AC RDGTC Round 5 - Watkins Glen - Sunday 2nd April 2023

Interslice · Mar 28, 2023

Welcome to Round 5 of the Assetto Corsa RD Racing Club GT Championship. For the fifth and final round we are heading to Watkins Glen!

Join us!

This is the place to be for relaxed, friendly racing and our events are open to everybody from rookies to the seasoned pros. You will always find people around your level to battle with, so jump on in!

If you need any help don't hesitate to ask on discord before the race, or right here on the forum! We are always happy to help.

All race department premium members using their full real name in the forum, in game and discord can sign up for this Championship.

Need a warm-up beforehand or want to start online racing at a gentler pace? There is an MX-5/Abarth event on every Wednesday. We also run a practice server all week for both events.

Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen is the spiritual home of road racing in the USA, with crowds flocking to see top-level racing since the 1940s.

www.racingcircuits.info

Practice/Race Server: Racedepartment.com Server 4 (Netherlands)
20:00 CET, 19:00 UTC | 80 minutes - Official Practice
21:20 CET, 20:20 UTC) | 20 minutes - Qualification
21:40 CET, 20:40 UTC) | 60 minutes - Race

Cars :

Race Sim Studio DLC is required for this event

Lister Storm GT (0kg/0%)
Dodge Viper GTS-R (0kg/0%)
Ferrari Maranello GTS 550 (20kg/50%)
Lambo Murcielago R-GT (15kg/25%)
Saleen S7R (30kg/40%)
Ferrari Maranello 575 GTC (10kg/10%)

https://racesimstudio.sellfy.store/p/gt-pack/

Required extra content
Real names update - Install extracted rss_gt_data_real_names_v6 to X:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\assettocorsa\content\cars
To join the server you will need to copy replace the 'data.acd' files on your PC with those in the real names link below as discussed here and here

Additional Skins -
Pack 1, 2, 3, 4

Event details:

Track: Watkins Glen
Pit stop: Mandatory (Between 10 and 50 minutes)
Track Temps: 20C Air / 25C Track
Track Condition: Clear, Light wind
Damage: 10%
Assists: Factory
Standing Start: Jump Start = Drive through penalty

Useful Links:

RaceDepartment Discord: click here
Guide to discord volumes and push to talk
Recommended apps: Helicorsa + Top/Centre Flags or AC_Flags
Tracks, Cars, Apps Installation Guide: click here
Racing Club Rules: click here
Incident Reporting: click here

Sign up

https://www.racedepartment.com/threads/2023-rd-ac-racing-club-gt-championship-registration.254282/

Interslice · Mar 28, 2023

A message to all Drivers

If you run off track, you must check to see that its clear before you re enter the track. Always try to re-enter the track parallel to the racing line. Stay off the racing line until you are up to race speed and do not block any fast approaching car.

When joining the track from the pits, remain (all 4 wheels) inside the white line and stay off the racing line until you are up to speed.

During qualification, do not race on your out lap, let other drivers by. Caution exiting the pits.

Golden Rule

If you are at fault for a collision, spinning someone or sending them off track, and carry on like nothing happened, you take the risk of being banned for up to 30 days.
Instead, you should always wait for the affected drivers, let them retake the position and carry on racing.

Track limits

No more than 2 wheels over the white/yellow line without a full lift off the throttle pedal.

Penalties

A championship gives us the opportunity to deduct points or add time as a penalty. Below are the penalties for this championship. Please report incidents to the host. That will help to maintain the high standards of driving we are accustomed to in all club events. For multiple unsafe actions within a single reported incident, the time penalties and point deductions are cumulative.

Golden Rule: if you break the Golden Rule, all points may be deducted for that race. Normal procedure via formal report and internal discussion within RD staff if there's an disagreement.
Unsafe overtake/defending or dive bomb: 5/10/30 second penalties.
Track Limits: 5/10/30 second penalties for gaining an advantage outside of tracks limits.
Ignoring blue flag: 2 points taken off for each incident.
Dangerous Driving: 2+ points may be also deducted for any unsafe actions causing an incident (e.g. unsafe rejoin/unsafe pit exit/swerving on the straight etc.)
All reported incidents and penalties to be judged by host (Brian) and co-host (Han) via the usual PM system. Gentlemanly actions, or otherwise, after an incident may effect the final penalty awarded.

See here for a general guide on rules of racing and some examples of incidents that could result in a penalty.

See you on track!

H_Belane · Mar 29, 2023

We had already discussed this topic in Donington, so I had a question about track limits before the race. Especially with the "inner loop" part, does curb belong to the track? Or is the white line in front of the curb decisive here?

