The Nürburgring Diaries Archives Volume Xl

[vitg]

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/19/2005 7:44:03 AM | Message Detail

American Classic Transmissions in Gran Turismo are a pet peeve of mine. I had to
buy an FC transmission for my Lemon Twist Superbird. I realize it violates WR
standards, but I couldn't help it.

Once I got the gears nice and big (autoset 18, basically a 5 speed), I really
enjoyed driving Big Bird. It has a unique way of throwing its weight around that
reminded me of the Benz barges. Much fun, sorry I couldn't participate properly.

---
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will
be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27


From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 11/19/2005 7:59:59 AM | Message Detail

Mr. P -- I had the same reaction to the Oy, Oy, Oy, and couldn't help laughing
when I read YOUR reaction. I'm currently finishing up #6, and will soon be
starting the finale. My favorite of the series (and, I think, by far his most
emotionally gripping book ever) was the Susan Delgado one (Roland's flashback
love story). I don't remember the name or number of the book.
---
A.K.A. Don Papa


From: Onikaze | Posted: 11/19/2005 8:39:29 AM | Message Detail

I think GT4 is a bit too aggressive on the Force Feedback, actually.

I wasn't happy with the feedback strength in GT4 til I turned on the feature
that lets you spin the wheel with less resistance than normal.

I think they went a bit overboard, and I've heard the same elsewhere, yeah it
feels cool, but cars don't really apply enough force to twist your arms off,
well, some old racecars did, I'm sure.

But modern sports cars are supposed to have a nicely weighted steering wheel,
not apply enough force to twist a kitten in half.

The way the wheel lends itself to being tossed, the way it seems to be reacting
to the weight of the car, instead of reacting to the tires suggesting the car
has weight, I just can't go back to GT4 after it, I'm spoiled by the feeling of
being part of the car, not fighting it tooth and nail.
---
If I wanted to play as a girly and whiny emo guy I'd play one of the single
player FF games.BlackBladeRune on MGS2



From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 11/19/2005 9:03:25 AM | Message Detail

Oni--I'm really trying to avoid getting into this Enthusia/GT4 debate, but I
have to strongly disagree with you on that point. Have you ever watched the
in-car camera on televised races? The steering wheel is constantly being pulled
and jerked all over the place. All successful race car drivers now use
specialized trainers to build their upper body strength to deal with this. If an
"average Joe" like you or me tried to run a real three-hour race, our arms would
feel like wet noodles half-way through.

Yes, the strength of GT4's FF may sometimes be annoying, but you can't say it's
not realistic. Try running over a curb at high speed while turning in a real
car. You'll be lucky if you don't get a broken wrist.
---
A.K.A. Don Papa


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 11/19/2005 12:03:28 PM | Message Detail

So i took the Titanic out for a little spin. As has been said its surprisingly
stable and predictable. It drives like its heavy (probably because it is), but
unlike many cars we've driven, trailing a tire into the grass doesn't turn
things into Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

I managed an 8'13, which I'm surprised to see is right on par with some of the
times posted so far. I suppose it can be attributed to the predictability of the
Love Boat.

---
Currently working on FFX: Tidus SCC, braving the Lightning Plains. Gran Turismo
4: 53.1% complete, messing around with random cars.



From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/19/2005 12:17:50 PM | Message Detail

It's a lot like surfing, using the weight transfer to corner. Big Bird (or the
Titanic, as Souli put it) isn't just about brake points and exit speeds, it's
about timing the weight shift and using momentum to your advantage. Any car that
challenges a "typical" driving perspective is well worth the drive.


---
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will
be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27



From: ciscrack | Posted: 11/19/2005 12:31:00 PM | Message Detail

Anybody feeling seasick yet?
I'm glad everyone's enjoying my pick. I'm a little surprised all our times are
so close. I guess the 'bird is a difficult car to push past its' limits. The
wheel spin with aids off is a pretty fun dynaimc to play with, but even so, it's
pretty easy to get under control if you lose it.

Something I'm curious about. Has anyone tried driving the 'ring backwards? I
thought about trying it a while ago, but just kinda put it off. I tried it
earlier. It's definitely a bit difficult to remember all the turns in reverse
order, but you also don't have the brake indicator light. And since some of the
turns are blind, it's hard to find your braking points.

---
I wish somebody would give me a golden shower. 1. I like gold. 2. I like
showers.-Robert Freeman

From: ciscrack | Posted: 11/19/2005 12:34:16 PM | Message Detail

Good point Muse. That's why I picked it. I looked at the list of previous WR's
and noticed there had been no other cars that handled like this one would.
Figured I'd give you guys' a different kinda drive.

---
I wish somebody would give me a golden shower. 1. I like gold. 2. I like
showers.-Robert Freeman
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: Onikaze | Posted: 11/20/2005 8:15:30 AM | Message Detail

I used to love drifting the ring backwards.

Oldguy, racecars tend to have little to no steering assist, so in that sense it
would be accurate.

A Miata? A Mustang? A BMW?

Those aren't supposed to try to twist your arms off in normal driving.

You're still cranking and tossing the wheel like mad in EPR, but in street cars
it isn't trying to crank your arms off.

I will digress though, but it really is an amazing game, damn shame it got
absolutely no respect between GT4 and Forza.
---
If I wanted to play as a girly and whiny emo guy I'd play one of the single
player FF games.BlackBladeRune on MGS2


From: Flibutz | Posted: 11/20/2005 11:20:08 AM | Message Detail

Mission 34 - Pseudo-NTSC run

The PAL version normally starts 8 seconds earlier than the NTSC one. I countered
this by starting later. I was a little late, so the 300SL got a headstart of
123.5-124 seconds. But the headstart isn't the whole story. The driving mission
faq states that the NTSC 300SL finishes in 9'13. The PAL one doesn't. It took
9'18 to finish, but it stopped accelerating when I finished and only did 80km/h
(50 mph) after that.

That said, I might or might not have beaten the true NTSC M34. It would have
been very close, that's for sure.

Finishing times:

Me - 9'13.684
300SL - 9'18.353
SLK 230 - 9'21.149

Passing points:

SL 65 AMG - Karussell exit

SL 500 - Between Brunnchen and Pflanzgarten I

190E 2.5 Evo II - Galgenkopf

SLK 230 - Split 11

300 SL - The first R of the last RLR before finish line (hope that makes sense).

Gap at split points:

T1: +1'50.068
T2: +1'40.501
T3: +1'32.740
T4: +1'19.493
T5: +1'06.391
T6: +54.447
T7: +40.328
T8: +31.044
T9: +24.620
T10: +12.149
T11: +3.594
Finish: -4.669

WR:

The Superbird handles pretty well for a boat that it is. Everything just needs
to be planned well beforehand. It pushes somewhat, but loading the front wheels
helps that. The gear ratios are annoying, but not as much as in some of the
other muscle cars. This is because the engine doesn't like to rev so the limiter
is hard to reach. Everything happens slow with this car, making it easy on the
reflexes.

