The Nürburgring Diaries Archives Volume Xlll

[vitg]

RingDiary Archives Volume Xlll


So, here we go again !!!

[vitg]

From: Amarynceus | Posted: 1/12/2006 8:16:58 PM | Message Detail
*comes out of hiding*

I think that's a good call on not listing the WRs and such. It's better to have
list in one place that's usually up to date.

Man, I've fallen way behind! There's almost a month's worth of picks for me to
take out.

I have to finish FFVIII first, though. >_> My videocrack time has been rather
restricted of late....

---
It takes forty men with their feet in the ground to keep one man with his head
in the air.
amarynceus.deviantart.com/gallery/


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/12/2006 8:17:26 PM | Message Detail

Don't forget our gallery (worthy of front page mention)

photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/

Where are you viperinthegrass? Come back! You're missed! Oh, and I'm tagged with
the pick, eh?

scans handy list on blogspot site for previous WR's

This week's WR is:

BMW 2002 Turbo

The person picking next weeks WR is

sidewinderl

Because he mentioned the Celica, though shouldn't feel obliged to pick it. Any
questions, call my lawyer.

---
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: sidewinderl | Posted: 1/12/2006 10:03:29 PM | Message Detail

I knew this would happen if I opened my mouth

I found the Celica to be pleasantly surprising, so that's why I suggested it. If
I can find the time, I'll definitely see if I can find something else I'd rather
pick. Probably a Daihatsu.....just kidding

or am I...

---
photobucket.com/albums/d4/sidewinderl/


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/13/2006 12:28:10 AM | Message Detail

Hi Everyone,
I have been out of touch for a while, major blitz on the Photo Gallery ( thanks
for the kind words Muse and Soulidarity ) and also back at Work ( Sob ).
Welcome to Xitrogezi, nice pick for the RR another excellent Bimmer. Have only
done a couple of laps so far but will do more now I have caught up with things.
Best Time so far of 6 ' 21 . 153
I thought I was slowly making up the difference on my times compared to Flibutz,
now I have another hotshot to chase Guddam!!

Cool idea for a BR Souli, here are the details of what I will be doing
My Car : 1978 Saab Combi Coupe
Dry Weight - 1279 Kg
Power - 73 kW

To maintain the Swedish Theme I will be using a
Volvo S60 T5 Sport '03
Weight - 1550 Kg
Power - 247 kW
( BTW Muse this is a Euro FF Car you might be interested in)

I will do some searching and try to find an FF car that will represent my Rival.

Photo Gallery Update

I was going to have one photo to represent each Car in the Various Riders but ah ,
erm , umm, I got carried away.

I have finished uploading sample photos of all the RaceCar Riders and Weekend
Riders ( thanks to Soulidarity for the Archive site info it was invaluable )
Also my versions of the HGE Cars and I have changed the Ruf competition Album to
just all things Ruf, as I think they are worthy of an Album of their own ( I
guess I won the comp by default anyhoo ).
Photos are arranged chronologically, most recent first.
It would be an enormous job to go back through past volumes and put up samples
of everyones BR efforts but I have done some of my BR cars and started others
that are common to everyone i.e. Miata Club, I will keep plugging away over the
next few weeks until I have a good representative sample of most peoples cars.

In future I think I will run each rider in a Family Cup Race to get "Action"
shots rather than just portraits.

I am hoping everyone who can will send me some of their photos so I can replace
mine but at least for now pretty much every Car picked since Volume ix is
represented.

Those with high speed / broadband internet will have no trouble looking at stuff
quickly, those with dial up modems will be able to load a page of thumbnails
okay in about half a minute. Opening full screen shots will take about half a
minute per photo.

Anyway if you get the chance have a look and tell me what you think and any
ideas on changes or improvements.

Thats all folks, will post again when I have had a go at the BR

Cheers

photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/

[e-mail]
Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy- Entry under VITG - "Mostly Competent"


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/13/2006 1:29:46 AM | Message Detail

BTW I am In for another Three or Five Ring Circus
---
From: Flibutz | Posted: 1/13/2006 2:34:47 AM | Message Detail

A week ago, I managed to get my photos on my friend's computer (he has a fast
connection). I just got so drunk I forgot to send them I'll probably visit
him again this weekend, hopefully I get those photos sent this time.

I'm glad that there'll be takers for the Three Ring Circus. Seeing that no one
has commented about the race selections, I think we'll go with the ones I
mentioned. I'll post the challenge rules in a couple of days to give us time
with the WR. I'll copy/paste the rules from the sacked's original challenge but
with different tracks - thanks to VITG who saved that volume for me. Thanks
again.

The WR choice is excellent. I ran quite a few laps in it pretty recently, but
I'll gladly revisit the car. The last time, I clocked a 8'31.232, hoping to get
under 8'30 this time.
---
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. -George
Orwell, "Animal Farm"


From: ignignoc_n_err | Posted: 1/13/2006 2:47:46 AM | Message Detail

Man, this sounds like fun. Unfortunately, I'm pretty new to the forum, so if
someone will be so kind as to explain to me exactly what's going on?

Honestly, I never thought I'd say this, but I rather enjoy the 'Ring for it's
beauty, challenge, and history. The Karosel is my favorite section, with it's
bends, turns, loops and vistas. Even more than Circuit de la Sarthe, this is my
favorite course in the game.

I have yet to make a perfect run of any length, and have only broken into the
low 6 min range with the best of my Group C LM cars, but the more I practice,
the more I like.


From: Flibutz | Posted: 1/13/2006 3:03:44 AM | Message Detail

Part two of the intro: (I dunno why this wasn't included in this volume, Souli
probably just forgot.)

There are now 3 weekly activities that we conduct here at the Diary; the Weekend
Rider; (WR), Budget Rider; (BR), and our newest institution, the Racecar Rider;
(RR).

The Weekend Rider; is the oldest. In this one person (generally chosen by the
last to have the pick) picks a car that they think will be amusing,
enlightening, joyful, aggravating, or fun for the other Diary readers. The pick
is announced sometime on Friday, preferably before too late. For the rest of the
weekend, we share our experiences, be they positive or negative, with our fellow
'Ringers. Lap times are not of the utmost importance, though we do share them,
compare them, and try if we can to come closest to the best. It is not a
competition! Though at times it may seem that way, it really isn't. What is
important is how you achieve your lap times.

The WR; is run stock, on the tyres it comes on, with an oil change permitted. It
should be a street car and comply with the noise regulations of the real
Nürburgring -- i.e. stock exhaust. Also, it should be buyable or, if winnable,
easily winnable. (No gold license prizes, mission prizes or Endurance/Extreme
Hall prizes, thank you very much.) You may use the driving aids if you so
desire, but most of us run them with all aids off.

The BR; is the middle sibling; in this, someone (basically the first person to
think up an idea for the week) announces around Monday a set of rules,
consisting in a budget of some form, and restrictions on permissible
modifications and allowed cars. Then we all go out, blow money, and share the
results.

The RR; is the newest addition; for this someone selects one of the Race Cars
available, announces it on Wednesday, and we all take it for a spin. Cars are
run as-is with an oil change, and you may tweak the tunable bits if you want. As
of yet we have no protocol for choosing the chooser of the RR™. Ask, and
ye may receive.
---
Other than that, we basically just hang out.
---
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. -George
Orwell, "Animal Farm"


From: Flibutz | Posted: 1/13/2006 3:12:15 AM | Message Detail

Oh, and welcome! BTW low 6's isn't that slow, you obviously already know the
basics of the track. Also, this is great topic for learning the 'Ring. By
participating in the WRs/RRs/BRs, and asking any questions you might have about
the 'Ring (which won't go unanswered here) You'll be running 5'30s in no time!
(A bit of exaggeration there, but I'm sure you get my point.)
---
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. -George
Orwell, "Animal Farm"


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/13/2006 4:35:19 AM | Message Detail

viperinthegrass! Glad to see you're still with us!

Welcome indeed ignignoc!

Flibutz, there's one more 'Ring race- did you mention the 1000 miles version?
It's 25 laps, which is more than most have time for, but we could have a b spec
tire wear competition, and see who could get the most laps run without pitting.

That said, I'll be looking forward to the next circus, y'all have a blessed day.

---
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: Von | Posted: 1/14/2006 10:52:20 AM | Message Detail

I have been telling myself to get back into this. I still check this place every
couple of days.
---
Tiny subaru versus gigantic german deathring!-Amarynceus

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/14/2006 5:09:39 PM | Message Detail

Part two of the intro: (I dunno why this wasn't included in this volume, Souli
probably just forgot.)

whoops! boy do I feel like a dunce :/ If I start the next volume, I'll make sure
not to make that mistake again, and I'll add the photo gallery url to the first
post next time around as well.

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/


From: sidewinderl | Posted: 1/14/2006 6:43:48 PM | Message Detail

I got a better pick of my 300ZX in my gallery now...also have some higher res
versions of some of my other pics, but haven't uploaded them yet. I need to
start taking more pics, but I just got a big lego set in the mail (Black Knights
Castle for anybody who cares) and I've been busy playing with that (also got a
Night Lord's castle *unopened* a little while ago...and I definitely ripped it
open). Lego > GT4
---
photobucket.com/albums/d4/sidewinderl/


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/14/2006 7:29:33 PM | Message Detail

Happy Holidays BR

As always, here it was Christmas Eve, and I was in a rush to get all my gift
shopping done at the last possible second. Sometimes I wondered if I would ever
learn. This time I had really done it. Sally had taken our dog Rusty to the vet,
and was planning to pick up the kids from Uncle Rob's on the way home. I was
sitting on the couch when she called to let me know that she'd be home in a half
hour.

I was instantly out the door, barely remembering to lock the house up on my way.
Luckily, my new Infiniti G35 was pretty fast. I'd modified it slightly after I
drove it off the lot last week by getting a Stage 2 NA Tune-up done, and adding
a racing chip, racing flywheel, and a twin clutch. I'd also changed the oil and
washed her for good measure. Of course the BBS 010 Wheels were much nicer than
the stock wheels. All together, the car and mods had run me just under 50k.
Quite the deal.

Frantically racing through town I spotted Adenaur Jewelers. Diamonds are a
girl's best friend, they say, so I couldn't go wrong picking up some sparklies
for the wife. I rushed inside, ran directly to the clerk, pointing to a diamond
pemdant in the case.

"I'll take that! Make it fast, please!"

I hated being a jerk, but this was no time for courtesy. As he pulled it out, I
had already pulled enough Benjamins out of my wallet to cover the cost and then
some. Slapping the bills down on the counter, I grabbed the velvet covered box
from him, shouting "Keep the change!" over my shoulder, and ignoring the shocked
look on his face.

I was back on the road and racing towards my next stop. Karussel Toys was quite
a distance, but I made it in less than 3 minutes. Stopping off, I rushed inside,
and discovered that someone had just asked for the last Xbox 360, but I was
having none of that. If Eric didn't get his Xbox, I'd never hear the end of it.
I threw a handful of 100 dollar bills at the cashier, grabbed the video game
system out of his hands before he could give it to the waiting customer, and
raced out the door, speeding away before he could try to get it back from me.

As I passed a gas station, I noticed that I had already burned 8 1/2 minutes,
and I still needed to grab 2 more gifts and get home. I dropped the hammer, and
headed towards Mutz R Us to pick up a doggie bed and some rawhide bones for
Rusty. I phoned ahead letting them know what I needed so they could have it
ready for me, and when I got there, Old Man Robinson came out the front door
with my merchandise in his arms. I popped the trunk and helped him load it in,
slipped him 100 bucks, and was on my way.

All I had left was Jennifer. She had her heart set on front row tickets to see
that band Green Afternoon. At least I think that's their name. As I passed
another gas station, I noticed that I still had about 13 minutes to get this
last gift and make it home.

I raced across town with a vengeance, barely able to keep my new car on the
road. All the little punk rockers stopped to stare as I came screeching to a
halt in the Dottinger Records parking lot. I pushed my way inside, and ignored
the line of pop princesses and hip hop thugs.

"Two front row seats to Green Afternoon." There was some laughter behind me.

"You mean Green Day?" the clerk asked in his most condescending tone.

"Ya, whatever. Just get me the tickets, ok?"

A few clicks of the mouse later, and the tickets began printing up. I passed him
enough 100 dollar bills to cover it, snatched the tickets from his hand, and
rushed out the door. I tore out of the parking lot and made the mad dash home.



---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/14/2006 7:29:47 PM | Message Detail

I got into the driveway with a few minutes to spare, carried everything inside,
hid it, and plopped myself down on the couch just in time to see the family
walking in the front door.

"So what did you do all day, honey?" Sally asked me

"Not much, just a little yardwork really."
____

I actually misread the budget on this and only used 50k instead of the allowed
60k, and still managed to finish all three laps in 25'15.

[vitg]

From: Onikaze | Posted: 1/14/2006 7:50:37 PM | Message Detail

Neat, I'm gonna have to give this WR a try in Enthusia.
---
media.putfile.com/GT4-vs-Enthusia media.putfile.com/farewell-GT4
media.putfile.com/Enthusia-Professional-Racing


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/15/2006 8:03:53 AM | Message Detail

sidewinder and ciscrack (and anyone else with a photobucket album) - If you'd
like links to your albums on the sidebar of the blogspot site, let me know. I'd
be happy to add them.

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/
gt4newbtips.blogspot.com/


From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/15/2006 8:46:05 AM | Message Detail

Question about the blogspot. Shouldn't I be able to see the map of the regulars?
I go to it, there's a pic of VITG and Soul, but there's a big white space where
I assume the map should be. I don't get any messages saying I need to update
anything, so anybody have a clue what's up? Otherwise you're all in some
parallel world to me. The 'ring zone.
Sure, add my pics. Show everyone what's really up! In the air.

---
But I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/15/2006 8:51:09 AM | Message Detail

I'm assuming that you figured it out since you've plotted yourself on the map.
If not, it might not be loading properly for you. Not sure why that would be,
though. What browser do you use?

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/
gt4newbtips.blogspot.com/


From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/15/2006 9:51:17 AM | Message Detail

Safari and Explorer aren't working for me. There's just a big white box. I don't
git it.

Delorean WR- Not a bad car to drive. I drove it before for some reason and don't
remember liking it too much, but I've changed my mind. It felt faster through
the turns than it did on the straights, definitely could use shorter gears. "Do
I even have a fifth gear?" I didn't check, but I never got to it if it does.
Felt a little heavy, but handled it well. My time could've been cleaned up a
little, but I'm glad I got it, cuz it's kinda funny. 8'31.138

BMW 2002- I've always liked this car. Nice, sporty little toy. I had a problem
with braking too late during the first half of my lap, but was able to get it
together by Karussel. I like to go a little faster than it was capable of, but
my time was 9'00.556

BMW M3 GTR race car- SICKNESS! This one and the stock M3 I had a good time with
when going for a-spec pts. and was wishing there were more series' where I could
use 'em. So stable at speed through the turns, sooooo sticky. This thing's
probably in my top 10 favorites in the game, as far as performance goes. Time-
6'36.779

---
But I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: sidewinderl | Posted: 1/15/2006 10:09:23 AM | Message Detail

Yeah, go ahead and link me at the blog...I'm look through the galleries there
all the time. I need to get more Nur pics, though...but like I said, I've been
playing with legos all the time now and I just bought a bunch more (practically
stole 'em too).
---
photobucket.com/albums/d4/sidewinderl/


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/15/2006 10:49:07 AM | Message Detail

Driving School Rival BR

So here I was in Germany. I had asked my exorbitantly rich Uncle Rich (talk
about a fitting name!) to send me here for this racing school for years. This
year, Uncle Rich had decided surprise me. He had enrolled me in the school, and
payed for the round trip for both me and my Volkswagen Jetta. When I had picked
up the Jetta I had done an expensive drivetrain conversion to match the AWD
Boras released in Europe.

The instructor, Otto, was famous for his methods which had produced many world
class drivers. Apparently Otto also owned an extensive collection of high end
cars that he kept at his mansion and ran a tuner garage on the side. He was even
rumored to occasionally sleep at his garage from time to time.

My first few days had been interesting, to say the least. There were a few a few
German kids enrolled that drove Japanese cars. I had talked to Hans who was
driving a Nissan Silvia, and apparently they were in some kind of German
Japanese car enthusiasts club, or some thing like that.

There was only one other American enrolled. Everyone else had brought lower end
vehicles like my Jetta and Hans' Silvia, but Roger had brought his Z06 Corvette.
And being that we were both American, he especially liked to shove his superior
lap times in my face. He had sort of unofficially declared me his rival. Like my
V6 Jetta could ever compare to a Z06 Vette. But that didn't seem to concern him
in the least.

After a week or so of his constant taunting, I decided to give Uncle Rich a
call. I explained the situation to him, and told him I wanted a chance to shut
him up. After a little persuading, he agreed to wire me the money I would need
to modify my car to be able to compete with his Vette.

Knowing the money was on the way, I issued the challenge to Roger. Over the
weekend we'd drive down to the Nurburgring, and each of us would go one lap. The
best time would be the winner. If I won, he would have to quit with the
taunting. If he won, well, I'd just have to suck it up and take it.

Roger could barely hold back his laughter, but he agreed to the competition. "I
hope you're ready to be embarassed," he told me.

When I got the money, I immediately took my car to the shop to get some new
parts installed. S3 Tires, a Racing Chip, Stage 2 NA Tune, Racing Flywheel,
Sports Clutch, and a Wing ran me 23250, leaving me 500 unused that I'd return to
my uncle.

When I arrived at the 'ring that weekend, I could see Roger's smirk as I pulled
up.

"Nice wing, dude!" he said in the most sarcastic tone possible. "Real classy
touch to your car. I think you forgot the stickers though. I've heard that a
VTEC sticker can add like 10 horsepower."

I ignored his comments. "You can take your lap whenever you're ready."

Getting into his car, he started the engine, and took off. I started the timer.

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/15/2006 10:49:23 AM | Message Detail
____

Roger was intent on putting up the fastest time possible, and pushed his Vette
to its limits. Unfortunately he had never driven the 'ring, and quickly found
that he lacked the driving skill to push his Vette so hard on such a challenging
road. It didn't help that he found himself behind a pack of cars. As he
approached Schwedenkreuz, he tried to slip past the two taking up the rear,
trailed two tires in the grass, and ended up running off the outside of
Schwedenkreuz.

By Bergwerk, he had passed 4 of the 5 five cars that he was sharing the road
with, but the Evo was still a ways off. As he reached Karussell, he had closed
the gap significantly, but slowly lost ground as he made his way to
Pflantzgarten where he made his second major mistake. Running off into the sand,
he found himself at the rear of the pack once again. He pushed his car hard,
knowing that he was giving his competition a chance to match his time. As he hit
the D-H straight, his Vette showed its true strength, pulling past 3 of the 5
cars. As he neared the end of his lap, he pulled in close to the Evo and WRX,
and finished the lap at 8'31.282.

_____

Now it was my turn. His lap had been slower than I had expected, which game me
just the opportunity I was hoping for. I hit the gas, and Roger started the
timer. Like Roger, I found myself behind a pack of cars. I tore through the
corners as fast as I possibly could. As I made my way around Flugplatz, I found
myself coming up quickly on a Lexus ES, who had made an error in judgement and
had slowed down significantly to compensate for it. As he crossed from the right
side of the track to the left, I had nowhere to go, and rammed him from behind.
This wasn't going to be a cheap repair, but the car was still running, so on I
went. I passed the Lexus and another car after Aremburg, and caught up to a trio
of red cars at Adenaur Forst.

By Metzgesfeld I had slipped past two of them, leaving me only the Evo to pass.
At the bridge before Ex-Muhle, I got past him on the inside, and raced up the
hill towards Bergwerk. As I sped towards Dottinger Hohe, I made only minor
errors, trailing a tire or two off into the grass, only occasionally seeing the
Evo in my rear view.

Coming around Galgenkopf, I sped onto the D-H straight with everything I had.
About halfway, the red NSX that I had passed after Adenaur Forst came speeding
past me, and I took the opportunity to jump into his slipstream for a little
more speed. Even so, it wasn't quite enough. I finished the lap at 8'37.735

But I had come much closer than Roger had thought possible, and seemed to have
gained his respect. From that point on, our rivalry seemed to be a lot less
antagonistic, and a lot more friendly. He even offered to pay for the repairs to
the front end of my car.

---
From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/16/2006 5:53:10 PM | Message Detail


Here's one:

the band: The Rolling Stones

The album: Let it Bleed

The song: You Can't Always Get What You Want

The length: 7:28

Seven and a half minutes could be almost any car, but the song deserves an
exquisite automobile. What would you choose?

---
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: Imperialdramon9 | Posted: 1/16/2006 9:44:03 PM | Message Detail

Well, I'm back from my trip to New York City, but my entire evening was taken up
by watching all four of the 24 premiere episodes. I guess that means I can't do
any runs until tommorow. If I may offer a suggestion, could you post dates for
the WR's and RR's on the Diaries website? The cars seem to be there, but I have
no idea when they were chosen.
---
From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/16/2006 10:01:13 PM | Message Detail

I can start dating them from this point forward, and I'll see what I can dig up
for past Riders, but dating them all would be next to impossible.

---

From: Flibutz | Posted: 1/17/2006 12:51:40 AM | Message Detail

Ring Race Challenge pt.II -the mini version

(original challenge by sackedagain)

In the three 'Ring races listed below, get as many A-Spec points as you can.
Since you pick the car to use in each race, you set the bar as high or low as
you want.

These are the rules:

a. Only one try at each race. No practicing. If you don't like the line-up or
the A-Spec points, quit before the bell rings. Then find a new car or line-up.
Once the bell sounds, your choice of car is official. Finish the race.

b. Do not race your potential car in other races in the series to check its
performance. Your choice will be based on the line-up against you and the A-Spec

points available.


Report back with results. I'm hoping we hear some good race stories and learn
something along the way. Friendly competition, as always.

Here are the three series with Ring races that I've picked for this challenge:

1. European Events - Schwarzwald Liga B
2. Manufacturers Events - Mercedes - Legend of the Silver Arrow
3. Extreme Events - Real Circuit Tours

Your're up against: (Info taken from jdwilli1's faq)

Schwarzwald Liga B:

| VS (MIXED/SM): Mercedes SL 65 AMG '04[604], Mercedes SL 55 AMG '02[492],
| Mercedes SL600 (R230) '04[492], Mercedes E 55 AMG '02[469],
| Audi RS 6 Avant '02[446], Audi RS 4 '01[444], BMW M3 CSL '03[443],
| Mercedes CLK 55 AMG '00[433], Audi S4 '03[442], BMW M3[441],
| VW Golf V GTi '02[394], Mercedes SL600 (R129) '98[388]

Legend of the Silver Arrow:

| VS (MIXED/SM): Mercedes SLR McLaren[616], Mercedes E 55 AMG '02[469],
| Mercedes CL 600 '00[362], Mercedes CLK 55 AMG '00[346],
| Mercedes SLK 230 Kompressor[346], Mercedes 190E 2.5 '91[346],
| Mercedes A 160 Avantgarde[216],

Real Circuit Tours

| VS (STOCK/RS): Nissan R92CP[939], Sauber Mercedes C9[927], Jaguar XJR-9[914],
| Nissan 89C[908], Minolta 88C-V[906], Gillet Vertigo[888], Peugeot 905[799]
| Playstation Pesacrolo C60[794], Mazda 787B[791], Nissan 390 GT1[789],
| Toyota 7[788], BMW V12 LMR[787],Mercedes CLK-GTR[785],Bentley Speed 8[785]
| Audi R8[783], Toyota GT-One[765], Chaparral 2J[684], Pagani Zonda LM[651],
| Nissan GT-R Concept LM[616] Ford GT LM Spec II[606], Ford GT LM[606],
| BMW McLaren F1 GTR[603], Camaro LM[592], Mazda RX-7 LM[501],
| Chaparral 2D[420],

Good luck.
---

1st Ring of the Cirque de Nurb Trio: Liga B

RUF 3400S N3 tires, otherwise stock

I raced against an Audi S4, RS6 Avant, Mercedes Benz E 55 and SL55 AMG. There
was one other car, but I honestly don't remember what it was, perhaps another
Audi? Regardless, I knew right away my competition was the Red SL55. Thankfully,
it started fifth.

