Had my first online experience in rFactor.

[Lionclaw]

It is much more fun racing with other people since they defend their positions and that it's unpredictable. I was very nervous at first, heart was racing, being really careful not to mess up someones lap, or race. It was a public server so it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

We raced Renault Megane's, takes some time to get used to them since they have a habit of loosing rear grip when pushed too hard. But I guess driving style comes in there. But they're too oversteery in the default setup IMO. So I usually soften the rear spring rate 1 notch so the car becomes more drivable. Well one could also stiffen the front spring rate instead.

One problem was that I drove the Eurocup version of the Megane, there were others that were driving those as well. But others were driving the Endurance version so they had more fuel. I had to pit for most races while they could race on.

Qualifying was quite fun. The majority of drivers exited the pits as soon as the qualification started. I thought it was best to wait for a while.

I managed to get some good times in qualifying, but I don't have much experience in the Megane so I'm inconsistent due to mistakes. I drive without any driving aids since they're usually a hindrance rather than help IMO. Better to learn to control the car without help.

During the actual races I usually lost some places due to being a bit too careful not to cause accidents, and making small mistakes. But sometimes I was a bit too aggressive and lost grip at the rear ruining my race.


But I saw it more as a learning experience since it was my first time racing with people, quite a big difference to just racing with the predictable AI.

I guess right now I'm a better qualifier than a racer. But I guess it will get better with experience.


It was quite fun, I'm looking forward to more online racing in the future.

[stabiz]

Welcome to the disease that is sim racing. I have been racing online with rFactor for 4 years now, and its still as fun as it was in the beginning. I dont race in public servers though, as the racing there is usually bad. Crashing and people driving the wrong way, etc. In a league you get judges handing out penalties for (avoidable) accidents, points scoring and above all really close racing regardless of skill level.

Here is a clip where I battle for 2nd in a Porsche Cup race along with 28 other drivers.

We set a new record in our league a few weeks ago with 30 cars at Imola.

Btw, I see you are swedish, check out rln.no. Swedes, Norwegians and Danes racing against each other.

[Lionclaw]

Some great driving there!


League racing seems pretty serious.

One part of me thinks:
Cool

Other part:
Eek!


Simbin's games ( GTR Evo, Race, STCC ) had a habit of locking up after some time in Vista for me, couldn't find a solution so those aren't installed anymore.

[stabiz]

Hehe, yeah I know what you mean. On the other hand, you "know" those you are racing and they wont put you off on purpose.

With these Porsches we run a two race format two tuesdays a month. One lap qualify (with the horrors that can lead to) followed by a 20 min race with no pitstop required. Race two follows 5 minutes later and runs for 40 minutes, with reversed grid and pitstop. Very funny format that means the fastest in race 1 have a lot of work to do in race 2, and also that the unlucky from race 1 get a good grid spot in race 2. We also hand out weight penalties (patches that are available after races) ala real touring car series dependent on success. The championship leader has 65 kilos extra at the moment, while my misfortunes here and there (running 4th at the moment) hands me +5 kg.

Join us if you get tired of public!

[Lionclaw]

One lap quali? Like F1 used to do in the past?

Thanks, I think I'll need more confidence before contemplating league racing.


Even though Norwegian and Swedish are related, I can understand what it says okay, but there's some words cause problems. But usually one could understand by looking at the whole sentence. Danish on the other hand...

[Hitman]

I haven't dusted off my racing games for ages, as I lack the necessary space at home for my steering wheel and pedals, but man I miss it sometimes

What kind of hardware(wheel & pedals)/custom cockpit are you guys using?

[Lionclaw]

I use a Logitech G25.

My computer desk is my cockpit, however I have a problem keeping the pedals a certain distance from the wall so the distance between my upper body to the wheel is comfortable. After todays racing my wrist was aching.

I need some kind of object that won't move up the angled part of the pedals during heavy braking while downshifting making the pedals move closer to the wall.

[stabiz]

I use the Logitech G27. Same here, just a comfortable chair (without wheels!) and the computer desk. I have some books between the pedals and the wall to stop them sliding, works great.

[Nicolas]

What a game.. i have a logitech momo good wheel but bad pedals. I started playing on public servers too but gets boring after a while.
Here clips of 2 races last year i drived the super aguri

[Lionclaw]

Quite a lot of action there.

[Hitman]

I had a custom made "cockpit" with an old computer desk I had around. The pedals had a specific stopper bolt in and the table was cut in some places that where not necessary for holding the wheel and keyboard. Coupled with an adjustable chair without wheels, it was great for racing sims. Unfortunately it too much space when you live in a flat with wifie and two kids, so in the end I dropped it in favour of naval games, which don't require so much hardware. But I miss it

[RedChico]

Ah, yes. The every lap sweating, the stress of being persued like a fox, the stress of wanting to overtake before others come, the fight until the last meter.

I remember those good old days, yes indeed.

Got it all from the dificult to learn and even more dificult to master, Grand Prix Legends.

And those freaking twice as old guys faster than me??? WTH?

[Lionclaw]

I always get that nervous feeling in the stomach before the start of the race or in certain situations where a mistake means ruining your own or someone elses race.

Had some first tastes of wheel to wheel racing 2 days ago, fought as bravely as I dared while still being careful due to inexperience racing with people. Giving some space in corners when the opponent was in my blind spot so we could continue racing instead of ruining it. Although watching the replay later I noticed I was a bit too generous at times, when I could have "closed the door".

[Admiral8Q]

I should try a mp game. Without human destroyers though it's no fun.