rec.autos.simulators

I'd love to go to my local junk yard and pick up the front end or just
the dashboard of a CRX or something.  

How do you sneak a front end of car in your flat/house without taking it
apart, unless you have some very wide doors...

lot of work, but if you have the time...

A buddy of mine runs the touring display for Craftsman Tools, the one that
appears at all the NASCAR Truck races, and a few CART events, in the vendors
display areas. In the display, they have a NCTRS Ford Truck that has been
converted by a company in C***te, co-owned by Bobby and Terry Labonte.
They took a truck chassis, put the computer under the hood, and outfitted
the***pit with a 21" monitor and ECCI wheel and pedal setup. To the side,
they have a seperate monitor so the folks standing in line can watch the
race. They are running a customized version of Papy's Craftsman Truck
software, set up to run short races in arcade mode with no damage and give
each person a 5 lap race, 10 on the short tracks. Check it out if you get to
a NASCAR Truck race this year, it's really a blast, and the ECCI setup is
quite good. If you get there early and bribe them with Krispy Kremes, they
might give you a few extra runs<g>.

--
don

GPL Programs for the Converted Tracks:
http://www.racesimcentral.net/

--Blues

  Also, here in Minnesota, a few miles from home at the Mall of America is one
of a small handful of Silicon Raceway's.  These are full sized Nascar chassis,
with a proper racing seat, gear shifter, pedals, the whole nine yards, all
running on a hydraulically operated system.  This is by far the most realistic
sim I've ever driven!  There are some subtle differences in handling between it
and GPL, due to the tire model I'm sure, but the drive is simply awesome!  You
can run full length league races there. I tried a smaller version that lasted
for about half an hour or so, and my arms were hurting by the end of it!

Todd Wasson
---
Performance Simulations
Drag Racing and Top Speed Prediction
Software
http://www.racesimcentral.net/

Glad you've tried our stuff (I consult for Silicon Motor Speedway).  Have
you been to SMS recently (last 6 weeks or so)?  There was a big system
update that added many new features, I think it was in early December 2000
or so (not sure of the exact date).

....

A great idea gone horribly in the wrong direction imho

  Nope.  Not since last May actually, when I came here on vacation from Arizona
before moving back to St. Paul.  I'll definately have to go check it out again.
 It's about 15 minutes away, and I party at the mall on weekends rather
frequently... :0)  

  The thing that really grabbed me was the tire model (aside from the obvious
stuff, of course).  You can induce power oversteer at moderate slip angles,
well before reaching the traction limit.  After the car settles into a turn,
you increase the throttle a little, and it actually turns tighter to a point,
then understeers with more throttle.  Very cool!  I managed to grab first of
the human bunch a couple times, but have yet to get better than second place
against the computer cars.

  Loads of fun though!  If anybody gets a chance to drive these, shell out the
cash.  You WON'T be disappointed :0)  

  When I go back again, I'll let you know.  BTW, tell those guys to put in a
road course for the league racers!  <BG>

Todd Wasson
---
Performance Simulations
Drag Racing and Top Speed Prediction
Software
http://PerformanceSimulations.Com

  You haven't actually driven it, have you?  :0P  You'll change your mind once
you get in the seat and take a few laps.  IF you can manage not to spin out at
the starting line (I did that a couple times, rather embarrassing!!) :-)

Todd Wasson
---
Performance Simulations
Drag Racing and Top Speed Prediction
Software
http://PerformanceSimulations.Com

Tim,

Actually, the SMS web site does mention the system upgrades, but I don't
know why it is buried under "Press Releases".  Down inside this article is
some info on the features of the new software.

30 Oct 00  Silicon Entertainment Has Fans Riding High in 2000 Action
           Cup 15,000 Enthusiasts Expected To Compete For Thousands in Cash
           At NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedways  <http:www.smsonline.com>

Did you ever send any comments to the home office or discuss things with
the management at your local site?  Without your comments, it will be hard
for them to figure out why you lost interest...and even harder for them to
figure out how to improve things.  I am pretty sure that they would like to
keep you as a customer!

Best Wishes,

-- Doug

I spent one year racing SMS, every week, 6 months str8 at one stretch, and
compared to online sims, it just wasnt going anywhere
4 tracks in 3 years?
No setups, no cautions, no damage model

So finally they add tire wear, great !
Then they add the most rediculous drafting model I have ever seen
:(
THEN they take away the expert leagues, and the prize money !

Maybe Im wrong but just feels SMS seems content on turnover, and the
'retail' side of it
For certain they are not geared for the *** sim racing enthusiast

  Oh.  My mistake.  What didn't you like about it?  I love that thing!
Todd Wasson
---
Performance Simulations
Drag Racing and Top Speed Prediction
Software
http://PerformanceSimulations.Com