I butchered Schwedenkreuz and wasn't able to pass anyone until after
Metzgesfeld, and after out braking ze Germans at Kallenhard, Wehrseifen,
Breidscheid and Bergwerk, I drafted my way into the lead going uphill through
Kesselchen.

I knew if I had the lead by the techical section, the race was mine, I've no
blocking scruples for Dottinger Hohe, and the AI just can't keep up through the
section itself. It wasn't long after Galkenkopf that the Red SL55 appeared in my
mirror, but I stayed way right to keep him out of my draft, and crossed the
finish line at 8'13.281. The Benz? 8'13.621.

Closer than I realized, but nevertheless, the A Spec points were mine, all 164
of them. More information on later races as it becomes available. 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: 1/17/2006 10:54:26 PM | Message Detail

Greetings All,

Weekend Rider - BMW 2002 Turbo

Another terrific BMW, are there any bad one's in this Game? I don't think so!
With aids off stopped the clock at 8 ' 42. 737 which is a pretty respectable
time for a Car that is only 179hp.

It felt as if it had a really well sorted suspension- does anyone know it's
Racing Pedigree? It felt as if it would have been an excellent Sports or Rally
Racecar.

I have selected my Driving School Rival's Car to go up against the mighty Volvo
- a Lotus Esprit V8 GT '98 which I recently bought second hand ( in Black ).

I think I will find it hard to match but it will be fun trying.

Muse - After many attempts I finally won the Lotus Europa I wanted, Black with
Gold Pinstriping ( I guess you can sometimes get what you want if you try hard
enough !! )
I feel this counts as an exquisite Car and I am sure it would be capable of a 7
' 28 to match the song. I might even give it a try at the Weekend.

There are some new Budget Rider photo's from Souli and myself in the Gallery,
hot off the USB stick !

I will probably have to wait until the Weekend to have a go at the Driving
School BR as well as the Three Ring Circus BR.

More Later

[vitg]

From: Flibutz | Posted: 1/18/2006 8:38:15 AM | Message Detail

WR: BMW 2002 Turbo '73

What an awesome machine! I don't know if drifting has ever been easier. The
Bimmer is eager to get sideways but very controllable. For best laptimes though,
it's wise to limit the amount of drifting to minimum. I clocked a 8'31.224 on
S2s, which is .008 faster than my "old" best - huge improvement there. Having
driven it on S2s recently, I spent most of my time on N2s. Very slidey that way,
best lap 9'00.616.

I know very little about the car, production numbers were very small but that's
about it. It does feel like a potential racecar, I'd guess it must have been
used.

Is there a bad Bimmer in the game? I don't think so either. But I think the M
Coupe is the worst of the very good bunch. Other BMW preferences of mine:

120i > 120d
Z4 > 330i
M3 / M3 CSL > M5 / M3 GTR

What are yours?

I can't match my CSL laptimes with the GTR, which is a bit surprising. Has
anyone else experienced this or is it some kind of bizarre result of my driving
habits?
---
In other news...
Sadly, all of my GT photos to date were destroyed in a Winblows reinstallment
accident. Most of them were no big loss, but a few of them I really liked. Oh
well, one of these days I'll get stuck with the photomode again. Good to hear
there are new photos in the gallery, gotta check 'em out later.
---
VITG - How are you going to hit 7'28 in the Europa with <150hp? 8'28 would sound
more like it.
---

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/18/2006 3:35:46 PM | Message Detail

Hello again.

A couple of things I forgot to mention last post.
The BMW 2002 Turbo was able to hammer through the "Big Three" i.e. Flugplatz,
Schwedenkreuz and Mutkurve(?) without backing off, very impressive ( I am pretty
sure Mutkurve is the fast left hander after climbing the hill from Bergwerk, is
this right )?

Flibutz - Sorry I did not explain myself very well, I meant I would use the
Europa but I would probably upgrade it to the max. to try and achieve the time.
I will add everything necessary except of course a wing.

That is really bad luck about losing your photo's. Windows is a crappy operating
system.
A 128 Mb usb stick will hold about 450 - 500 photos so they make a good safe
storage device rather than relying on Windows capricious nature.

Speaking of photo's are you about Ciscrack? I was wondering, after looking at
your "Flying Car" shots from Citta, if there is scope for doing the same
somewhere on the 'Ring, whaddya think ?
---
Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy- Entry under VITG - "Mostly Competent"


From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/18/2006 6:00:45 PM | Message Detail

Speaking of photo's are you about Ciscrack? I was wondering, after looking at
your "Flying Car" shots from Citta, if there is scope for doing the same
somewhere on the 'Ring, whaddya think ?

I wanted to. And I drove around trying to find a spot. But I can't imagine any
other hill anywhere in the game that will allow you to do that. Nothing on the
'ring is nearly steep enough, and if there were, it would be extremely difficult
to time the impact due to the scale of the map. That one hill on El Cap doesn't
work too well due to the fact that it's located on a turn. You also don't have a
long enough run up to it for the speed factor. Seattle, going either way,
doesn't work very well either. Amalfi has been tried and failed. Trial mountain,
I haven't tried, but can't imagine having much luck there. Deep forest hasn't
been tried, but again, doubt you'd get much. Laguna Seca, maybe, if you hit a
car coming down through the top of the corkscrew, but doubt you'd have the speed
necessary for flight. Infineon, no, the only decent hill is right after the
start. You can get a silly little jump that looks like you're flying into the
stands, but it's not impressive by the standards I've set. I haven't tried
anything really impressive on the dirt tracks, but the only considerable
"flight" hill in any of those is on Cathedral Rocks. Now that I'm thinking about
it and haven't tried it. I gotta go. See if I have any luck.

---
But I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/18/2006 6:33:24 PM | Message Detail
Plan failed. Cathedral rocks II doesn't give you much either.

---
But I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/18/2006 6:48:05 PM | Message Detail
For inquiring minds:

www.bmw2002.co.uk/turbo.htm

From: Imperialdramon9 | Posted: 1/18/2006 8:38:56 PM | Message Detail

Alright, now I've done last weekend's WR, the BMW 2002 '73. Well, after puzzling
over the name, I found a relatively enjoyable car. It was fairly fast, as I was
hoping from a BMW, and it did have some decent handling. However, I wasn't able
to manage full speeds throughout a lot of the corners, unlike what you guys have
mentioned in the past few posts. I tried, but I just ended up being flung into
the grass when I didn't brake. Therefore, the car just ended up being a little
less than I expected it to be.

Lap Time: 9'13.XXX

By the way, I've got a flash memory stick now, which I'm hoping is compatible
with the PS2. Assuming I try using that, would I have to get a Photobucket
account to share any pics with you?
---

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/18/2006 10:17:44 PM | Message Detail

Quick reply to imperialdramon - If you have a usb stick you can attach it to
your PS2 , then save your 'Ring Photos to it, then attach them to an email and
send 'em to me at :

[e-mail]

and I will add them to the relevant gallery
Hope this makes sense.
Cheers
---
From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/18/2006 10:23:09 PM | Message Detail

Slightly off topic, but I have pix of some UFR's in the neighborhood I posted
earlier.

UFR- unidentified flying raceship

---
From: Flibutz | Posted: 1/19/2006 1:51:31 AM | Message Detail

Ya, talk about a blast... Drifting Flugplatz at full throttle... I mean, you can
build almost too much speed for that. I like the corners where the car's top
speed there equals the optimum speed for the bend.

I did go wide there once or twice, though.

VITG - Oh, you're tuning the Europa. it's funny how the thought never crossed my
mind: You can mod your cars in GT... Sounds like a great challenge, especially
without raping a nice classic car with the big ugly wing!

Yea, it was tough luck with the photos. Thing is, I don't have USB stick of my
own so I had to borrow one. (I really need a job...) The photos were at my
friend's place on one of his computers waiting to get sent when things went
wrong. Funny thing is, I kind of predicted something like this could happen, so
called my mate and asked him to send them to my email which seems safer than any
Windows. He just forgot So actually three things went wrong causing the loss
of data. If even one of them didn't happen all would be ok. Well, life would be
pretty boring without surprises. Too bad they're not all good.

Great 2002 link, muse! Thanks for sharing.

Later.
---
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. -George
Orwell, "Animal Farm"


From: Flibutz | Posted: 1/19/2006 5:59:32 AM | Message Detail

WOOOOHOOOOOOO!

I got a job! It's a 1-2 month stint for now, but there's a big possibility I
might get permanent work there.

Guess who's going to buy a DFP and an USB stick soon?
---
From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/19/2006 3:14:18 PM | Message Detail

Congratulations Flibutz!

---
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: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/19/2006 8:25:33 PM | Message Detail

Has anyone gotten to the Silver Arrow Ring of the Circus yet? Tonight I bought
an SL500 and SL600. Not so much for the Circus, but to complete my collection of
Benz convertibles. I'm still convinced that the SL55 is the best, but now I'm
wondering which has the best shade of red, as the same shades aren't offered for
each car.

As for driving them, I think it's an itch. I've got the itch to drive the Benz
Barge Convertibles. Oldguy once said to do the driving missions because they're
there, beckoning to be conquered. I feel the same way about the Benzes, only not
so much to conquer, but rather to find the limits of their potential.


From: ignignoc_n_err | Posted: 1/19/2006 9:47:36 PM | Message Detail
Muse>

Your suggestion about the Beatles, the 'Ring and a target of 7"28'" gave me the
idea to try it with the Jag E-type. I fell in love with this car when I had to
drive the World Classics cup in Pro stadium, so I dug it out of the garage and
tuned it up for the Green Hell.

Man, what a blast. You oughta try it, 'specially on the S2 tires and without
nitro.

Also, when are they gonna add an EDIT feature?


From: Flibutz | Posted: 1/19/2006 11:59:38 PM | Message Detail

I've actually liked almost all MBs I've tried. I've driven less than half of
them, though. I'm considering SL500 '02 for the 'Ring circus, but I might use
something else. (Is the 190E too slow?)

igninoc - I hear ya! The E-Type is a tremendous car.
---

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/20/2006 4:48:36 AM | Message Detail

Flibutz, the 190E probably lacks the pure power, but it can out corner everyone
else by leaps and bounds. It might be the key to the most A Spec points, even if
you had to mod it a little so that it was capable of winning.

---
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: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/20/2006 4:40:57 PM | Message Detail
Sidewinderl, have you picked the WR and your successor? Have a good weekend all!

---
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: sidewinderl | Posted: 1/20/2006 8:53:05 PM | Message Detail

Yeah, I've just been procrastinating The WR for this week is (big surprise):

Toyota Celica XX 2800GT ‘81

This week's WR can be found in the Historic Used Car Showroom (and is very
common).

Since I don't really know who's done the last several WR's, I'll either give it
to the first person who thinks they have a good choice, or I'll just "randomly"
pick someone by/on Monday.
---
photobucket.com/albums/d4/sidewinderl/

From: sackedagain | Posted: 1/21/2006 11:04:33 AM | Message Detail

wow, I'm out of action for a few weeks and sidewinder returns.

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/21/2006 1:51:00 PM | Message Detail

Finally got to play catchup on riders. Unfortunately, I didn't do any one car
the justice it deserves, as I wanted to actually be up to date for once, so I
only ran each car for one lap.

BMW M3 GTR Race Car

Grippy. I made a few major errors, most notably entering Metzgesfeld too hot,
and going wide out near the armco, and going into the sand at Schwalbenschwanz.
A good, clean lap would probably put me down close to 6'30?

My time: 6'54.570

BMW 2002 Turbo

Up until Schwedenkreuz, I thought this car was slightly drifty, but simple to
keep that drift under control. I went into Schwedenkreuz full bore, and held a
nice drift through the corner. On exiting, the snapback got me, and sent me off
to the right into the grass, and my chance at taking Aremburg well was
destroyed. I took Mutkurve much more cautiously with a tap to the brakes, and
spun out on the third curve at Wipperman. A fun ride for sure. Great pick muse.
I'll definitely be getting this one out of my garage again.

My time: 9'15.225

Toyota Celica XX 2800GT ‘81

I LOVE this car's handling. Its nearly perfect in terms of its lack of oversteer
and understeer. My run suffered no major mistakes, but the lack of power really
draws attention to your minor mistakes. My bad line through Bergwerk probably
had a huge impact on my final time. Great car, though.

My time: 9'03.500

I'll try to get to the Three Ring Circus tonight. And I should be able to get
pics of the BMW 2002 and the celica to vitg before the weekend is up.

A note to some of the newer guys (Xitro and sidewinder in particular): don't
feel ignored if your rider picks don't get a huge response. The vets of the
diary as well as those of us that have been around for 4 or 5 volumes pretty
much all seem to have gotten very busy in their "real lives" or have taken up
interest with other games, and as a result we all seem to either pick and choose
the riders that they deem to be especially interesting, or play catchup on said
riders a week or more after the fact. My last BR was a perfect example of this,
as it only got one taker (me . So I hope none of you feel slighted if you
don't get the response you were hoping for. Don't be afraid to keep those picks
coming in the future. Its what keeps the Diary alive.


From: sidewinderl | Posted: 1/21/2006 2:59:50 PM | Message Detail

I was doing a 200 pt family cup run in my fully modded Celica (on R2's) and I
got an interesting glitch...It said I won 102,086 credits and that was actually
the amount I had in my "bank" already. I threw a pic in my photobucket album if
it is actually anything of interest...don't know if it's a common thing or
not...
---
photobucket.com/albums/d4/sidewinderl/


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/21/2006 5:53:14 PM | Message Detail

3 Ring Circus

Legend of the Silver Arrow

I used the SL500 (R129), and the race was for 146 pts. I took second by Adenaur
Forst, and never fell back. I slowly caught up to the E 55 AMG in front. Out of
Adenaur I was over 5 seconds back. By the beginning of Dottinger Hohe, I was
just over 1 second behind. At this point the AMG out powered me, and I wasn't
close enough to draft him. I lost by about 3.5 seconds.

Points earned: 0

Liga B

I used the SL 500 again. This time the race was for 189 pts. Once again, I took
second at Adenaur Forst. I passed the RS6 Avant to take the lead at Wehrseifen.
Out of Bergwerk the SL 55 AMG took second from the RS6, but I held off his
attempts to pass me through Wipperman and Eschbach. At the start of Dottinger
Hohe, my lead had grown to almost 3 seconds. But the AMG was too powerful and
even without my draft, he blew by me about 3/4 of the way down the stretch. I
couldn't get close enough to even attempt dirty tactics.

Points earned: 0

Real Circuits

I took the 350Z Concept LM for 56 pts. By Adenaur Forst I had made three major
mistakes and was over 10 seconds behind. I didn't feel that I was going to get
this car under control, and retired.

Points earned: 0

:/
From: sidewinderl | Posted: 1/21/2006 8:44:04 PM | Message Detail

You want the next WR, Soul? I was just going to pick the first person who wrote
their WR report and you were originally picked last time anyway (before you
passed it off to muse).

---
photobucket.com/albums/d4/sidewinderl/


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/21/2006 9:34:07 PM | Message Detail

sure, I'll find something

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/21/2006 11:31:58 PM | Message Detail

Soulidarity, the Silver Arrow race was tough for me too. I took the SL55 AMG for
a measly 34 A Spec points and had to drive the wheels off (as cleanly and
honorably as possible) to keep the SLR behind me. I had to block it twice: at
the end of Dottinger Hohe and once more in the slalom therafter. It's amazing
how something as simple as horsepower will disintegrate a lead, but I managed
the win.

My original plan was to try on N2's, which would have been 95 A Spec points, but
as close as the SLR stayed on S2's, I'd have never won on the standard class
tires. Perhaps a better driver could. Regardless, with the SLR McLaren as
competition, fetching A Spec points seems tricky.

---
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

[vitg]

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/22/2006 3:13:14 PM | Message Detail

Greetings fellow Starship Troopers,

I have had a busy Weekend trying to catch up with the various challenges, which
I finally managed to do late Sunday Oz time.
I ran out of time to write everything up though and will have to do that over
the next couple of days (hopefully). I agree with what Soulidarity said about an
apparent lack of response sometimes, I can usually find a few minutes here and
there to do the driving part of the various picks but it is the writing up of
reports that takes the time. This is why sometimes we can be up to a week
behind, but we get there eventually !

First things First
Congratulations Flibutz on the Job, hope it works out well for you!

WanderingMuse - Ran a couple of DTCM's then went on a SL Merc buying spree, had
a couple of second hand ones in my Garage and now with the New ones I have a
full set.

Lotus Europa - pumped to the Max on R4's ...........7 ' 29 . 954 with a couple
of lawnmowing excursions, so I think I can do it. It takes fierce concentration
to drive it though, man it's hard work !!
Also thank you for the BMW 2002 site, top stuff.

The Three Ring Circus was terrific fun, of the three Races I managed -
a 53 point race win, a 200 point Race win ( Woohoo !!) and a 0 point Second
placing
I will post my Circus writeups this week but in the meantime :


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/22/2006 3:15:05 PM | Message Detail

Driving School Rival - Budget Rider™

The closest match to my real Car was the Volvo S60 T5 Sport ( in Black ) I
decided to give my "Rival" a Lotus Esprit V8 '98 as I had just bought one second
hand recently and had not raced it yet ..................

So it turns out there is one other Aussie in our group at the World famous
Manfred Rickenbacker Nurburgring Racecraft Driving School. Naturally I tried to
get pally with Sidney ( who happened to be from Sydney ), but he was having none
of it. Like most people from Sydney he had his head up his A** and was rude and
arrogant and seemed to take special delight in giving me a hard time. He was
particularly derisory about my Car, a Volvo S60 T5 Sport, which is actually a
bloody good car.
Sidney thought just because he had a Lotus Esprit V8 he was somehow superior to
the rest of the group.
Well he would have an opportunity to show us how good he thought he was, as
Manfred had arranged for everyone to be entered in some Grade 2 Races at the
'Ring.
Now after oil changes the Lotus had a 98hp advantage over my Volvo and was also
considerably lighter (1325kg vs. 1550kg ) So I asked my Uncle to spring for a
few upgrades to give me at least half a chance to rub Sidneys nose in it. I
added a Stage1 Turbo, Large Oil cooler, a Racing chip and a set of O.Z. 31
wheels shod with N3 tyres which all together came in at 9,800 Cr. and gave me
327 hp , only 30 hp less than the Lotus.

Raceday arrived and Sidney was in the first group away. He was up against -
Mercedes SL 600
Mercedes CLK 55
Ruf 3400S
Audi RS4
Plymouth Cuda 440 Six Pack

From the start Sidney was being cautious on cold N2 tyres and no driving aids,
but the power of the Lotus was apparent as he lined up and passed the Plymouth
on the uphill run to Flugplatz. To give him credit he was managing some hairy
looking oversteer pretty well. The Audi was next in his sights but it shut him
out approaching Schwedenkreuz and Sid had to take to the grass and lost a lot of
ground. He was obviously shaken up by this and bided his time until Metzgesfeld
where he slipped by under brakes. The Ruf left the door open at Wehrseifen and
with good exit speed Sid was also able to line up and pass the CLK 55
approaching Breidsheid. The Sl 600 was too cautious approaching Bergwerk and
once onto the long uphill climb the Lotus pulled away with ease.
Sid got a bit cocky and totally messed up Plantzgarten, losing time in the kitty
litter, but he recovered and on the long DH straight pulled away again to win by
six seconds in 8 ' 27 . 917


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/22/2006 3:17:19 PM | Message Detail

Then it was my turn to Race, I was up against -
Acura CL 3.2 Type S '01
Honda Integra Type R '03
Nissan Fairlady 300ZX '83
BMW Z4 '03
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 3 GSR '95

I was worried that the Volvo on steroids, being a heavy FF car would undeersteer
badly but I was very happy to find with aids off and with the N3's it was an
oversteery drift monster. Cool !
Following Sid's lead I was cautious at first but managed to pass both the Lancer
and Z4 before Flugplatz.
There was the usual "Kaffeeklatsch" group hug at Aremberg which I kept well away
from, deciding to bide my time until Adenaur Forst to pass the elderly Nissan.
So far so good. The Honda took a bit of catching but I was able to outbrake him
approaching Wehrseifen and like Sidney I carried good speed out of there which
enabled me to also outbrake the Acura at Breidscheid. The opposition always seem
to keep well to the right here and brake too early allowing plenty of room to
pass up the inside, very strange as they are pretty good at blocking practically
everywhere else.
The rest of my lap was uneventful and I made damn sure I nailed Plantzgarten,
then romping home 14 seconds up in 8 ' 40 . 225

Sidney tried to make a big deal out of it of course but everyone in the group
ignored him and I felt I had achieved a moral Victory.
After all I did win my race

photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/

[e-mail]
photobucket.com/albums/d195/viperin/

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/22/2006 5:02:13 PM | Message Detail

Alright, I've got my WR picked out for next week. I'll start dropping hints
tomorrow. Hopefully I can think of some good ones

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/
gt4newbtips.blogspot.com/


From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/22/2006 6:13:19 PM | Message Detail

3 Ring Circus
Schwarzwald Liga B- BMW M3/ 175pts.
This race wasn't much of a contest with the lovely M3. Can't remember right now
when I took the lead since I did this a few days ago, but I finished with a time
of 8'00.824
175pts.

Legend of Silver Arrow- Sl 600/ ?pts.
I forgot to record the attempted points on this one, but it didn't matter after
the SLR crossed the starting line.
0pts.

Real Circuits- Team Oreca Viper/ 200pts.
I kept searching for the lineup that all crashes out of my way on the second
half of the second lap, but I couldn't find it. I ended up getting destroyed By
the Toyota 7.
0pts.

---
But I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/23/2006 4:24:35 PM | Message Detail

Hint one: In WR history, this drivetrain has rarely been seen.

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/
gt4newbtips.blogspot.com/


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/23/2006 9:05:29 PM | Message Detail

Well, unless there is a Rear Engine, Front Wheel drive Car lurking in the game
somewhere, I will guess an FF Car.

Wednesday ( Thursday Oz time ) is a Public Holiday here as it is "Australia
Day". This will give me a chance to do the Celica WR as well as the RR.

