SimRacing.org.uk

UKGPL Season 20 Novices Trophy (1965 Mod) Race 5 December 7th

Round 5 of the Novices Season 20 and we reach the halfway point where we take on the unique challenge of Spa. So over inflate your tyres, remove all ballast, crank up the gears and off we go.

Spa is one of the finest racing venues in the world and has been since its inception in 1920. Drivers should ensure that they take care when taking advantage of the slipstream following previous incidents on this circuit. Remember, there may be more cars following you than you think.

Car needs to be taken at Eau Rouge on Lap 1 as the field will bunch up. This is not the place for making Lap 1 Turn 1 do or die manouevres. You cannot win the race in turn 1 but you can certainly lose it, and more importantly you can lose the race for those around you, beside you and on occasion under you.

Please see the Novices registration thread for an explanation of the chassis allocations shown below:
https://www.simracing.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=8416.0

FULL TIME

DRIVER	CHASSIS
Vosblod	Cooper
NHance	BT11
Miner2049er	Cooper
Il_Lupo	Ferrari
Billy NoBrakes	BT11
HappyAL	Ferrari
Gilles27	BT7
Burtoner	3
Nigel Smith	Honda
Ronnie Peterson	Lotus
Blito	Ferrari
Mark65	1
Artiglietti	Cooper
BadBlood	Honda
RogUK	Cooper
Norbert	Ferrari
Maddog	Cooper

RESERVE

DRIVER	CHASSIS
Karliss	Honda
Adamg67	BT11

Reserve drivers should not join the server until there are only 30 minutes of qualifying left so as to give the FULL TIME drivers chance to join, and drivers are not to go out on track until there are 30 minutes of qualifying left as this helps all drivers join the server successfully.

Please restrict chat to pit messages if necessary, and this includes the end of the race, until all running drivers have completed the necessary laps.

The Novice races are run under Int Long rules and all incidents will be moderated.

Race List = IGOR
Server = UKGPL5
IP address = ping myjamesonline.net (90.195.125.43)
Race date = 07-12-2010
Time = 21:00 UK time
Track = Spa
Variant = 65F1
Damage Model = Int
Qualifying time = 35 minutes
Race length = 10 laps
Password: see above (#post_event_password)

65 Patch: The 2.02 Release of the 65mod can and should be used.
http://bit.ly/d8dECl

Driver lists can be found on the championship standings page (https://www.simracing.org.uk/smf/index.php?action=LM2R;group=279;theme=6)


IP Address is confirmed as 90.195.125.43
Bandwidth Settings
Server 384
Client 132

Mike,
Assuming no quick fix on IGOR & we will enter direct through the IP address - can you confirm the bandwidth settings on UKGPL5. I've found I have to set my core.ini exactly, otherwise I get a bandwidth mismatch.

... Bill

I will add to the top post tomorrow the IP Address, just in case it changes, and bandwidth settings too.

Might be a bit late for some, but here's a Spa track guide along with an onboard lap, replay and setup:

http://racingleague.co.cc/hikiwaza/track-guides/one-lap-of-spa-francorchamps67-in-honda-ra272/

Nice.

I noticed that you use the pit lane, and realised that I have been doing as well in practice. Presumably for tonight we'll need to avoid the pit lane in both qually and the race (in case someone takes a stop n go)?

There's still more than enough room on the right, even when you take that line. You'll see during Practice if there are cars exiting the pits while you pass through there.

Got problems at work, and still here. I very much doubt I'll be at the race. Hope for the best, but I can't see the problems being sorted out before 9. Shame cause I love Spa, and was looking forward to the race.

Good luck to everyone who's racing.

its 20.10hrs race night- re Billy's comment. Computers ain't my strongpoint. So in simple language if Igors off what do we type & where do we type it to get onto the Spa race.

Norm H

I assume the IP address to go with the password above will be provided here or in the ukgpl chatroom.

20:35  and yes the IP is now in the info above.
To join via direct IP.. launch GPL 65, choose multiplayer and type in the IP and password when prompted.

Simples.


:D

not forgetting to first select your 65 car type and Spa track in GEM  :)

Don't know about you guys but I could not connect - got as far as opening the channel then nothing. I'll have to go & talk to the Mrs.

I connected OK, but got kicked off just as we were about to start. Guess it wasn't ment to be for me. I joined with about 15 minutes left, had PC problems which needed a reboot, and then getting booted out at the start of the race.

A bit gutted as I tried really hard to be here, but these things happen.

Really sorry to whoever I hit, I think I shouldn't have started the race as I had problems again with weird "stuttering". It wasn't too bad in qually but was in the race, and I probably should have retired before I hit someone. It came and went, but in the end it was bound to happen when I was close to someone, so it's my responsibility either way. I'll have to get it sorted before I race online again, I'm not sure what to do about it though.

Sorry again - it's the online equivalent of racing with bits falling of the car really.

The race according to Blito.

