Practicing race tracks via computer video gaming...
 

I've never been a big video game person and given my exposure to video race games has been years ago, I never thought it could be helpful to learn a race track thru your computer. But I now stand corrected...pretty amazing how accurate/realistic a cyber lap is nowadays.

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Wow...I'm impressed.

I showed my kids the video of yellowbird at nurburgring, they knew every corner and rise to watch for. All from playing some video game.
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I don't think I'll ever get tired of watching that Yellowbird video...:D

How 'bout Monza F1 ferrari with Schumacher comparison?

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Here's one of my favs...

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I think video games/simulators are a fantastic way to learn a new track, particularly if you plan on going to for real. You can learn the line and, depending on how realistic the simulator is, even figure out where some of the trouble spots are. I think it could save you an entire day of learning a new track. However it can only take you so far - you can't feel anything playing a game. You can't feel what the road is telling you through the steering wheel or through the seat of your chair. You can't feel if you're right on the edge of losing traction. And you certainly don't get the thrill of the lateral g-forces that make track driving so much fun. Throw in other things like suspension setup, tire wear and wind, things you can only respond to through feel, and you see the limits of games. However, if I were planning on doing a DE at a new track, you can bet I'd spend hours on the simulator first, learning the basics of it.

I think it actually has some elements of negative training due to the lack of g-forces. I didn't find it particularly helpful doing a sim before running Laguna Seca.

Conversely, running a real track gives you an advantage when you go back to the game.

Only makes sense, considering the costs of track time, tires, etc. A great way to get a head start on a track's learning curve.

(edit) I dunno about real track time giving an edge on a computer, tho. A buddy of mine is a retired airline pilot, flew F-111's for Uncle Sam. He was foolish enough to play an air combat computer game with his 9 year old nephew...got smoked by the kid. LOL!

Its a great idea, I used to load up an unknown airport in my flight sim to see what its like before taking the trip sometimes.

Yea, the pros use simulators.

I enjoy practicing Infineon and Laguna.

It makes a mental impression of the layout and turns.

If I were drive the 'Ring, believe me, I would play the video ALL DAY before taking it on.


KT

I drive better on the video games than I do at the track mostly because the fear of wrecking my car isn't there - Need for Speed Shift has a nice version of Willow Springs that I have handled pretty well and got some good times on.

These days, a track day is easily $300, add consumables such as prorated tire wear, brakes, gas, the hotel if necessary.... I can totally see myself cutting 3 or 4 track days this year and building a nice rig with some metal tubes, a spare racing seat, the new Porsche wheel and pedals ( it has a clutch and it made of metal, not the flimsy plastic ones)...

Games like Rfactor, or GTR2, some based on the old GP Legends, all more or less open to mods, provide very rich environments, from old 50s cars to the latest Porsche spyder, with everything in between like the 917s at Le Mans or running the Targa florio in a 908 !

It's no substitute but the cost/reward is pretty high, it's right there in your home, online racing against real people makes it fun and the reset button is nearby...

I have rFactor and it's awesome, at least it helps you learn the tracks, but totally right on the g-force and certain undulations.

Even though I hate to admit it; GT on the xbox is really nice, but I still can't beat 7 minutes on the ring even in a veyron.

IG ZACTLY...my HS buddy and I are going to the ring in Sept. I'm doing just that. If I'm going a third way around the world for 2 days of driving, I wanna be sure my schit's on hit!

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How about this simulator for the real feel?

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There is this guy (he has posted here on pelican) that has a simulator / virtual laps company at Infineon (sears point) . Besides his really accurate reproduction of Riverside, his set up of Sears is used by the nascar drivers before their race there. He is booked for weeks.
One of our friends, who is a talented driver to begin with, taught himself the 'ring via just about every game out there before he started driving cars on it.

Its a valuable tool that aids you into being more familiar with these tracks. As Nostatic states ; its not the real deal, but it can sure help you feel more confident on what is coming at you

I learned a bit of Mid Ohio from GTR, and I have learned that games and vids do not do elevation changes well.
When we walked Mid O all of us commented that it was very different than our preconcieved notions.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1275357957.jpg

The track was also very temperature sensitive and grip was pretty hard to find.
Lots of sealer and a very dense, smooth, non abrasive surface. These are things you cannot feel in a game. I often rub my hands on the surface to feel the temp and texture.