Getting Ams2 soon

[.......no1223]

What car and track should i learn first ? I love 70s cars and this is why i am getting the game. Also this will be my first racing sim.

[OnlyPhans69]

check out the more obscure Brazilian tracks, there is a GT classics with a corvette & a 911 RSR straight out of the mid to late 70s, even with auto clutch they are a ton of fun to drive around old school or modern circuits, in combination with some of most amazing tracks not many people outside of the region have heard of, there are tens of hours of fun to be had with just those two cars.

there is also some beautiful track models of OG Imola & the Spielberg ring that almost no other sims have that pair really well with either the classic GT's or the Formula Retro's or even the group c's.
there is one track in particular, I can never remember the name of, it's a Brazilian circuit that is basically a glorified oval, has a slightly banked left hander for T1 that leads into a very banked right T2 with a short straight leading into T3 with (you guessed it) a ton of camber & banking, second half of the lap while not overly complicated is (usually) incredibly fast, regardless of the car your driving, and has a brilliant flow to it, pretty much everything from GT4's to CART/Indy cars go well there.

it's late rn but tomorrow I'll find the name of the circuit for you, the track DLC's are a bit pricey but tracks like Hockenheim and it's modern & classic layouts are at or even above the levels of some of the most highly praised track mods for Assetto Corsa.
there are a lot to chose from but one thing this sim does amazingly is introducing you to South American circuits you've never heard of but are absolutely a m a z i n g, that is where I would start.

[lewiswood20585]

Originally posted by OnlyPhans69:

check out the more obscure Brazilian tracks, there is a GT classics with a corvette & a 911 RSR straight out of the mid to late 70s, even with auto clutch they are a ton of fun to drive around old school or modern circuits/quote]

NO, drive properly.

[.......no1223]

Originally posted by OnlyPhans69:

check out the more obscure Brazilian tracks, there is a GT classics with a corvette & a 911 RSR straight out of the mid to late 70s, even with auto clutch they are a ton of fun to drive around old school or modern circuits, in combination with some of most amazing tracks not many people outside of the region have heard of, there are tens of hours of fun to be had with just those two cars.

there is also some beautiful track models of OG Imola & the Spielberg ring that almost no other sims have that pair really well with either the classic GT's or the Formula Retro's or even the group c's.
there is one track in particular, I can never remember the name of, it's a Brazilian circuit that is basically a glorified oval, has a slightly banked left hander for T1 that leads into a very banked right T2 with a short straight leading into T3 with (you guessed it) a ton of camber & banking, second half of the lap while not overly complicated is (usually) incredibly fast, regardless of the car your driving, and has a brilliant flow to it, pretty much everything from GT4's to CART/Indy cars go well there.

it's late rn but tomorrow I'll find the name of the circuit for you, the track DLC's are a bit pricey but tracks like Hockenheim and it's modern & classic layouts are at or even above the levels of some of the most highly praised track mods for Assetto Corsa.
there are a lot to chose from but one thing this sim does amazingly is introducing you to South American circuits you've never heard of but are absolutely a m a z i n g, that is where I would start.

Thank you very much and the name of the track is Guapore and Spielberg historic is my favourite track. Also first sim i will ever get.

[Dud]

Interlagos 1976, is a magnificent track, you should give that a try.

[.......no1223]

Originally posted by Dud:

Interlagos 1976, is a magnificent track, you should give that a try.

Sure thing it is a great track

[J.J.McClure]

There is only one race track that you have to learn in order to be able to do all the others.
The historic Nordschleife. Only available as DLC.
That's where the 911 beast is in the best hands.
This race track in combination with manual clutch, H-shift and also at night and
in VR leaves everything else behind.
Tim Taylor would say that's how real men drive and grunt three times.
Afterwards he would be found in the emergency room.

[[SRS13]Rastus(TTT)]

Originally posted by .......no1223:

What car and track should i learn first ? I love 70s cars and this is why i am getting the game. Also this will be my first racing sim.

Welcome to the mad mad world of simracing!
Joking aside...
To learn the game you want a stable and predictable car and track combo.
Some of the older cars can be a bit skittish which can dramatically affect your results and perception of the game, (though the Copa Classics are a good example and always a hoot to race, they got fat tyres an you can sling em about but they STILL bite if you drive like a muppet). https://youtu.be/rdkMU6uO0jY?si=Squbkmcyi4BztHTE

Because you are new to sims I have a few suggestions for your very 1st play test.