I spent most of my Titanic time on S2s, best lap 8'02.220, but I did run a
couple of laps on N2s and clocked a 8'32.515.



From: Onikaze | Posted: 11/20/2005 12:07:49 PM | Message Detail

2:30 P.M. Speed Channel.

24 Hours of Nurburgring Highlights.

(Not sure what the time is where you are, I'm in Memphis, which I believe is
still EST)
---
If I wanted to play as a girly and whiny emo guy I'd play one of the single
player FF games.BlackBladeRune on MGS2


From: Onikaze | Posted: 11/20/2005 12:08:57 PM | Message Detail

Oh, I am at GMT-6.
---
If I wanted to play as a girly and whiny emo guy I'd play one of the single
player FF games.BlackBladeRune on MGS2



From: Amarynceus | Posted: 11/20/2005 12:31:10 PM | Message Detail

Thanks Oni, I'm glad I habitually look at GameFAQs in the morning. It's starting
right NOW.

---
For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds:
Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.



From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 11/20/2005 1:34:30 PM | Message Detail

Thanks Oni. I just caught about the last 20 minutes of it. I didn't know they
still used it for any real races. Was that the full course, as we race it? They
must throw some of the F1 course in, too, because I saw a hairpin I didn't
recognize.
---
A.K.A. Don Papa


From: Amarynceus | Posted: 11/20/2005 1:38:51 PM | Message Detail

Yeah, they run on the Grand Prix circuit as well, which connects at the
beginning of the start/finish straightlet that GT4 uses.

It was nice to see the real track, as it's hard to ever get any footage of it. I
was really hankering for a full lap in-car, but oh well. I could recognize any
part of the Nordschleife at a glance. Imagine running it wet like that!

And surprise surprise, the M3 GTRs won it.

If they ran coverage of it like they do Le Mans, I think I'd watch it. It helped
that I recognized a lot of the drivers, from watching bits of various European
auto racing series.

---
For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds:
Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.



From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/20/2005 1:42:50 PM | Message Detail

Amarynceus, it's good to know you lurk, I'd been wondering about you, being that
11 is approaching 500. Hope all is well. Peace.

---
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will
be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27



From: Amarynceus | Posted: 11/20/2005 1:46:53 PM | Message Detail

Thanks muse, I've just been a bit busy lately.

Just have one more race to do on the 5-'Ring Circus and then it's WR time, I hope.

[vitg]

From: Amarynceus | Posted: 11/20/2005 9:53:32 PM | Message Detail

Somehow (why the gods of drift would smile on a gripper like me I don't know) it all came out right, and the superiour handling ofthe little Mazda took a 2-length lead and stretched it out by 5 as my other nemesis, Galgenkopf, grew rapidly. As we came out onto the straight, the Merc breathed a sigh of relief, stopped wallowing, and ate my pathetic 1.5" lead with great glee. Instead of rear-ending me he tapped the brakes; left, then, right, then left again, inches apart at 124 mph. From one edge of the track to another we dueled; he ended up trying the outside line into Antoniusbuche and lost out to my faster line. After that the lighter weight of the 110S paid off and I took the flag with relief and a 0.650" margin.

Time: 9'18.365"
63/63 pts

2. Manufacturers Events--Club M

I've already obtained 200pts in this race using an M Coupe, so I decided to go for something easier. Picked out my Imolarot M3, set it back to stock (it had a full complement of drivetrain mods from doing the El Cap Enduro) except for keeping the S1s on it.

The Club M lineup only changes in order, never composition, so I felt lucky that the first to pop up had the M5 directly in front of me and the slow-ass (comparatively) M Coupe on pole. Points: 141

Cold hard S1 rubber did me no kindness through the first technical situation, and I capped it by botching Flugplatz and flying sideways into the Armco. Sure that all was lost, imagine my surprise when I caught back up to the pack in the
final right of Adenauer-Forst! I even got the M5 in this bend. Turns out the M Coupe had fended off the lot of them nicely and their infighting behind him slowed everyone down. I was in second going into Miss-Hit-Miss and Breidscheide saw me take the lead!

Mr. Coupe in fact held the lead all the way to Hohe-Act; the M5 went from dead last at Bergwerk to crammed up the Coupe's capacious ass from Mutkurve all the way to the bend before T7, at which point he took the lead a full 7 seconds behind me. Huzzah for slow cars on pole! I won by 4.250"

Time: 8'04.324"
141/141 pts, total 204

3. European Events--Europe Classic Car League

I took out my Elan, stripped out the HP mods but left in the custom tranny and drivetrain mods, and slapped on N2s. I then shuffled lineups until there were no Fiats or Mini Marcoses and no A/C 427s. I finally got:

Alfa Romeo Guilia Sprint GTA 1600 '65
Lotus Elan S1 '62
Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 Duetto '66
Mercedes 300 SL Coupe '54
Alfa Romeo Guilia Sprint Speciale '63

Points: 53

The transmission had been set up for a short track; I took a guess at new settings and then jumped in the race. It turned out to be a little too short as I was bouncing off the rev limiter at 120 mph but it turned out to be good enough.

Despite a sloppy sector one, I was all over the Merc after Flugplatz and would have got him if he hadn't pulled wide (into my path) to pass a Fiat. Unfortunately I got out of shape coming into Aremburg and went into the sand, slipping back to 4th. I caught up faster than I though I would, passed the white
Fiat coming out of A-F, and reeled in the other Elan, diving past in the R/L before Miss-Hit-Miss. To my surprise I was hauling in the Merc in steadily, and braked hard into Breidscheid, swapping paint but getting ahead for Exmuhle.
After that he was no threat; I was expecting him to be all over me on the uphill run but although he was only a few lengths behind he didn't have anything extra to reel me in with. After that it was just a matter of staying on the track and not doing anything silly. The Elan can take corners on N2s nearly as fast as
many cars can on S2s so there wasn't much of a problem there. Won by a whopping 5.788" (the gap had been a massive 9" flat at the start of the straight).

