Season 37 - Handicap Race – Monza 67
The summer break is giving us a chance to try out some novel races. So here is another one. You may have noticed a new version of the Pit Stop patch (v2.0) was released by Lee Bowden on 25 Mar 2020. Lee has very kindly produced a custom version of the Pit Stop patch for UKGPL which allows the Pit Stop time to be adjusted by the user. This means we can run a Pit Stop race without worrying about keeping a track of the pit stop time with a stopwatch, the new patch does it all for us.

To try out the new patch we are proposing a handicap race at the new Monza 67 track. “Privateer” drivers will be allowed a free choice of car but the “Works” drivers will need to take an extra long fuel stop (i.e. a handicap) if they decide to take one of the faster cars. In a 67F1 50min Long race, the tyres will last about 60% race distance. So one pit stop for tyres is required (I definitely wouldn't recommend trying to drive 40% of the race distance on worn tyres). Privateer drivers may decide to fuel for the full race distance or combine a fuel stop with their stop for tyres.

This is a fun race so we will be using the intermediate damage option and unlimited resets without a S&G in the pit lane are allowed. However, a reset will refuel the car and replenish the tyre wear. Drivers who perform a reset are still required to do a pit stop for tyres and fuel. Privateers who decide to fuel for the full race distance but take a reset are still required to stop once for tyres.

Race list	iGOR
Server	UKGPL_4
IP address	77.102.28.179
Date	23-08-2020
Track	monza67
Mod	67F1 with 60fpsV2newmod
Damage	Int Long
Race time	~ 21:30 UK time
Qualifying	20:45 UK time - 45 minutes
Race length	33 laps
Replay	here

Please restrict chat to emergency messages only including at the end of the race until ALL drivers still racing have crossed the line.

Password: see above

Instructions on how to download and use the Pit Stop patch are here. However, for convenience they are reproduced below:

Download the UKGPL Custom Patch from here and follow the installation instructions in the "Read_Me" file.

The handicap time must be set using the "Pitstop Handicap Manager" before starting GEM+. The steps to be taken for a 67F1 race are:

• Delete the "gplc67.exe" from the GPL installation directory (normally "C:\Sierra\GPL").
• Open the "Pitstop Handicap Manager" (i.e. run the "Pitstop Handicap Manager.exe").
• Use the slider to set the required handicap time.
• Press the "Save to Patch" button.
• Start GEM+ to rebuild the executable with the required handicap time.
• Ensure both options "77C Pit Stop v2.02" and "78X KeyPress v.08" are enabled in GEM+.
• Although not essential, it is advisable to check the pit stop time by performing a fuel stop off-line before starting a league race.
  

During the race, the pitstop is performed by following these steps:

• The driver should enter the pits carefully and slowly approach their pit stall.
• The car should be brought to a stop exactly at the point where the pit board disappears.
• Pressing the "P" key initiates the refuelling.
• Pressing the "T" key initiates the tyre change.
• Refuelling and tyre changing is carried out sequentially not concurrently.
• The accelerator is disabled during refuelling and tyre changing and the pit board reappears.
• The pit board disappears when the refuelling and tyre changing is complete and the accelerator is re-enabled.

If you find the above steps confusing, please have a look at this guide, it contains screenshots which should clarify matters.

Did you delete the gplc67.exe first? GEM+ doesn't always rebuild the patch.

You have to use the UKGPL custom patch, not the standard v2 from SRMZ but it looks like you are doing that.

When I first followed Lee's instructions on SRMZ I couldn't the patch to work. It took it bit of trial and error. I've tried to carefully write down the correct steps but it is easy to make a mistske. I'll do a few screenshots to augment the instructions on the UKGPL web site. Hopefully that will make it easier for everyone.

Thanks Phil,
I recon its a bit Morecambe & Wise.
Im doing all the right things, but not necessarily in the right order.

im my little test...
The delay only works with fuel, tyres take 15 seconds regardless.
I can only get the delay to register what i have asked in the slide bar if i delete "gplc67" every time i change it, then launch gem to recreate it.

One point of ambiguity;
The read me file says..."Run the "Pitstop Handicap Manager.exe" and it will prompt you for the path to your GEM+ installation." is that the GEM folder or the exe.
Also the browser window is asking for just the gplsecrets folder.

Although this race is a few weeks away, it would be good to have an indication of those who intend to try this new Pit Stop patch.

Also, all feedback about the install/the setting of the time/ and the actual pit stop in action would be greatly appreciated. Please give us your thoughts about it if you trial it offline ( which is probably a good idea  ).

Lee Bowden ( he did the software) has been very accommodating and has included several changes that we requested, but it has to be you guys who use it in a race, who will decide how much fun it really is??!!

In a perfect handicap race, the fastest driver/car combination would have the biggest handicap and the slowest would be the benchmark with zero handicap. If all drivers perform to their PB on each lap, the whole grid should reach the chequered flag almost together......if the track is wide enough!!
Of course, this will never happen and all people make mistakes, big and small.

But, the handicap should ensure that the aliens cannot run away at the front for 20 laps then relax and cruise to the finish. It is certain that the fastest driver will find that they are maybe a lap behind when they exit the pit stop ( lap record at Monza 1:26...pit stop for Lotus 1:30secs!!)  and will have to really push hard to get back to the front of the field.
Meanwhile the slower driver who has kept up a steady pace will have to concentrate right up to the end of the race as it is quite likely that the aliens will be chasing him down in the final few laps.
We hope that this format will generate exciting races for each and every driver, with nothing decided until the final laps...........................

Yes, hence my suggestion that to try to finish a race on worn out (smoking) tyres would be a mistake.  It is possible to teeter around for half a lap to get back to the pits to change tyres but more than that would cost too much time.

Yes, that's why the minimum handicap time is 10 seconds.

Thanks for spotting that, I hadn't noticed. I'll amend the instructions.

Well it depends if the Privateers want to make a fuel stop. A zero handicap will result in a minimum 10 second fuel stop. I say "minimum" but it will be 10 seconds in this case. This is because the refuel rate is about 1.5 gallons/seconds and so in 10 seconds it will be possible to put about 15 gallons in the tank. In a 33 lap race there is no way any of the 67F1 cars will use 15 gallons in 17 laps (the Lotus should do at least 21 laps).

So the Privateers can fuel for 33 laps and not refuel or fuel for 17 laps and refuel when they stop for tyres. They will have to stop for tyres unless they want to try to do 5 or 6 laps on worn out tyres (not recommended as you have confirmed).

Incidentally tyre wear is dependent on driving style, so if you drive carefully you can make the tyres last a "bit" longer but not a "lot" longer.

All testing feedback is good, but I think we agree that race conditions are the way to test this new patch.