If you're on a wheel check out the custom FFB files on Reiza Forums, they can make a massive difference to how the game feels which can massively increase you're confidence in the cars. The instructions are in post 1 but you'll need to start the game to create the AMS2 documents folder where you install the custom files.
It takes just 2 minutes and gives you an extra option other than default or default+ FFB.
https://forum.reizastudios.com/threads/automobilista-2-custom-force-feedback-overview-recommendations.11135/

Set a 90 minute timer on your phone and launch the game for your 1st drive test.
Goto Single race and pick something like the Stock Cars (2019-2024 doesn't matter which)
Set a long practice session with 5-6 AI cars at a reasonable level of difficulty (80-90% is a good start). The race length is less important..

Select a track you don't know from other games (this avoids you trying the same racecraft trick from other games which might cause you problems in a simulator), Turn on the racing line (pause the game, options, display, 4th one down) it's a bit conservative on braking points but it'll help with the best racing line and helps with the lack of track knowledge.
I'd recommend Goiania as it has most types of corners and a reasonably flat track surface but does have some elevation changes.

Spend the 1st 20-30 minutes dialling in your wheel/controller to give you a feel that's comfortable, though bear in mind mashing the brakes or gas on the entries and exits will cause you huge problems, you NEED to be gentle with the controls or you'll get bitten... OFTEN...

Once you've got used to the gameplay and feel of the game then you can start playing "cat n mouse" with the AI.

If when your timer goes off you're grinning like a fool and trouncing the AI then it's a keeper.
If you're grinding your teeth or tearing your hair out in frustration then shut the game down and SERIOUSLY consider if the game is gonna be worth the cost.
Are you gonna play it enough to justify the expense? If not? Then refund it.
Remember Steam has a 2 hour refund window, once you go beyond 2 hours in game you'll not be able to refund it (hence the 90 minute timer)..

[Roddy]

I'd highly recommend the Formula Classic Gen 4 at 1974 Spielberg to start.

[.......no1223]

Originally posted by SRS13Rastus(TTT):

Originally posted by .......no1223:

What car and track should i learn first ? I love 70s cars and this is why i am getting the game. Also this will be my first racing sim.

Welcome to the mad mad world of simracing!
Joking aside...
To learn the game you want a stable and predictable car and track combo.
Some of the older cars can be a bit skittish which can dramatically affect your results and perception of the game, (though the Copa Classics are a good example and always a hoot to race, they got fat tyres an you can sling em about but they STILL bite if you drive like a muppet). https://youtu.be/rdkMU6uO0jY?si=Squbkmcyi4BztHTE

Because you are new to sims I have a few suggestions for your very 1st play test.

If you're on a wheel check out the custom FFB files on Reiza Forums, they can make a massive difference to how the game feels which can massively increase you're confidence in the cars. The instructions are in post 1 but you'll need to start the game to create the AMS2 documents folder where you install the custom files.
It takes just 2 minutes and gives you an extra option other than default or default+ FFB.
https://forum.reizastudios.com/threads/automobilista-2-custom-force-feedback-overview-recommendations.11135/

Set a 90 minute timer on your phone and launch the game for your 1st drive test.
Goto Single race and pick something like the Stock Cars (2019-2024 doesn't matter which)
Set a long practice session with 5-6 AI cars at a reasonable level of difficulty (80-90% is a good start). The race length is less important..

Select a track you don't know from other games (this avoids you trying the same racecraft trick from other games which might cause you problems in a simulator), Turn on the racing line (pause the game, options, display, 4th one down) it's a bit conservative on braking points but it'll help with the best racing line and helps with the lack of track knowledge.
I'd recommend Goiania as it has most types of corners and a reasonably flat track surface but does have some elevation changes.

Spend the 1st 20-30 minutes dialling in your wheel/controller to give you a feel that's comfortable, though bear in mind mashing the brakes or gas on the entries and exits will cause you huge problems, you NEED to be gentle with the controls or you'll get bitten... OFTEN...

Once you've got used to the gameplay and feel of the game then you can start playing "cat n mouse" with the AI.

If when your timer goes off you're grinning like a fool and trouncing the AI then it's a keeper.
If you're grinding your teeth or tearing your hair out in frustration then shut the game down and SERIOUSLY consider if the game is gonna be worth the cost.
Are you gonna play it enough to justify the expense? If not? Then refund it.
Remember Steam has a 2 hour refund window, once you go beyond 2 hours in game you'll not be able to refund it (hence the 90 minute timer)..

Thanks, i have raced irl but in rental karts so i just need to get used to real cars and i hope this will help me get into bigger motorsports ( maybe legends when i get past the age barrier ) and thank you for helping me out.