Time: 9'10.461"
53/53 pts]
\
From: Amarynceus | Posted: 11/20/2005 9:54:38 PM | Message Detail

4. European Events--Pan Euro Championship

Like Flibutz I've previously obtained 200 pts in this race (with the GTR as well), so I emulated him and poked through cars with similar P:W. Right below it was the M3 CSL, and a bit below that the Lotus Esprit Sport 350 '00. Not having taken the latter out of the garage before, I decided to go with it rather than with the CSL which I knew could be an easy win. I instinctively changed the oil, then checked the P:W and found it had shot way up the list. Being too lazy and poor to get another, I opted for filling all the loose spaces in the cabin with my student loan past-due notices which coincidentaly came to 200 kg. I went up
against the initial lineup in the race, which I knew would give good points. They lined up SL55, Cizetta, T350C, RS 6, SLR. The SLR was the obvious heavyweight, but being 5th I anticipated doing the same thing as in the M club; i.e. get to the front quicklike whilst my opponent gets mired in traffic.

Points: 198

I shouldered my way into fourth before the run to Flugplatz, then set about reeling in the leading pack. The SLR made short work of the RS 6, no surprise, and wasn't too far behind me. Schwedenkruz was hairy as I completely ran out of room on the outside, with the outside of the tread sitting right on the edge of
the track (checked this with the photo option in replay theatre). Came out of Adenauer-Forst right on the TVR's ass, but his superior power showed as he pulled away on the run to Metzgesfeld. I took this conservatively as I still have the bad habit of running out of track and the lack of any serious camber on this corner means understeer city when one is too hot on the entry. Nonetheless I was still braver than the TVR and I managed to outbrake him into Kallenhard and come out tailing the SL55, who had lost out at some point to the Cizetta.

Keeping my nose clean through Miss-Hit-Miss (I think I've finally settled my differences with this complex) I dove cleanly past the SL going down into Wehrseifen. With the Cizetta a mere 0.7" ahead, I got too eager at Breidscheide and put it into the outside wall, caroming into the grass on the other side and
then clipping the inside of Exmuhle. By the split after Bergwerk, despite being still in 2nd place, the Cizetta was 3.8" ahead. Fortunately the SL55 was playing hard to get, and the TVR and SLR were banging away behind him. The SLR of course
won out on the long pull up the hill. Somehow I only lost a tenth to the Cizetta.

Despite a hairy moment at Hohe Acht and another all-too-typical agricultural excursion coming off that hard right between Eschbach and Bruunchen, I reeled in a second before the Pflanzgarten section. I caught up some more due to the AI's
cowardice there, but watching my mirrors too much (looming SLR) resulted in some mistakes and I was still 3" back coming out of the Gallows corner (Galgenkopf). It was block-block-block with the SLR all the way down the straight, but I was well pleased to see the Cizetta hadn't been able to cope with the Schikane and
was pulling out of the grass as I came into it. I got inside of him on the very last right and took the lead, though both of us ran wide and right off the track.

The Cizetta continued to have problems, but despite no less than 5 offs between the start and Hocheichen, every single time he managed to come out just in front of the SLR, allowing me to open up precious seconds. Unfortunately he lost it coming into Aremburg and went backwards into the sand, freeing the SLR to hunt me down. I kept the gap steady at 3" but lost time on the uphill run to the Karussel. By Pflanzgarten it was 1.8" and by the split after Galgenkopf it was a mere .122" but I held him off to the line to win with a 0.749" margin. Huzzah!

Time: 15'27.648"
198/198 points

---
For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds:
Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.

From: Amarynceus | Posted: 11/20/2005 9:57:04 PM | Message Detail

5. Extreme Events--GT All Stars

Another race where I've already got the full points before, using a Motul Pitworks Z, so I tried something different. Took out one of my black 787Bs, the one that had had an oil change, and shuffled lineups until it was almost all LMP1-quality opponents; Playstation C60, GT-One, R8, Minolta and Toyota 7, for 167 pts. There was 100 kilos on my 787B from some previous race and I left it there.

Mindful of my tendency to crash at the very first corner in high-powered cars, I took it nice and easy all the wa to Hocheichen. The Toyota 7 made things easier by bouncing off the walls before the first significant right. I unfortunately didn't go far enough too the outside at Flugplatz and lost it into the Armco, which kept me at least pointed the right way as I resumed my pursuit.

Aremburg was ugly as I first tasted some inside grass and then slid the left rear into the gravel, but directional integrity was retained. I caught up the Audi, Minolta and GT-One at A-F; the C60 was already opening a small gap. I got a good drive out of A-F and immediately smoked the Audi and Minolta; the GT-One
I passed into Metzgesfeld, and then after skittering through Miss-Hit-Miss and tailing the C60 into Wehrseifen, I got him at Breidscheide (which the AI is always conservative at). The Mazda was being very skittish, thumping heavily even though I wasn't bottoming out at all, and given that my springs were still
moderately stiff the wheels shouldn't have been slamming into the tops of the wells, but maybe they were? Anyway, by the split after the Mutkurve I was already looking at a 4" lead, and it was looking pretty sewn up -- except for the whole handling thing.

Held it fairly well together on the run down from the top, but by the entrance to Pflanzgarten I had given up a full 2 seconds. Gained one back through that section, but I ran wide on the entrance of Galgenkopf and bumped the Armco hard.
Coming back onto track sideways, I overcorrected too hard, swinging the tail around towards the inside of the curve and nosing it into the outside Armco once more, then bounced back on track once more, again whipping my tail around, this
time onto the inside kerbing. A panicked tap of the brakes ended with me violently spinning, as the C60 merrily zoomed past my now perpendicular vehicle. I got 'er underway again just in time ,as the trio of Toyota, Toyota and Audi crested Galgenkopf and came pretty close to my tail.

Surprisingly the C60 wasn't that far ahead. I drove like a sensible person through Sector One, and by the Flugplatz split the gap was below 2" once more. I thought about a move at Aremburg, but then thought of the sand and simply kept station. I actually made a move coming out of Fuchsrohre but the C60 kept up too
much speed and I had to yeild the line. Going into A-F proper I moved again and was rewarded by a slap across the nose; I made it alongside but then of course I had the wrong line for the right-hander and had to yeild position again.
However, me being outside meant that his radius was shrunken for said right-hander and I ended up with the better exit speed and went outside of him. In typical mindless AI fashion he took his usual (and proper) wide line which pushed me half off into the grass, but I perservered and finally put him in his
proper place. After that it was all a matter of keeping the Mazda pointed the proper way, which I did. Oh, sure, there was that wall-smack at Breidscheide, and the one coming off the Mutkurve, and that incident at Klostertal, and my entirely hamfisted handling of Hohe-Acht, all of which resulted in my bumper
being covered with Pescarolo by Eschbach, but I kept the lead all the way and his repeated attempts to pass resulted with the Minolta catching him up and distracting him, finally passing him on the straight before doing a beautiful 720 in the Schikane.

Final gap: 03.598"

Time: 12'24.386"
Points: 167/167

Total points: 622/622



From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/20/2005 11:00:34 PM | Message Detail

MrP! You've been missed! Welcome back!