Interslice · Mar 29, 2023

H_Belane said:
We had already discussed this topic in Donington, so I had a question about track limits before the race. Especially with the "inner loop" part, does curb belong to the track? Or is the white line in front of the curb decisive here?

Again, as per post #2, 2 wheels inside the white/yellow line is the track's limit.

Anyone reported by PM, that can be clearly seen to be ignoring this rule, will receive a time penalty.
It is up to club members to maintain and keep pushing good driving standards within the club.

Programmer_Rich · Mar 30, 2023

Sadly I'm away for this final round (and the following Sunday race on 9th April) but I hope you all have a great race.

gearwhine · Mar 31, 2023

Unfortunately, I also have family commitments and probably will not be back in time to race on Sunday. Really like this track but one has to do what one has to do sometimes

Reik Major · Mar 31, 2023

Another question about rules and safety: Are we strictly respecting the yellow pit entry line? I'm asking, because doing so would mean taking a much tighter and slower inner line through the final corner.

On the other hand, the following drive would clearly see, that the car in front is heading to the pits and had to be aware of its slower cornering speed...

Interslice · Mar 31, 2023

Reik Major said:
Another question about rules and safety: Are we strictly respecting the yellow pit entry line? I'm asking, because doing so would mean taking a much tighter and slower inner line through the final corner.

On the other hand, the following drive would clearly see, that the car in front is heading to the pits and had to be aware of its slower cornering speed...

Strict pit entry rules hasn't really come up before. Once there is no track cutting(not possible here) it would be unfair to give a penalty all of a sudden.
An unsafe entry would be another thing. Say you take the last corner as normal, brake and dive into the pits causing an incident with the car behind. I would see that as dangerous driving, penalties etc.

As you say, using the pit entry lane in this case gives a clear indication you are heading for the pits.

RasmusP · Apr 2, 2023

I won't make it to this last round

What a shame.. Practiced, got a nice setup etc. but real life got in the way.

I wish you all a great race at this beautiful and fun track!
Hopefully we'll use these car again in the near future. Once you set the power diff to the minimum, they are awesome to drive

H_Belane · Apr 2, 2023

What a great finale to the series. An exciting race with Ernie and Laurent. At some point I thought, ok, I'll try to ride the medium tires for 45 minutes, then soft. Not a good idea. Twenty minutes to go, left rear wheel at 7 on the last corner. Then panicked into the box turned. When the car came to a stop in the pits, left rear wheel at 2 (is there a puncture in AC?).

That was a great championship. Congratulations to Aki the winner and to all the riders who took part. And a big thank you to Brian for the great organization!

I also hope that we will do it again soon with these cars and then with 15 events or something!

dbx71 · Apr 2, 2023

Good times on the track today. Thanks for organizing this event Brian--I really love these RSS cars! Track selections were good too.

Aside from nearly running out of gas (had to make a last minute dive into pits for a splash and run) and some technical issues (audio was glitching throughout event, did 3 laps in complete silence which was eerie) it was a pretty incident free race for me. I was pleased that I didn't run off the track, cause any accidents, and/or get stuck on a wall and that I was able to lap consistently.

Little by little I feel like I'm getting there. Hopefully, by the next time this championship (or one similar) comes around I'll actually be able to stay with the pack a bit more. In any case, I had fun even still. Just driving these cars is enjoyable, and especially at this track.

Apologies if anyone directed any remarks to me, I didn't mean to ignore anyone. As I mentioned, my audio (including the mic) were working off and on. This seems to be an ongoing issue for me that comes and goes. Think I might have a loose / faulty USB connection.

Anyways, see you guys next time around.
D

Shed 17 · Apr 3, 2023

Well done to the podiums and to Aki for taking the Championship overall. A big thank you to Brian for organizing this series, more please Brian, even though these cars are tricky beasts they are great fun.

I bogged off the start and lost three places but then settled down and was having fun trying to stay between Robert and Ronnie. But I got too greedy at that damm chicane and spun out leaving me with a lonely race just managing tyres.