"What ? " I hear you say there is no new RR about.

Like the Jolly Swagman, vitg steals the RR and stuffs it in his Tucker Bag.
More Later

photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
---

Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy- Entry under VITG - "Mostly Competent"



From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/24/2006 2:24:01 AM | Message Detail

Los Trios 'RingBarkus - Budget Rider™
To quote the immortal words of Jwrebholz, "Let's Get This Train Wreck Started
Shall We...."

Race One - "Legend Of the Silver Arrow"

I don't know about a Silver Arrow but I reckon I needed a Silver Bullet to get
rid of that ******* SLR McLaren
Tried heaps of lineups, but it was omnipresent, so decided to give it a go
anyway in my shiny, new, AlabasterWeiss SL 500 R230 '02
But at only 321 hp and weighing a hefty 1850kg I was doomed from the start. My
only upgrade was Sports Soft Tyres.
Actually, all things considered, I did okay. Passed a CL 600 straight away at
Hatzenbach
Narrowly avoided being taken out by an AvantGarde A160 who lost it at the L,R,L
just after Hatzenbach.
Outbraked and slipped up the inside of a E55 AMG approaching Kallenhard.
Gradually caught up with and passed a 190E 2.5 Evo ll '91 climbing the hill
through Kesselchenwith the bugger leaning on me all the way trying to push me
off. Bloody cheek.
During all of this frantic action the SLR had disappeared and I came in a steady
second place...... 22 seconds behind......Scheise.
Best lap 8 ' 09 . 567

Points on offer - 175
Points Won - 0

The SL500 being heavy was very stable and solid on the road but built up LOTS of
inertia so you have to plan things well in advance as it doesn't change
direction very quickly. No real vices, a good Car. It would be interesting to
try it with a few more Ponies.
Stop Press - Re-tried Legend, using absolutely stock SL600 '04 which is still
heavy ( 2025kg ) but has lots more oomph ( 525hp )and beat the SLR! ( not by
much mind you ) for a paltry 19 points.
Also had a go using the '54 300 SL which is a Brilliant Car ( a future WR
perhaps ?) and managed a creditable fourth.

---

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/24/2006 2:25:09 AM | Message Detail

Race Two - Schwartzwald Liga "B"

To make sure I got some points on the board I did the only honourable thing,
used my Ruf RGT !!
An easy Race.
Audi RS6 Avant '02 & SL600 R129 '98 passed at Hatzenbach
CLK55 AMG '00 passed up the hill at Flugplatz, got a bit carried away at
Arembergand was repassed, but sorted him out at Adenaur Forst.
Outbraked and passed an SL 65 AMG '04 at Ex - Muhle
A Terrific exit from Bergwerk allowed me to catch up to and pass a BMW M3 CSL
'03 climbing through Kesselchen. Game Over.
Best Lap - 7 ' 42 . 935

Points on Offer - 53
Points Won - 53

---

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/24/2006 2:27:34 AM | Message Detail

Race Three - Real Circuit tours
Who is a Lucky Boy then ?
I shall explain.
I decided to use the BMW M3 GTR Racecar for this Race as I felt I had a good
setup when using it for the recent RR™.
I added the only upgrade available ( Stage 4 Turbo ) for a increase to a
competitive 691 hp.
I thought long and hard about tyres and ended up going with Racing Hard.
So I started the Race with 200pts. on offer. Uh, Oh !
Drove cautiously at the beginning until my tyres warmed up.
Passed a Nissan GTR Concept LM under brakes at Kallenhard
Not much else happened for a while, sort of hovered around 3 - 4 seconds behind
the pack with a Mazda 787B out front and disappearing into the distance.
Approaching the end of the first lap, after driving like an absolute maniac to
be still 3 - 4 seconds behind, WHEN THE THREE CARS IN FRONT OF ME PITTED !! ( A
Toyota GT One, Sauber C9 and a Nissan R89C )
Lucky, Lucky Boy.
They never troubled me again.
Just the Mazda now, 16 seconds ahead. It did not look good for yours truly.
Still, I kept trying, and noticed after Bergwerk the gap was down to 4 seconds.
"Ah, having trouble with our tyres are we" I thought to myself. As I entered
Steilstrecke the Mazda was parked up against the fence. "You bewdy" I thought.
And that was that. I cruised home 12 seconds ahead of the Sauber for 200 ( count
'em ) points. Best lap 6 ' 26 . 227
Luck was on my side, but I am happy to take the points any way they come, thank
you very much !

Total Points on offer for The Three Ring Circus - 428
Total Points Won - 253

photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
[e-mail]


From: Flibutz | Posted: 1/24/2006 5:25:41 AM | Message Detail

WR: Toyota Celica XX 2800GT

10km special, no oil change. (170 garage hp)

Another solid WR pick, the Celica reminded me of the Fairlady 280Z we drove six
weeks ago. Both have a 2.8 liter V6s and they weigh practically the same amount.
What's more, they handle much like each other, they are from the same era,
introduced just a few years apart.

Even though the Celica has a little more power, I couldn't match my best time
with the Z on S2s. On N2s, however, I clocked in faster with the Celica which
really did feel surprisingly grippy on N2s. If I had more time in my hands, it
would be fun do a proper comparo of them as I'm not too confident about my N2
time with the Z.

The Celica was very willing to go where I wanted. Whenever it was going a little
wide, a bit of trailbraking brought it back in line. On N2s it had some tendency
to spin the inside rear wheel in slower corners but that never was a real
problem. Overall, I enjoyed driving it.

I liked the way it sounds, too. On higher rpms, the note is delightfully
aggressive. From 2700 to 3700rpm, the tone is deep and rich - too bad that's
"cruising" rpm. I even like the styling, it's ugly enough to look good.

Three Ring Circus

Legend of Silver Arrow: SL500 (R129) '98, used, on S3s.

The SLR finished in 7'42, beating me by over 30 seconds. Ouch.

0/18x pts.

More later.
---
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. -George
Orwell, "Animal Farm"


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/24/2006 1:05:14 PM | Message Detail

Hint 2: Rosso

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/
gt4newbtips.blogspot.com/


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/24/2006 1:36:13 PM | Message Detail

Alfa Romeo?

---
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: 1/25/2006 4:32:44 AM | Message Detail

Hint 3: Wherefore art thou?


From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/25/2006 8:03:30 AM | Message Detail

I'll take a guess that it's either the '01 Alfa GTV or the '01 Spider. Those
look like the spunkier of the Alfas' and the more fun ones' to drive.


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/25/2006 6:46:35 PM | Message Detail

On a mildly unrelated note, the Alfa Touring Car is the only vehicle I've used
to A Spec my DTCM card (usually it's B Spec in a TT).

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/26/2006 5:14:06 AM | Message Detail

Hint 4: It doesn't stand for Grand Theft Auto

On a side note, I don't know if this is a joke, but the 3 Ring Circus was
Flibutz's, and the RR is vitg's

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/26/2006 5:16:15 AM | Message Detail

Honest mistake, actually. My apologies to both you and ViTG. Good choice on the
WR, btw, I loved the GTA. It was my weapon of choice for the Italian cup.

---
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: 1/26/2006 5:43:08 AM | Message Detail

no apology needed. It was just that 2 consecutive posts like that had me
scratching my head wondering if I had accidentally taken credit for someone
else's rider


From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/26/2006 8:52:18 AM | Message Detail

Oops. I intended to mention I was looking on the blogspot. I didn't recall the
lineups being listed in Flibutz original write-up. I did my research, saw that
it was there.

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/27/2006 5:30:31 AM | Message Detail

My hints were pretty straightforward, and I'm pretty sure that this week's WR
has already been figured out by anyone reading, but to make it official, this
week's WR is:

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA 2002

Since I didn't have time to turn on the game this morning to double check, I
simply pulled the name off the car list. So, just to be clear, its the hatchback
with about 260 HP in the new cars section.

I've already driven it a bit, but I'll hold off on giving my impressions.


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/27/2006 6:05:35 AM | Message Detail

On the subject of Italians:

www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3200.asp?id=12820

The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Very nice. The Wallpaper link has lots of cool
pictures, not just of the Lambo, including something called the Fenomenon
Stratos I'd never heard of before.

My next task is to buy a new GTA and get work. Y'all have a blessed day.

---
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: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/27/2006 7:10:21 AM | Message Detail

To update, I was pleased to log my first lap in the GTA on N2's at just under
nine minutes. Soulidarity, the GTA makes no apologies about being an FF
hatchback, but it has a soft suspension that keeps things lively through the
midspeed bends.

On a whim, I thought I'd try the RR next. Let me advise against this. The
adjustment from a 250hp FF Italian hatchback on N2s to the monstrous CLK GTR
racecar is not pretty. I didn't realize how ludicrously fast the DTCM card is.
My lap was 6'50, but it was a violent 6'50 in which I destroyed every bit of
Armco in Germany, let alone Nurburg. I believe it might be a 6'20 car in capable
hands. I'm curious to see how good drivers perform in it. Nice pick, ViTG.

I have some questions- why does my DS2 vibrate so much more in FF cars than any
other auto? What causes that? How does one drive an FF car fast? You may take
that as a rhetorical question, but what can I do get the most out of an FF car
on the track (aside from pushing it too hard and creating more understeer the
harder I try to avoid it)?

---
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

[vitg]

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/27/2006 7:19:19 AM | Message Detail

I noticed the same thing (the vibration), and I think what its trying to
simulate is the feeling of the FF car trying to maintain grip to the front
wheels when the weight transfer is throwing it to the back.

I was thinking that putting some ballast over the front (to help hold the wheels
to the ground) and putting an FC suspension (so you can minimize weight
transfer) would be of great benefit to the GTA. You lose a lot of acceleration
in the low gears because the tires can't hold the road.


From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/27/2006 8:28:51 AM | Message Detail

This is off topic, but I just want to share it because I thought it was kinda
funny. I was down the street yesterday afternoon at the taco truck gettin' some
food. I had just ordered my food and went over to lean up against a pole that's
right next to the sidewalk. I'm facing away from the street at this point, but
immediately I hear a loud plastic crunch-crash-smash noise. I turn around to see
one of those long extension buses slamming on it's brakes as it's going through
the intersection and a bunch of debris drifting down the street behind it. I
look over to where the crash was, and right in front of the high school across
the street there's a brand new 330i that had just started to nose out of his
spot there on the street and apparently didn't see the bus coming. The entire
front end of the car was torn off. It looked like only everything in front of
the wheel was destroyed, he was fortunate to not get the wheel ripped off. All
the kids in the car were fine, the drivers' side door airbag went off, but I
just find it funny because there's so many kids driving around in high powered
cars that lack driving skill or common sense. That driving behavior has spawned
the phrase "Drive like you're in Oakland, B***h".
It's seriously gotten to the point that I hate driving around here. Especially
since I've been restricted from driving for the past nine months, so just being
removed from dealing with bad drivers for that long has made me notice how much
worse peoples' driving habits have become since I first started driving.
Everyone is so extremely road ragey around here. I'm starting to believe big
cities' make people go insane. That's partially why I've recently decided to
move to the country next month. I won't have to hear sirens at 3am, no crazy
crackheads walking by speaking alien languages, no more squads of cop cars
chasing people through the city streets at 70mph, no more living next to a
freeway. And I'll have direct access to a pool and hot tub, as well as being
closer to rivers so I can work on my kayaking skills.

---
From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/27/2006 1:16:10 PM | Message Detail

One more thing you won't have to worry about in the big city: people deciding to
spray/tag your car for no apparent reason. Ya, it happened to me this morning.
Luckily it wasn't actually my car, but a rental that my company has been paying
for for the last 3 months.

From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/27/2006 2:44:09 PM | Message Detail

I've never had my car tagged before. The building I live in has. I've had my
truck window broken twice in a span of 6 weeks last year. Never happened for
7yrs. until then. All they got was less than $1 in change. My friends 4runner
was broken into and whoever tried to steal the stereo wasn't very successful and
left the dashboard all torn up, but the deck was still there. My brother decided
to try to prevent someone from "breaking" into his car by leaving it unlocked
one time, so he's goes outside to go to work and some homeless guy decided to
get in and sleep there. People also like to leave me the surprise of a big dent
in the side of my truck when I'm coming out of the grocery store. That's
happened twice at two different stores of the same chain. People also seem to
assume it's okay to use other peoples' trucks for garbage cans. Ahhh, gotta love
city life.

And no more midget hookers to talk s*** about. At least I don't think so.

Sorry about the paperwork Soul. I had that problem a few times at my old job
after people decided it might be fun to run into the side of my work truck while
creeping along in traffic, or two different people deciding to make a flatbed
sandwich. That one was actually pretty funny since they both sped off with big
dents in their cars and leaving me to wonder "WTFWT?!!" There was absolutley no
damage to the truck.

Where I'm going, "traffic" is when you see another car on the road. Or there's
too many dogs on the steps.

---
But I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/28/2006 10:51:37 AM | Message Detail

even so, I'm a city boy at heart. I've lived in semi-rural areas (30 minutes or
so of freeway driving to the city), and hated it. I just felt too far away from
everything. I'm just too attached to the comforts of living in a city, so I have
to look past the negatives like this.

Here's some pics of their fine work on my van

i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/Soulidarity/DSC00253.jpg

i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/Soulidarity/DSC00254.jpg



From: MrPinstripes | Posted: 1/28/2006 11:39:43 AM | Message Detail

Ciscrack- Good luck with the move. I'll take the boondocks over a settled area
any day. All I have to deal with here are the next-door morons on
ATVs/snowmobiles, random idiots asking to hunt in my backyard, and the local
coyote family yipping at the moon.

Then again, I'm antisocial by nature, so being isolated doesn't even register as
a problem.

Soul- Apparently the hooligans in your area aren't very artistic.

---
"A bear in his natural environment... A Studebaker."
Pics- photobucket.com/albums/a346/MrPinstripes


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/28/2006 11:48:54 AM | Message Detail

I think they were in a hurry. They apparently sprayed about 20 cars in my
complex. I'm just glad they hit the rental my company pays for rather than my
own personal car.


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/28/2006 12:30:04 PM | Message Detail

AMG Mercedes CLK GTR Racecar '98

I've resigned myself to the fact that I absolutely cannot drive fast cars on
this track. Every time I take something more powerful than five or six hundred
horsepower, I spend more time with my face in the armco than I do driving
forwards. I logged in about a 7:45 for this very reason.


From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/28/2006 12:36:47 PM | Message Detail

Thanks Pin. It shouldn't be too difficult as I've got all month, I don't have
much to move, and I'm just moving into my moms' place she bought last year. I
figure she needs help taking care of her place, I'm not working right now and
the job market sucks here. There's also no hope of purchasing property around
here since you don't get s*** for $1,000,000. If I'm ever able to spend that
much money on property, it'll be in Costa Rica, it'll cost a lot less than that
and I'll save the rest to live on so I never have to work again. Just go hang
out in the ocean and maybe do river tours or something. Plus, Costa Rican girls
are sooo hot.
I'm an antisocial ass too, so I'll just be happy to not have so many people
around. Especially all the low-lifes around here. Hey, 5 people got shot in a
drive-by thursday night just 12 blocks away. And the addicts begging for change
as they're nodding off. It's fun to watch 'em scramble for the dealer down the
street when someone actually does give 'em something. Then there's the mess the
hookers leave. I always have to make sure my dogs don't pick up used condoms
when I take 'em for a walk. I don't know about you're neighborhood Soul, but
this place is a F'n Sh'hole. You ever see Repo Man? It's kinda like that.

---
But I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/28/2006 12:58:56 PM | Message Detail

My neighborhood isn't that bad. But its certainly more towards the ghetto end of
the spectrum. My apartment is far enough from the street that I rarely hear
sirens, and the community is gated, but the wall is short enough that people can
easily hop it if they want to, and I've heard gunshots on more than one occasion
since I moved here a few months back. If things go as planned, I'll be buying a
place in a somewhat better area before the year is up.


From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/28/2006 2:10:03 PM | Message Detail

Oh yeah! I also live right next to chinatown. Tomorrow is Chinese New Year. The
millions of firecrackers that were just going off for the last 5mins reminded me
of that. That doesn't bother me, I just couldn't figure out what that noise was
for a minute.

---
But I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: MrPinstripes | Posted: 1/28/2006 6:04:27 PM | Message Detail

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA

Right out of the gate I was unimpressed, and the GTA did nothing to dispel that
initial reaction. It seemed to fight me every inch of the way. If it wasn't
exuding power-on understeer, it was ignoring subtle throttle-and-brake hints
that it should turn.

The suspension seems particularly ill-suited to the car, causing a constant
jittery vibration that was contributing to the car's already questionable grip.

Just to make sure that my opinion wasn't being colored by many long hours in
oversteering monstrosities (including the Alpine A310, the "Mr. Hyde" half of
the Alpine lineup), I busted out my old Seat Ibiza Cupra. Sure enough, it
handled as nicely as I remember, skirting the edges of FF understeer on throttle
application and reacting beautifully and confidently to careful pedal input.

Final time in the GTA (N2s, oil, driver ballast): 8'47.751

Final time in the Ibiza (same conditions as above): 9'00'069

I was hoping to break 9'00 with the Ibiza, but it wasn't in the cards. I could
have easily made it with a second lap (after I stopped overcompensating for the
GTA's recalcitrance), but the rest of the family wanted the "Flashy Box" back.

Later, all.

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/28/2006 6:38:07 PM | Message Detail

After 2 reviews of the Alfa mirroring my own impressions. I decided to go with
my earlier thoughts, and put 100 kg of ballast over the front of the car, bought
an FC Suspension, increased the bound over the rear, decreased the rebound over
the front, and made some small adjustments to the spring rate.

It did seem to help the front of the car maintain some grip, but it didn't solve
the understeer issues. However, lifting the throttle does help with the
understeer. I knocked about 10 seconds off of my initial time (on N3s), giving
me a near identical time to Mr P

| Page 11 of 12 | Last Page

The Nurburgring Diary: Volume XIII

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/28/2006 8:17:25 PM | Message Detail
So we have the Seat Ibiza Cupra and the Mazda 6 as pleasant driving FF cars. Are
there any others? Something tells me that if the GTA had AWD version it would be
ok (similar to the Audi A3 or VW Golf R32).

---
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: sidewinderl | Posted: 1/28/2006 9:02:34 PM | Message Detail
WR: Toyota Celica XX 2800GT

I suppose I better say something about it since I picked it (just never in the
mood to type anything up).

The two things that left an impression on me are the two things that have
already been mentioned: handling and engine note (stock and fully modded). Its
only weakness is a weak top end. However, the Celica destoys the more technical
sections with ease. A previous poll (by wanderingmuse, I think) asked everybody
to list their top 5 200- hp cars through the technical section and the Celica is
right at the top of my list. It's also my current favorite car to just drive
around the 'Ring (stock and fully modded).

On N2's I'm good for low 9's and S2's are about 30 seconds faster. The
difference in feel between the two is practically night and day, imo. N2's feel
a bit sluggish (relatively), but it really comes alive on sports (or better)
tires.
---
photobucket.com/albums/d4/sidewinderl/


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/28/2006 9:35:46 PM | Message Detail

This weekend I was able to spend some quality time with the various picks. I
then logged in late last night to check on the Diary and it was interesting to
note the similar experiences we are having both virtual and real.

BAD STUFF

Ciscrack - Big Cities can be very wearing on the Soul, I am pleased to hear you
are moving somewhere more pleasant.
Hobart, is only small ( and I live on the fringe of it anyway ) and we do not
have major "Big City" problems ( Yet )
but I have lived and worked in enough to know exactly what you mean. I have also
got back to my car after a night out and found a Derro sleeping in the back.
Another thing they do here is, Bogan's will steal a car to get a ride home, then
instead of just dumping it, they torch it to destroy evidence I guess. I think
they watch too much CSI as the Plods here could not detect their backside with a
map and a flashlight.
On Friday night I was heading into Hobart to get a Fish & Chip supper. I was
stopped at a set of lights and an older guy in a Van pulled up next to me. Broad
daylight still, good visibility and light traffic. We sat there for about 30
seconds, when the lights changed I moved off then suddenly the van was looming
up on my right, obviously intent on turning THROUGH me !
I had take major evasive action wrenching the wheel hard left ( thank you agile
Saab and excellent tyres ! ) to avoid having the side of my car scraped off. I
avoided it by millimetres.
The guy just glanced at me and blithely sailed off up the road.
Now, I am not proud to report I followed him to the next set of lights and
pointed out to him that his head bore a remarkable similarity to a male
appendage and perhaps he should take more notice of signs and road markings.
What really got me going then, was his insistence I was in the wrong and he was
allowed to turn left from a middle lane !
No apology, nothing. It was lucky for him I am civilised enough not to have
dragged him from his van and beat him to a pulp. Instead I just shook my head
and drove off.
Now, I have been riding road bikes and driving cars for more years than I care
to remember, I think it is a fairly simple matter to get from A to B without
colliding with something or scaring the beejesus out of someone.
Drivers here have 3 major problems,
You have to guess what they are going to do next as they refuse to indicate.
They tailgate.
If they cannot see it in their mirror it does not exist.
Why oh why they do not teach drivers the simple technique of "Head Check" as
Bike riders are taught is beyond me.
In fact I have given up riding now as I got tired of people trying to kill me.
End Of Rant

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/28/2006 9:38:22 PM | Message Detail

GOOD STUFF

Weekend Riders™
Toyota Celica 2800 GT xx '81

A very pleasant and relaxing drive. just the thing for soothing the savage
breast.
8 ' 52 . 023 run stock with no oil change as mine was also a 10km. special.
In fact when I bought it at least half of the list were specials, so I went on a
shopping spree until the lineup changed again. Excellent !
8 ' 46 . 072 with driving aids turned off, pretty good.
9 ' 17 . 882 with aids off and on N2's , not so good.

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA '02
Reading the thoughts so far I wondered if the vibration was due, as Souli
suggested to the weight transfer being stifled somewhat by the soft suspension
being overdamped. A reasonably powerful and light FF car axle tramping this much
is not good for fast driving. It is a pity we cannot get a look at the stock
suspension settings, I am sure that would tell an interesting tale.
Now as for driving it fast, I found aids off the best, jab on the brakes when
turning in to get the back swinging out, when it is pointing at the exit let off
the brakes and gas it on. This way it becomes an oversteerer and understeer is
not such an issue.
8 ' 28 . 213 aids off is not too bad,quite a lively performer. I did not try
driving with N grade tyres yet.

AMG Mercedes CLK GTR Racecar RR™
I also made the mistake of driving this car after the Alfa.
My first lap was a real "Big Dog's Breakfast" but still pretty quick. Incredible
acceleration.
Second lap I thought about the Lancia Stratos I have been driving at Ice Arena
and employed the "Go slow to drive fast" attack. i.e. braking much earlier for
the corners, which do rush up very quickly, get settled then use the
acceleration to power away. The suspension is a set a bit low and firm too so I
tried to keep away from the worst bumps and kerbs, which helped a lot.
Best lap run stock was about 6 ' 014 . xxx which put it third on my list behind
the XJR 9 Jag and the Sauber, but it felt much less frantic and manic to drive
than the Jag which is lighter and has much more HP.
I then did some tuning of the suspension with the aim of getting to the top of
the table.
Best lap so far, tuned 5 ' 59 . 287 compared to a 5 ' 58 for the sauber and a 5
' 56 for the Jag.
So a bit of work to do yet, but a very good car ( it is faster than me though ! )

I have managed to catch up with all my driving now, including driving pumped
Holdens at Opera Paris on N1's ( Yikes ! ) so I can sit back and read peoples
impressions at my leisure now, plus take a few more photo's.