Well, a race of two halves for me and a race that showed a lack of preparation.
I have a distinct dislike for long circuits, lacking the patience to do the required number of laps to perfect my driving on them. And so i came to Spa having done enough laps to make a decent setup but not enough to really know where its limits were.
The start was amazingly clean. No problems at Eau Rouge for anyone that i could see and we all settled down into a nice rhythm. I followed Miner Mike for a couple of laps watching where he was quicker and where he was slower than I and realised my strong point was the uphill run from Carriere to Blanchimont and so on lap 3 made a move there, using the superior power of my Ferrari to outdrag his cooper. Then i had to defend hard for several laps as Mike used my slipstream to keep the pressure on. Those laps were some of the best racing i have ever taken part in. Pity that i over did it on the entry to Les Combes on lap 6 and then again at Blanchimont on lap 8.. and La Source on lap 9! 
Still, 6th place was a better result than i had expected so i am a very happy racer :)

First time in the BT7 so my aim was just bag some good points and move on to the next round. In qually I might have gone a little bit quicker but certainly not enough to move up the grid - the gap to 5th was 2.5 seconds!!  :o

So 6th in the race was the best I could hope for unless others fell off, which they rather helpfully did! I think Rog, Norm, Ronnie and Fabio all had some troubles or other so at one point I might even have been second. Fabio's flying Fezza recovered quickly though and just blew past me, I didn't see much point in fighting him and risking an incident. Third is more than I could have expected so very pleased with my result.

I agree with Blito, the start was clean, shows that we are all learning how to race closely - and give the moderator an easier time of it ;)

Well done to AA for working miracles in the Coop, and to Fabio for recovering to 2nd place. Looks like I prevented the Italians taking a clean sweep of the podium  ;D

Does anyone know where the server replay is for last night? I was so annoyed with myself I forgot to save mine, and I need to make my confession to the moderator.

Replays are here

http://www.jamesonline.net/ukgpl/

Can't believe these qually times. I'm going to have to have a division to myself (learners perhaps?)

Well done all. Sorry to miss it.

Congratulations to Attilio, Fabio and Ross. I thought I might have made the podium but it was not to be. No matter what I tried I could not close Attilio down, boy that Cooper was flying. I was also aware of a fast charging Fabio in his Ferrari. Inevitably he caught me and made a clean pass. At the same time I spun off but suffered no more than hurt pride. It seemed a strange one at the time as the pass was clean and we both left each other enough room. Looks the same on the server replay (GPL collision detection maybe??). Anyway I just about heard Ross coming so let him through before salvaging 4th after a scrap with Mike.  Well done everybody for getting away at the start safely for what turned out to be a good race.

Thanks Blito for the how to log on info. Still had my own problems so only 20 mins left when I started qually. Can't grumble at result. Slow off the line as usual but I was happy as AA & I started to get a gap to 3rd. AA was faster in the corners but I had the power to get back on the long straights. Determined I would stay 2nd & try & make a certain passing position if possible before the end but if not 2nd would do nicely. Lap 3 engine blew. Then on lap 6 I was involved in an incident with Rog & Norbert for which I will possibly get a penalty. Think appologies are due to those two so take it as read. Well done podium finishers. Expected Fabio to do well but ................ thank goodness we're not going to Monza

Another engine gone. Using Clutch's gearing from an old set up of his. His current is even lower. Gave 10400rmp at 170+mph at end of Masta with no tow. "Bit revvy that, what if I get a tow" I said. "Just get to the front" he replied  ::).

Post race inquest shows Mountside are having a poor season compared to the last one  :(.  But we are undaunted. A bit early but seasons greetings & see you in the new year :).

Norm H

I doubt you should be penalised for that Norm, Norbert should have known he was gonna run out of road there and run down the outside on the straight for an inside pass at Masta. After watching the server replay, I felt you were theinjured party there. Time will tell, but it looked more like Norbert bouncing off the dirt verge caused the contact more than you closing him down.
Geoff.

Long time since you made a posting on here Geoff unless I missed it. A few more like the above would be popular on my pit wall anyday. Hope Mike makes a mental note. Anyway thanks for that

Norm H

I love Spa but never go that well there. Something to do with carrying speed through corners and my lack of ability to do it. Still, I can make speed up on the straights ................. oh.

Anyway, just aimed to get as many points as I could and 5th was about right. Enjoyed my tussle with Blito who passed cleanly despite me clinging to the racing line and making him go off it, then he politely threw it away at Les Combes and let me by.

Most of my race was then a solo effort apart from the last couple of laps with Ronnie in his wayward Lotus, and while I could get into his tow and move alongside, as soon as I did I lost speed and had to fall in behind him. We had a mighty close one through Masta that was fun, even with my eyes closed, but we made it home safely.

The last 5 circuits should be very interesting as they have a nice infield with at least one fast straight.

Spa is one of the tracks I love most but, with the 65s, it takes an eternity to complete a lap!! Anyway I improved my race lap more than 2" from last season's race...

Qualify: I started from 4th place, as Ronnie set a 0,02" faster laptime than mine on the very last lap. The top 2 were really too fast!!

Race: it was quite good (again, 2nd place + 2nd FL, as last Sunday with Graduates: maybe it's such a curse?!?). Only one issue: I was hit on my back (from Adam I guess) on the braking zone before La Source but, good luck, my reliable Italian red car didn't need a Stop'n'Go.