Amarynceus! Well done- and kudos to you for driving the Elan, I agree about it's N2 handling equaling (if not exceeding) the S2 handling of many other cars.

As for the difference between whiskey and beer, does the SuperBird have the six pack (six barrel carburator)? I'm sure that's not what MrP was talking about, but it came to mind.


---
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will
be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27



From: ciscrack | Posted: 11/20/2005 11:05:15 PM | Message Detail

The 'bird had 3 engine choices, the 426 Hemi(the rarest), the 440 Super commando(most common) and the 440 six-pack.

---

From: jwrebholz | Posted: 11/21/2005 10:57:08 AM | Message Detail


Here's an interesting BR idea for you guys this week.


The Happy Thanksgiving BR!

Your catering service has landed a huge contract--thanksgiving dinner for a major company. Three huge turkeys and all the fixings are being carefully and lovingly prepared by Chef Boris, a man known for both his fine cuisine and his ridiculous temper. He's also known for his non-punctuality, and as you sit waiting on delivery-day, Chef Boris is taking his sweet time with the meal.
Finally, it's ready--all 100 kilos of food. There is, of course, one small problem--you've got to haul it across town, and FAST. You know from past experience with jobs like this that it'll take you and your team at least 20 minutes to get everything set up--and the dinner is set to start in half an
hour. Time to drop the hammer.

Oh yeah, and one other thing--Wreck this meal and you answer to Boris.

Conditions:
Vehicle MUST be a station wagon or van.
100 kg of ballast must be placed over the rear axle (as close as you can manage..figure halfway from center to rear)The car must be street legal (N tires only, no exhaust modifications, no weight
reduction, no nitrous)You go off-track--even dropping ONE wheel--and dinner is ruined.
---
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that you're a moron.


From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 11/21/2005 12:38:46 PM | Message Detail

That's going to take some major adjustments to my line. I don't think I've EVER run the entire Ring without intentionally running a couple tires over some curbs here and there.

Is this a one-shot deal again? Or do we get to try it until we get it right?
---
A.K.A. Don Papa



From: jwrebholz | Posted: 11/21/2005 12:48:53 PM | Message Detail

Since I'd like a chance to actually finish this one myself, you can keep trying until you get it.
---
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that you're a moron.

[vitg]

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 11/21/2005 12:50:14 PM | Message Detail

I had a BR idea, but its probably for the better that I got beat to the punch,
as I have some details that I need someone's opinion on before I can post it.
With that in mind, can someone with a pretty good idea of what a fair and
challenging budget would be email me. I'll give the basic details of the
challenge, and you can give me an idea of what a fair budget would be. Whoever
emails me, post that you're emailing me here, so that I don't get 10 people
emailing me for this. I want to keep the details to only one other person until
I actually post it next week.

BigMike1975 yahoo

---
From: MrPinstripes | Posted: 11/21/2005 1:37:34 PM | Message Detail

When I wrote up my WR review, I forgot to open the post with...

*waka-tika-waka-tika-waka-tika-waka-tika-waka-tika-waka-tika*

It's not as funny now, though.

---

For those who were curious as to my less-than-standard adjectives to describe
cars, here you go.

A car that is "beerish" is sorta sloppy, a bit loud, and is more about fun than
true performance. There are various degrees of "beer", from the uberbeer of the
Super Bird to the potent stout of the Jaguar E-Type.

A "whiskey" car (the spelling of that is a big clue as to what flavor I like) is
a unruly, fire-breathing monster. Any car that leaves you gasping for breath but
really pumped is probably a "whiskey" car- the CTR and AC Cobra both fall into
this category.

A "wine" car is similar to a "beer" car, but more refined and subtle. It's the
kind of car that makes you relax and enjoy it's handling or style. A Merc 300SL
or a Lotus Elise are good examples of "wine" cars.

---

Amarynceus- Congratulations! You're the first person to completely demolish the
text barrier! It was a good read, though, so I guess I can forgive you.

Soul- I'd volunteer, but I'm a bit out of touch with tuning right now. If no one
else steps up in the next day or so, I'll lend you my "expertise".


From: ciscrack | Posted: 11/21/2005 1:56:02 PM | Message Detail

Turkeys delivered! And with 1'42.609 to spare. My Audi RS 6 Avant did the job no
problem. I wasn't even tryin' to drive that hard either. Me get turkey now?

---
I wish somebody would give me a golden shower. 1. I like gold. 2. I like
showers.-Robert Freeman
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1



From: bttlefed | Posted: 11/21/2005 3:34:33 PM | Message Detail

Can someone tell me where I can find that video of the Skyline synchronized with
the real-life race car on this track. I can't seem to find it. Can't even
remember the name of it.
From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/21/2005 4:16:08 PM | Message Detail
You know it's funny, I was lamenting PD's decision to inlcude the Lexus IS300 as
a wagon only, and now you've created incentive to drive it. Well done.

MrP, I love your modifiers. I googled your spelling, and right at the top were
Scotch and Irish. I don't drink anymore, but Bushmill's and Jameson's were
favorites of mine. You a scotch man?

Soulidarity, I'll email you with my thoughts on the BR, but if someone already
has, I don't mind if you have to disregard mine.

Peace.

---
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will
be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27



From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 11/21/2005 6:31:55 PM | Message Detail

Soulidarity,
If you need a hand I will gladly help if you get stuck

email : [e-mail]



From: MrPinstripes | Posted: 11/21/2005 6:43:06 PM | Message Detail

Well, I had a nice string of Nurburgring Adventures today. I decided that since
I'd been given free reign of GT for a few hours, I'd play catch-up.

I started in on the 5-'Ring Circus.

First up was that stupid GT All-Stars race. I'm really not very good with race
cars, and LMP-class cars cause me the most problems. Still, I bravely stepped
into the 'Ring with a BMW McLaren F1; tuned, not modified (for 200 points).

I spent the greater part of the first lap being gang-raped by a Nissan R390 and
a Audi R8, either being pushed off track to play armco pinball or being violated
through every braking zone imaginable. Crossing the finish line on lap 1 I was
12 seconds behind the R89CP. Lap 2 I spent trying to overcome a huge time gap,
ultimately burning off what was left of my rear tires (into the red at
Pflanzgarten I) and eating armco for the loss at Galgenkoph. I was 31 seconds
down across the line.

On my second (unofficial) attempt, I tweaked the setup a bit and won by 7
seconds. No pinball, no violation, just nice, clean racing on green-to-yellow
tires. Just goes to show you how badly playing bumper cars can **** up your
tires.

Next up was the Pan-Euro Championship. I figured I'd play it safe this time and
hopped into a stock Ruf RGT on S2 tires. I thought I'd be safe, but I didn't
count on the evil that is the Jaguar XJ220 Road Car. I came in 2.2 seconds down
and gaining, but I just couldn't pull 2 consecutive 7'20 laps. I'd have passed
him by Hocheichen on Lap 3.