Catch you later.

---

Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy- Entry under VITG - "Mostly Competent"

From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/28/2006 10:11:32 PM | Message Detail

Hey VITG- "Drive like you're in Oakland B***H!" Are you sure you're not from
around here? That's what happens at every intersection in the Biggity-biggity-O.
Good to hear you came away unscathed. But really now, what are you doing getting
in his way?

---
Don't h8 me cuzu 8nt me!
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/29/2006 10:33:51 AM | Message Detail

Ciscrack, you should open up a cafepress.com site and make T-shirts with that
slogan on them. Maybe someone could design a 'Ring Diary shirt too, as a nice
little "inside joke" token for those so inclined.

---
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: lmhansen | Posted: 1/29/2006 2:41:30 PM | Message Detail

OMG, you guys are still at it? Haven't you run out of cars yet?

---
"If you try to fail, and succeeds, which have you done?"
GT4 Getting Started Walkthrough @ www.hansenonline.net/GT4


From: ciscrack | Posted: 1/29/2006 2:55:11 PM | Message Detail

Thanks Muse! I kinda suspected there was some place to do that but I never
really looked into it. I tend to think of a lot of different things/sayings that
would make good shirts, but I always forget to write 'em down. If I can get
something like that going it'll help me avoid having to do any real work. Think
of something new once a week, go kayaking and hang out in the pool the rest of
the week.

---
but I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/29/2006 3:07:46 PM | Message Detail

Mr. Imhansen, you're the one that was doing that "Chronicles of Lars" topic,
right? I was pretty sad when you let that go. It was an interesting topic.


From: lmhansen | Posted: 1/29/2006 3:10:50 PM | Message Detail

Yeah, that was me. Sorry, I got bored, laid of the game for a long time and just
picked it up last week or so.

[vitg]

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/29/2006 9:22:22 PM | Message Detail

I found the missing WR™ the Nismo Fairlady Z ( Z33 ) S - Tune GT Concept Car.
In my version it is called a Nismo Fairlady Z "Aero" GT Concept on the new car
screen.
The full name only becomes clear after purchase, at the garage screen, that is
why I could not find it at first.
I decided to try it in a grade 10 family Cup Race to get some action shots.

The grid was -
Mitsubishi starion 4wd Rally Car '84
Mines Lancer Evo Vl '00
Mazda6 touring Car '02
Nismo Fairlady Z ( Z33 ) Z - Tune '03
Mazda BP Falken RX - 7 ( D1GP ) '03
Me

The Race was worth 184 pts. and I figured ( rightly ) the RX - 7 would be the
main competition.
I squeezed past him early and had caught and passed the leader ( Starion ) by
Kallenhard.
I then spent the next lap and a half being chased by the RX - 7 who had the
speed to pass me on DH if he got close enough on the second lap, however he had
a moment at the Mini Karussel and I ended up winning by 10 secs.
Best lap 7 ' 46 . 179 in a flawless exhibition of racing, made easier because
this is an excellent Car.
Sixth gear not really necessary but otherwise the Fairlady seemed well set up. I
ran with aids reduced by 50 % .
I will post some photos tomorrow.

Wanderingmuse - Lotus Europa Special - 7 ' 27 . 746 You have got to try
this.What a fabulous"home made " Racer ! I messed up the last few corners but
still had enough in reserve to slow down a bit at the line to try for an exact 7
' 28 ( which is really hard to do btw ). This Car is now my favorite through the
"Technical Section" very sweet. If you like I will post my setup which I thought
was pretty good, controllable oversteer and much less frantic to drive than my
last effort.

Bye from a very satisfied Racer ( now if only I could do better with the
stratos)


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/30/2006 4:45:10 AM | Message Detail

ViperintheGrass, I would very much like to know your set up (both parts and
settings) for the Europa, as it sounds like you've created quite the 'Ring toy.
As for the Stratos, the key seems to be perseverence and patience: the more you
drive it the faster it gets.


---
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: 1/30/2006 1:31:12 PM | Message Detail

Muse I will get the details on the Europa at lunchtime and post them later
today. It looks and sounds and goes with great Fabulosity ( sic )

Ciscrack, if you get the T-Shirt thing happening i will definitely buy one of
them. Keep me posted.
---

Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy- Entry under VITG - "Mostly Competent"


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/30/2006 6:44:42 PM | Message Detail

Lotus Europa Special '71

Upgrades -
Racing Exhaust
FC Gearbox
Racing Flywheel
Triple clutch
Turbo Stg. 2
Racing Chip
Port & Polish
Engine Balancing
Wgt. Reduction Stg. 3
R4's - Probably overkill, any R grade would probably do

Settings -
Spring Rate - 3.8 / 4.0
Ride Hgt. - 100 / 100
Damping - 3 / 4 Front & Rear
Camber - Anywhere from 2.0 to 4.0 Front and Rear
Toe In - minus 1 F & R
Stabilisers - 6 F & R
Tranny - Auto Set 16
Driving aids optional, I tried 15,10,5

total Power 235 hp
Weight - I forgot to look !

Happy motoring

---

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 1/30/2006 9:44:18 PM | Message Detail

I'm going to pass off the WR to vitg if he doesn't mind doing us the honors.


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/31/2006 1:35:26 PM | Message Detail


Weekend Rider

No easy clues this week, you are going to have to work to get this one.

Hint No.1

"A Partly Scatological Reference"

Heh, Heh.

photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
---

Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy- Entry under VITG - "Mostly Competent"


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 1/31/2006 3:53:26 PM | Message Detail

ViTG, was that a Beavis and Butthead "Heh, heh" by chance?
---
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: 1/31/2006 6:43:54 PM | Message Detail

I can't think of a single make or model that has a meaning (that I know of
anyways) referring to excrement or feces. I think I'll have to wait for the next
clue


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 1/31/2006 6:58:48 PM | Message Detail

No, that was just an evil chuckle because I am being particularly obtuse.
The giveaway clue will be a persons name , which I am obviously not going to
tell you all, yet.
It has nothing to do with **** , narrow your thinking "partly".

---

Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy- Entry under VITG - "Mostly Competent"


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/1/2006 4:37:51 AM | Message Detail

Is it the Tommy kaira ZZ-II?

---
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: 2/1/2006 1:20:57 PM | Message Detail

Sorry Muse it is not.
Time for another hint -

To find another clue to the name you need look to, say,
New York, because
"The City is full of them"

---

Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy- Entry under VITG - "Mostly Competent"


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/1/2006 8:07:06 PM | Message Detail

Is it a Dodge Viper SRT-10 '03?

That car is fast.

---
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: 2/1/2006 9:09:45 PM | Message Detail

Aston Martin? Shelby GT350? Karmann Ghia? The city is full of them? ?

A few quick little write-ups.
Celica 1800???
I forgot the full name and am a little too lazy right now to do the research,
but I had a good time with the little beast on S2's w/o aids. I was reminded of
a friend from high school that used to have a '79 or so when I was driving this
one. It handled similarly, just about the same rate of acceleration, but I can't
imagine his car would've topped out at the speed this one's capable of. I
clocked a nearly clean lap of 9'00.262.

Alfa 147 GTA
I think that's the name of it. Again, too lazy. A little something to adapt to
after driving the Celica. I tried driving it over the weekend, but just couldn't
get into being on the 'ring with a car I wasn't familiar with. I forced myself
to do it last night finally. So, I could definitely tell this thing wanted to
keep pushing it's way thru turns. It handled pretty well as long as you brake
early enough, but you'll be punished for not respecting it's limits if you
don't. I got a very slight drift at one point in the lap, but I can't recall
which turn. All in all, sweet car! A little faster top speed than the Celica
allowing my time to drop to 8'39.526

Mercedes CLK-GTR race car
I started out doing pretty well, enjoying the blur of the scenery, when my
brothers' girlfriend interrupted me, got me a little annoyed and distracted,
then when trying to resume driving, couldn't get it together. No lap time
recorded.

Hey! Look at that! I actually posted something 'ring related and not rambling on
about my life changes. I'm looking into the shirt thing, but I have to figure
out how to use photoshop. I've got a design for the Oakland shirt(the first in a
series), but I wanna put some kind of background behind the lettering. I also
have a few 'ring Ideas, but those are going to take a bit more skill than my few
hours of learning has given me.

---
but I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/1/2006 10:53:06 PM | Message Detail

The Dodge would have been an excellent choice, perhaps a future WR.

Another hint, to point you in the right direction.
The City is indeed full of them, in fact -
"One of Them Came And Took away My Old Man".

I am supposed to tag someone for the next WR but it has been pretty quiet around
here lately, anybody lurking ?

Imp real demon ? von ? Jw ?
If I do not hear from anyone maybe I should pick Sackedagain, seeing as how
there is a big Game next week ( or so they tell me ).

I have a couple of technical questions; Souli, I have been trying to change my
Pin Colour to Blue ( Ring Addict) at the Frappr site but it will not change. Any
thoughts ?

I changed my Sig to the Ringdiary Album address as I kept forgetting to add it
to my post, in account manager there is box where you can write a quote but it
does not seem to show up in the post, any ideas on how to use this ?

Photo's - when I look at photos on my PC after copying them from the PS2 to the
USB stick they fill the screen nicely and look really good, however when I click
on a photo in Photobucket the picture is huge and there are sliders on the right
and bottom of my PC screen. Is this the same for everyone else ? I find it a
real nuisance, I may have to resize all the photo's so they fit on the screen
better.

More Later

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 2/2/2006 3:37:44 AM | Message Detail

This week's WR is a taxi?


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 2/2/2006 3:40:07 AM | Message Detail

By the way, the colored pins on frappr was a feature they recently added. It
seems a little buggy, since I had trouble getting my color to stick.

The quote only shows up in your profile.

---
Of the three Rhea sisters, I've only met Dia. I hope to never meet Pyo or Gono,
as I hear they can be quite nasty


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/2/2006 4:14:06 AM | Message Detail

Is it the Ginetta G4?

That's a fun little car.

---
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: 2/2/2006 8:19:53 AM | Message Detail

Ford Mustang?

---
but I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/2/2006 9:08:04 AM | Message Detail

I could be considered for the WR next week. I don't really have anything in
mind, I'm just sayin'.

---
but I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/2/2006 2:02:10 PM | Message Detail

That is all the encouragement I need, Ciscrack you are tagged !

Another Hint -
"Jake & Elwood could point you in the right direction"



From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/2/2006 4:33:15 PM | Message Detail


Is it the Callaway C12?

The Blues Brothers, ah, that's some wicked driving. Did anybody watch the new
Dukes of Hazzard movie? The film itself wasn't much, but it had some wonderful
driving that anyone's inner 12 year old could love.


---
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: 2/2/2006 5:36:28 PM | Message Detail

haven't seen it, but I'll probably rent it somewhere down the road just to see
jessica in cutoffs


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/2/2006 7:07:59 PM | Message Detail

My last clue would have been -
"HI De Hi De HI De Ho".
Well done to Muse for picking it ! It is indeed the Callaway C12 '03.
For that you get a Triple Layer Black Forest Cherry Cake with a Scoop Of Ice
Cream on the side ( I am in a "Deep Forest" sort of Mood ).
Partly Scatological
New York - YellowCab's
Jake & Elwood - The Blues Brothers
Hi De Hi De Hi De Hi De Ho - Scatting

Therefore the name of the person I was Taking In Vain Was Cab Calloway


A bio site for Cab -
just-the-swing.com/doc/bio/calloway.htm

Some Pictures of Reeve Callaway's Cars
www.callawaycars.com/
---
photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
[e-mail]


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 2/2/2006 7:38:33 PM | Message Detail

I remember driving and not liking the C12 at some point in the past, but there's
a lot of cars that I didn't like when the game was newer to me that I've since
driven and liked a lot more, so we'll see if that applies here too.


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/2/2006 7:44:00 PM | Message Detail

Just remember to drive the car for what it is and not what you want it to be.

---
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: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/2/2006 7:46:44 PM | Message Detail

Oh, and does this mean I get cookies?

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 2/2/2006 7:49:41 PM | Message Detail

ya, I think that's exactly why I've learned to enjoy so many cars that I
formerly hated/disliked


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/2/2006 8:15:09 PM | Message Detail

A race that I always imagined to be a good one is Callaway C12 vs Viper GTS. I
think one of the Aston's fits in a nice group with them, but I'm not sure which.
What'd be rather cool is to have a line up of all those big dogs and then roll
in a Tuscan Speed 6 to walk them down. Well, I think it would be cool, anyway.

Oddly enough, I'd dragged my stock Callaway into my garage's top 10 for a Citta
d'Aria run. Seems now it's going to Germany, too.

[vitg]

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/2/2006 10:05:40 PM | Message Detail


The Callaway is a big, fairly heavy Car, so early braking please!
The gearing is fairly tall so you will spend most of your time in second or
third, MT drivers will have a better time of it. A FC Tranny would make a big
difference as there is plenty of power there, it is just a bit sluggish getting
it down. Turning down the ASM oversteer by half will help swing that tail and
quicken up the steering.
Callaway vs. Viper GTS vs. Aston Martin , hmm , that would be good but FC
trannies all round I think !

Soul - thanks for the Tech info, everything is clear now.

Muse - If you dont want Cake for guessing early, instead of Cookies I will give
you a packet of "Tim Tams"
(Google for info )

Bye.
---
photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
[e-mail]


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/2/2006 10:48:16 PM | Message Detail

I love to watch American Football, it is a far superior game to Australian
Rules.
Gridiron to me is the closest thing you can have to Team Chess.

There used to be a program showing the "Game of the Week " highlights, plus a
roundup of all the results from all the conference games. Sadly it is no longer
on.
They will be showing the Game live on Monday Morning our time, but I will have
to watch the replay Monday Night.

So what is the thinking, who will win? Will playing in Motown favour either
side?

Will Superbowl Forty feature Breasts ?

I am tipping The Seattle Seahawks for no other reason but that I like the name.

Catch you later.

p.s. Callaway - best so far 7 ' 40 . xxx with one humungous crash.



From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/3/2006 4:54:30 AM | Message Detail

Well, ViTG, playing in Motown favors Pittsburgh, because it is the hometown of
one of their star players, and isn't very far from Pittsburgh itself. In fact,
Pittsburgh is favored to win. I too am hoping Seattle takes the day, however,
because I'm fan of the underdog.

The Tim Tams look tasty, thanks for the heads up. You didn't offer those instead
of cookies because you're still mad about the recipe, by any chance?

---
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: 2/3/2006 5:17:06 AM | Message Detail

Just poking my head in to say I haven't vanished. I've almost caught up with
everything, expect to hear from me soon.
---
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. -George
Orwell, "Animal Farm"


From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/3/2006 7:38:37 AM | Message Detail

So what is the thinking, who will win? Will playing in Motown favour either
side?

I don't really care too much who wins, just as long as it's a good game. I do
enjoy seeing the hometown hero retire after winning the biggest game of his
life, so I am actually favoring Pittsburgh a little.

Will Superbowl Forty feature Breasts ?

God, I hope Mick Jagger doesn't take his shirt off!

I haven't attempted to take your Callaway out for a spin, but I was looking
through my extensive list of cars and found a very strong contender that I'm
surprised hasn't been picked yet. More later.

From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/3/2006 3:26:40 PM | Message Detail

Callaway C12

I took it out for a lap with FC tranny, as suggested, set at default auto-set.
It definitely feels heavy in every way possible. I didn't say I didn't enjoy it.
It's just heavy. Kinda like my Superbird, but in a faster, more ground-hugging
way and with the negative effect of punishing you for not braking enough for a
turn. I went off into the grass a few times as part of that punishment, didn't
do to bad with that, but I found that I didn't get into 6th until the end of
Dottinger-Hohe. I ended up finishing @ 7'48.xxx

I went to the garage to change up my gearing a little, dropping the auto-set to
11, before heading out for my second lap. I did a lot better with staying on
track. I did scrub a little grass this time as well, but I dropped my time to
7'40.919

---
but I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/3/2006 7:21:31 PM | Message Detail

Well, if you want to know why the stock gears are so big, drive it on N2's with
no aids. It's a bit torquey, so the tall 3rd gear comes in handy. I logged one
cold lap of 8'23, feeling out the Callaway for speed. Driving fast on N2's is
tricky, especially in a heavy FR car. It seems to have more oversteer under
acceleration, so a "slow in, fast out" approach works well.

I'd like to see how close it will run to the eight minute mark on N2's. It takes
time to learn the weight of the car, and use it as an advantage instead of an
obstacle. I think the long wheel base works against the handling more than the
weight itself, as far as naturally induced understeer. Does that sound right?


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/4/2006 1:14:59 AM | Message Detail

Weekend Rider™ Callaway C12 '03

Just finished doing a few laps after a day planing some big beams for my House
extension.
A clean lap ( no huge prangs this time ! ) run stock with oil change - 7 ' 39 . 339
Then a lap with Aids turned off, this seemed to make the Car generally "Snappier" all round,
less sluggish accelerating and a bit easier to chuck around, still early braking though !
Time okay at - 7 ' 35 . 327 , could probably do better with MT.
Then another lap with Aids off and running with N3's - 7 ' 50 . 321 , not too bad.
I am still not very brave, as I have not tried N2's yet although they would
probably be okay. I think you might be right about the wheelbase rather than the
weight being a factor, as 1480 kg is not that monstrous !

As usual, lately, I then entered in a Family Cup Race ( Grade 8, 92 points )
with the Sport Mediums but leaving Aids turned off.
Grid -
Bmw M5
Mercedes AMG SL 55 ( R230 )
Pagani Zonda C12
Dodge Viper SRT 10
Spyker Laviolette
Me

As it turned out I probably could have done a Grade 10 Race as I had passed
everyone by Wehrseifen, going on to a lonely win by 21 seconds over the Viper.
At least I will get a few pix to add to gallery.
Best Lap - 7 ' 38 . 512

As mentioned if you accept the Car for what it is, it performs Admirably and
looks very Lush.
It was a happy coincidence spotting it at the American Dealers straight after
watching the Blues Brothers and having to think of a Car to pick. All in all I
am happy with my choice.

Cheerio !

photobucket.com/albums/d195/viperin/

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/4/2006 10:22:15 PM | Message Detail

How does the Callaway compare to the Z06 or ZR-1? By right, the C12 should be
the best Corvette in the game. Is it?

---
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: 2/6/2006 4:47:37 PM | Message Detail

I FINALLY finished DM 11. I've been working on it for a good part of the day, as
I felt compelled to get this stupid thing out of my way. Don't ruin my moment by
mentioning 34 please.

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/


From: The White Ghost | Posted: 2/6/2006 7:28:46 PM | Message Detail

I found a little fun car took forever to pop up in the classic used lot but it
was worth the wait.

The 68' i think Fairlady 2000 (SR311 i think is the little number that follows
the car name i think you guys will know what im talking of.)
---
Su unica opcion es suicidio-choco2000


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/6/2006 7:30:38 PM | Message Detail

White Ghost, the '68 Fairlady 2000 is an absolute gem of a car. It needs a
little cleaning up (rigidity refresh, oil change), but is quite the pleasant
drive. It's one of my favorites.

[vitg]

Okay, that is it for now.

I will post the rest of Vol Xlll when I have finished editing out all the gheyfaqs stuff from the pages .

Later doodz.


Okay I'm back !
Volume Xlll cont.

From: The White Ghost | Posted: 2/6/2006 7:44:16 PM | Message Detail

I had noticed it in a magazine and I was like wait aint that car in GT, well
turns out it was. Thats led me to buying lots of rims and useless cars to
advance the days rapidly enough to get new used lineups

and after about 4 or 5 days (real life days) it finally pops up in a bright red
shade and then for the next few cycles it shows up again and again got me a
little mad but i got it in a few colors
---
From: The White Ghost | Posted: 2/6/2006 7:51:18 PM | Message Detail

out of the corvettes I give the nod to the Z06 but i always throw on the semi
racing exhaust because it sounds like it should and raises the HP to the updated
Z06 of 405 without the oil change.

and soul, got 34 done yet? I finished that damn thing and never looked at the
misson hall again well I was done with it all at that point but still more hell
then fun although it does feel good beating the hard ones.
---
Su unica opcion es suicidio-choco2000

From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/6/2006 7:56:15 PM | Message Detail

WR Hint #1

Laguna Seca, El Capitan, New York

Congrats on passing DM11 Soul! If I might offer a suggestion for DM14, you might
want to revisit my Superbird WR. Take it out for a few laps on the ring to get
used to the handling, then try doing the mission. I thought that mission was a
pain before I beat it too, but after I got a feel for how to drive the
Superbird, I can beat it almost everytime I try it.

---
but I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 2/6/2006 8:45:49 PM | Message Detail

Just thought I'd poke my head in for a quick comment. I haven't had time for
anything besides the TotLS lately. I spent most of Superbowl Sunday
steam-cleaning my carpets and bagging up garbage back in my Duluth house so I
could put it (the house...not the garbage) on the market.

I mostly want to say that I applaud the Callaway as a WR. I very nearly chose
that on my last pick when I chose the RX-7 instead. From what I remember of my
test-run, it was a bit of a beast to get to turn until you figure out its
sensitivity to weight-transfer. Light trail-braking is a MUST if you want it to
turn properly. Once you get the weight transfered to the front wheels, it turns
like a champ!

Carry on, all! I hope to be back participating eventually.
---
A.K.A. Don Papa


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 2/6/2006 10:59:37 PM | Message Detail

ghost, no, I had been going through them in order. I finished 12 in a couple
tries. 13 is a bit harder for me. More the course than the car. I doubt I'll be
stuck on it for too long though. I messed around with 34 a bit. When I'm running
semi-clean, I lose 4-5 seconds on the splits in the FAQ by adenauer, but by the
split before Karussell I'm actually a second up. I have yet to make a clean run
any further than that yet, and I've only managed to finish about 20 seconds back
so far (5th place). I'm waiting for a solid run to really see how much work I
need. Stupid McLaren pushes like a mother.

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/


From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/7/2006 4:48:36 AM | Message Detail

WR: Alfa Romeo 147 GTA '02 in Azzurro Gabbiano Metalizzato

A nice car, though it feels a bit overpowered for FF. While it's not as good
handling as the Cupra, it's still way better than Fiat Coupe, for example. Soft
front suspension allows for easy loading of front tyres, helping with turning.
The main issue was the annoying bouncing of the front suspension while
accelerating. I'm with whoever said it could make a fine 4WD car.

S2: 8'13.409
N2: 8'39.352

RR: "OMG" Mercedes CLK-GTR Race Car '98

A stunning car. Like most people here, I've sold heaps of these. Probably more
than they ever made. When I got my first one, I tried it at GT World
championship and got badly owned. Somehow I never got back in the car, just kept
selling them. Actually, it might be nice to use it for a GTW run just to get
back at the AIs - I'm pretty sure I could win it nowadays.

