iRacing Season 2 IndyCar - Laguna Seca - Apr 6

[Paul Richards]

Pretty tough race last night although by the results it appears more comfortable.

Was hoping with the Easter hols and not being able to make the DWC race Sat night I would be well prepared for this. However due family things this wasn't the case and it was 30 mins total beforehand rehashing my setup from Infinion. With it being hard to pass I spent 20 mins on the qual and then rehashed that again to get a race setup (well add fuel and set ride heights basically!)

Qual went ok felt sure I could it into the low 12s as I had done a mid 12 with 9 gals in practice. That wasn't to be though, but fortunately I got pole with the quickest of the 1.12.7s but it sure was close between myself, Dave, Mike and Dan!

For race I had not done any long run or fuel tests but what practice I had done in terms of setup was done on full fuel. My main focus of course was Dan for the championship so decided because not knowing what the car\tyres would be like after 10+ laps and Dan back in 4th that I would start on max fuel. Would definitately not be the fastest way to go but passing me would be tricky and I could control my pace to look after the tyres and push later on towards the pit stop window.

So that was the plan, starting with max fuel I could at least go as far as those behind me. I could take it easy and look after the tyres (and get a feel for the car with some laps on it) until they started to pit behind me (mainly focused on Dan) I could then push on as my fuel burned montoring the gap so that along with a short pit stop as I wouldn't need too much fuel I should still come out in front. At that point we would have the same fuel loads to the finish but I would be on fresher tyres, be used to the car and could push at max to the end.

Got a good start, Dave got a great one and was challenging behind me. I judged T1 well though and broke late but in the right place fortunately and I was clear. Mike went alongside Dave and that enabled me to pull out a bit of a gap. Dan was still in 4th until Dave lost it. The same happened to me Dave at Road America, while following Dan I broke early but slightly too hard and she came straight around. So put the plan into action and drove at 9\10ths making sure I was careful to look after the rears. I was of course also heavy and Mike was soon closing in with the good pace he had. My main focus was still on Dan though but having Mike between us was advantagous. Mike then pitted so I pushed on a bit to try and cover that. Dan was still hanging around about 2 secs back until he pitted. I then went for it to cover that off but after 3 laps I wasn't that happy with my pace with the slightly worn tyres so although the gap was ok after their pit stops I decided to pit. As expected I didnt need much fuel and with a solid entry and exit and short pit I was pretyy confident I would still have the lead. I did and now I could push on with fresh tyres and was into the mid 13s. I also had a gap back to Mike of 9 secs both himself and Dan must have had an issue somewhere. But with only 10 laps left and now having better pace it was in the bag then. Mike then had further problems and Dan finished behind me 31 secs back in the end with his damage. Was pleased to complete my first IndyCar race without any incidents in ages!

Congrats to all the finishers and to Dave and Mike for their great pace, sorry that your races didnt go too well. Dan finishing second keeps the championship alive for the final round but Darrens strong drive looks to have sealed the team champs for the Legends baring a final round disater.

See you all in two weeks for the roundy roundy. 

[popabawa]

Full course yellows will be in effect for the race at Charlotte.

[Simon Gymer]

Full course yellows will be in effect for the race at Charlotte.

Have to say I just don't see the point of full course yellows. By the time the safety car has come out and everyone has slowed down the incident has gone because when you wreck at an oval you really wreck so there is nothing to avoid by the time you get there. Better off just having yellows and avoiding the pain of travelling behind the safety car.

[Dan Minton]

Oval races are not always won by the faster guys! they are won by the smartest!  : Grin Grin Grin

Thats a worry.

[popabawa]

Oval races are not always won by the faster guys! they are won by the smartest!  : Grin Grin Grin

Steven Hawking is awsome in the Silverado.

[Ken Murray]

Point proved... you guys just don't get it! 

They don't, do they Martin?! OK full course yellows aren't actually necessary most of the time but the pace laps hike up the tension levels each time they come out. The Dallara's at Charlotte are flat to the floor throttle once the tyres warm up but each yellow brings the tyre temps down and everyone has to go through that edgy few laps again. The number of yellows we had in the test race was maybe a little excessive but two or three per race adds a bit of interest. I don't do that many ovals but I do enjoy them. I was leading a truck race at Milwaukee by a good distance the other week, but when I passed on the opportunity to change tyres for a second time when a yellow came out at about two thirds distance I got well and truly hung out to dry in the last few laps and dropped to 4th. I'll know the next time!!

[Dave 'Gizmo' Gymer]

but the pace laps hike up the tension levels each time they come out.

At my age the last thing I need is more tension!

[Blunder]

LMAO

[Brendan]

Steven Hawking is awsome in the Silverado.

LOL 

Although I decided not to run anymore Indy races this season, I must admit I'm intrigued by the prospect of the oval race.

I might just give it a go, if only out of sheer morbid curiosity.

Can anyone point me in the direction of a setup?

[Blunder]

Probably isn't one available at the mo unless you find one on line?

I'm sure our Sharky friends will share soon! 

Since the new build then most set up's cannot be reused!

Try the Team Shark web page for previous race set up's which might give you a better starting point!

[popabawa]

We did a test race at Charlotte after the last build. Those set-up's will work.

[Blunder]

Did we!? oops! my memory is appauling! 

[popabawa]

As is your spelling.

[Paul968]

Thx Iain 

[popabawa]

I tried to resist, I really did!