I ended up ditching my re-run through Club "M" after I completely blew Suzuka (I
really hate that track). I know we weren't supposed to race through the whole
series, but I needed the practice and wanted a new M3 GTR. Oh, well. Guess I'll
have to wait a bit.

After that I gave up, because I was getting really frustrated.

I gave the Happy Thanksgiving BR (with a twist) a shot in a stock Mitsubishi
Legnum VR-4.

My twist was my food was prepared sooner (18 minute time limit), but I had to
drive through traffic to get it, pick it up, then deliver it unharmed (or, I
entered a Family Cup and did a drive-through pit stop at the end of Lap 1 to
"pick up" the chow, then I had to do a clean second lap).

So far I've failed miserably, making it as far as Hocheichen with the munchables
before smearing them all over my rear windows. The Legnum is a beast on N2s with
that much weight in the back; even coming off driving a RGT, it was very
tail-happy.

Muse- Indeed, I tend toward Irish and Scotch whiskeys, though I thought only the
Irish were allowed to spell it with an "e". Jameson is my poison of choice right
now, as a matter of fact. That and Cabernet Sauvignon (sp?) are what keep me
warm at night (on the rare occasions I drink).

Later, all.

---
Sam the Eagle: *opens door* You are all weirdos. *closes door*
Pics- photobucket.com/albums/a346/MrPinstripes/



From: ciscrack | Posted: 11/21/2005 7:18:20 PM | Message Detail

Hey guys! I just realized someone new needs to be chosen for the WR. Who will it
be? MrPin, Amar, Dubitup, Don Papa? I don't know how recently any of you
might've chosen one. Dub was mentioned last week before I grabbed it, so I'd
like to give him first choice.

On the whiskey/whisky tip- My bottle of Jameson says "whiskey", my Johnnie says
"whisky", and bourbons are usually "whiskey" as well. It's rather fitting that I
favor the drink, considering that the song says so.

"He drank whiskey, Pancho drank the wine"

---
I wish somebody would give me a golden shower. 1. I like gold. 2. I like
showers.-Robert Freeman
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: bttlefed | Posted: 11/21/2005 7:25:45 PM | Message Detail

11'13".835 on the 'ring with a stock, but freshly oiled '70 Honda Z Act. Oh, I
did have on super-soft (R5) racing tires


.
From: jwrebholz | Posted: 11/21/2005 7:27:33 PM | Message Detail

More than 80% of the cars in this game can complete a lap of the 'Ring in 10
minutes or less on N-grade tires (when unladen). In fact it'd be a quite
leisurely pace compared to most of our times. I honestly didn't expect anyone
here to have any trouble succeeding except possibly myself.

You'll note there's no "budget" to this budget rider. You can spend as much or
as little on the car as you want. I didn't bother setting a budget because quite
frankly it doesn't matter how much you spend--you still have to throw a huge
weight in the back and run on the worst tires in the game, and those two factors
are going to f*** up just about anything you try to do. The only cars designed
to tolerate having large weights in the rear are pickup trucks--and there's only
3 in the game to choose from (4 if you count the Daihatsu Midget) and if you
used a truck, the food would get cold--so I decided to disallow them.
---
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that you're a moron.



From: Imperialdramon9 | Posted: 11/21/2005 8:31:06 PM | Message Detail

WR

I decided to do this run with a Subaru Touring Wagon '03, stock except for an
oil change and N2 tires. I managed a clean run around the Ring with 38.763
seconds to spare, though the dinner got dangerously close to being spilled two
or three times. Thankfully, these people who live next to the Nurburgring like
their Thanksgiving dinner to be a little shaken up, because otherwise I don't
think they would have been very happy with it.
---
Xbox Gamertag - Xenigma
SLAI Alias- Xenigma Chip Name- Omega Team- Vanguard


From: Imperialdramon9 | Posted: 11/21/2005 8:32:33 PM | Message Detail

Ack, I meant the BR, though I suppose it was fairly obvious what I meant. I wish
I could have done the WR, but I never found the time to go win a Superbird.


From: jwrebholz | Posted: 11/21/2005 8:57:59 PM | Message Detail

On the whiskey subject, in case anyone cares--I like a good scotch now and
again, but I'm also partial to Jameson.
---
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that you're a moron.



From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/22/2005 4:51:16 AM | Message Detail

Considering this week's BR, it's a shame there's not an American classic station
wagon: the beasts with woodgrain siding and muscle car engines that were long as
hearsts and had tailgates. Everyone playing the game would wonder why they were
included, but man, they'd be perfect for this BR.

Peace.

---
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will
be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27


From: Flibutz | Posted: 11/22/2005 5:56:34 AM | Message Detail

Happy Thanksgiving BR:

Finally, I got a chance to use my Volvo 240 GLT Estate '88! The 240 was very
popular in Finland, and it still is. I even drove one of them two or three
times, it was a turbodiesel sedan. It wasn't as bad a handler IRL as you might
think. The power steering was too powerful though, it gave absolutely no
information about what the front tyres were doing.

We used to have a Volvo 360GL '88 as our family car. That was the car I used to
learn how to drive. It had a two liter engine producing 100hp. The steering had
good feel (no power steering), but the suspension didn't work very well. It
pushed A LOT. But hey, it was originally designed by DAF.

Ok, on with the BR. I bought the following mods for the Volvo: (It's in Silver
Metallic, BTW)

-Oil Change
-NA Stage 2
-Port Polish
-Engine Balancing
-Sports Suspension
-Twin Plate Clutch
-Sports Flywheel
-Carbon Driveshaft
-N2 Tyres

I didn't allow myself to use a racing chip (the car has no ECU, for god's
sakes!) or racing brakes (they have to warm up for proper function, clearly not
for road use!)

The upgrades brought the car up to 215 garage hp. I slapped the 100kg ballast
all the way to the back. Correct me if I'm wrong, not sure at all about this,
but I think that's directly on the rear wheels as GT only allows us to put the
ballast on or between the wheels.

The Volvo handled nice and stable. I was close to losing it at Pflanzgarten I,
but managed to stay on the pavement by panic braking. Other than that, a nice
lap. I was pushing the car relatively hard, considering the circumstances. I
managed a high 9'31 so the turkey arrived on time. I did half a lap before this,
I used NA3 and N3s but that setup proved way too fast to be exciting.