Now that I've run it on the 'Ring, I must confess to overlooking a great car.
The handling was great, fast but stable. I messed around with the settings quite
a bit, and changed most values but did nothing dramatic. In the end, the car was
very close to what I wanted it to be. Setup is available on request if anyone
wants it.

With considerably less downforce and worse P:W ratio, I didn't expect the Merc
to be capable of laptimes anywhere near those of group C / LMP cars. Wrong.
While they all can definitely whoop the CLK, I got within ten seconds of my best
lap in the Jag XJR-9.

Best lap: 5'46.692

---
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. -George
Orwell, "Animal Farm"


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/7/2006 4:50:47 AM | Message Detail

Good to see you, Oldguy, I hope your move is going as smoothly as possible. I
drive a pickup truck, and would offer to help, but MN instead of MS disqualifies
me, even if we do have a river in common.

My introduction to the Callaway came with the New York endurance race. I enjoyed
it then and have enjoyed since, and I too was glad to see it picked as WR, even
though I didn't get many laps in over the weekend. Nevertheless, it's a heck of
a car.

Ciscrack, have you picked a hot rod?


From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/7/2006 4:52:14 AM | Message Detail


Three Ring Circus: Race 2/3

Real Circuit Tours

As I knew the AI's would have tyre wear problems, I felt I'd be ok with using an
unmodded Pagani Zonda LM race car '01 for this. I chose to run on R2s to ensure
my own rubber would last through the race. Setup was very basic: Just lowered
spring rates and a slightly raised ride height.

Lineup in the starting order:

Nissan R89C '89
AMG Mercedes CLK-GTR '98
Mazda RX-7 LM '01
Playstation Pescarolo C60 '04
Nissan R92CP '92
Pagani Zonda LM '01 (me)

200pts on offer.

The Pescarolo got past the RX-7 fairly early, but the R92CP didn't. I caught up
with them before Flugplatz (Quiddelbacher-Hohe?). Unfortunately, as I was making
the pass, the R92CP decided to pass the RX-7 too and I bumped his rear, aiding
in the pass. I lost enough speed to keep me behind the RX-7 until after
Flugplatz, I didn't dare to try a pass in mid-corner. The R92CP was rather slow
through Schwedenkreuz, and I managed a pass through the inside at Aremburg. My
joy was short-lived, as the R92CP took revenge on me and pushed his way past my
Zonda in the last corner of Adenaur-Forst. I got a bit over-excited and went a
little wide at Metzgesfeld, but luckily the car stayed in control and I didn't
spin. Until Brunnchen, the gap was growing in size.

Between Kesselchen and Klostertal splits the AI cars showed their lack of balls,
surrendering 2 seconds to me. Yay! For a moment there, I was close to the R92CP
again, with the CLK-GTR holding him back. The Pescarolo had gotten past the Merc
a while ago and the R92CP did so right after Karussell. I was slower than others
through most of the technical section, but by the end of Pflanzgarten II
straight, I had caught up with the CLK, which I drafted and passed on D-H. For
some reason, the AIs never seem to realize the full top speed of the fastest
cars and I was within 5 seconds of the Pescarolo (which had grabbed the lead on
D-H) by T11.

Then everyone except the Peskie pitted. As it wasn't very far ahead and would
soon run on worn tyres, I started getting pretty optimistic about the race. I
ran as fast as I dared, but was 6.7 behind at the Kesselchen split. On the
technical section, the Pescarolo's tyres gave up. He spun at Wipperman area, and
I caught up. Not wanting to risk my race by trying to pass when I didn't have a
good opportunity, I hung on his tail until Pflanzgarten I, where he spun out
again and I grabbed the lead after braking very hard to avoid joining the Peskie
in the grass. I went wide at Kleiner Karussell but it didn't matter anymore; I
won the race by 7.7 secs.

Points won: 200/200
Current total: 200/38x

Hoping to find the time for the last race soon.

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/7/2006 4:54:38 AM | Message Detail

Oh, and Flibutz, dadgum, that's fast!

---
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: 2/7/2006 8:34:54 AM | Message Detail

Muse- If by "hot rod", you mean a classic muscle car. No. I already did that.
I'll post another hint later.



From: Soulidarity | Posted: 2/7/2006 9:11:59 AM | Message Detail

I'll be out of town until Sunday night, but I'll update all the recent rider
stuff on the blog when I get back. I'll try to get the Callaway and ciscrack's
WR out on the track when I get back too.

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/

From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/7/2006 10:03:43 AM | Message Detail

WR: Callaway C12 '03 in Callaway Special Yellow

A solid pick, VitG! I had only used this car for the Rich Uncle BR before, on an
extra take I never wrote up. Slightly understeering by nature, the car was a
rather easy ride. As Don Papa mentioned, this could be overcome by light
trailbraking fairly easily. There was some power oversteer noted at slower
exits, but given the car's stability it only meant that a little throttle
control was required in a couple of turns. As everyone has agreed, the ratios
are stupid. Luckily there's plenty of grunt in the engine. It sounds quite
powerful, too. I clocked a 7'23.724 and looked good while doing it as the car is
absloutely gorgeous.

For comparison, I drove the Corvette Z06 '00. At triple the price, the Callaway
should be way faster, shouldn't it? Nope. I managed a 7'20.322 with the 'Vette.
I might have left a little more on the table with the Callaway, but I think the
Z06 is a touch faster. The difference is not big enough to make decisive
judgement. The understeer is milder in the Z06 and the power oversteer was
nonexistent. It can corner at faster speeds and has better ratios, though the
small difference between 4th and 5th is a bit puzzling. The fifth gear could be
a little taller, that would help the top speed. was I hit the rev limiter a
couple of times as it's pretty close to peak power rpm. The only area where the
C12 owns it is sound.

While I was at it, I also tested how the Corvette ZR-1 '90 would stack up
against them. The suspension is considerably softer in this one. The handling is
not bad, but corners have to be taken slower. With the ZR-1, I had more trouble
pointing the car exactly where I wanted. The strong tendency to power understeer
was a bit irritating, especially after driving the wonderful Z06. Furthermore,
it sounded like a racing-spec vacuum cleaner in higher revs. On the positive
side, it reached a slightly higher top speed than the Z06 probably due to the
gear ratios. It is not a bad car, unless you compare it with the above two. Best
lap: 7'37.909

Conclusion: The Z06 is my candidate for the best Corvette.
---
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. -George
Orwell, "Animal Farm"


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 2/7/2006 10:12:01 AM | Message Detail

What I've been told about the 5th gear in the vette is that its a highway gear
designed for gas mileage rather than high end speed, which would probably
explain its ratios.

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/


From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/7/2006 7:11:44 PM | Message Detail

WR Hint #2
Hi! My name's Searchlight, I'm from Cybertron, and I am a robot in disguise.

---
but I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/7/2006 7:29:52 PM | Message Detail

Is it a Ford?


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/7/2006 8:20:22 PM | Message Detail

Ok, if the FR car is the AC 427 S/C, and the RR car is the Yellowbird, which is
the MR car?

---
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: 2/7/2006 8:34:33 PM | Message Detail

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/7/2006 7:29:52 PM | Message Detail

Is it a Ford?

I don't suppose you've heard about my dislike of Fords, have you?

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/7/2006 8:20:22 PM | Message Detail

Ok, if the FR car is the AC 427 S/C, and the RR car is the Yellowbird, which is
the MR car?
I'm confused by this question. Did I miss something? Is it some kind of riddle?

---
but I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/7/2006 10:35:16 PM | Message Detail


Back again, I have been trying to avoid the Boards as well as TV yesterday so I
could watch the Big Game without knowing the result.
I think the errors for both sides evened out, that disallowed touchdown for
Seattle was probably the defining moment, I thought they were royally shafted.
To give Pittsburgh credit they had a better game plan second half.

Best Corvette ? I will have to think about that, as it's a really hard question
to answer, they all have their vices and virtues. Hmm.

Weekend Rider - I think I know what it is, shall we say CCSS , okay?


Gotta go, more later.

[vitg]

From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/7/2006 10:43:44 PM | Message Detail

The 6th in the Vette is the mpg gear, and therefore too tall for racing
purposes. The problem is that the Z06 can hit its rev limiter on 5th, while the
6th is unusable.
---
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. -George
Orwell, "Animal Farm"


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/8/2006 4:53:55 AM | Message Detail

Ciscrack, think of it laterally: which car best fits?


From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/8/2006 9:26:47 PM | Message Detail

Hint #3
Now the average American father and mother
Own one whole car and half another
And I bet that half a car is a trick to drive, don't you?


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/9/2006 1:55:28 PM | Message Detail

AC 427 / Yellowbird / ?
I suppose everyone would expect me to pick a Lotii. but which one ?
Aye, there's the Rub.
Instead I think something that is also a Snorting, Spitting beast to match the
others, would have to be the - Cadillac Cien.

I am still thinking about the Corvette question, btw Muse you ask some tough
questions!

I will get back to you later.

---
From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/9/2006 9:09:29 PM | Message Detail

ViTG, if it helps, I stumbled on the question by perusing non uber race cars
that were fun to drive at Sarthe 1 (which is MrPinstripes fault, because he said
a car must go 220 mph to be fun there, and of course I had to be contrary, my
inner child has no self control, sorry about that, MrP). Anyway, the 427 S/C and
Yellowbird were obvious choices. Surely, methinks, there must be an MR car to
join their party that would also make a fair race (as the Cien and Ford GT might
outclass them a bit).

Ciscrack, if you were give a clue in the form of a "family feud" survey, what
would the question be?

---
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: 2/9/2006 11:22:38 PM | Message Detail

WR
1984 Ford RS200
I noticed this beast hadn't been picked for a WR before and decided to see how
it drove. I found it to be pretty fun, slightly drifty on S2's w/o aids, but
still very stable thru turns. I haven't tested it a whole lot as I was gone all
last weekend and have had other things going on. I didn't get a completely clean
lap in, but my best one was somewhere around 8'20.

Muse- I haven't put much into figuring out your question. I was thinking the GT,
but I guess not. I can't even think of all the MR's in the game right now. The
only other one I can think might fit is the Spyker. I've never driven it tho,
and I've only crashed the Yellowbird in my few experiences with it, so I don't
know how the Spyker would compare. I can't even remember how Family Feud worked
as far as questions and answers. That some 20+ yrs. ago. I wasn't very old then.

---
but I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/10/2006 2:39:11 AM | Message Detail

RS200? Cool! I've driven it, but it was ages ago... Only thing I can remember is
that it had a very soft suspension.

Oh. *Snags RR for next week*
---
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. -George
Orwell, "Animal Farm"


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/10/2006 8:32:11 AM | Message Detail

The Transformer clue gave away the RS200, excellent pick. Thanks to the
tournament of the Lancia Stratos, I actually have one (as otherwise I wouldn't
have bothered with offroad prize cars).

I've found the MR car: the Proto Motors Spirra. I put the Yellowbird on S2's,
and gave the 427 S/C an FC transmission (so it could have a 5th gear, I put the
autoset at 20), and I tucked a supercharger into the Spirra. I tell you, at
first I was hoping to bump an MR into the same league as the 'Bird and Cobra.
Now I'm wondering if the classic beasts can keep up (and I don't think they
can).

The Spirra was a wonderful car already, the extra 100hp or so put it over the
top, I highly recommend the experience, especially on a smooth track like Sarthe
1.

I'm looking forward to the RS200, should be fun. The family feud question would
be like "100 people were surveyed as to which item is most important to making a
car look fast". And then, the contestants would guess which responses were
chosen the most by people who took the survey.

---
From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/10/2006 10:05:07 PM | Message Detail

When I mentioned the Cien I misunderstood the comparison, I was thinking of an
MR Car with a similar nature as the others i.e. challenging and technical to
drive fast but with a high fun factor.
To pick a Car that would be competitive in a mixed drivetrain race with the AC &
Yellowbird, I think an upgraded Lotus Esprit V8 or Spirra would fit the bill. I
might even try some Family Cup Races with both of them and see if I draw the AC
or Yellowbird and see what happens, could be fun !

Incidentally, it is now about Six Months since I first dipped my toe into the
Quicksand that is the 'Ring.

My first WR™ was the Cadillac Cien and I managed a very sloppy best
of - 7 ' 18 . xxx My exact time has long since been pushed out of my Rankings list. I went
for spin in the Cien again Yesterday, completing a moderately conservative "Test
Driver" type lap - Time 6 ' 56 . 394.
Track knowledge is a wonderful thing.

Now, as for the "Callaway, the Best 'Vette" ? question. I still cannot make up
my mind.
The ZR 1, although heavier and having less grunt, seems to me to be lighter in
the steering and "easier" to drive.
The ZO6 is a great little Racecar, mucho fun, although on the stock R1 rubber
you need to employ the Fred Flinstone method of braking to help slow the bugger
down !
They all look the part too. Which one, which one ? Am I allowed to pick the '69
Stingray ? I think this one is probably the pinnacle of American styling and has
sheer presence. Damn it looks good! it doesn't drive too bad either.
Oh well I cannot decide, so I will have to remain sitting on the fence a bit
longer.
For interest, I have added some side by side photo's of the Callaway, ZR1 and
Stingray in the 'Ringdiary Gallery
the ZO6 is in the Racecar Rider™ album.

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/10/2006 10:54:56 PM | Message Detail

The RS200 is a sweet handling little car. I ran a sloppy 8'13, but if someone
managed an excellent lap (every bend fast), I don't doubt they could push the 8
minute threshold. The gearing is a little wonky; I found shifting early instead
of redline to be productive. But man, on S2's, it TURNS. Marvelous WR, Ciscrack.


ViTG, isn't it neat to gain measure of your evolution as a driver? The gamefaqs
boards, and this diary in particular has added many months to my GT4 experience
that would have never otherwise happened. In addition, I've really learned how
to drive (instead of trying always to have the fastest car), and how to
appreciate cars for what they are. In all my days of video gaming, I've never
gotten so much out of one game in terms of fun, time spent, and skill growth.
Amazing what a difference community makes, yes?


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/11/2006 11:49:59 PM | Message Detail

Hiya All !
I did a hit and run post yesterday, saving the pages I needed to read later.
That is when I noticed you had picked the Spirra as well Muse. An excellent car,
it will certainly hold it's own in that company.

Ford RS200

Did a few laps late last night after watching some of the Winter Olympic
Opening.
Definitely a Car best run with aids off as this makes it much easier to turn.
Line up, dab the brakes to start the backend swinging out a bit to point it in
the right direction and away ! Terrific.Nice sliding.
The gearing is a bit dodgy but oh well you cannot have everything.
Best so far - 8 ' 10 . 913 , will do some more tonight.
I added a stg 1 turbo and FC tranny and entered a Grade 10 Race to get some
action pics and won ! 179 points thank you very much ( although they wont add to
my tally as I already have 185 pts. in the bank here).
I will try and upload pix Tomorrow as I have a bunch of TotLS photos to upload
now and it takes forever doing it from home.
Speaking of Winter Olympics, I have seen two of the greatest sporting moments
ever when watching the Games.
I cannot remember the Year, it was a looong time ago, but a bunch of Kids
playing Ice Hockey for the US came from nowhere and just kept winning ! Great
stuff.
The other was Ski Jumping believe it or not, A guy from Finland, cannot remember
his name ( Nurminnen ?) was way behind coming up to his last jump and even
though he was a bit out of form and struggling he produced the most perfect jump
to win. Beautiful to watch and the mark of a true Champion. I think I will do
some research and try and find out his name and the Year.

More Later

From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/12/2006 4:24:07 PM | Message Detail

I'm looking forward to the RS200, should be fun. The family feud question would
be like "100 people were surveyed as to which item is most important to making a
car look fast". And then, the contestants would guess which responses were
chosen the most by people who took the survey.

STICKERS!!!!

ViTG, isn't it neat to gain measure of your evolution as a driver? The gamefaqs
boards, and this diary in particular has added many months to my GT4 experience
that would have never otherwise happened. In addition, I've really learned how
to drive (instead of trying always to have the fastest car), and how to
appreciate cars for what they are. In all my days of video gaming, I've never
gotten so much out of one game in terms of fun, time spent, and skill growth.
Amazing what a difference community makes, yes?

Yes.

I cannot remember the Year, it was a looong time ago, but a bunch of Kids
playing Ice Hockey for the US came from nowhere and just kept winning ! Great
stuff.

I believe that was the '80 Olympics in Lake Placid. I don't remember it too well
as I was 2 yrs. old.

I'm glad everyone(all 2 of you) are enjoying the RS200. I'm sure someone else
will come around soon to try it out, but now I'm wondering who wants to pick the
next one. Any lurkers out there that wanna jump in?

From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/13/2006 11:36:57 AM | Message Detail

Hey guys'! Here's a couple pix comparing where I am to where I will be.

photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?action=view¤t=P1050001.jpg

Notice the view of San Francisco thru the freeway haze in the foreground. What
you don't see here is the Burger King just to the right.

photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?action=view¤t=P1020007.jpg

Notice all the dogs. What you don't see is my rat terrier that is able to escape
the big dogs by going thru the fence. There's also a small creek and pond back
behind all those trees.

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/13/2006 1:36:37 PM | Message Detail

Thanks for sharing the photo's. I really like the look of where you are going to
be. I found myself relaxing just looking at the photo, is the Creek big enough
to Kayak on?
---

From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/14/2006 7:59:48 AM | Message Detail

Unfortunately, no. During our crazy New Years' flood a few weeks ago, I probably
could have, but it woulda been a short ride. Most of the time it's a few inched
to a foot deep in most places. There are several swimming holes along it, but it
completely dries out by October/November and the pond shrinks considerably by
then.
The Consumnes river is about 15 mins. away, which I haven't ventured down to
yet, but it looks like it's runnable in spring to early summer. The American
River is about an hour away. That one has up to class 4 rapids and there's a
north fork, south fork and the main American, so I can switch things up and go
different places.
I've been wanting to post some pix of my trip thru Grand Canyon and to the top
of the highest mountain in the continental U.S.(Mt. Whitney), but since they
were all taken on film, they become pdf files when I scan them into the
computer, and it seems photobucket won't allow that. Does anyone know another
way to do it?


From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/14/2006 8:20:13 AM | Message Detail

I forgot I wanted to ask you something VITG. I was watching the womens'
snowboarding on the Olympics and noticed there was a girl from Australia. "Where
is there any snow in Australia?" I ask myself. So from what I see online, there
isn't. Is that correct?
I was also wondering if you're into the watersports at all. Being surrounded by
water, I assume there's a good chance that you are, at least a little bit.


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/14/2006 10:39:21 PM | Message Detail

I did a bit of research and found out a bit more about Oz Ski Resorts, I knew
they existed but not much else.
Although Oz is usually freaking HOT most of the time, in Winter in the Higher
Mountain Ranges ( a relative term as the Continent of Australia is very, very
old and worn down so Mountains are not that high ) in New South Wales & Victoria
there is good Skiing to be had.
In Tasmania we have Two Skiing areas Mt. Field and Ben Lomond, unfortunately we
generally do not get enough Snow cover to make them very good.
I dont care what they say Global Warming is a FACT.

I really like messing about in boats, and my favorite Aquatic pastime would be
Skindiving, either free diving or with a Compressor. It is very easy here to get
access to all sorts of watersports.
I am too tall for things like Surfing as I tend to fall down a lot, this holds
true for Skateboarding and stuff but strangely enough I can actually
Rollerskate!

www.ski.com.au/resorts/
---

From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/15/2006 8:59:53 AM | Message Detail

It's Wednesday and nobody's taken the WR. Anyone?

Speaking of surfing. Did you hear about the Mavericks surf competition here in
S.F. last week? 30-40 foot waves. Here's an article with videos.

www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/02/07/MNGP1H460G9.DTL&hw=mavericks&sn=002&sc=923

---

From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/15/2006 12:48:33 PM | Message Detail

I found some goodies for you to feast your eyes upon.

photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/Grand%20Canyon/?sc=1&multi=5

---

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/15/2006 3:31:35 PM | Message Detail

Great Photo's, the Grand canyon is one of those "Ten Things To Do Before You
Die" things.My list also includes spending another dirty Weekend in Paris( The
City not the Bimbo ) and doing some real laps on the 'Ring.
Those shots of "Lava" make me realise what it must be like for Socks when you
put them in a Washing Machine.

If no one else wants to pick a WR I am more than happy to pull a double shift.
Speak now, etc. etc.
---

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/15/2006 3:48:53 PM | Message Detail

If I were picking WR this weekend, it would either be the Viper SRT-10 or the
Shelby Cobra (plus a mandatory FC transmission). What about you? What cars would
you (and by you I mean anyone) pick for WR?


From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/15/2006 5:03:08 PM | Message Detail


Announcing RR:

Ford RS 200 Rally Car.

Quite a tuning challenge... More tomorrow.
---

From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/16/2006 6:55:53 AM | Message Detail

Three Ring Circus pt.3 - Schwarzwald Liga B

As RUF 3400S and BMW M3 had already been used, I chose to try Mercedes-Benz CLK
55 AMG '00 in Electric Green without oil change. It's close to M3 in P:W ratio,
and has a wide powerband so I thought it'd win the race rather easily. I spent a
lot of time looking for a good lineup, but settled on a less-than perfect one.
It was worth 158pts and looked like this:

MB SL 65 AMG
MB E 55 AMG
Audi RS4
VW Golf V GTI
MB CLK 55 AMG
MB CLK 55 AMG (me)

Almost looks like a Silver Arrow lineup, eh?

Early on, I pushed past the other CLK by force at Hatzenbach, but at the same
time the Golf ahead of us was having trouble and I bumped his rear quite hard.
The other Merc got side by side with me but didn't manage a pass. The Golf
screwed up again at Hocheichen exit, and we flew past. I had to close a few
seconds of gap in front of me, and I passed the RS4 between Metzgesfeld and
Kallenhard. The E 55 wasn't far ahead, so I caught up in time to pass him at the
entry to Wehrseifen. Excellent place for overtaking AI's as someone (probably
VitG) mentioned not that long ago. Now there was only the SL 65 left. At T4 I
was ~7 seconds behind. Not good. I thought I could make up some time on the
technical section, the SL 65 being less agile than my lighter CLK. Still, the
odds didn't look very good. Until D-H, the gap stayed at 7-8 seconds. Then the
SL 65 overpowered me, and in the end I lost by 9.2 seconds.

In retrospect, I shouldn't have taken on the SL 65 AMG. Maybe a lineup without
it and the Golf would have been better?

Three Ring Circus total:

200 / ~540 Aspec points.

WR: Ford RS200 '84

I think I've found my new favourite <400hp 4WD. It shows very little of the
usual downsides of four-wheel drive. I think the main reason could be the
mid-engine layout, but the suspension seems very well thought out nevertheless.
I remembered it to be way softer, but I was using a power-upgraded car the last
time and it was a long time ago (ride history # ~450). Lift oversteer is a
welcome feature in any 4WD, as they are pretty much guaranteed to understeer at
exit. The RS didn't seem to do that too much though. It does understeer, but it
seems to affect more the direction where the car is going than the direction
it's facing (hope that makes sense). On N2s it was a particularly fun vehicle to
slide around and I found them to be the most enjoyable tyres. MT is an asset
with this car, as I found redline (8500rpm) shifting unefficient when compared
to shifting at 7500-7800rpm.

