Virtual Class Racing

[Gary Smith]

Originally Posted by Lenny5160

I don't disagree with you, but there are a lot more of 'them' than there are of 'us'. Keep the advanced stuff in for those that want it.

I fully agree. Just like MSFS, there are ways of breaking down the settings between "arcade" mode all the way to advance. An example: select a ready built PMR or Gary Jennings '92 Camaro (would include features those guys would normally offer at a certain given time), and a Mike Keown or maybe an RWR ZQ3 350 (if that's a competitive hp combo), weight and select a class (guessing GT/HA). Or the user can get into the build details such as rear end housing choice, dimensions, 4 link style, shocks frame style, body panel weight, mild steel or chrome moly tubing, thickness, engine mounting hardware, mounting points, etc.). Engine build would be just as simple or as detailed too...head casting #, port and chamber shapes, volume...the engine shaping could import AutoCad compatible files, cam specs, etc.. Another feature could be closed source component data, allowing engine builder proprietary details to be entered, or engine parts created from without giving away shape and spec data.All graphic design work that goes into modern games and simulators are generated from AutoDesk compatible files or similar programs used in commercial CNC process. Sound files are just as advanced, using actual recordings from matching combos. It's taken iRacing several years to end up where they are today. Can't see any reason why drag racing program couldn't end up just as advanced.

[Gary Smith]

Originally Posted by Lenny5160

There wouldn't be massive appeal, but among racers I have to think it would be quite popular.

The ability to 'dumb it down' a little bit to allow any modifications, bracket racing, maybe even throttle stops would help increase the audience.

I was a tester back in the late '90s when Bethesda Softworks was making Burnout, Burnout PCE, etc. I wasn't officially involved with the project but I kept sending them email with all of the stuff that was wrong so they started sending me advance copies and updates to ensure that things were correct.

I go to a party every spring at a computer-savvy racer's shop, where they set up 8 old Windows 98 PCs on a network complete with steering wheel/pedal setups, and we run a bunch of races on those old games all night for money and a homemade 'Wally' type trophy for the grand champion.

A modern equivalent game/simulator that runs on modern hardware would be phenomenal!

Bethesda Software's program was a nice attempt. But they needed real racers with real hands-on experience as part of the team. iRacing has taken the same approach as Microsoft FS and xPlane development practices. I was thinking the same approach since there are a ton of geeks over in the Outlaw/Lights Out group. This wouldn't be just class cars, but the ability to build and tune in a very detailed format. The intent is to have it complex enough to incorporate much of the details of a stocker or super stocker...using NHRA stock car classification guide as a spring board. The amount of work, especially with graphics development, would require mind boggling hours, which is why I'd like to see an "open" source/shared file format similar to MS Flightsim. The modeling technology is so much further advanced today than it was when Bethesda made the attempt. And their source was protected. Here's an example product I had in mind for the "build" features...it would be far more advanced than this though. https://steamcommunity.com/app/645630