UKGPL Season 23 (2012) Novices Trophy (65) - Monaco - Nov 27

[Andy Miller]

Hope Andy enjoyed his first trip out. Ready for the Inters yet?

Yes ol boy, it was spectacular fun! Apart from the over excitement at the hairpin where i was spun around, it was a meaty race. I just felt sorry for the others that got caught up in the mangle of cars there. It's a tricky corner especially at the start when it's easy to dive up the inside as people queue politely. I guess i could have pushed a little harder through there but was obviously trying to be a little cautious. I'm not bothered at all really, I lost time to those ahead of me but i didn't lose any places. Whoever it was, I think, waited for me to straighten, of which i'm grateful, but i read somewhere that one shouldn't do that as it causes accidents for those following. But it was nice and i guess i'm known to do the gentlemanly thing also, despite the rules 

Not raced the 65's before so didn't realise i was in an under-powered motor! I saw chaps driving away on the straights and thought i heard the gears were being automated, as they seemed quicker than mine. Though they weren't, i'm sure no one uses auto gears. But that, I thought, was one reason why those ahead pulled away so well. Was up into 3rd at one point but couldn't hold it, and didn't fight for it too much. Then had a scare and i then lost 4th to Giovanni(?) but nonetheless happy with 5th at Monaco, first race back in GPL since 2006. Not a bad learning curve! More like a curve within a curve.

Yeah i wouldn't mind trying the inters out for the next round, and a better powered car if possible

Really looking forward to it

[bernie]

use of Auto shift makes the car slower , they were probably speed sifting ( not lifting off the as ) which you can get away with in no damage mode , would likely blow the engine in Intermediate and certainly in Pro   

[BadBlood]

Yeh I know Johnny - nobody else might challenge... I've got a podium y'know

[Andy Miller]

use of Auto shift makes the car slower , they were probably speed sifting ( not lifting off the as ) which you can get away with in no damage mode , would likely blow the engine in Intermediate and certainly in Pro   

I thought that might be the case. Never use automatic myself. So then my question is: How many of you are using heel toe? In other words, how many are using the H shifter? That might account for some of it. I'm still using the paddles. *shocked* I know, i feel dirty. I know i should learn it but i was taken at an early age to contemporary cars where it's the norm. 

[BadBlood]

I don't think they were speed shifting as the damage model for the Novices is intermediate. I cannot get on with the H shifter... can't do it quick enough...

Ah well.

[happyal]

I don't think they were speed shifting as the damage model for the Novices is intermediate. I cannot get on with the H shifter... can't do it quick enough...

Ah well.

I'm the same as you, I just can't get a H shifter to work for me, I'm using paddle shift at the monet, but I'm also using a modern F1 style wheel too which just looks wrong for 60's cars.

[bernie]

I beleive you can detect speed shifts using GPL analyser ,

I dont use H shift , tried the thing but find it too fiddly , I'm sure  it would be better if I had a pucker race seat  to go with it , but as it is , mounted to the table top , it just doesn't feel natural reaching up so high to change gears .

When i'm concentrating hard I often catch a paddle by mistake inadvertantly changing gear which results in either being overgeared and to slow up the next straight or downshifting and suddenly locking the rear end which can cause a spin if you dont catch it quick enough .

Would be inerested to know how everyone else has the wheel peddles etc set up , I'm sure using a race seat  makes for a better driving experience but how much improvement on lap times is there to be gained ?

[Andy Miller]

The main reason i don't use the H shifter is because it's too noisy. Loud clicks and clanks are very unfair on those that share your home i find. I would more often worry about the noise and be put off by it. I don't know of any quieter ones but i've been on the look out.

As for a race seat and cockpit. In my opinion it won't make any difference in your lap time. Only maybe an increased sense of immersion. I couldn't get away with a cockpit in the corner of the room. It's too similar to wearing a helmet and clothes, it's not necessary unless i really want my girlfriend to disown me When i was 5 i used to put the legs of two chairs together laying them along the floor and i'd climb in while wearing my dads motor bike helmet and gloves  I'd suggest that if you want a cheaper version! 

As long as I'm comfortable and don't get aches after long races then my seat is adequate. 

I guess i just have to improve my paddle gear changes.

[Johnny.P]

If you watch someone else driving on in car view the gears seem to change seamlessly although I don't think they actually are. I use a game pad so no heel and toeing for me.

[Al Heller]

Would be inerested to know how everyone else has the wheel peddles etc set up , I'm sure using a race seat  makes for a better driving experience but how much improvement on lap times is there to be gained ?

You might have seen this already but this has to be one of the most extraordinary homemade cockpits ever: http://srmz.net/index.php?showtopic=7184




 

[Rotaxmax125]

that is mad. This is mine but I do find the more realistic it is the slower you go. If its speed your after stick with a playstation controller

[Andy Miller]

that is mad. This is mine but I do find the more realistic it is the slower you go. If its speed your after stick with a playstation controller

I'd be happy with that rig. Looks comfortable Are those arc pedals? Or fanetic?

[Rotaxmax125]

There fanatec ones, they were a bit of a pain to get in there

[Andy Miller]

There fanatec ones, they were a bit of a pain to get in there

Ahh yeah i like them. Looking to update my equipment and I've seen them while browsing about.

Slightly off topic but then i don't know where else i could post something like this.... It's an American chap who has filmed himself racing a championship against the Ai in GPL. He's just about the best commentator and is full of facts and it's quite a good series to watch. Check him out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy_FABpG0lw

Enjoy, but sorry if you've seen it before.

[BadBlood]

Mod published. Not embarrassed at all <ahem>