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Driving Tips

Another proposed idea if I can get enough feedback....Anyone want to write some tips for rookie drivers?

Maypo
I think the biggest problem most beginners have is understanding lag, and racing etiquette. And the (2) biggest things I can think of to improve on tracks is be absolutely smooth without wiggling on the big tracks, and lift on the throttle on the short ones and come back into the throttle smooth coming off to avoid wheel spin.

Budman
Lag-----Newbies should understand that there is lag. Cars are not always where they appear, so until they understand that, they should not get too close to anyone. Lag on Green Flag starts causes the most problems. You can run into the back of someone on the start, or you might think that you got a great holeshot, only to get rear-ended by someone because you pulled in front of them, thinking no one was near you.

Pings-----Always make sure pings are low...high pings cause warping, commonly seen as cars spinning or flying.

Speed-----Newbies always want that...who the heck doesn't? But the truth of the matter is that speed comes with smooth driving, running the correct line, and good setups. Very seldom can this be achieved by running full throttle......Pay attention!!! YOU MUST USE THROTTLE CONTROL!! As strange as it sounds,no one gets fast until they learn to slow down!!

Setups-----Until you are familiar with each chassis setting, download and try as many as you can. Find one that you like, then work with it. The trick is to make small adjustments, one at a time. (Sometimes just .1 on any particular setting will make all the difference in your lap times).

Another thing to remember when you're new is that those setups that are easy to drive at first........ are usually the slowest. Those that are impossible to drive are the fast boys!!!

Make several laps with a setup before you give up on it. Also I would venture to say that all veteran drivers' setups are different and adjusted to their driving style. You can have completely different setups and still be very fast, the setup has to fit your driving style.(which also will need adjusting from track to track).

All this comes in time and with lots of laps. It usually takes me 300-500 laps to get a setup tuned & find the fastest line around the track.

Another thing that I think is important is that you have braking in your setup. You need it at the Green flag to keep from hittng the car in front of you,

Transmission-----Manual or Auto...I suggest using Auto & concentrating on smooth driving & setup tuning. After you have mastered those two, then try Manual. A lot of very fast drivers use Auto.

Track Wetness-----Keep in mind the setup for 48% will have to be slightly adjusted for 47% and so on. 48% is a good setting to use for getting your first setup tuned. Some tracks provide faster times with a low dry percent, while others are faster a little wetter.

Cars-----Start with the Acid Stallion. It seems to handle the best. After you're comfortable with that,try the others. Once you have your all of your setups tuned, there seems to be a slight difference in handling between the different Late Model cars. As far as outright speed, all of the cars are the same. They differ because of your setup & driving style.

Tires-----Always run soft tires!! If they are getting hot, it's your setup or driving that needs adjusting, not harder tires.

A Few Other Things-----Races are not won on the first corner or first lap. Don't run in on someone wide open because you are faster...wait for a clean pass. 10 laps will give you plenty of time if you are the fastest. If you are not the fastest, accept it & let them by.

If you are lapped, you should move out of the way.

Never take out the lead car, or any car for that matter. If you drive off the track make sure you don't pull back in front of another driver.

Remember those guys that are fast have probably run 1000 laps or more at that track. Don't expect to beat them easily, you have to put in your seat time first. You may have a fast setup, but you can't beat the slower vetern until you are smooth & can hold your line.

Also remember that veteran drivers will run up on your tail & hang there, sometimes with a slight bump just to see what you're made of & if you can hold a line..lol. It's a test before they pass you.

Most of these guys have been driving for a year or more. Everyone knows everyone on Gamespy. Remember that you are making your reputation each time you get on the track. Be courteous at all times.

Also be careful picking your race name, something like 2fast4u will make you a target everytime you get on the track. Use a low profile name so as to not draw any undue attention.