago.
My humble apologies to everyone that tried to get in and received that Full Room message :-[.
-
i saw that when i entered but thought nothing of it at the time Feldynn.
Rick good job on picking the cars they all seemed to run similar times hope to make the next few races in the series if life permits.
Agent if i prepared for every race i entered i might run 1 race a month(and it very often shows), these cars are heavier than most of the cars we generally race expect less braking response..................
-
I'm not looking for points or anyone to give anything up or asking for a re-run of the first race, I was just disappointed I didn't get to run with you guys in what sounded like a great race with lots of fun, and that I even prepped for a little bit (aka more than my usual not at all!)
Maybe if I'm lucky I'll be able to hop in the next one, or two, or the rest, but even if I made this one I'd of probably disappointed myself anyway and pulled last so no biggies. I'm just looking for more events I can have *fun* in, and by that I mean not knowing I'll be driving the next XX laps all by myself because I'm already that far in last place :P Not even looking to win, but I'm sure you'll all agree a race is a lot more fun when you're part of the pack/able to see other cars than running a solo time trial basically for however long...
I think my real problem is that everyone here is just getting too damn good and I can't keep up!
-
Phreak--the next race is the eleventeenth of April. I can't remember where, I think Germany. Theoretically, we're supposed to keep the same car we drove the first time, but my memory is bad and you didn't race, so it's open for you.
Despite some comments that the cars seemed slippery, I thought they all handled very well and were fun to drive (even without the few mods we added), though I admittedly put in more laps than anyone (in testing) and got used to each car's charm.
-
Hey is there gonna be a new thread for Euro Trip Itinerary Day 2? :-\
-
Hey is there gonna be a new thread for Euro Trip Itinerary Day 2? :-\
Yep.
I'm currently down for maintenance. Had another injection yesterday and my wrist is still tenderish. Plus, I just updated my Psycho Dad blog so it's even more tender. Next race is next Thursday and I'll post everything in a Day 2 Itinerary post. If I remember right, we're heading to Germany for the GP/D track or something close to those letters.
-
Good to know. Thanks for the update. Best of luck recuperating :)
-
"Tis but a flesh wound."
I may try some easy laps tonight at DSS to see how the wrist responds and hopefully will get to meet up in a normal race tomorrow night.
For what it's worth, I was home with the boy on Monday (Hayden didn't have school) and spent the better part of the day doing NASCAR races at DSS in the open lobbies. For starters, I typically find DSS boring, I not much of a NASCAR fan and the boost was turned on for the race. Also, I should note the room was dirty.
I had a hell of a good time. Both my wife and Hayden stopped in the mancave on several occasions throughout the day to see what all my laughing was about.
I've never been a fan of boost, but for dirty races, it's actually enjoyable. In races like that, it's not uncommon to die a painful, horrific death on the first or second lap and be 20 seconds behind the lead pack. Normally, it's race over, but with the boost, you can easily make up 2-4 seconds a lap on the peleton even if you're running by yourself, so you're never out of it.
For those that like to run in packs (and I'm not one of them), you should consider running events with the boost turned on. As an alternative to other methods to encourage racing in packs, boost did what it was intended to do.
-
Hey is there gonna be a new thread for Euro Trip Itinerary Day 2? :-\
Yep.
I'm currently down for maintenance. Had another injection yesterday and my wrist is still tenderish. Plus, I just updated my Psycho Dad blog (http://reallifepsychodad.blogspot.com/) so it's even more tender. Next race is next Thursday and I'll post everything in a Day 2 Itinerary post. If I remember right, we're heading to Germany for the GP/D track or something close to those letters.
Fix'd (w/link)
:postho
-
Didn't see that coming.
-
hahaha, nice.
Rick, is the next race at Nuburgring configuration GP/D or GP/F?
-
GP/F
Event summary coming shortly.
-
GP/F
Event summary coming shortly.
I've confused myself and I don't have a PS3 handy to fire up the game. I can't remember the letters, but it's the track that's 3.2 miles long.