---
"All other opinions are idiotic, honestly." –Dethsentence

[vitg]

From: Flibutz | Posted: 11/22/2005 5:58:12 AM | Message Detail


Last night I tried out all of the Nismo 'Lines, so here goes:

Nismo GT-R LM Road Going Version '95:

This is a fine handler, maybe even the best of the bunch. The problem is its
gearbox, 4 gears +overdrive. It can reach 160km/h (100mph) on second gear, and
it only has a little over 300hp! The rev limiter is at 9500rpm, but as the the
power power peaks at 6800rpm, revving it even close to that is of no use. The
car felt like it was begging for more power. I did two laps, and I think I was
being a bit too careful.

Best lap: 7'45

Nismo 270R: '94

I didn't like the 270R much. Too pushy for my tastes but ok. Faster than the LM
on the straights, mostly due to better ratios, slower through the turns. I did
several laps, as I screwed up many of them, but finally clocked a lap which I'm
very happy with. The car was probably slower overall than the LM.

Best lap: 7'44

Nismo 400R: '96

This didn't turn out as one of my favourites either. Even more pushy than the
270R, probably due to 4WD. Engine characteristics resembled the LM, but
thankfully it has more power and shorter ratios. I did two laps +a couple of
restarts.

Best lap: 7'28

Nismo Skyline GT-R S-tune (R32) '00

Now we're talking! I actually liked the steroid version of the Godzilla, as it
has much less understeer than the 400R. A good, balanced car in every aspect.
Two laps.

Best lap: 7'24

Nismo Skyline GT-R R-tune (R34) '99

The fastest Nismo 'line, this was also my favourite. The handling was very good,
not pushy at all for a 4WD. It turns great, drifts when you want it to, powers
out of corners with remarkable grip, and feels under control all the time while
doing these things. Gotta love it.

-----

On a side note, it seems I can't post the trademark sign with my home computer.
I can put it in the text while I'm writing, but it turns into ™ when I
preview it. Oh well, it's not that important anyway...

Mr.P - Glad to have you back! Hopefully you won't run into any more trouble with
the Mrs.

Amar - Cizeta is actually written with only one t. =D

Hey! I corrected Amar's spelling! Now there's something that doesn't happen
every day...

---
"All other opinions are idiotic, honestly." –Dethsentence


From: jwrebholz | Posted: 11/22/2005 7:34:42 AM | Message Detail

And now for my Happy Thanksgiving BR!

Boris finished loading the food in the trunk. "You heff ten minits, boy. Please
to be pushing the pedal to the metal, and if you destroy my beautyous meal, I
destroy YOU!" With that helpful ultimatum at my back, I jumped into my Subaru
Legacy 3.0GT Wagon (stock, refrigerator white) and hauled it.

Thank God traffic was light. As I pulled out of the parking lot I took a glance
at the nearby Donut Land--every cop in town was parked there. Perfect. Not only
were the roads clear, but I could speed with impunity.
You'd be surprised how well a station wagon handles with more than 200 pounds of
junk in the trunk. I guess the Subie wasn't a bad performer to start with, so
that helped me out a lot. My Subie tracked pleasantly along the side-streets and
shortcuts--they were twistier, but it kept me off the main roads where much of
the traffic lied. Unfortunately it also ate up time, and despite my best efforts
I was starting to run behind. I knew these roads well, and just after this next
sharp left was an on-ramp to the freeway, which I could take the remainder of
the distance to my goal and make up a LOT of time.
My crew was already waiting outside when I screamed into the parking lot,
slamming on the brakes at the front door. I popped the hatch and glanced at my
watch. Ten seconds to spare--just barely made it. A quick look at my payload
told me everything was AOK. Boris wouldn't be serving ME as his next
entree--although if he doesn't start sooner next time I'm finding a new chef.
---
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that you're a moron.




From: Flibutz | Posted: 11/22/2005 8:28:29 AM | Message Detail

Whoops, I forgot to add in the laptime for the GT-R R-tune. It was 7'15.
---
"All other opinions are idiotic, honestly." –Dethsentence



From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 11/22/2005 1:44:18 PM | Message Detail

Turkey Run

I jumped in my Nissan Stagea 260 RS AutechVersion '98 to deliver Boris's Turkey
Day delights. I drove cautiously fast and touched nary a piece of grass or curb,
except that I ran my left wheels up on the cobblestones (or whatever it is) on
exit of Kallenhard (the right just before miss-hit-miss) out of habit...not
because I was going too fast.

I wonder, why is my cellphone ringing and ringing? I didn't have time to take my
hands off the wheel to answer it.

I reached my delivery address in 9 minutes flat and jumped out to unload the
feast when I noticed (DAMN) I forgot to load the food. Boris is going to be
pissed. Now I know who was trying to call me on my cellphone!

Actually, about halfway through the run I realized I had forgotten to add the
ballast to the back. I'll stick it in and rerun it this evening.
---
A.K.A. Don Papa



From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/22/2005 4:39:45 PM | Message Detail

JW, one question about the BR- are SUV's allowed?

---
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will
be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27



From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 11/22/2005 6:16:43 PM | Message Detail

Turkey Run II (the sequel)

I drove back to get the goodies and loaded them in the back, and headed for the
delivery address again. I drove a little more aggressively this time. I figured,
what the hell, Boris is going to fire me, then chop all my fingers off with a
meat cleaver anyway. I might as well have some fun while I can still grasp a
steering wheel.

Once again, my tires touched nothing but tarmac. I checked in with the meal a
blazing second and a half faster than I had with an empty car, at 8'58.6.

The car actually drove pretty nice. I bought it used for 22,500 cr, gave it a
little blue pill and an oil change, and that's all. Oh...I DID throw a set of OZ
031 rims on it, just to be cool. It's a 4WD, so maybe I'll find a use for in the
special conditions hall someday.

Peace, out.
---
A.K.A. Don Papa


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 11/22/2005 6:43:53 PM | Message Detail

Thanksgiving Turkey Run BR

I have been waiting for an excuse to use my '88 Volvo 240 GLT Estate.
My Son and his Wife used to have the exact same one except they called theirs
“Mr. Hanky”, I will leave you to work out why.
This car is a behemoth, adding 100kg of food as far back as I could set it made
no difference whatsoever as all up it weighed nearly two tonnes!
So a hundred kg of Turkey was not going to faze it much!
To get a feel for the challenge I ran it bog standard on N3's with aids off. At
135 hp after oil change it had strong brakes but was woefully underpowered and
horribly geared.
Anyway first lap I hit no kerbs but it took me 10 ' 46. 328 to get around. All
the way round I kept having visions of Mr. Bean with his head stuck up the ***
of a giant Turkey, so I was probably being ultra cautious as I did not want to
suffer the same fate!!
I first of all added Stage 1 N/A tuneup and tried again, at 160 hp it was no
Sports Car but it was a lot better.
First lap after upgrade was again kerbless but only a 10' 11.247, bugger ; too
cautious I think.
Next attempt was 10 ' 00 . 340 , so close but no coconut ! I also clipped the
wall on the last corner so it did not matter anyway.
What to do? Keep trying with this setup ? Nahh! , at ten minutes a lap I did not
have the patience, so back to the tuneup shop I went. Trying to keep away from
sport or racing upgrades I went for a Engine Balance. Not a huge increase in
horsepower ( 166 hp ) but improved engine response and top end were the result.
Excellent.
First try with new upgrade yielded a 9 ' 58 . 695 with kerbs unscathed although
there were a few close calls, I am going to check out some photos from the
replay as there must have been millimetres in it at Aremberg and Wipperman.
In the end I decided the old Volvo handled pretty well , the best way to drive
it fast was to maintain momentum by tapping the brakes and coasting a lot as it
did not slow down much, probably due to inertia.
So I managed the dash okay but I dont think the Souffles would have survived.