S2s: 7'59.095 (Into 7's!)
N2s: 8'26.931

VitG's Europa project

I built mine last weekend (same colour, even), but didn't drive it much yet.
Scaringly fun, that's what it is. I did small changes for my specimen, but more
on the project later when I've put in some more laps.

[vitg]

From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/16/2006 7:08:16 AM | Message Detail

RR: Ford RS 200 Rally Car '85

I picked this because I thought it'd be nice to compare the Rally version with
the WR. Out of the box this one is quite brutal, but it does feel like basically
the same car. I routed most of the power to the rear wheels among other changes
to the setup, and though didn't spend time fine-tuning the car it is much more
civilized now. Just like its roadgoing counterpart, the rally version is one of
the best 4WDs in the game IMO.

My best lap so far is 7'02.228. Since it's so close, I'm aiming for a sub-7'
lap. I was expecting slightly faster laptimes, so it could have challenged the
Delta S4. For comparison, when the Delta was the RR I managed a <6'50 in it, and
Don Papa got close to that. Oh well, the Delta is lighter and more powerful so I
guess that should've been expected. It just felt that the RS 200 was superior in
handling. But still it has one clear asset over the Delta: The RS 200 is way
more balanced, and thus easier to drive consistently. The Delta S4 is way more
unforgiving.
---

I've been thinking about that race that muse mentioned a while ago... I mean the
Callaway/Viper GTS one. That'd be a very close match. The Corvette Z06 '00, M3
GTR, RUF BTR and Tuscan Speed Six would fit in just fine, and I too am sure one
of the Astons would be suitable for the race too. What they all have in common
is that my best lap for each of them is in the 7'20-7'25 range.

The SC'd Spirra / Yellowbird / Cobra battle seems to moved to Sarthe, so I'll
save my comments on it for that topic.
---

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/16/2006 9:12:32 PM | Message Detail

RR™ Ford RS 200 RallyCar
Neat idea Fli, following a WR™ with its Racecar Version.
I managed to do two laps during my Lunch break today, as I will not get much
driving time until at least Sunday, and I was keen to try the Ford out.
It's a feisty little thing 'aint it ?
I ran with stock settings except adjusting the FC tranny to Auto 18, which was
probably 2 clicks too far.
First lap a bit scrappy until I settled into the Car, came home well to finish
in 7 ' 08 . 435.
Second lap much neater, no mistakes and finished in a pretty respectable
7 ' 03 . 875.

I think there is a lot more to come with this one, I look forward to doing a bit
of tweaking on Sunday, including turning off aids and lower grade tyres. For now
though I would recommend running it as is, damn fine car.

---

From: Soulidarity | Posted: 2/17/2006 5:55:11 PM | Message Detail

If no one minds me poking my head in and tossing out a WR (since there hasn't
been one announced yet) I'd like to suggest the Tommy kaira ZZ-S 2000. At least
I think that's right. The smaller Tommy roadster, not the supercar. I almost
picked this on my last WR, but decided to honor an earlier request for a FF car
instead.

Of course, if I'm stepping on someone's toes, assuming someone else intended to
announce a WR, then ignore mine. I can always pick one later.

As for driving some of the riders that I've missed, I'll try to catch up, but I
just haven't felt much like playing games lately. Finally updated the archives
though.


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/19/2006 9:32:40 AM | Message Detail

One thing to note about the Tommy kaira ZZ-s: it's only ugly before you drive
it. After you've seen the workout it gives a set of S2's, it makes the
transition to "kinda cute" in that "good personality" way.

---

From: another_pine | Posted: 2/19/2006 2:17:27 PM | Message Detail

Hi guys, I don't mean to be the newb busting in and interrupting everyone, but
I'm really interested in what you guys do here. I like trying out different cars
with my friends, and the ring is one of my favorites. So if you could explain
how things work here I'd appreciate it!
---
Put this in your sig if you lost or know someone who has lost the right to
contest a moderation.


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 2/19/2006 3:29:52 PM | Message Detail

new people are always welcome. Most of the old timers only pop in from time to
time anymore, and we don't tend to get a lot of new blood on this aging game
anymore. Usually the first few posts explain how things work, but I bungled that
this volume, and Flibutz added it in about 15 posts later.

Basically what we do here is drive cars on the 'ring and compare times and give
our impressions of the car. Its not a competition or anything though. We do 3
"events" here. The weekend rider is weekly, though its becoming more and more
common that we're scrambling at the last minute to find someone to pick one.
Each WR picker is chosen by the picker from the previous week. Sort of a passing
of the torch. We don't upgrade the cars that we run as WR. Instead we take them
in stock form. Most of us turn all the driving aids off, and some of us put the
car on "N" grade tires, as well as adding in "driver ballast" to more closely
simulate what the real life version would drive like. But you can always leave
S2s and driving aids on if you prefer it. The WR is always a production street
car, so no concepts or race cars. Its generally announced on Friday to give
everyone plenty of time to take it out on the 'ring.

The racecar rider is announced early to mid-week, and basically only when
someone is struck with the idea that we should run a certain car, so we don't
have one every week. Like the WR, the RR is run in its stock condition, some of
us turning off driving aids and adding in driver ballast.

The budget rider is announced early in the week (Monday usually) when someone
has a good idea for one. We don't do one every week. The BRs are challenges set
up with a specific set of rules that we are to follow.

Use the url in my sig for the lists of all the WRs and RRs that we've done, and
you can also get an idea of the types of challenges that have been set up as
BRs.

In addition, any time it strikes you to run a car on the 'ring outside of these
"sanctioned events", feel free to let us know what you're impressions of the car
were.

That said, pine, if you think you'll be interested in sticking around, I'd be
happy to welcome you in by passing next week's WR torch to you. You'd just need
to find a car not on the list of WRs (link in my sig), and announce it next
Friday.

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/19/2006 3:31:31 PM | Message Detail

Welcome, Another Pine! If you read the posts on the first two pages of this
thread, you'll get a better explanation of the Nurburgring Diary than I can
give. For immediate purposes, each week a car is nominated on Friday to be tried
on the 'Ring (stock, driving aids optional, S2 or N Class tires). We call these
cars "Weekend Riders", or WR, for short.

This weekend we're driving the Tommy kaira ZZ-s, which is a nifty little car
that's quite fun. Feel free to check out gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/
(courtest of Soulidarity), which has a wealth of information of what's gone on
here in the past (including all the Weekend and Racecar Riders), and also photos
and things like that. Stick around, share your thoughts, new blood is almost
always appreciated.

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/19/2006 3:32:26 PM | Message Detail

Oops, Soulidarity, looks like you beat me to the punch! My bad.

---
From: Soulidarity | Posted: 2/19/2006 3:32:50 PM | Message Detail

I think I should add, that even though some of us tend to break the TOS from
time to time outside of this topic, its a tradition that within the Nurburgring
Diaries topic, we all make an effort to be courteous to each other here.

---
gt4ringdiaries.blogspot.com/


From: another_pine | Posted: 2/19/2006 3:35:00 PM | Message Detail

Thanks guys, I'm definitly gonna give this a try. I'll be looking at the more
recent cars for a little while.
---
Put this in your sig if you lost or know someone who has lost the right to
contest a moderation.


From: bigrob0036 | Posted: 2/19/2006 8:20:32 PM | Message Detail

Hey guys. I'm familiar with what yall are doing. I was in one of the previous
diaries with my old account. It's been awhile. I think I'm going to join back
in.


From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 2/19/2006 8:42:41 PM | Message Detail

Bigrob!! Where ya been?? You're last post was something about work and Hurricane
Katrina. We all though maybe you got flooded out or something. Good to see you
back!
---
A.K.A. Don Papa


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/19/2006 8:51:17 PM | Message Detail

Welcome back BigRob! As Oldguy said, you were missed. Glad you're back. You'll
have to tell us about your adventures. If you wanna stick around, would you
consider picking a WR? We tried to nominate you after you left (not realizing
the futility of our efforts). The list of cars that have already been chosen is
on Soulidarity's GT4 blogsite, but it's only fair you get your turn, right?


From: another_pine | Posted: 2/19/2006 9:13:04 PM | Message Detail

Hey guys I cant do a full review till tommorow so Im just gettin numbers down...
Tommy kaira ZZ-S '00
First- 8:15:421
Second- 8:10:953


From: Soulidarity | Posted: 2/19/2006 10:26:24 PM | Message Detail

hey rob. Nice to see you back. We all kind of wondered what happened to you. A
few of us wanted to pass on the WR torch to you around the time that you left,
but never had the chance. Next week's WR is all yours if you want it.


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/20/2006 2:37:15 AM | Message Detail

Greetings from Oz.
A warm welcome to Another Pine, glad to have a new 'Ringer on board. Special
greetings to Big Rob and Oldguy, it has been too long since you graced these
pages.

Tommy Kaira ZZ - S '00 Weekend Rider™

An excellent pick Soulidarity, I have had this one on my short list for a while
so I am glad it has been selected.
It is definitely an FLK sort of car ( Funny Looking Kid ) but it does grow on
you as being sorta cute.
I think Oldguy summed it up brilliantly, so I cannot add any more comments of a
technical nature except it has a pretty good Power / Weight and is quite Nippy
and smooth to drive. Like it a lot.
Now here is something kinda weird, I had to take a phone call, so I sent "Bob"
off to do a lap as he has not done much driving lately and I thought this would
be an easy ride for him. Well ! did he make a hash of it, 8 . 30 . 649 on speed
4, I started him on 5 but he was off the track more than on it, so cut it back a
notch.
So not really sure what to expect I did a run, stock + oil change, and wondered
what Bob had been smoking !
An 8 ' 07 . 289 with no drama's . Hmmm. I then did a lap with Aids off and was
very pleased to crack 8 minutes.
A 7 ' 56 . 587 to bre precise. Once again no drama's and very smooth. For the
photo shoot I was matched with

Honda NSX '93
RX7 Type R-S ( FD,J) '95
Merc Sl 500 ( R230 '02)
Merc SL 500 ( R129 '98)
Ford Mustang GT '05

It was a bit of a mis - match as my light weight and superb handling made
mincemeat of the Field by Wehrseifen.

Racecar Rider™

I did a few more more laps with the Ford RS 200 Rally Car on my Sunday but do
you know what ? I could not match my time from my "Lunchtime Fang" the other day
( 7 ' 03 . xxx ) I must have been in the zone for that lap. I did some tweaking
of the settings, ran with Aids off, in fact tried everything but could not do
it, kept spoiling good runs with huge prangs or extended Lawnmowing expeditions.
I am sure there is a sub 7 minute potential there but not by me ! ( I am sure
Fli or Mr. P will do it ).

The photo shoot was relatively easy, the opposition sorted out by Bergwerk - the
Field was ;

Nissan Calsonic Skyline '00
Nissan Xanavi Hiroto GT - R '01
Nissan Pennzoil Zexel GT - R '01
Nissan Calsonic Skyline GT - R '93
Opel Astra Touring Car '00

I have uploaded some photo's of both WR™ and RR™ Cars to the Ringdiary Album but
have not finished editing titles yet.
Big Rob - If you would like copies of the Diary volumes you have missed I can
email you compressed files of anything you want.

Gotta go, I have a post to prepare for the TotLS
---

From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/20/2006 10:19:26 AM | Message Detail

Post Error
There was an error posting your message: There was an error sending data to this
page; your previewed message was not properly stored.

Oh, how I hate these.

later.

From: bigrob0036 | Posted: 2/20/2006 5:18:16 PM | Message Detail

It's been a while. I can say its good to be back. I wasn't really hit by Katrina
but it did affect my city with all the refugees. It will be an honor to do next
weeks WR. So is there anything new on here or anything I missed?

viperinthegrass - Thanks. If you wouldn't mind I'd appreciate that. Email is
[e-mail]


From: GhostofRI | Posted: 2/20/2006 6:16:33 PM | Message Detail

(Another_pine's having issues right now, so I'll be posting with this account
for a week or two.)

Tommy kaira ZZ-S '00
What a neat little car this is! I wasn't expecting this little number to run the
tack so well. I had a little bit of trouble with my stability during the long,
fast curves.(in fact I managed to find the grass twice on the Adenauer Forst,
hardest part for me) For me the real judgement of the car comes in the
Karussell, and the ZZ hummed right through it. My lap times were: First-
8:15:421
Second- 8:10:953

I'm also taking my rating a step further...
Is the ZZ a good car to keep, upgrade and use more? Yep, plenty of ways to up
the output, and just a damn fun car for anyone.


From: Von | Posted: 2/20/2006 7:08:25 PM | Message Detail

Another_Pine, I reccomend you try out one of the RUF weekend riders. Its a whole
new world when your drivin a RUF. Or a Ford GT, that one will teach you lots
too.

I lurk sometimes, but I dont read everything. I might be one of the oldest
members left though, I first posted in Diary 3. Anyone post before that?
---
Tiny subaru versus gigantic german deathring!-Amarynceus


From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/21/2006 2:15:42 AM | Message Detail

WR: Tommy Kaira ZZ-S

What a great little car! Definitely one of the top MRkinder that can give even
the wonderful Elise 111R a run for its money. It's agile, as are all small MRs,
but it's still more forgiving than a Garaiya or a 111R, for example. Very
comfortable pushing it hard, and I managed a BL of 7'45.405. Impressive top end
- I got it up to 268km/h (166-167MPH, as my km/h figure is rounded.) on the top
speed test. 0-400m in 14.5 seconds is ok, but not excellent considering the P:W.

pine - Welcome! I think the ZZ-S could be a good base for upgrading, as it's
more stable than most of it's kind. I took one up to 300ish hp, it was a long
time ago but IIRC it handled the power quite well.

Also, I second Von's suggestion to try the RUFs, especially the RR ones. RGT is
the most civilized, the BTR is a lot wilder and the CTR Yellowbird is just
unholy, as someone put it fairly recently.

oldguy - I don't mind reading about your Life every now and then. If anyone is
bored with that kind of stuff, it's rather easy for them to just skip those
paragraphs, I think.

bigrob - Welcome back!
---
Share the fun(gi) - Wherever! -Tim Duster


From: ciscrack | Posted: 2/22/2006 7:55:03 AM | Message Detail

I don't have much to add right now, this is mostly just a bump, but...
I took the RS 200 rally car out a few days ago, before I went to the country for
the weekend, but it was a severely half-assed attempt. It's obviously faster and
a little more fun to drive than the road-going version. I only took it out for a
few minutes and thanks to a lack of focus, didn't complete a full lap.
I took the Kaira ZZ-S out for a spin last night, very sleepy tho, leading to
another half-assed attempt. Awesome handling ride. Fantastic w/o aids. I found
it to be a rather predictable car to drive. Predictable in the sense that I know
the car like the back of my hand. Braking was right on, handling was right on,
very easy to push. Then I kept pushing a little too hard and decided it was time
for bed. Never finished a lap with this one either.

---
but I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/23/2006 1:42:55 AM | Message Detail

Bit o' facts about the RS 200 Rally Car to anyone interested:

For starters, it's '85 car in GT. In reality it first appeared at the Swedish
rally in '86, though they had started designing it as early as in year '81. They
were late. Group B was almost dead by then. In the first appearance, Kalle
Grundel finished third. In the next rally, Portugal, an RS 200 experienced a
violent accident, killing 4 spectators. Ford withdrew from the rally
immediately. They raced the RS 200 two more times, using an evolution version
with a 2.1 liter 600 hp engine (originally a 1.8l 400+hp) but weren't very
succesful.

Though it never won a rally, the RS 200 has been called the best designed group
B raly car. They just didn't have time to make it work properly. The Delta was
based, however very loosely, on Fiat Ritmo. 205 was, well, based on 205 and so
on. The RS 200 was a rally car from the beginning.

Info taken from kotisivu.mtv3.fi/bryhma which is in Finnish.

Sound sample: kotisivu.mtv3.fi/bryhma/fordrs200.mp3

I think I'll try to replicate the evolution version by adding a bigger turbo to
my RS 200.



From: dubitup | Posted: 2/23/2006 1:56:53 AM | Message Detail

Another reason for it's demise was the fact that it was the first rally car to
kill more than one person in a rally incident/accident, after that rally or
season ,it was never seen again.

Even though Ford had it planned, they still rushed to get the road version out
and then priced it out of the market, I think the road version cost more than
£30'000.
---
AKA Rapapampam

[vitg]

From: wussupnext | Posted: 2/23/2006 2:09:53 AM | Message Detail

Hey, jsut did a 5m51 with a C7. Any good ? I mean, It tooks me a few tries, but
I wanted a quick below 6 score. I'm quite new on that diary btw. Well, I
participated on it back when the game released but I sold the game a couple of
months later. Just bought it back yesterday, and I'm planning to frequently
participate in that topic.

question : I was considering buying the 900 degree wheel. Worth it ? I mean,
you'll all say yes....But, is it worth it for Nurburgring, for better lap time ?
---
Playing : Tales of Legendia (ps2), Jak 3 (ps2), Grandia III (ps2)
Will take a break after the completion of these games.


From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/23/2006 3:15:00 AM | Message Detail

It was the last season of group B and the RS 200 wouldn't fit in group A. Also,
group S was cancelled. The RS 200 accident played a role in the discontinuation
of group B. Other major reason was Henri Toivonen's lethal accident at Corsica.
RS 200 was, however, used later at Pikes Peak, in the British Rallycross and
more.
---
Share the fun(gi) - Wherever! -Tim Duster


From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/23/2006 3:18:55 AM | Message Detail

wassup - You mean Sauber C9? Though not super-fast, 5'51 is not bad at all. Glad
to have you BTW.
---
Share the fun(gi) - Wherever! -Tim Duster


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/23/2006 4:57:41 AM | Message Detail

Flibutz, that's very cool information about the RS200, thank you for sharing!

---
From: gwilliamsppphq | Posted: 2/23/2006 9:36:40 AM | Message Detail

5:17 in arcade mode, Minolta Toyota, soft tires, full power, lightest weight,
traction control only, manual trans.

From: TitanX14 | Posted: 2/23/2006 10:55:54 AM | Message Detail

5:25 my best time in a fully tuned Zonda C12s
beat that jeremy Clarkson LOL
also hopefully GT5 (vision GT) has a ford transit LOL

From: wussupnext | Posted: 2/24/2006 4:00:00 AM | Message Detail

Waht the hell ?!? You mean there is people who can actually do 5:15 - 5:25
without the C9 ?!? I saw that video a while ago where a guy is doing 5:34 with a
C9 and I was damn impressed. His driving was about perfect
---

From: GhostofRI | Posted: 2/24/2006 7:24:55 PM | Message Detail

Waitin for something to play with this weekend :/


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/24/2006 8:15:59 PM | Message Detail

Hey Flibutz! This:

www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3300.asp?id=12859

is for you. Pics and a story about the Pagani Roadster.

---
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: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/25/2006 6:39:33 AM | Message Detail

If BigRob isn't going to come forward, may I suggest the Mercedes 300SL for WR?

---
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: 2/25/2006 7:00:00 PM | Message Detail

That would be an excellent choice Muse, the 300 SL is a superb Car and I think
people will be impressed with it.
Bigrob is probably still getting himself organised to rejoin the diary, I am
sure he would be happy to postpone picking until next week.

For the New 'Ringers may I recommend reading the first two pages of this thread
to get a feel for what happens hereabouts ?
Also check out Soulidarity's sig for links to the 'RingDiary Blog site which is
packed with excellent information.
There are also links there for our Map site ( put yourself on the Map ! ) and
our Photo Gallery.
You may have noticed already that apart from driving various Car's, people here
are very good at researching what we drive and passing on their findings. So if
nothing else you will all learn something !!

Okay I am off to thrash the living smeg out of the Merc,
catch you all later.

p.s. Nice game of Hockey by the Finn's, I bet they are rapt to have thrashed the
Russkies, I wonder if Flibutz is maybe celebrating a bit ? If not you should be


From: Flibutz | Posted: 2/26/2006 3:01:35 AM | Message Detail

Yep, I've been celebrating a bit... And my TV died last night, so I'll have to
wait with the WR. It is, however, one of those shoulda-been-WR-already cars.
More on it later.

muse - Thanks for the link. That's one sick car... If it was in GT, I'm betting
I could lap the 'Ring in ~6'45 in one of them. *Is expecting to see it in GT5*

The Olympic hockey final is starting in couple of hours, so I'm quite excited.
It's like the ultimate dream game, especially when it's against our dearest
enemies, the Swedish. Whatever the outcome, this has been the best tournament
ever for Finland. We won the WC in 1995, (4-2 in the final game against Sweden)
but that tournament was missing most of the star players and Olympics are a
bigger thing anyway.

I think we have a pretty good chance, seeing our team has only lost one period
in the whole tournament (The last one against the U.S.) but Sweden is never to
be taken lightly. They, too, played an impressive semifinal game and have done
well in almost all of their games.
---
Share the fun(gi) - Wherever! -Tim Duster


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/26/2006 8:09:39 AM | Message Detail

An interesting use for the 300SL is reeling in A Spec points in Liga A, as an
FYI. I just read where Sweden won, sorry to hear that, Flibutz.

---
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: 2/26/2006 3:12:38 PM | Message Detail

Weekend Rider™ Mercedes 300 SL '54
Okay so I lied, I did not take the Merc out and thrash it. It is not that sort
of Car.
What it is though is -
Stable at Speed
Smooth handling
Nice steering
Smooth ride
Excellent brakes
"They don't make 'em like that anymore" looks
All in all, a very nice Car for it's age. I tended to overbrake a bit ( the
brakes are REALLY good ) thus losing momentum, which, because of it's weight and
modest power must be maintained to achieve good lap times.
Very easy to drive though, I started by turning off Aids straight away and was
not disappointed.
Best lap so far 8 ' 27 . 656, not super quick I should imagine but okay.
Negatives - none, zero, zilch exept perhaps the gearing runs out on DH. Easily
fixed with a FC Tranny if you are so inclined.
A very good selection Muse, this was another one on my short list for when I had
the pick, but don't worry I have plenty more ready and waiting !

More Later.
---

From: tremor | Posted: 2/28/2006 5:56:48 AM | Message Detail

As a relative newbie to running the Ring frequently, I was very excited to do a
lap in under 7 minutes for the first time yesterday.

Sure, it was in the CLK Road Car, which I'm sure you guys can turn 6:30 in, but
that 6:58 was a hard earned race win for me.

I must say that having a car that can hold the course as you tear down those
slightly curvy straights at full throttle makes for a wild ride.
---
If at first you don't succeed, redefine success


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 2/28/2006 6:53:07 PM | Message Detail

Welcome Tremor !
Personally I think any sub 7 minute lap is not exactly "Hanging around", so well
done !
If you would like to stick around this thread you will find yourself improving
pretty rapidly. I know I did.
There are plenty of 'Ringers who are more than happy to help your enjoyment of
this most fascinating track.
A couple of posts back I pointed some other Newbies at some links which will
help you settle in. If you have any questions ask and Ye shall receive !


