iRacing releases the VW Jetta TDI Cup

[No457 Snowy]

Anyone here tried the iRacing subscription service? I'm going to sign up for a 6 month subscription and try it out. It's subscription based (ie, ongoing cost for renewal and to purchase more content), tightly regulated, license and safety rating based, online racing (wreckers will lose their license!!).

Sounds perfect for competitive, clean racing based on ranking, driving history and ability, all on laser scanned tracks (accurate to the mm).

For the price of a latest release sim title, I'm going to try it for 6 months and then decide again at renewal time.

http://www.iracing.com/newsEvents/index.php

Snowy.

[funkamedic]

i have done a few practice laps here and there, more recently in the lotus 79

my bro is right into it. we were both fans of David Kaemmer and Papyrus, especially Grand Prix Legends.

bro has been doing really well, is well ranked and has raced against the likes of Alex Gurney (son of Dan Gurney) and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

as far as sims go, it's pretty damn cool!

[No457 Snowy]

Yeah with regard to the physics and feel it's bloody fantastic from the time I spent with it this arvo. Quite a few major race teams and big name racers are using it for training and track familiarity sessions, such is the accuracy.

I subscribed today, took up the 6 months deal that came with the Lotus 79. I can see why it's been referred to as "Digital Cocaine".

Apparently there's Aussie content in the future pipeline as well (read Bathurst track).

At least with the subscription business model they will be getting a constant flow of funding for continued development and the laser scanning of new tracks and also licensing contracts with car manufacturers like the one they just did with VW.

Snowy.

[static1800]

Might check it out, I play GTR evo and rfactor but always struggle to find aussie servers running. What is it like on iracing?

[No457 Snowy]

Might check it out, I play GTR evo and rfactor but always struggle to find aussie servers running. What is it like on iracing?

I'm still getting my feet wet mate, so haven't had a chance to see how to work out all the scheduled sessions and events, but considering iRacing 100% online dependent, I'm expecting it'll be pretty good.

I know the iRacing organisers have catered for us Aussies by recently setting up a local server in Sydney. They have a pretty good Aussie forum in the members section which looks like a very active and supportive community.

I'll post up my impressions as I go.

Snowy.

[static1800]

Cool, just sent an email through to get the plans for this. Seems like a nice little setup, will mod up my own monitor stand for it too. Plans are free to get, you just have to send through and agree to not distribute them.

http://www.thewayiplay.com/mainforum/index.php?topic=894.msg10126#msg10126

[No457 Snowy]

Cool, just sent an email through to get the plans for this. Seems like a nice little setup, will mod up my own monitor stand for it too. Plans are free to get, you just have to send through and agree to not distribute them.

http://www.thewayiplay.com/mainforum...10126#msg10126

That's a nice setup for sure, should be a satisfying, fun project too. It makes such a difference to have a decent seat and a good wheel setup. Some people might think it's overkill but once you try it, the immersion level goes up so much there's just no turning back to an office chair with a wheel clamp to a desk.

I got sick of getting a sore neck and shoulders, so last year splurged on a Play-Seat and love it.

Those simulators (Troyton, I think) they advertise on tele during the V8 Supercar races look awesome, god knows how much they are though.


Snowy.

[funkamedic]

Might check it out, I play GTR evo and rfactor but always struggle to find aussie servers running. What is it like on iracing?

i not 100%, but i know my bro Matt races late at night against internationals and there aren't typically many Aussies, if any. He's a night owl anyway so not sure if this is preference or necessity, plus he's ranked pretty well so i think he is in a more experienced league, which i assume limits race options.

That's a nice setup for sure, should be a satisfying, fun project too. It makes such a difference to have a decent seat and a good wheel setup. Some people might think it's overkill but once you try it, the immersion level goes up so much there's just no turning back to an office chair with a wheel clamp to a desk.

for sure. I know Matt reckons if he had a decent setup (especially the forcefeedback pressure sensitive pedals) he could improve his lap times - but he's a poor writer at the mo, so he'll have to make do for now...

[Rocket36]

Well after comparing both for a while, I reckon rFactor is much more fun, soooo much more realistic and doesn't require a subscription. So going to stick with it.

[static1800]

I've got a Logitech G25 which i'm very happy with, even though its annoying to setup atm.

Got my plans! just need to print them out so I can make a template.

I've been playing Rfactor a lot lately, been downloading a few mods which seems to be a let down with GTR evo. GTR evo has Nordschleife and the full Ring track on it though Will give Iracing a try, playing against the pc bots only lasts so long.

[Rocket36]

If you have rFactor, you should be racing online! We had 23ppl on the other night. Average is about 20.

[static1800]

On an aussie based server? what cars and tracks were you running?

[Rocket36]

yup - Aussie servers, racing leagues, comps you name it! We're doing a few different series at the moment including A1 (practicing for Brands Hatch at the moment). I LOVE A1s cause they're SO hard to drive fast. We use low traction, low abs and auto clutch and THAT'S IT for aides.

Look for the SLAK servers. Also raced with the Ausfactor guys a bit too...

[No457 Snowy]

I haven't tried R-factor, but I do have GTR Evo which I do like a lot. The positive aspect of the subscription business model is that as the iRacing service is relatively new but as it continues to grow membership, subscription provides a continuous flow of revenue for more development of the service, the software and licensing for laser scanning tracks and cars.

I'm happy with what I've gotten so far, the Rookie class Pontiac Solstice is a bland drive, but it's a good car to develop speed and learning how to position a car on the track and to hit the apexes while carrying good momentum through corners. Everyone has to start with this car for Road Racing.

I got a $25 iRacing bonus credit with the subscription so my plan is to get my Safety Rating up, graduate my license class, buy the VW Jetta and start some TDI Cup racing.


Snowy.

[Rocket36]

Regardless of the subscription = better/more game development, rFactor will still beat it as it's open source. There literally is NOT a category of motorsport you can't race in rFactor. Just download the mod/track/etc, install, play.