Howdy,
First off, let me say that it's good to see some of the old time beta testers
coming forth with some tips, they seemed oddly quiet all week...
Obviously a big problem is the ld call to Boston, which many peopel have been
complaining about. Until the beta is over, it'll probably be like that, so
here's a few ways to shave off cost (and just have a good time):
1. It seems that currently just about all the pick-up races online revolve
around a few tracks: Talladega, Michigan, Bristol, Atlanta, Martinsville, and
to a lesser extent the C***te, The Rock, etc. At any time there's always a
Talledega, Michigan or Bristol going or starting.
Work on your race and qual setups for these tracks, keeping in mind that they
are almost always 55 or 10% sprints, not the long hauls where tire wear and
pits become a big factor. Before logging on decide what your going to race and
practice the track or two.
Log on, hop into the race scheduler, run that race or two, then log off. (I
know, this takes great self discipline!) This will help you move up in the
skill level with the least cost. Me personally, I try to run races where
there's at least 10 races, even if it's a track I like less. I'd rather run a
10-15 driver race at Talledega, then a 4 or 5 player race at C***te--it's a
greater payoff for doing well.
2. Avoid no damage races like the plague. First off, at this time while the
service experience a new influx of drivers, they are probably going to be crash
fests, without the implication of being DNF'd for doing it. And you get 1 point
assessed against you for every incident you are in. in a no damage race, this
could be several, even if you are attempting to mind your business. (How many
times have you seen personal vendettas develop as one "accident" turns into a
revenge smash up on the next lap, collecting other drivers as well?)
While you will be bound, to get DNF'd occasionally, (just like in real life).
The overt trouble makers will at least be out of the way sooner. The point is,
it's an inefficient way to gain skill level points per long distance minute
spent.
3. I know this has been stressed before, BUT PRACTICE PACE LAPS. There's almost
always an incident or someone getting black flagged on pace laps. That's almost
as annoying of those on the pace lap typing to veryone to "be careful", or "go
easy" during the pace lap, instead of paying attention to their driving. Keep
your mouth shut and don't worry about the next guy. If he's going to ram you or
whatever, he's going to do it despite your warnings, (or maybe inspite of
them?)
4. In skill level 0-1 races, there is almost always a first lap wipe out. Noone
wins the race on the first lap, but many try. Ther's been some excellent tips
on how to avoid them (the hold your line-or go high or low school). It really
is a ***shoot, but even if you start in the back of the pack. If you slow
down and avoid the crunches, you will probably instantly find yourself in 4th
or 5th place jsut by keeping your nose clean!
5. Not every crash that happens in a race, was deliberately aimed at wiping you
out. There's always accidents, that can occur for minute reasons, not the least
of which is warps. If you're racing neck and neck with a guy, even if you're
both careful, the chances are pretty good that you could be in an incident.
(Saw this happen to 2 level 7 guys yesterday). That doesn't mean that the guy
who came off worst must automatically exact revenge on the next lap, by waiting
in ambush high on a corner for the guy to return. Grow up.
6. If you are so concerned with your skill level plummetting in the ranks,
don't be surprised if you get in an accident racing with 10 level zero drivers.
Who's the idiot, the newbies, (which you were once), or you for putting
yourself in that high risk situation in the first place? Just don't be
srprised. There's no special aura around you that will cause the seas
(read:new lesser informed drivers) to part automatically.
Anyway, that's just a few common sense things that come to mind. ANyway, I
think the vast majority of the racers are out to have fun and learn and not
cause trouble. I hope I haven't offended anyone with my comments.
Regards...
Los
Hiya and welcome aboard ...
Your comments are all good sense points .. ones that will get you far up on
MP. It's a pleasure to have folks like yourself online.
Looking forward to running with you.
Jim Warren