I'm loving the variety we get here in this club with Brian and Han. Where else can you get to drive a smoky old Trabant and then three days later an Audi e-tron?? Brilliant!

cerebralvortex · Apr 3, 2023

I was struggling for pace with the Ferrari here. Started P5, was able to gain a place from Ernie at the start. After a few laps Hank made a mistake and got out of shape in the chicane and me and Ernie could overtake him. From there on Ernie was comfortably following me until I pitted. When Ernie pitted a few laps later he came out of the pits just in front of me. Well done there. The Lister was too quick for me to follow. Hank stayed out for longer and came back a few seconds behind after he pitted but he was on a charge. He was alongside me (on the outside) going into the chicane, I defended the inside but he cut the chicane and went ahead. That was clearly overtaking out of track. I expected him to give the position back but he didn't. We need to push driving standards as Brian said and I think this is one of them.. but okay. I then noticed in my fuel app that I was going to be 3 liters short on fuel.. Brian was some 15 seconds behind so I started fuel saving massively. In the end it turned out to be an issue with my fuel app (I need to have a look at it..) and I didn't have to save at all. I had 3 liters left on the line now.

If we are doing another championship with these cars I'll certainly be picking another car. I haven't found the correct setups to make the Ferrari work. Most tracks was a struggle for pace compared to the other cars. So happy with P3 in the championship.

Well done to Aki with the win, well deserved!

Thanks Brian for the championship and the effort you put into BOP-ing these cars.

RasmusP · Apr 3, 2023

H_Belane said:
When the car came to a stop in the pits, left rear wheel at 2 (is there a puncture in AC?).

Do you mean sidekick's "2" or another app?
In theory there are exploding tyres in AC, but I've only ever experienced it when doing donuts after a race, shredding the tyres into glowing red temperatures and sidekick's psi showing 7-10 psi too much

At VIR, I did 5 laps with both rear tyres at 0 with the Lister without issues (apart from sliding...)

H_Belane · Apr 3, 2023

cerebralvortex said:
He was alongside me (on the outside) going into the chicane, I defended the inside but he cut the chicane and went ahead. That was clearly overtaking out of track. I expected him to give the position back but he didn't. We need to push driving standards as Brian said and I think this is one of them.. but okay.

You're right. I had a very bad feeling during the manoeuvre. I was hoping that somehow I was still on the white line with two tires, but apparently that wasn't the case. I shouldn't have taken such a risk. That shouldn't happen again.

I accept any kind of penalty.

H_Belane · Apr 3, 2023

RasmusP said:
At VIR, I did 5 laps with both rear tyres at 0 with the Lister without issues (apart from sliding...)

Ok, good to know for the future.

cerebralvortex · Apr 3, 2023

H_Belane said:
You're right. I had a very bad feeling during the manoeuvre. I was hoping that somehow I was still on the white line with two tires, but apparently that wasn't the case. I shouldn't have taken such a risk. That shouldn't happen again.

I accept any kind of penalty.

I didn't report it but expected you to give the position back. You would have had more opportunities after this.

I'm happy with your comment.

Alfred Wayne · Apr 3, 2023

5/5 races in the books

Not much wheel to wheel racing yesterday, but between Paul sticking to me like glue, and my almost successful overcut on Brian and Collin, I had my hands full and couldn't let off much during the hour. In the end I think I finished where I started, but considering I had some other races where I ended up under the track *cough VIR*, I'm happy to be finishing races now with on 1 spin in the viper

Thanks a lot for putting this championship together Brian! Agree with Paul, really enjoying the mix of cars we have the opportunity to play with. It was fun to try and tame these beasts. I think next time if we race these, someone else needs to take the viper too. I love how it looks, but being the only one of the track didn't give me any chances to see it, except from the dashboard view

Also thank you to those who shared some set up tips throughout this. From the prologue races to yesterday, I'm definitely less "afraid" of these cars

I still think the first lap in these cars nose to tail going around the track looks & sounds the best our of all the cars we drive

Shed 17 · Apr 3, 2023

Alfred Wayne said:
I think next time if we race these, someone else needs to take the viper too. I love how it looks, but being the only one of the track didn't give me any chances to see it

I'd have a go with it Robert but you would still only see it when you lapped me as I extracted myself from the scenery!

JamKart22 · Apr 3, 2023

Was away last week so not much chance to practice. Good job I love this track and didn't need to learn my way round.

Reasonable qualifying saw me start in Q6. A good start saw me hang on to the coat tails of Hank, Ernie & Laurent for a few laps until I started to lose contact.

I'd used the fuel calculation from the previous race and this proved costly as the fuel app was showing about 7ltr short. Given the slow fuel rate this saw me lose a bit of time in the pitstop and then pop out behind Robert and a fast charging Brian behind. I hounded Robert for a few laps until he mad a mistake an the chicane and got past. It was my turned to be hunted as Brian got past with a demon move into the chicane.

It was then a pretty lonely race to P7 to the end. Even so, it's still a joy to drive this track.

Thanks to Brian for setting this up and thanks to everyone else for the good clean racing.