Grats to everybody raced, to the winner and to the race organization.

Long Live GPL! Long Live UKGPL!!

See you next year in Imola

Sorry Mike. Your right about that run through Masta together it looks scary but cool on the replay. Apologies for the wayward Lotus but my handling/tyres were shot after trying to chase Attilio down and I only had top speed to keep you at bay. Congrats again to the podium trio.

Always glad to hear there is somewhere to let people past :(

Obviously very happy to grab a win on my first outing with the reasonably priced car. ;)

I did practice a lot for this one, since I love SPA end really wanted to have a competitive race around here. But I have to say, in the 65 cars it is not the same thing..Anyway, I even used the 'slicer' to cut off those endless straights, feeling rather silly at times, but hey, it did pay off in the end!

I pulled off a pretty good lap in qually, which gave me second on the grid. Less than hoped, but better than expected. Didnt think the menace would come from NH this time around though, since his previous seasons' laptimes werent great. I think the guy sliced a few seconds off them though! Well done to you, you are happily lining up for that much coveted six geared green thing...

When I saw I was on the inside for turn 1 on the grid, I thought: 'mmm handy, but you  better be either well ahead or well behind when you get there, if you really want to increase your points in the right box of the board this time'. As it turned out I had a brill start, which coupled with NH not so good one gave me a very welcome lead early on.

From then on, it was all about keeping the pressure and not making anything too silly. Which isnt that easy around this circuit, since high speeds mean if you touch anything you usually find yourself with a modified machine...

Commiserations to the unlucky NH, it seems following me doesnt really bring you any good, especially when the game does give me my pink helmet of choice 8)...but you were quicker all in all, it would have been difficult to keep you behind the whole race. Grats to Il Lupo Fabio, for his brilliant recovery, and to Ross, who managed an outstanding third in the mosquito. Must say, I wasnt very pleased to see you in third at the end  ;), with that consistency and that point lead, you will be really difficult to catch!

Now (well, in a while..) off to Imola, which, looking at the best laptimes,  I suspect will be as hard a mountain to climb as Spa.
While I was learning to know my new car, I realised to spend the entire season having either to be substantially quicker than the opposition, or just plodding around waiting for them to make a mistake can become rather dull and frustrating. I wonder if the league has ever experimented with the discarding system to smoothen up the handycapping problem. Something along the lines of having a token for 2 or 3 races in proper cars during the season, but being forced to discard 1 or 2 results more than the others at the end. This would allow for some more rewarding outings to look forward to for the quicker/more experienced guys in the slow cars. Just a thought that popped in my mind, probably it has been  already discussed and dismissed years ago though..see you all soon, ciao!

I was hoping for a handicapping system where they gave you a car with three wheels Atillio. Might stand a chance then :D

Paul, it DOES have 3 wheels, theres a fake forth one just for an aesthetic purpose ;D ;D!

Ross's mosquito has got 2 though, theres a hole in the bottom for the feet, and he has to run as quick as he can, I heard he was trying to improve his fittness level around Kylami last night... :D :D

I didn't relish this race.  I was reminded of a famous quote, about the trenches in the 1st World War, I think - hours of boredom, punctuated by moments of terror, or something along those racing lines.  But Mosport, on the other hand, now there was an exciting race!  Oh, Spa-Francorchamps . . . right. :(

With no online testing, to compare notes with other drivers, I hurriedly gambled on a setup that was unwealdly, but which I hoped would be fast.  Starting last on the grid, it was my first lap carrying a race load, and I drifted wide into Norbert's Ferrari at Stavelot.  It was wheel to wheel contact, so no serious damage done, but what of ones pride!  "What will the neighbors say!" A big apology to Norbert and Enzo.

After that, nothing happened, until a decided moment of terror, when I found the track suddenly blocked by two slow moving cars at Masta!  One large cloud of smoke to order, and we all emerged intact.  Both Roger and Norbert soon slowed again, and I was alone once more.  In the last laps, my chassis finally started to behave, and I was able to catch Nigel, in the Honda, but I could do no more than hold onto his scurrying tail, towards the finish line.  And felt lucky just to have survived, with all four wheels accounted for.  I suspected the front runners, of knocking a few nonessential off on the way round, but couldn't get close enough to observe their technique! :)  

Ross must have pretty quick feet - but I'll try anything.

BTW has anyone got any tips on getting through Acqua Minerale reasonably fast. I slow and then have to brake again as the corner tightens and I am in 2nd at the exit but it does not feel right. Losing lots of time at the back there.

You should take a straight diagonal line through the initial part of the corner (which is rather fast) and brake towards the outside going down to 2nd gear for the slower part that goes uphill. Make sure to turn-in early because the car tends to drift a lot there on entry. The exit out of this one is crucial for your speed down the long straight to Rivazza so make sure to step onto the throttle as early as possible, preferably just before the apex.

Cheers H.

Race Mod Published.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Xmas Mike. Thanks for the mod report. Roll on Imola!

wow, that was the shortest mod report ever! are the novice standards improving or are we all just too far strung out to clash with each other now?

Spa is usually quiet as most passes are planned and done on the straights.