rec.autos.simulators

> So should I just keep driving until the computer forces me to the next stage?
> I don't think it saves any time if everyone pits out, the computer seems to go
> at it's own pace anyway.

> So don't get mad if people are still on the track after practice is over.  I
> think the computer moves things along when it's ready regardless of what's
> happening on the track.

> Am I right in this?

> glen

> Typically, when the practice clock has ticked down to 0 people start typing
> "practice over, back to pits please" and stuff like that.  But it seems to me
> that it doesn't make any difference, even if everyone is off the track there is
> still a delay after the practice clock has ticked down to 0.

> So should I just keep driving until the computer forces me to the next stage?
> I don't think it saves any time if everyone pits out, the computer seems to go
> at it's own pace anyway.

> So don't get mad if people are still on the track after practice is over.  I
> think the computer moves things along when it's ready regardless of what's
> happening on the track.

> Am I right in this?

> glen

> >Maybe conduct a test?  Time how long it takes when people exit the
> >track.  Compare that with having everyone practice for another 10
> >minutes.  You know the race will begin shortly when the session
> >status is "Complete".

> I just did an experiment.  I started multiplayer, and hosted a race at Mexico.
> I turned off computer opponents so I was the only one on the entry list.  I
> didn't even do a lap, I just sat there and let the time run out.  After time
> ran out in the practice session it changed to "Status: End of session - Stand
> by" and stayed that way for 2 minutes and 45 seconds!  It then changed to
> "Status: Session complete" and stayed that way for another 30 seconds.

> I backed out and did it again, this time with exactly 1 minute left on the
> practice clock I began a very slow leisurely tour of the Autodromo in first
> gear at 30 Km/h.  Exactly 4 minutes and 15 seconds later, the screen flashed
> static and I was taken to the pit screen with the message "Start sequence 30
> seconds".  I was out for 1 minute of practice, and 3:15 of additional time.
> Exactly the same as when I never pitted out the first time.

> Conclusion:  It doesn't make any difference if people leave the track after
> time expires.  The computer takes 3 minutes and 15 seconds to advance to the
> starting grid.  It may seem like it takes longer when people are out there but
> that's only because it takes a long time either way and you're sitting there
> thinking "C'mon buddy let's go".  It takes just as long no matter what happens.

> Now, everyone grab a stop watch and time how long it takes from the practice
> clock ticking down to 0 and the beginning of the start sequence.  3:15 here,
> every time.