>I have just downloaded the hawaii software and am about to give it a whirl
>in the next hour or so. I would like to know some real details about this
>network, though, especially in terms of cost, competition and just how
>enjoyable it can really be. From the postings here, it seems that hawaii is
>more a source of controversy, accidents and bitterness than an enjoyable
>network. Is this worth my time and money AT ALL? I can race fairly well
>on NASCAR Racing, but I am not interested in getting into any more
>accidents than I already have to deal with while racing alone. Also, I
>would like to know if Papyrus is going to set-up any means for actual
>racing leagues to develop and use the network, to avoid problems with those
>who just want to cause trouble.
Try it, you'll like it. <g>
I think the controversy is being caused by a few drivers that are either:
(a) out to wreak as much havoc as possible; or (b) inexperienced.
I think I've run about 35 races, so far. Of those, I have 3 wins, over 20
Top 5's, and 4 DNF's. One was my fault, blew an engine. The second was a
racing deal, I tried to go low to pass a backmarker on the front straight
and he decided to go low to let me by at the same time. At 190+, you don't
get a second chance. <sigh> The other two were caused by drivers in one of
the 2 categories above, including a guy at Bristol who managed to take out
the entire field by jumping the start, then disappeared before anyone could
yell at him. I think there were two cars that finished that race.
I've also been banged up pretty bad a few times, but limped around the
track and ended up with a Top 5 finish. A lot of people don't finish a race
if they have damage (especially at 'Dega). It's really boring running 175
mph laps when everyone else is runing 195's, but you get points for the
number of people you finish ahead of, and you can just about guarantee that
someone will crash out on the last few laps of the race.
The trick when you're first starting out is to finish as many races as you
can so you can boost your skill level. If you're starting in the pack
somewhere, take it easy on the first lap. Stay out of everybody's way, let
people pass you if they insist on trying to win the race on the first lap.
You'll end up passing them before it's over, because you can guarantee they
won't have the patience to last the race and try to squeeze their car in
someplace where it just won't fit.
Once you get to Level 3 or 4, you can start being more selective about your
races. It appears that 3-15 and 4-15 pickup races are getting more popular,
and I saw several on the board at the same time last night.
One other thing, MP NASCAR will break all your setups, you'll probably find
that they all push badly. You can run MULTI directly from the command line
and use Preseason Testing to work on your setups.
MP NASCAR is the best thing that's ever happened to sim racing. There is
nothing like entering a race and feeling that adrenaline rush that comes
from live competition. I remember my first win, my right leg was going like
a sewing machine the last couple of laps, I was so pumped up.
The thing is, almost of these guys who are complaining, they keep going
back for more.
Dave "davids"
