once was mine now undone

And it's back to Monaco for Round 4 of Season #8 over at rFR World F1 League. I have done some practice laps and I'm about 4 seconds behind per lap so far. I think I can find maybe 2 seconds more, if I weren't so afraid of the walls. Monaco is usually a race of attrition so as long as I can bring the car home there is a chance to score points. 

The good news is, I was able to open my account at the previous race in Jacarepagua, Brazil. Last season I didn't score until Round 7, so things are much better already. The grid is smaller this season, with some regular drivers sitting it out because of dissatisfaction with the FSOne 2008 mod. That means more chances for us backmarkers and grid-fillers and I'm expecting a higher final standing and points tally compared to last year.

The bad news is, my teammate (and previous race winner) Crystakke is one of the drivers who seem to have had trouble coming to grips with the current mod. I was sort of counting on him for some setups but he hardly practices and has only shown up for one race. And even there I was clearly faster and better prepared than he was. 

Anyway, there are a few more days to prepare for this toughest of races, Monaco, the so-called "Jewel of the F1 Crown". And there is still a long season and a lot of racing ahead. If I improve, I think I can finish this season in the top ten. 

Phyton Spirit

Thought Knocks

On April Fools Day, Super Aguri Number One Driver ...Crystakke has declared himself OUT of the race in Shanghai. Welcome to Round 1 of Season #8 over at rFactor RACERS WORLD FORMULA 1 LEAGUE, and I guess it is up to me to try and score points for our team. I am still around 3 seconds a lap behind the fast guys, unfortunately. A regrettable pace, but at least I am comfortable with the track layout. You know what they say; repetition is the mother of skill, and I have done many laps on this circuit before.

Seriously, my only chance to score points is if this event becomes a race of attrition. Unlikely, as this FS2008 mod has been used by this league before, and league veterans will be familiar with the car and maybe even have some setups saved. For me, I think it is not the car setup but something fundamentally slow in my cornering style. I resist looking at the telemetry and keep trying to solve the problem using the so-called "seat of the pants" feeling. I need better feedback and some instruction.

And I gotta detox, and lose weight, and get fit, and all that shit. I have been here before so I know how it goes: Fast and you will become faster. Empty your mind and focus on the task at hand. A place on the grid is a chance to win. To finish first, first you must finish. See the checkered flag. Bring the car home. Only this must be the goal for all you also-rans, backmarkers, and losers.

I remember when I first tried simulation racing. I couldn't even complete a lap of a circuit without spinning or crashing. My prior video racing experiences was with arcade machines and gaming consoles. I knew nothing about the sublime technique required to be able to win races using simulation cars. Even now, I don't think I would beat any AI at their 100% setting. Maybe someday, I will be quicker.