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 2/28/2006 7:44:26 PM | Message Detail

So anyway, I'm in love with the Peugot 905. 6'21 in a sloppy lap. Given the
chance, I think I could make it my first sub 6 minute car. Gosh, it's fast.


From: tremor | Posted: 3/1/2006 5:34:47 AM | Message Detail

I've actually been watching this thread for a long time, but I am running a
no-buy pass through the game and didn't want to disrupt it by buying the various
riders. But now that the I'm doing European Cup races, the Ring is showing up
much more frequently, so I'm starting to get a little more familiar with it.

In fact, last night I ran the European Classic Car races with the Jag E-Type.
Wow, what a surprisingly fun car that was on the ring. The lap took just over 9
minutes, but it was a very enjoyable ride. Very impressive for a 44 year old
car. Though I did tune it a bit for power, and put racing brakes on it, so it
wasn't quite stock. Concessions for my less-than-excellent driving ability.


From: ciscrack | Posted: 3/1/2006 10:36:58 AM | Message Detail

Absolutely nothing to add from me. I just wanted to pop in and say Hi!

Bump.

---
From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/1/2006 3:42:24 PM | Message Detail

What's up, Ciscrack! Welcome, Tremor!

---
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: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/2/2006 7:55:42 PM | Message Detail

Was it ever discussed, I was wondering, which car is AC/DC? I was watching the
driving scenes (bless DVD's!) from the Dukes of Hazzard movie, and it occurred
to me, fast driving doesn't get much better than AC/DC. Which Turismo car best
suits them, especially at the 'Ring?


---
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: 3/4/2006 5:50:48 AM | Message Detail

Thing's that go BUMP in the Night.

Anyone picking a WR this Week ? It's overdue !

Hope to hear from someone soon


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/4/2006 7:07:18 AM | Message Detail

Would you be so kind as to pick one, ViTG?

---


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/4/2006 4:27:43 PM | Message Detail

Okay, I suppose better late than never, as I am such a fan of my namesake my
pick for Weekend rider is :

2003 Dodge Viper SRT 10

I am pretty sure this Car would be perfect for an "Acca Dacca" attack ! Also
should get some nice photo's too as it is a Looker.

I will pass on the WR Baton when I see who is about later on.

Cheers.
---
photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
[e-mail]


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/4/2006 5:57:00 PM | Message Detail

The Viper SRT 10 is well chosen, and you're right, better late than never. That
car chews up road voraciously and mercilously; a proper FR beast.

---
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: ACplayer | Posted: 3/4/2006 7:41:37 PM | Message Detail

yeah, its definitely possible to get better than a 5:30 with the C9. I drive on
the ring all the time, I have memorized all the turns and the racing line. I
only use the C9 and the Minolta when I am serious. Sometimes I'll just go for a
stroll in the peugeot 905 or the Playstation Courage C60 or the BMW V12, but
usually I try to go as fast as I can. I run in practice mode with nitrous, stage
4 turbo, TCS - 1, ASM - 3 and 3, I use a plain old dualshock controller.
My fastest time with the C9 is 4'55.7XX
My fastest time with the Minolta is 4'58.3XX
I actually just set my new Sauber record last night so I'm pretty happy. I push
it the whole way, I seem to mess up only once every lap, although the mess-ups
aren't that bad. It just might be catching the grass for a second or bumping a
wall, but I'm still on the track and moving semi-fast.
I will continue to improve.
I don't know if they're true, but somewhere I've heard things like people doing
4'3X.XXX with the Formula GT.
I don't see how it's possible.
There's no proof, there's actually hardly anything if I google videos of fastest
laps on the ring. It's kind of surprising that nobody wants to show anything....
Well, that's my story, hope it is inspiring, just keep working at your lap
times.
Nice reading your diaries.


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/4/2006 7:57:22 PM | Message Detail

It's been said (in regards to driving the 'Ring in real life), that anything
under 8 minutes means you're a fast driver in a fast car. Well, the Viper SRT 10
is fast car. Here's my gauntlet: On N2's, with no driving aids, beat eight
minutes with a license test quality lap in the (completely stock) Viper SRT-10.
It's not a gauntlet in that you can't do it. It's a gauntlet in that once you
do, then you must acknowledge yourself as a fast driver. (whether your lap is
lower than 8 minutes by one second, or twenty, you get the "fast driver" scout
badge)

The Viper, on N2's, pushes back. Meaning, you must drive within the car's
traction, because the tires aren't going to help, and if you expect them to,
you're in for a world of understeer. However, if you get your braking done
early, and use the weight transfer (decelrating to accelerating) to your
advantage in turning the car, the Viper proves to be quite the feisty handling
beast.

Another unique trait about the Viper is a built in TCS, or something like it.
500hp, on N2's, should be harder to control, throttle wise. Somehow, that's not
the case. The Viper is very smooth under acceleration, though throttle control
becomes quite important when "throwing your weight" around the bends.

I love the car, and have for a while now. It's a freak on S2's, but I hope all
you fast drivers out there declare yourselves this weekend.


---
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: 3/4/2006 11:42:12 PM | Message Detail

Gauntlet picked up and tried on for size.
Shall make fool of myself ASAP.

Welcome AcPlayer, excellent times, you must have the reflexes of a Mongoose to
handle those Beasts like that ! Well done.
I have not had a lot of experience trying for the mega quick laps in those types
of Cars but I mean to make the time one day to give it a "Red Hot go" as we say
over here.
Glad you think the Diaries are a good read BTW, there is more stuff you can
catch up on at the Blog site.

I shall try for some Driving time later tonight but it might be a couple of days
until I report back as I want to have a go at helping Latinoguy with his quest
for 10000 / 100 / 100 /100 B-Spec points.

Cheers.

[vitg]

From: Amarynceus | Posted: 3/5/2006 1:10:21 AM | Message Detail

Boy, it's been a while since I posted in here, or even lurked. Haven't driven
the 'Ring in ages.

I finally found a car that will run out of gas before it burns through its
tyres. Chalk up another reason the Elan is a kickass little steed. I'm
finally doing the 1000 Miles event, and after 3 hours of circulating around the
'Ring, I still have a tiny bit left in the tank and my N1s have only just lost
their last hint of green. 19 laps on one tank... and 20 would be possible with
some fuel conservation tactics. I'm almost tempted to try for that 20th lap, but
the gauge dropped to the last "tick" almost 2 laps ago and I'd end up running
out for sure, I think. With a 6 minute lead, I could afford it, but it's
probably not wise.

Oh, and that amazing (to me, at any rate) tyre wear is with 200kg on board and
driving aggressively, it must be said. All my opponents have already made 2 pit
stops and are about to do their third if they haven't already. ^^;

---
It takes forty men with their feet in the ground to keep one man with his head
in the air.
amarynceus.deviantart.com/gallery/


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/5/2006 7:14:36 AM | Message Detail

I BSpec'd the 1000 miles in the Lotus Elan (a long time ago), and I was blown
away that it could get 12 laps on S2's. I was angry at PD because they didn't
make tire wear an option in practice mode. That clipped the opportunity for a
"tire wear competition" on these boards, and the Elan would've been the weapon
of choice.

As for the "fast driver" scout badge challenge, I've managed a 7'54, with a few
offs. I'm looking forward to logging a clean lap so I can claim mine. Once you
get the hang of braking early and turning with the weight shift, the Viper gets
a lot faster (ie time started disappearing in places I didn't expect it to).

---
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: MrPinstripes | Posted: 3/5/2006 10:05:44 AM | Message Detail

I guess it's the day for stopping in and saying "Hi".

I finally broke the 5'00.000 barrier, using a well-tuned Formula GT in GT Mode.
The run was license test clean, and I had no driving aids and (sadly) no driver
ballast. I'm planning on putting a video together and starting my first (and
probably only) bragging thread, but I thought I'd announce it here first.

ACplayer- Good times with the C9 and Minolta. Eventually I'll have to get around
to running the Group C (and equivalent) cars to see what they can do, but I
wanted to break 5'00 in the FGT first.

I think the super-low Formula GT times are coming from Arcade mode, with R5
tires equipped and the P/W adjusted. I'd seriously doubt much below 4'55 is
possible in GT mode running clean, and maybe another 5-10 seconds if you use
shortcuts.

Later, all.

---
"We are the music-makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams"


From: GhostofRI | Posted: 3/5/2006 12:51:24 PM | Message Detail

Dodge Viper SRT 10

God I can't drive this thing! I should have thrown on some dirt tires, they
would have helped...

Remind me not to push it on the first lap with a new car. Even on the second lap
I just rode the walls -_-'

It's big, its bad, and it's not the car:
Time: 7:36:122
---

From: ACplayer | Posted: 3/5/2006 3:35:16 PM | Message Detail

hmm...I have really never played in arcade mode. What does changing the P/W
ratio do? I didn't even know you could do that. I'll have to mess around in
arcade from now on...
Peace for now.


From: MrPinstripes | Posted: 3/5/2006 4:27:35 PM | Message Detail

ACplayer- In Arcade Mode, there's a "Quick Set-Up" option in place of the usual
"Settings" one. You can lower or raise overall power, lower or raise overall
weight, adjust the transmission, and change tires.

There may be more to it than that, but it allows you to get the Formula GT up to
about 1100 HP and down to 500 kg, plus you can use R5 tires instead of the R3s
you're stuck with in GT Mode.

If you're using anything other than the untuneable cars (Model T, Formula GT,
etc), you're probably better off in GT Mode, since you have much more control
over the suspension and drivetrain there.

---
"We are the music-makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams"
Pics- photobucket.com/albums/a346/MrPinstripes


From: sfs | Posted: 3/5/2006 7:54:05 PM | Message Detail

Hey 'Ring fans, I stumbled on this looking for a list of the fastest laps of the
Nurburgring, just out of interest. I thought you guys might be interested if you
haven't already seen it, it's a racing line guide made by BMW for the
Nordschleife. Sorry if it's old!

www.bmw.com/generic/com/en/fascination/bmwm/automobiles/specials/_pdf/bmwm
_nordschleife.pdf

Remove the space in the link.

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/5/2006 10:46:20 PM | Message Detail


Weekend Rider™ - “Fast Driver Challenge”

Viper SRT – 10 ‘03

I love driving Viper’s, and I do a reasonably job of it too, so this Challenge
is perfect for me. So I picked up the Gaunlet A) Because I love a challenge & B)
As an ex WolfCub / Boy Sprout I have a geeky sort of thing about collecting
badges.

So with aids off and on N2’s I set off. Approaching the exit of the first corner
I applied some throttle which immediately sent the Tacho needle bouncing off the
stop. I fully expected the back end to swap places with the front bit it did’nt.
Whew. Whatever built in device it has it works a treat !
The advice about early braking and weight transfer / throttle control was spot
on.
Now, you know my driving style well enough by now to know I was my usual
cautious “Test Driver” self but I was still able to hustle along pretty quickly.
I found with the DS2 that feeding on the power in bursts worked well at keeping
the Car stable and helped with turning it. I did have a few wonderful full on
screaming power slides but nothing terminal, I found the Car unexpectedly “easy”
to regain control in. I took full advantage of the Kerbs as usual ( or at least
the “User Friendly” one’s ). So I achieved the first part of the Challenge –
Licence standard clean lap. Sweet.

As for my time ( Drum Roll Please ) – 7 ‘ 59 . 123
Made it by the skin of my teeth but I guess that’s all that was required, but I
am very happy to have done it first attempt.
I could not have done that six month’s ago!

Now to passing on the WR™ Baton -

GhostofRI ( Piney )

Tremor

ACplayer

If any of you guys want the Pick for this week put up your hand, first in best
dressed !

---
photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
[e-mail]


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/6/2006 2:17:30 AM | Message Detail

BTW the Viper is REALLY fast, I was suprised several times after coasting a bit
to set up for corners how fast some of the exit speeds were. I also got up to
182 mph before chickening out and braking heavily approaching the Bridge.
This plus being ultra cautious probably cost me at least half a second on the
run in. I saved my replay and had another go with the pressure off and managed
an 8 ' 00 . 195 so at least I am fairly consistent.

After earning my Merit Badge I took the Viper back to stock ( S2's ) but left
aids off, loaded ghost replay and did some laps which were much more exuberant.
I was Ten seconds up by Aremberg and building by about 3 - 4 seconds per sector.
I had a BIG moment at Brunnchen, spinning out and getting jammed up against the
fence for a while, still finished 30 seconds up on the "Cooking" version. That
would mean this Car is potentially a 7 ' 15 . xxx or lower perhaps ?
I would be interested to see what Amar, Mr. P or Flibutz could do.


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/6/2006 4:49:56 AM | Message Detail

I'm betting that a truly fast (every bend well driven) lap in the Viper SRT-10
on N2's could get down below 7'50, and maybe even to 7'45. I have haven't put
the Sports tires back on mine yet, but if it's a 7'20 car, that makes it very
fast indeed.

However, I'm not the one to drive that perfect lap. My Fast Driver Scouting
Badge time is 7'58.989. I had several laps that were faster than that, but none
of them clean.

ViTG, I noticed the same thing about the exit speeds. While the Viper will
punish you brutally for braking late/overbraking, it rewards you for trusting
the "slow in, fast out" approach by screaming out of the bends, putting all of
that power to wonderful use. The more I drive it, the more I'm convinced it's
one of the best FR cars in the game.

---
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: ACplayer | Posted: 3/6/2006 5:09:20 PM | Message Detail

yeah, thanks. I've been messing around in Arcade Mode. It just seems to me like
whenever you try to raise the power at all, even if you don't sometimes, the car
will spin out of control. It just wont turn right whether its the formula gt or
the minolta if you use no tcs and asm. I don't know if anyone is familiar with
the video by veilsidebr on the ring with a time of 4'44.650 in arcade mode. He
says he used the DFP, no tcs or asm, i think the power was 1087, not sure about
the weight, and in the video it looked like his car was just under 400kph for a
top speed. I think he also used manual transmission. I just find it hard to
believe that he did that so fast. To me it doesn't seem like his racing line is
that great. He just barrels through every turn and never loses the car at all.
And just in my opinion, he could have done the replay in an outside the car
view, so we can actually see the car. I tried using all the settings he did and
using manual. Although I've never used manual before and wasn't close to his
time at all (I managed a 5'13.XXX so far) it seems like whenever you come out of
a turn, the gear will go crazy and cause that revving sound. Not once in his
video did his car do that. I don't know if it's because of the wheel or what,
but there were many turns where the car would do that. The video just seems a
little sketchy; but I wish it is real because I want to get a time like that.
I'm going to have to inspect his video a little closer, although most links to
that video are gone. I think there is one link somewhere that still works.
That's all for now, I've got some time trials to do.


From: Von | Posted: 3/6/2006 8:27:27 PM | Message Detail

I found thqt when I was tryig the Gt in Arcade that it did the same thing. With
R5's on that thing though, you pretty much can barrel through all the turns. The
part where you lose it coming out is a problem, and I have heard that the Wheel
does ownders for lap times... I dont know.
---
Tiny subaru versus gigantic german deathring!-Amarynceus


From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 3/6/2006 9:02:07 PM | Message Detail

I received my merit badge with the SRT-10 on my third complete lap. There were,
however, at least a dozen aborted attempts involved, too. Most of them aborted
before reaching T1. My badge time was 7'57.877.

I then slipped the S2's back on, and proceeded to crash hard several times,
apparently believing that the "S" stands for Superman. I was expecting a big
grip increase, and didn't get it. It's been too long since I've done much
test-driving on the Ring. I forgot that the gained time comes in small
increments, not large ones, when switching from N's to S's. When I finally got a
complete lap in, it was a 7'37.9.

I can't say I was entirely impressed by the SRT-10. Yes, it's a powerful sports
car that you can bend to your will if you have enough finesse and skill to do
so. But I tend to compare all powerful sports cars to the M5...even though the
M5 is really more of a uber high-tech sedan than a true sports car. Anyway, in
that context, the viper just doesn't measure up.

In my new line of work, I rub elbows every day with people who drive BMW's,
Mercs, Acuras, Lexus's and the like. My '96 Mercury Sable (which has been bought
and paid for for years) is really becoming a bit embarrassing to be seen in. I
was thinkin' *he rubs his chin between his thumb and forefinger, while shifting
his jaw to one side and squinting one eye*, the total payments for the mortgages
on the three properties I own in Duluth are about the same as what the payment
would be on a new M5. Maybe...after I get all of those properties sold...hhmmmm.

Well, just a thought. I also have a chance to buy a 10-year-old Jag V12 (I
forget the model) for $2000. That would probably be a smarter purchase, for
now...and almost as cool.

Happy ringing, all!!
---
A.K.A. Don Papa


From: The White Ghost | Posted: 3/7/2006 4:58:40 AM | Message Detail

Another unique trait about the Viper is a built in TCS, or something like it.
500hp, on N2's, should be harder to control, throttle wise. Somehow, that's not
the case. The Viper is very smooth under acceleration, though throttle control
becomes quite important when "throwing your weight" around the bends.

maybe it has something to do with the 13 or 14 inch wide tires out back?
---
Su unica opcion es suicidio-choco2000


From: another_pine | Posted: 3/7/2006 8:24:03 AM | Message Detail

*Raises hand to pick the next WR*

The newer edition of the car I drive is in this game, and I've held back from
using it just for the weekend rider.
---
Put this in your sig if you lost or know someone who has lost the right to
contest a moderation.


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/7/2006 9:47:00 PM | Message Detail

Just lobbed in quickly to say - another pine , the WR pick is officially yours !

Also trimmed time with Viper to a 7 ' 56 . 349

Also looky what I found -

i25.photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/Weekend%20Rider/badge.gif
---
photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
[e-mail]


From: another_pine | Posted: 3/9/2006 10:20:21 AM | Message Detail

Bump

I finished the ring's 24 hour rave. The Merc CLK touring/racing car with 1015 HP
does a really great job of lapping everyone 35 times. Of course I B-spec'd it
all the way, had I raced to my potential I woulda lapped em 100 times.
---
Put this in your sig if you lost or know someone who has lost the right to
contest a moderation.


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/9/2006 9:06:09 PM | Message Detail

Just thought I would post a few random thoughts as I am going away this Weekend
and will not have a chance until Monday.

I am going to Stanley which is on the far NW Coast of Tasmania, very beautiful.
The Town is built around the plug of an ( hopefully ) extinct Volcano which juts
out into Bass Strait. I will take a few Pix and upload them next week.

If you have not done it yet check out Mr. Pinstripes Video of a sub 5 min. lap @
the 'Ring. Brilliant.

I think he should award himself a "Fast Driver Merit Badge" immediately.

Ciscrack - did you ever sort out changing the format of those Photo's in PDF
files ?
If not try this :
Open PDF file containing photo
Use Tools - Basic - Select image
Copy image
Open a new file in Paint or Photo editor
Paste image into it
Select Save As and select gif or jpeg option
According to the Techies here this should work.

Oldguy - Can you Lease an M5 and claim it as a Business expense ?
The Jag sounds great but I hope you have a bottomless wallet !!


More when I get back.

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/9/2006 9:09:41 PM | Message Detail

Have a safe and fun trip Viperinthegrass!

---
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: 3/9/2006 9:57:58 PM | Message Detail

VitG, I think probably "no" on the tax write-off. And yes, I've heard Jags can
be a bit spendy for "up-keep". So, maybe I'll just keep driving my old Sable for
a while, and deal with the embarrassment. After all, there IS a certain amount
of pleasure involved when driving a car that is paid for.

I'll keep an eye on the news for volcanic eruptions in Tasmania!
---
A.K.A. Don Papa

[vitg]

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/10/2006 5:45:32 AM | Message Detail

Hey Oldguy, what about trying to find a bargain on a used Porsche 911 (or one of
it's variants)? I would imagine that even an older, lower powered model could be
quite fun (whether or not some rebuilding/restoring was required).

---
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: Epamutilok | Posted: 3/10/2006 8:28:05 AM | Message Detail

What do you think of a lap of about 12min in a stock old beetle?
---
My nick means: WASSUP MAN! and i'm proud of it
GT4 pics: photobucket.com/albums/e323/noobishphotoman/


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/10/2006 11:03:23 AM | Message Detail

I think I may wish I had a stock old beetle of my own. Might have to work on
that. Was it fun?

---
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: MrPinstripes | Posted: 3/10/2006 11:20:22 AM | Message Detail

I was going to pose a '49 VW challenge, but I couldn't do it and didn't feel
right having other people try something I couldn't do. My challenge was this:

Nurburgring Nordschleife.
Stock '49 VW Beetle on N1 tires.
No driving aids.
Oil and driver optional.
License Test Clean.

And the kicker...

All gas, no brakes. You have to keep the hammer down the whole lap and never
touch the brakes. Ever. Even the handbrake.

I made it as far as Aremburg, but couldn't scrub off enough speed to make it
around. I tried some other tracks, but they were all way too easy.

Later.

From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 3/10/2006 5:18:17 PM | Message Detail

Muse, the older 911 doesn't sound like a bad idea. Some custom rims,
high-performance tires, tweak the hp up a bit? Maybe I'll look into that.

Mr. P, did you try it on anything besides N1's? Sounds like a fun challenge if
you could find a way to make it work!
---
A.K.A. Don Papa


From: tremor | Posted: 3/10/2006 5:29:58 PM | Message Detail

Viper SRT10 Speed badge:

Uh oh. This bodes poorly.

First lap 8'51
second lap 8'39

This is gonna take some work

---
If at first you don't succeed, redefine success


From: MrPinstripes | Posted: 3/10/2006 5:43:05 PM | Message Detail

I think the N1s are probably necessary, both to make the drifts easier and to
make scrubbing speed more effective. You're welcome to try something else if
you'd like.

I almost made it around Aremburg twice, but slid off into the grass on exit.
It's a lot of fun, regardless.

---
"We are the music-makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams"
Pics- photobucket.com/albums/a346/MrPinstripes



From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 3/10/2006 7:36:41 PM | Message Detail

I just took my recently acquired Dome Zero out for a spin on the Ring. Very fun
little space ship, for just 165 hp.

I think my perspective is a bit skewed by all the time I've spent in the Lancia
Stratos lately, but to me, the Zero seemed to handle quite neutral for a MR.
Schwedenkreuz almost flat out at 140...Mutkurve at 105, on whatever it tires it
comes with. I guess I didn't even look. I just turned the aids off and went at
it. I'm assuming S2's, but some of the concepts come on S3's, so...whatever.

The first lap was a rather timid 8'30. Second lap was a too aggressive
crash-fest, and the third a pretty nice 8'20. I don't doubt that a 8'10 would be
attainable by a few of you.

Too bad we can't use it for a WR. It's almost as fun as the Tommy Kaira we drove
a couple weeks ago! Now, the only prize car I have left to win is the Model T.
It may take me a few months, but I intend to get that, too!

Peace, out.
---

From: another_pine | Posted: 3/11/2006 6:10:06 AM | Message Detail

Somethin big came up and I can't pick a WR for a bit. Sorry guys!
---
Put this in your sig if you lost or know someone who has lost the right to
contest a moderation.


From: MrPinstripes | Posted: 3/11/2006 6:28:18 AM | Message Detail

Since I happened to pop in first, I'll snag the WR pick for this week.