From: jwrebholz | Posted: 11/22/2005 7:41:13 PM | Message Detail

No SUVs or pickup trucks are allowed. Just station wagons and minivans. As for
what defines a wagon..use your better judgement.
---
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that you're a moron.


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 11/22/2005 7:57:16 PM | Message Detail

Honey, I splattered the turkey dinner all over the kids! (almost)

That idiot Boris had done it again. I wasn't even sure why I had hired the
buffoon. Sure, his cooking was outstanding, but the guy had no sense of urgency.
He was a procrastinator of the worst kind. And as if that wasn't enough, he had
a flare for being both demanding and condescending about taking care of his
creations.

So here I was driving my brand new Mitsubishi Airtrek, and forced to rush, as I
only had ten minutes to get it to the banquet hall across town. Sure this
contract was a sweet deal, but this was a bit too much pressure. I was forced to
drive far too fast.

"You wreck my dinner, and I will have your head!" Boris had screamed after him
as he climbed into the driver's seat. And he was serious too. Some nerve this
guy had. All I knew was that if I wrecked this dinner, and the inside of my new
car because of that imbecile Boris, he'd be standing in line at the unemployment
office tomorrow. Have my head indeed!

As I was fuming over the entire thing, and not paying quite enough attention to
the road, I half-noticed that someone had tagged a road sign with the words
"Adenaur Forst". Whatever that meant. Between Boris, and my annoyance with
"taggers", my attention was lacking a bit too much, as I turned in too hard on
the right hand turn of the "S" shaped section of the road, nearly ran up the
curb, overcorrected, then overcorrected in the opposite direction, swinging the
back end out to the left, and nearly running the back tires onto the grass. With
the adrenaline pumping through my body, I refocused on the task at hand, and
continued on. I was making pretty good time.

Of course I was still feeling the pressure, and with that pressure the need to
push my vehicle's limits. As I passed more grafitti on a road sign, this time
reading "Wipperman esses", I realized I was driving dangerously fast for how
curvy the road was, and although I had maintained fabulous control of the car up
until that point, I realized just how dangerous this was to the turkey dinner.
Then I realized that I cared more about this stupid turkey dinner than I did my
own safety. How silly I was being.

I carefully made my way through the twisty section of this road, and eventually
came around a long sweeping right hand turn, and found myself a long stretch of
flat, straight road. I dropped the hammer, feeling confident that I could
maintain control down the straight. As I came to the end and up a hill, I slowed
down, navigated a few more curves in the road, and pulled into the parking lot
with 17 seconds to spare.

I was already imagining the joy it would bring me when I handed Boris that pink
slip tomorrow. No chef was worth this kind of stress.

Final time: 9'42.336

As for the Air Trek, it actually handled reasonably well. I'm not entirely sure
what to classify it as though. It sort of looks like a strange hybrid of a
mini-van, a station wagon, and an SUV. So I wasn't entirely sure that it met
jw's regulations in that regard, but I figured what the heck. I'm not likely to
have ever picked up this vehicle otherwise.

[vitg]

From: Amarynceus | Posted: 11/22/2005 8:10:41 PM | Message Detail

Ok, finally won me a Superbird to take out on the track. (On the odd chance anybody's interested, a C1 'Vette w/NA1, S3s and drivetrain & suspension mods can get 200pts in the Muscle Car races).

I was pleased by the 'Bird's handling actually. My first lap was all kinds of sloppy as I smoked the tyres, fought understeer and oversteer, and sampled the verdant green, yet I still managed a tolerable 8'18.536". Second lap I managed my throttle a lot better, encountered very little wheelspin and avoided bouncing
off the rev limiter (which requires some delicate throttle control with a DS2 -- it's not easy to hold it right at 90% down the straight). I was rewarded with a nice 8'09.233" for my troubles. I wonder if an 8 flat is possible.... I think I could trim a few seconds off my time but not much more.

Watching the replay, I'm struck by the handling. Although the 'Bird certainly rolls like a boat, it doesn't wallow near as much as some of the other muscle cars. Around a lot of the bends it actually looks more like the body is holding steady and level while the suspension molds itself to the camber of the turn. Pretty nice car!

Too bad the gears are so short! All it needs is a fifth gear added on top to be really great.

I'm not going to talk about that wing though....

---
For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds:
Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.



From: Amarynceus | Posted: 11/22/2005 11:21:53 PM | Message Detail

Heh -- I like this "Turkey Run" BR.

I have a twist to add to it, if anyone's interested. N2s, 300 HP or less, stock suspension, and the "twist" -- treat the 'Ring as if it were a 2-way road -- with the other lane filled by a never-ending stream of log trucks and evil-minded lorry drivers snorting amphetamines and glaring with blood-shot little piggy eyes, just waiting for someone to play "chicken" so they can leave
a nasty greasy patch in their diesel-fumed wakes. Without leaving the road or your "lane" deliver the turkey in less than 10 minutes.

Drive as if you're on this shore of the Pond (right side) -- though I think I'll try it on the left side of the track too. The whole character changes when you can't use the proper lines.

Anyway, I got distracted with these conditions and haven't completed the BR yet. Or my own challenge for that matter.

Oh and I meant to say this earlier but somehow I spaced it:
Welcome back MrPinstripes! Glad to have ya back.

---
From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/23/2005 4:37:09 AM | Message Detail

I knew you'd said no trucks, but I had to see if that Audi beast was an option. I should be ashamed of myself, I know, but what can you do?
Did anyone try the BMW 120's?