[.......no1223]

Also what is the best car to learn heel and toe in ?

[[SRS13]Rastus(TTT)]

Originally posted by .......no1223:

Thanks, i have raced irl but in rental karts so i just need to get used to real cars and i hope this will help me get into bigger motorsports ( maybe legends when i get past the age barrier ) and thank you for helping me out.

The Karting experience will help out quite a bit (there's a few in the game too).
You've got some racecraft to begin with.
One thing I forgot to mention about the stock cars is they don't have tyre warmers so they'll be cold throughout your 1st lap and possibly the 2nd lap as well.
It'll also take time for the brakes to warm up though I'd also suggest you go into the tuning menu and open the brake ducts as at their default of 50/50 they can overheat and fade as a result.
I'd also advise moving the brake balance more to the rear (I use 59fr 41r myself), it'll help reduce lockups and reduce front tyre wear.

Ohh and good luck chasing that dream, gotta have something to aim for in life.
I know one or 2 people who do track days regularly and one of them is even going for his race instructor license.

On a final note, it's well worth joining a few groups like those on Discord or even Facebook, many of them organise leagues and online races, plenty of the folks in these groups can be of huge assistance with tips for the game that are also transferable to real world racing.

I've run some training sessions in the past myself when asked for help, even my mate going for his race instructor license said the 2 hour session we ran helped massively with his confidence at track days.

You're sure to find some people happy to help if you feel you need it, never be afraid to ASK, if you get the aholes laughing and saying "hur hur hur git gud noob!" never mind..
It's THEIR loss not yours after all..

[dbond1]

There are so many options, and each driver will have his preferences, but since you've asked for recommendations I'll suggest the Formula Junior around some old time, shorter circuits like say Brand's Hatch, Oulton park (some good track variants here), Watkins Glen short, Donington National.

I'm a big fan of AMS2's open wheel driving, and the Formula Junior is the perfect one to get started. It's way down on power so you can throw it in to corners, drift it, stomp on the gas and it is so well-behaved. And it is a simple car, with very few of the more advanced setup options you'll see in more capable cars. Simple is good when starting out.

[[SRS13]Rastus(TTT)]

Originally posted by .......no1223:

Also what is the best car to learn heel and toe in ?

That I couldn't tell you, never use it myself so haven't a clue lol.
From what I recall it's only REALLY needed in older cars.
Myself I just tend to wait till the revs drop low enough to avoid locking/dragging the rears but high enough up the revs to make some use of engine braking.
I also avoid using the clutch tbh but do use left foot braking.
Kinda weird as I drive a manual, and NEVER use lfb irl lol.
I also save my madness for games instead of the public roads.
Having said all that, I'm no slouch either held a few records in game over the last 4 years (think I still hold one or two) plus I can match real world laptimes when I'm on top form.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAkI8jhMgos

IIRC in 2021 the lap record in that class track combo was 02:13.658 and the Qualifying record is 02:11.219.
In that vid you can see the gas and brake application on the speedo and see what I meant about being gentle/progressive on both of them, You can't just stamp on either of them or you'll regret it.
Conservation of momentum is CRITICAL, don't mash the rev limiter... EVER!
You lose both BHP and torque around the redline and you're acceleration rate slows dramatically as a result.
Downshifting early and using engine braking can be helpful as instead of the car nose diving and reducing rear traction far enough to cause a spin, instead it'll squat down on the suspension, keeping the car more balanced front to rear and lowering the chance of a spin.

[[SRS13]Rastus(TTT)]

dbond1 is spot on, different strokes for different folks. Everybody has their favourites..
It's about experimentation, finding what floats your boat and, most importantly, HAVING FUN!
Myself? I'm not a huge fan of openwheelers though, but I agree, he's ABSOLUTELY right on the ball about the lower powered cars.
Just like the Copa Classics they aint stupidly fast but can be a real hoot to drive and very forgiving of minor mistakes.
Giving you that grin factor which makes you wanna go again, and again, and again..

[Burning Bridges]

I could try to give you more tips but you will soon find out yourself.

I was in a similar situation not long ago and ended up liking completely different cars and tracks than I had anticipated. Which was a great thing for I realized how I could compare their feel much better and now knew exactly what suited me most.

Whatever you choose, at the end of the day you made a great choice with Automobilista 2. For a first racing sim you can't beat it, it's intuitive and user friendly and doesn't not come with the frustrations of other sims (I once tried for years to become good enough to drive long races in GPL but the AI would always ram me off the track - in AMS2 it just works out of the box and I could race them practically from the first day )