The WR is:

'63 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C2)

The C2 has a semi-short transmission, but nowhere near as bad as most muscle
cars. You're welcome to add a FC tranny if you'd like.

In its stock form, the C2 isn't an amazing car; it's sorta mushy and vague (even
for a classic), and lacks a certain "Zing!".

With a bit of careful tuning, though, it'll come alive. A Sports Suspension, FC
tranny, and about 50 more horsepower should satisfy anyone's classic muscle
jones. Just don't opt for the supercharger; it really plays havoc with the
'Vette's already peaky powerband.

Later, all.


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/11/2006 9:14:14 AM | Message Detail

Excellent choice, MrPinstripes, thank you for stepping in. I would recommend
leaving it stock, but using N2's, because that gets you the "whitewall" tires.
My first lap was 9'05 (stock, N2's, no aids, oil or ballast), and I bet with
practice I could get that much closer to 8'50. To me, a successful run in the
Stingray is clean, with a little drifting, because it is gorgeous on replays.
The look of the car is unmatched.

As for the "slightly tuned" version suggested, would it make a fair race against
the E-Type? I bet that would make for some great photos, if it could be
arranged. Another fun race might be between the Elan and the Stingray, both
stock and on N2's.

The last thought I had about the Stingray is that I miss Onikaze. It's just the
kind of car he'd rave about, telling us all the best setups for driving it
completely sideways through every part except Dottinger Hohe.


---
From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/11/2006 1:38:32 PM | Message Detail

Oh, and, to those who try this weekends WR (the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
'63), please post the color you choose. The available choices are excellent;
mine is Monaco Blue.


From: ciscrack | Posted: 3/11/2006 3:49:23 PM | Message Detail

I'll try to get a few laps in with the Corvette sometime in the next few days.
I've been enjoying the rarity of snowfall around here the past few days, so who
has time for GT4. I took my kayak up the hill for a few runs of snow kayaking.
It was pretty fun, but I wish the hill was taller, with less trees and rocks.
And if it was taller, I would want a ski lift like the resorts do. It's not too
much fun carrying a 40lb. kayak up a hill covered in 6in. of snow. I'm gonna
post a few pics in my photobucket account, in the Somerset snow album.


From: tremor | Posted: 3/13/2006 5:24:29 AM | Message Detail

As I said in the la Sarthe thread, I've decided to take every car that I get
into for any event around La Sarthe and the 'Ring in order to practice with
them.

Yesterday's car was the Nissan Falken GTR Race Car, with which I was able to
knock out a relatively slow 7'25.xxx. I'm sure in more capable hands it's a sub
7 minute car, but I'm not there yet.

Might I suggest the Falken as the next Race Rider, or is that kaput? I'd like to
see what the the skilled drivers can do with it.

---
If at first you don't succeed, redefine success


From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 3/13/2006 6:08:32 AM | Message Detail

Since we haven't had a RR for a while, I think it's a good idea. I'll see if I
can get time to make a few runs with it this evening.
---
A.K.A. Don Papa


From: King_Brandon | Posted: 3/14/2006 6:35:55 PM | Message Detail

Can you Nurburgring experts help me out?
boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=561066&topic=26926290
---
When Johnny threatens you by saying he’ll pull out his 9mm. He isn’t talking
about a gun.


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/15/2006 1:11:16 AM | Message Detail

Hi everyone, just catching up with things after my trip to Stanley. I was up
there for a friends Birthday Party.
He owns a Restaurant / Tourist Accommodation on the Western side of the hills
approaching Stanley.
It is called The Cable Station Restaurant, it was built in the '30's as the
Tasmanian end of a Submarine Telegraph Cable connecting Tasmania to the
Mainland.Apparently it is highly regarded Australia wide as a top class
establishment serving high quality local produce and set in a Magical part of
Tas. I have uploaded a few "Touristy" photo's of my Trip in the "mylife" album.

photobucket.com/albums/d195/viperin/


Weekend Rider™ Chevrolet Corvette Coupe C2 Stingray '63

First off I would like to say I really enjoyed this Car on N2's and with Driving
Aids turned off. A great drive thank you Mr. Pinstripes.
I will leave the technical stuff to others more qualified and just present some
raw data -

Run Stock with Aids off - 8 ' 26 . 344 A real hoot, terrific fun.
Run with N2's Aids off - 8 ' 53 . 001 Even more of a Hoot, very easy to drive
suprisingly enough !

The Mr. Pinstripes Power Pack i.e. FC Tranny , Stage 1 N/A Tune, Chip, Sport Ex.
, Sports Suspension, Aids off,
Oil change and stock S2's - 8 ' 18 . 734

Terrific fun, what a great Car, have I mentioned before I love these Old Gems ?

I believe someone was pondering viewing a matchup between the Stingray Coupe and
an E - Type Jag Coupe.

Your wish is my command, Race photo's in the main Gallery Album of the Ringdiary
Album. I also put some photo's in the official WR™ album. BTW I had an Autumn
Gold Metallic one and a Tuxedo Black one ( as used versus the Jag in an
excellent close tussle in which I managed to prevail ).



Racecar Rider™ Nissan Falken GT - R RaceCar '04

An excellent pick by Tremor, Thank you.
I have only done two laps so far - 1). Stock with Oil change and 2). Stock , no
Oil change and with Driving Aids off.

1). 6 ' 59 . 364 534 hp ( Did one lap last night before Bed and switched off
without saving ).
2). 6 ' 55 . 809 508 hp ( Forgot to do Oil change before a lap today )

First impressions were, a well behaved Car, very smooth and stable and easy to
punt along quickly, just remember to let it finish turning before slamming on
the throttle or it will understeer.
Sorry for the lack of detail but I am a bit pressed for time as I have to
prepare for a First Aid course I am running tomorrow night.

More later.


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/15/2006 8:37:19 AM | Message Detail

Viperinthegrass! Welcome back! I knew you'd be the one to get the most out of
the WR (as you often are). Those pics are outstanding! How did you arrange a
race against a specific opponent? Very, very cool photos of the E Type battling
the Stingray.



From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/16/2006 5:35:48 AM | Message Detail

Stingray versus E-Type Jag "Race within A Race".

To get this matchup I used a Family Cup Race (Difficulty 5 ) . I just kept
entering and quitting until the Jag turned up in the lineup ( about 25 attempts
! ). I recalled the Jag turning up in a Family Cup Race I was playing around
with for a possible Budget Rider™ a while back, so I kept trying until it
appeared.
The Jag started on pole but drifted back through the field until it was just me
and him at the back. I caught up around about Hit Miss Hit, then it was Cat &
Mouse for the rest of the Race. We finished a full minute behind the winner ( a
Dodge Super Bee ) but it provided some good action shots. It was a reasonably
close matchup with the Stingray on N2's and Aids off, any slight mistake and the
Jag would pull ahead and I would have to reel him in again. Good fun.

Other news - It is now possible to upload short video's ( three minutes maximum)
to our Ringdiary Photobucket account.

Mr. Pinstripes - if you are able to edit your F1 lap into two we could put it
up, then Souli could add a link on the Blog site pointing to them.

If anyone else can produce Vid's of any Ring related driving - send them in !!

I have uploaded a short sample Video to check out, it is in the sub Album "Video
Hit's"

More Later.

From: enemy of the public | Posted: 3/16/2006 9:42:02 AM | Message Detail

has nothing to do with the game, but here's some trivia for you, in what vehicle
did renowned female Pro Racing driver 'Sobine Smidt' drive a real life lap of
the Nurburgring in 10 minutes and 8 seconds?

By the way, I shall give you all a clue, for what she drove that time is
incredibly fast!
---
www.fanfiction.net/s/1138642/1/ 'Curse of memory' the epic FFVII novel
The heel that the public fears


From: ciscrack | Posted: 3/17/2006 4:46:56 PM | Message Detail

I took the '63 Corvette for a little spin a few days ago. Very nice ride in it's
stock form. I didn't notice Pins' suggested setup until afterward, but I was
happy with the run I had. Clocked a lap of 8'38.

I took the Falken GT-R out for a spin, while I was very sleepy, but didn't
complete a lap. Handles very nicely, but then again, I haven't noticed much
difference between any of the JGTC GT-R's I've tried so far. I'm looking for a
new RR for next week. Haven't quite decided which one yet. I'll probably try to
complete a lap with the Falken later, and post my RR on Sun. or Mon.

It's a shame to see how much this thread has slowed down in the past couple
months. Come on Newbs! Join the F'n party!
---
but I wanna be breastfed by Princess Leia, playa
photobucket.com/albums/a282/ciscrack/?sc=1


From: enemy of the public | Posted: 3/17/2006 4:57:06 PM | Message Detail

Recently began experimenting with old cars to enter the '1000 miles', finally
settled on the cheverolet sintgray '69, completes a lap (unmodified car) in
around 8'50'00 which is nice for a car that ain't had any stuff thrown into it.
---
www.fanfiction.net/s/1138642/1/ 'Curse of memory' the epic FFVII novel
The heel that the public fears


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/21/2006 3:21:30 PM | Message Detail

Okay, have to post something before the Thread is lost due to inactivity.

Enemy of The Public - If you liked the '69 Stingray which was a Weekend Rider a
fair while ago, try out the '63 Stingray which was the last WR™, a very nice Car
indeed with nothing added.

BTW which Car was Sabine driving for that time, a VW ?

I am going to put up a new WR™, hopefully people will have a go and we will kick
start things again, where is everyone ??
Von ?
Jwrebholz ?
Big Rob ?
Sidewinder1 ?
Flibutz ?
Sackedagain ?
et al ?

Anyway here is the first clue for this Week -

It's Clobberin' Time !!

---
photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
[e-mail]

[vitg]

From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/21/2006 8:24:14 PM | Message Detail

The Fantasticar?

---

From: ciscrack | Posted: 3/21/2006 8:47:49 PM | Message Detail

Vitg and Muse- Since you guys are the only ones here on a consistent basis, I've
got a nice little RR for you guys.

Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 rally car

I didn't do much testing because I spent a fair amount of time trying to find
something with character. I finally stumbled on this ones' bigger brother, but
decided to nominate the little guy for initial testing purposes. It's pretty
quick if you raise the tranny auto-set to 14 or so, and lower and stiffen the
suspenders. You can get a pretty nice drift going with this guy. But if you want
a crazy drift car, take the bigger brother, the 205 Turbo 16 EVO2 rally car, out
for a spin. That's mostly what I was doing with it, but it's pretty awesome if
you can control it. Have fun.

---

From: lmhansen | Posted: 3/22/2006 7:01:20 AM | Message Detail

Found this video. Not the absolute coolest, but still...

youtube.com/watch?v=u00qgGpZvC8

---
"If you try to fail, and succeeds, which have you done?"


From: lmhansen | Posted: 3/22/2006 7:25:12 AM | Message Detail

Oh, you got to go to his site and download the Lupo GTI video. It's huge, but
it's a full lap, 10 minute good quality on-board video. The quality is good
enough for full screen...

www.ringfotograf.de

---
"If you try to fail, and succeeds, which have you done?"


From: enemy of the public | Posted: 3/22/2006 1:42:22 PM | Message Detail

BTW which Car was Sabine driving for that time, a VW ?

You probably won't believe this, but it was....


FORD TRANSIT VAN


She did it on an episode of 'Top Gear' (british car tv show) toi celebrate forty
years of Ford Transit after she had (unwittingly) said in an earlier series she
could get a time of 9'59'59 in a van... So they held her to it, having ripped
out the seats and used a dodge viper to create slipstream, she clocked something
like 10'08'50

Interesting fact about this... it was faster than most of the customer drivers
in Porsche 911's and motorcycles!

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/22/2006 4:47:46 PM | Message Detail

Enemy of The Public - A Transit Van ! Now that's a Scary thought, thanks for the
info.

Imhansen - thanks to you for the links, I will definitely check them out when I
can use the high speed Net connection at work.

Ciscrack - and many thanks to you for the RR™, that will give me something to
play with after I have finished my feeble attempt at the Chamonix leg of the
TotLS.
Coincidentally I had just finished getting a Gold at Chamonix in the Peugeot so
I will be able to use my saved Ghost as a guide.

Next hint for WR™ -

It's Payday Tomorrow! I love It When This Friend Calls

More Later

From: enemy of the public | Posted: 3/23/2006 3:40:32 AM | Message Detail

Certainly is scary, oh here's where it gets scarier... She did it as a customer
racer, meaning she had to OVERTAKE all the damned time.

A lap of nurburgring, in a transit van, 10 minutes, with constant traffic... I
think we have found a mortal form of driving god


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/23/2006 10:57:54 AM | Message Detail

There's some good stories about Sabine on Ben Lovejoy's site,
www.nurburgring.org.uk. Read the trip reports (all of them are interesting, but
she's in quite a few) for both tales and photos.

---

From: Epamutilok | Posted: 3/23/2006 11:17:17 AM | Message Detail

if i can't take this WR that i'm interested in i'll present myself for the next
WR, you know high times due to the noobishness, BTW i have been a reader since
the beginning of the Diary
---
My nick means: WASSUP MAN! and i'm proud of it
GT4 pics: photobucket.com/albums/e323/noobishphotoman/


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/23/2006 4:22:41 PM | Message Detail

Epamutilok - The next Weekend Rider™ pick is yours !!

The next hint for this WR™ is -

A Mexican Sunrise Perhaps ?

More Later
---
photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
[e-mail]


From: osubuckeyes | Posted: 3/23/2006 4:26:33 PM | Message Detail

When are you gonna announce the selection? I haven't done one of these in a
looooooong time. I was around for the first Ring Diary. I picked the first WR, a
Z4. I need to catch up on what's been going on.
---
When I was a wee lad I thought I could look up Pocahontas's blouse by angling my
head to look up at the T.V. - animeforever15


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/24/2006 5:06:59 AM | Message Detail

One last hint, then I will announce the pick about Midday, Gamefaqs time -

You Can Check In But You can Never Leave


From: Epamutilok | Posted: 3/24/2006 5:51:49 AM | Message Detail

thanks Vitg this weekend is training time!!
---
My nick means: WASSUP MAN! and i'm proud of it
GT4 pics: photobucket.com/albums/e323/noobishphotoman/


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/24/2006 10:12:35 AM | Message Detail

I know what this week's WR is! I can't believe it hasn't been WR before:

Mel Gibson

Well, Viperinthegrass, what do you think? (kidding, kidding)

Oh, and, for those on myspace, the video of a real life Yellowbird lapping the
Ring (it's not new, but it's still cool)

vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=578071258&n=2


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/24/2006 2:42:31 PM | Message Detail

In case anyone has not worked out the Pick this week ( well done Muse ! ) here
it is -

Eagle Talon ES i '97

Which is a nice contrast to the Peugeot selected by Ciscrack.

Have Fun.

More Later

From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/26/2006 8:24:16 AM | Message Detail


Weekend Rider™ Eagle Talon Esi '97

I came across the Eagle Talon when I was searching for a FF car to use for
Soulidarity's "Driving school Rival" BR™.I will be interested if anyone else
thinks this is one of the best steering FF's I have come across. You just have
to point it where you want to go and it does it with no fuss. If anything it
will oversteerif pushed which only helps it turn even quicker.
Obviously it is not very powerful at only 148 hp/ kw but because of the
conficence inspiring accurate steering it does get along pretty well. The five
speed is a total waste,an FC tranny would be a useful addition but it is
otherwise fine.
Who's up for the Flugplatz, Schwedenkreuz & Mutkurve challenge ? I can manage
all three flat out most of the time plus Galgenkopf as well.

Stock - 9 ' 13 . 061
Stock , aids off - 9 ' 10 . 587 - Not much difference here to stock, even with
aids off very little understeer.
This shows that the Car is pretty well set up with aids not really adding a lot
to the package.

Aids off + N2's - 9 ' 34 . 997 - It did well, hard to pick you are on N2's

I have had a few laps with Ciscracks RR™, the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Rally Car '85
which coincidentally I happened to win the day he announced it !
The old Pug is no slouch eh ! A few more laps though before I write it up, maybe
tomorrow my time. A fun Car though.
---
photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
[e-mail]


From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 3/26/2006 9:59:47 PM | Message Detail

My son's computer blew its motherboard a couple weeks ago, so, without his World
of Warcraft to entertain him, he's had control of the TV that's hooked to the
video games since then. My computer guy finally got the computer repaired and
returned today, which in turn, freed up the PS2 for me to use, so I decided to
do a couple of the "riders" this evening.

WR: Eagle Talon

This is definitely the best-handling, funnest FF I've driven, to date. 5th gear
is obviously a "gas-mileage" gear, because it serves no purpose other than to
provide a low-rpm cruising gear, unless you add considerably more hp. It left me
wondering if it would maintain its neutral handling charecteristics if someone
DID add enough hp to utilize 5th gear!

I was able to pull a 8'59.5 on my second lap. On my first lap, I crashed trying
to accept VitG's "flat-out" challenge at Schwedenkreuz. Flugplatz and Mutkurve
were much more easily dealt with. On my second try, I decided to lift the
throttle for just a second or two before entering Schwedenkreuz (no brakes,
though), and made it through easily.

Overall, I was very impressed by the car.
---
A.K.A. Don Papa


From: oldguy1957 | Posted: 3/26/2006 10:30:46 PM | Message Detail

RR: Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 rally car

I think this car is better suited for those who are good at suspension tuning. I
found it very hard to keep on the road using the default suspension settings. I
ended up reducing the front downforce to the minimum in an attempt to keep it
pointed in the right direction, which did help somewhat, but probably also
slowed me down. I'm sure there are better ways to stabilize it, but I'm not a
good enough tuner to try to figure it out. I'm pretty sure that just softening
the springs would have helped considerably. It should also be noted that the
autoset for the transmission needs to go up a couple clicks.

That said, it WAS a very fun and challenging car to drive, at speed...as a video
game. In real life, it's hard to believe it didn't kill every driver that tried
to drive it. I guess, in that aspect, it was typical for its time. At the very
least, it needs much better brakes. It took me at least 8 or 10 tries to get a
full lap in without ending up stopped against the armco, somewhere. I did
eventually manage a slightly cautious 7'23.2. Again, with the proper suspension
tuning, low 7's would probably be quite possible.

Overall, it was jaw-clenchingly exciting car to try to drive at maximum speed.
But one would have to drive it very conservatively if competing against other
cars.

---
A.K.A. Don Papa


From: Von | Posted: 3/27/2006 8:58:56 PM | Message Detail

Sorry for my inactivity guys, i've been more busy with school than usual. Know
how rusty I am? The last time I played, I couldnt break 6 minutes in my Sauber
=(

10 minute lap in a van? Crazy.
---
Tiny subaru versus gigantic german deathring!-Amarynceus


From: Epamutilok | Posted: 3/28/2006 5:36:36 AM | Message Detail

sorry for my constant silence, my PC "blew up" and i'm writing from skool just
to complain so sorry!
---
My nick means: WASSUP MAN! and i'm proud of it
GT4 pics: photobucket.com/albums/e323/noobishphotoman/


From: Von | Posted: 3/29/2006 6:45:17 PM | Message Detail

You guys let this thing fall to the second page! tisk tisk.
---
Tiny subaru versus gigantic german deathring!-Amarynceus


From: viperinthegrass | Posted: 3/30/2006 7:24:54 PM | Message Detail

Sorry for being quiet but I have been away again for a couple of Day's. A spur
of the moment decision to go to Bruny Island for a short break. Bruny Island is
on the SE coast of Tasmania. I will upload some photo's next Thursday when back
at work.

Racecar Rider™ Pug 205 Turbo

I followed Ciscrack's tuning advice to the letter, which btw, is spot on. This
made the Car much more tractable and easier to punt quickly.

Stock - 7 ' 26 . 268

Aids Off - 7 ' 21 . 981

One lap of each "Test Driver" standard. It certainly does "Get along little
Doggie" and is pretty enjoyable when sliding around. I reckon if I was more Gung
Ho I could drop the Aids off time by quite a bit. Maybe later today as I am in
the middle of writing up some momentous news which I will hope to post later
today or Tomorrow.

More Later
---
photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
[e-mail]


From: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/31/2006 10:06:25 AM | Message Detail

From the "what I want for Christmas" file...

www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3200.asp?id=12902

---
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: wanderingmuse22 | Posted: 3/31/2006 8:47:16 PM | Message Detail

I don't know if anyone is going to step up with a WR, but if you're interested
in "Mr Toad's Wild Ride", put an FC transmission in an otherwise stock Shelby
Cobra, tune the gears to match the power (widen the autoset if nothing else),
turn off all the driving aids, and hold on.

Without the FC transmission, the Shelby Cobra is no fun. With it, it's one of
the best cars in the game. Enjoy. Also, I'm not saying this should be WR, so if
someone has one, by all means, they should speak up.


wanderingmuse22 Posted 4/2/2006 10:26:21 PM message detail
I promise, this is strictly for medicinal purposes.

bump

viperinthegrass

Posted 4/3/2006 8:37:21 PM
message detail Greeting's From Oz,

Hiya Muse, thanks for the Toy, I am playing with it as we speak !
But First :

I have had a "Purple Patch" lately and as a result I have managed to
achieve 100 % completion.
I managed this by cleaning up a bunch of Driving Missions and "Hard"
Special Conditions Hall Races in rapid succession.

I put this down to three factors -
Driving a wide variety of Car's at the 'Ring - Improved driving skill &
Car knowledge.
Taking part in the TotLS Series - Increased Track knowledge and improved
"Lines".
Having my memory jogged about using the Lancia Delta S4 by Mr. Pinstripes
- Thanks heaps !

Mind you some of the Races were still Bloody hard ! The one which gave me
the most trouble was Grand Canyon Reverse.
I eventually beat it after about ten attempts, then only by .004 seconds !
I have never been so glad to win a race.

Along the way I also knocked off a few more Gold Licence's i.e. 62 down,
18 to go.I only have the Model T, the Dome Zero and the Jensen Healey to
get now.

I have uploaded some photo's of the Driving Mission Races with details of
Times etc. as a visual record. The other Missions I completed ages ago and
did not keep replays to get photo's from but I may revisit them one day.
For me the most enjoyable missions were - Seattle, Cote D'Azur and New
York as I worked out pretty quickly what was required and drove a good
race.

For those interested here are my recently completed Gold Licence times -

B13 - 22 . 532

IB3 - 27 . 426
IB4 - 27 . 990
IB5 - 2 ' 45 . 727
IB6 - 17 . 624
IB8 - 41 . 909
IB9 - 21 . 493
IB11 - 17 . 947
IB12 - 23 . 479
IB13 - 29 . 622

A10 - 2 ' 47 . 203

IA2 - 51 . 920
IA4 - 34 . 114
IA5 - 2 ' 27 . 427
IA6 - 30 . 562
IA7 - 33 . 871
IA8 - 1 ' 05 . 905
IA9 - 42 . 523
IA10 - 2 ' 12 . 051
IA11 - 29 . 456
IA12 - 58 . 546
IA14 - 14 . 181

S4 - 2 ' 13 . 968
S6 - 54 . 423
S10 - 2 ' 46 . 762
S14 - 2 ' 26 . 482

photobucket.com/albums/d195/viperin/

---
photobucket.com/albums/c53/RingDiary/
[e-mail]