---
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will
be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27


From: Flibutz | Posted: 11/23/2005 5:25:34 AM | Message Detail

I don't think the 120 BMWs qualify as wagons or minivans. If they do, Toyota Yaris should be allowed, too. It's funny you should mention that, though, because I just drove both of the 120s last night. I liked them on the 'Ring, especially the 120i though it was a bit slower. 8'37 in the 120i and 8'28 in the 120d on S2s.
---
"All other opinions are idiotic, honestly." –Dethsentence


From: jwrebholz | Posted: 11/23/2005 6:11:43 AM | Message Detail

No, the BMW 1-series, I think, is too small to qualify as a wagon. Same goes for the PT Cruiser. The Pontiac Vibe however could be considered a wagon.
---
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that you're a moron.


From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 11/23/2005 2:55:03 PM | Message Detail

As far as I know, we still don't have a WR™ chooser for this week. I've seen Dubitup lurking around in some other threads, and he was specifically mentioned as a possible chooser if he wants it.

So, how about it, Dub? Got a car if mind you'd like us all to drive?

And BTW, I'm still wondering what happened to BigRob. His last post was something to do with going to work and Hurricane Katrina. I'm wondering if his 'puter got drownded??? I kinda miss his rambling run-on, wall-of-text paragraph/sentences. He had just bought a DFP, too.

Where are you, BigRob???
---
A.K.A. Don Papa



From: Soulidarity | Posted: 11/23/2005 3:35:46 PM | Message Detail

ya, I keep wondering about BigRob too :/

---
From: ciscrack | Posted: 11/23/2005 3:43:58 PM | Message Detail

I've been waiting for someone to step up. Anybody? Any of you vets wanna pick somethin'? Maybe everyone's getting to busy with turkey festivities. Is the WR taking a holiday week off? I know I'll be gone most of the weekend. Happy turkey
day all!

---
I wish somebody would give me a golden shower. 1. I like gold. 2. I like
showers.-Robert Freeman
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/23/2005 4:10:22 PM | Message Detail

If it's up for grabs, does anyone have a car ready? If not, I do, but it can certainly wait if someone else wants the pick.

---
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will
be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27


From: ciscrack | Posted: 11/23/2005 4:22:11 PM | Message Detail

This weeks WR is now being passed on to wanderingmuse. I hope you don't mind, I kinda got a feeling you have somethin' for us.

---
I wish somebody would give me a golden shower. 1. I like gold. 2. I like
showers.-Robert Freeman
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/23/2005 4:30:20 PM | Message Detail

What I meant to say was, my favorite part about this week's WR, besides the handling, is the hood ornament.
---
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will
be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27



From: Soulidarity | Posted: 11/23/2005 9:20:10 PM | Message Detail

Nurburgring 4 hour endurance

BMW M3
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Audi S4
Clio Renault Sport V6
Mitsubishi Evolution MR GSR
Lotus Carlton

78 A Spec points.

Now, I know for the vets here that 78 pts is no big deal, and I won by almost 4 minutes with a best lap of 8'02. But this, along with a few other things over the past few weeks have really demonstrated to me just how much I've improved at
this game.

When I started my first run through the game (on the day of GT4s release), I A spec'ed until I ran up against the IA and S licenses, which were "too hard" for me, and I simply B spec'ed my way over 90% from there, as well as B spec'ing nearly every endurance race. Not to mention how much I overused the F1 car to simply overpower anything I couldn't A spec fairly.

But as I had near 100% completion I realized that I hadn't really enjoyed the trip through the game, and I was pretty much incapable of winning any race worth more than about 50-60 A spec points, with the exception of the Clio and Speedster one makes, which I somehow managed to pull off.

So I decided to delete the first file, and start fresh. This time I intended to do a no buy all A spec game. Even so, I was still unable to win anything beyond 60 points. At about 5% into this game, I found the ring diary (I had just ignored it for the most part in the past). I was a little hesitant to put my no-skills to the test against the vets here, but eventually I started to take
part in a few of the weekly events. My times sucked, but I definitely began to get to know the ring.

Over time I began to take baby steps by taking away my driving aids and adding in driver ballast. Then I started working in N grade tires when they were required by specific events here.

More recently, I started taking part in a weekly competition in another topic on this board, and was surprised at how well I fared the first week. Then came sackedagain's ring race, which forced me to continue my progress through the game to open up some of the necessary events, and to my surprise I was winning
70-90 point races without too much trouble. Week two of the competition resulted in another surprisingly high finish. And since then I've gone back and re-won several events that I had only raced for less than 30 points, and found that winning 100+ points, and in many cases 160-180, was quite do-able for me.

I'm simply amazed at what I'm seeing, and I really do owe it, in large part to the diaries. So thank you, sackedagain, for starting this great recurring topic, and thank you to everyone else for being a source of encouragement for me to drop the crutches, and walk for myself in this game. Its really allowed me to
enjoy this game on a whole new level.


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/26/2005 9:05:23 AM | Message Detail

Scratch all that. It may be unprecedented to change WR picks after the fact, but I'll take 24 hours with no response as a hint. Break out your Motley Crue greatest hits tape, and we'll leave the WR as

'88 IROC-Z Camaro

It's the prize car from the Camaro cup (which is quick and easy). It has a fun oversteer on S2's and N2's. The IROC Camaro is disappointing in the power department, but that's forgiveable, and the engine sound is a bit of compensation.

If you read the post nominating the SL55, and have thoughts on the car, please share, but something tells me the Camaro is the better choice.

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From: Soulidarity | Posted: 11/26/2005 10:34:56 AM | Message Detail


I've already driven the Camaro a little bit on the ring, but I'll do it
officially today or tomorrow. I would have driven the Benz as well, just didn't have a chance to mess with it yesterday.


from: MrPinstripes | Posted: 11/26/2005 12:03:51 PM | Message Detail


I was just waiting 'till the weekend proper to take the WR out for a spin. Guess I'll have to go win another *****in' Camaro!

---

Joe - Uh, how you gonna get down to the shore?
Rod - Funny you should ask, I've got a car now.
Joe - Oh wow, how'd you get a car?
Rod - Oh my parents drove it up here from the Bahamas.
Joe - You're kidding!
Rod - I must be, the Bahamas are islands, okay, the important thing now, is that you ask me what kind of car I have.
Joe - Uh, what kinda car do ya' got?
Rod - I've got a *****IN' CAMARO!

---

Gotta love the Dead Milkmen. Later.


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 11/26/2005 12:24:28 PM | Message Detail

I love that song

Uff


From: Von | Posted: 11/26/2005 3:05:13 PM | Message Detail

Time to finish this, eh?

From: Von | Posted: 11/26/2005 3:05:44 PM | Message Detail
God I love these threads

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From: Von | Posted: 11/26/2005 3:07:11 PM | Message Detail

So Soulidarity started the new one instead of Amarecyneus? Thats cool.
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From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 11/26/2005 3:07:52 PM | Message Detail


Which WR's are missing from the "introductory" posts that would need to be on the front page of the new thread?



END OF VOLUME ELEVEN