Some questions about the game, just purchased

[Vlad Tepes]

I realize it is 3 years later, but I had this in my Steam library because I wanted to try it out a few years ago. I've been an NR2003 player for a long time, still love that game, but I wantes something that would actually do lucky dogs and green white checkers.
Anyway, I've loaded this game up and started a career. Going for 90% AI, all assists off, with a G27 wheel. I think I have my wheel set up pretty good.
Since I'm only at the first race, Daytona, I haven't tried any other tracks yet, so it's pretty much just drafting. I am up in the top 5 in practice when I can catch a draft and get a good lap time, but I qualified horribly lol.
Using default setups at the tracks and I always run 100% laps, full fuel, penalties, damage, etc..

Here are my questions.
1. Start of the race. Is there a way to keep the view to what I start with? I always use in car view but at the start of the race the view changes.
Also, the cars take off so fast that I lose the draft immediately. I am using manual shifting, start out in 1st gear, still I can't accelerate with the group (I've tried turning on start assist thinking I may have been spinning my wheels, but it didn't really help).
Just wondering if there are some secrets to this.

2. Do any of the gauges work other than the tachometer? Where is the temperature? How can I monitor whether or not my engine is getting too hot? What is a good operating temperature and how do you know when you're at that temp?

3. Pitting. I see when coming into the pits, they have "55" highlighted in red (pit road speed), but I have no idea how fast I'm going. Is there a way to read my speed?

4. Red light on the dashboard. I have a red light that is always on towards the right side. I have no idea what this is. First I thought it was a temperature warning light, but it is ALWAYS on! Anyone have any idea what this is?

5. Repairs in the pits? The pitting options are pretty much for fuel and tires. Does the pit crew automatically attempt to repair any damage? I don't see much here.

Sorry for the long post. Hoping to get a better understanding of these things. I actually am enjoying the game. I thought it would be too "arcadish". Yes you seem to be able to wreck the field without getting a black flag, and yes I can smash my car ten times into the wall and it really doesn't seem to affect it, but I am playing this in a little more relaxed mode as compared to NR2003, sweating out 200 laps only to do something stupid and ruin my own race. This game is much more forgiving lol..

Jeff

[CarDr]

Haven’t played in awhile but I’ll try my best from memory

1 game bug will default to hood cam every time the car exits pits, program a button for view- you will need to hit it once or twice to get to cockpit.
Campaign will have you start in a un-funded team low grade under powered car and work your way up using your winnings ($) to up-grade. You can bypass this by entering givemewonga in the ‘ enter cheat box’ found in the menus. You can enter as many times as you want to increase your bank account.

2 & 3 I believe the gauges do work for fuel and temp, temp may flash or turn red when overheating. You can turn on the HUD for all gauges and speedo, you can learn gear/RPM to speed while testing on each track or race with HUD on. Remember RPM to MPH will change with final drive ratio options.

4 Red lamp for ignition on, I don’t remember it having an ignition switch. You can use the clutch to coast and save fuel if you find that strategy required in a race.

5 you can program pit options somewhere (advanced wheel settings ?) like; right pedal for Right side tires, left pedal for left tires….. and scroll down the pit options while on pit road for adjustments and repairs.
Check the guide section at the top of the page and also on the NTG 14 forum.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/254130/discussions/#

edit: Side drafting works and you can bump draft with the AI if they want to work with you, with the HUD radar on the willing car behind you may be a different color or your spotter will tell you about a car in front.
Run longer length races and the grip levels / track temps will change, night races will warm up then cool down as time progresses. There was a track temp on the HUD with earlier versions (NTG inside line), they removed it in 14 & 15.
Track temps will be different depending how you enter the track, test- practice- race, represent different day and or time.

[Vlad Tepes]

Thank you for the reply. I understand now, the game is supposed to start you out with a lower powered car. I'm ok with that. With that said, I should expect to be in the back of the pack with the AI at 100%. I would be ok with that (giving me incentive to get better equipment), however, the drafting seems just totally wrong and the starts are crazy. Even if I turn the AI % way down, they just take off and tandem draft.. there are no slow cars. During a practice run, I can get my car setup to be in the top 5 if I catch a draft so I'm competitive lap to lap, however, as soon as the race starts, they all just take off and I'm left without a draft lol.. when they come back around I can stay with them because now I'm in the draft. I tried turning down the AI% but it doesn't seem to make a difference. This is the ONLY thing keeping me from really enjoying this game.
I was able to get all of the shortcuts mapped to my wheel/stick so I'm good there. Thanks for the HUD tip, I used that to find out information (such as pit road speed / RPM etc..) then turn it off during a race.
I want to like this game, and I can accept the "gaminess" of starting out with a slower car. The problem is I don't have a good feel for where to put the AI%. They seem to run a certain speed during practice, then go like crazy in the race. Perhaps it's just Daytona and I won't see this at other tracks.. I don't know.
Coming from NR2003, I am ok being slow if the AI is consistent and I can learn and gain speed. That game has the best system, but lacks things such as the modern point system and the chase (not withstanding this new stage racing garbage!).

Anyway, thanks again for the tips. I sort of gave up on it, but perhaps I'll try starting with a car that is a little faster (using the cheat) and keeping the AI up high %.

Jeff

[CarDr]

IRC the AI often runs slower during qualifying. For super speedways you may trying setup adjustments to increase speed, lower ride height in rear, higher tire pressures, lower splitter, tape, etc… and gear ratio for faster acceleration until the car is upgraded so you don’t lose the pack at start. Try 90-95% throttle over the start line when the game offers driver control.

Edit; here's a thread on a tip for a visual check on setups.
https://steamcommunity.com/app/345890/discussions/0/133260909493068192/

[Vlad Tepes]

"Try 90-95% throttle over the start line when the game offers driver control." I don't know what this means. Sorry I'm not familiar with these terms.

[Murph]

hey man, i just found this thread, (i check em every once in a while) it seems i was late to the conversation, so i'll just say this, if you have any further questions you can contact me and i can help you out

[CarDr]

At start or re-start of a race (caution lap going green), the game will control your car until you cross the start-finish line. Holding your throttle control at estimated RPM levels before the game gives the player control will offer the best start/launch off the line. Super speedways will be around 90 to 95% (depending on final drive options) of full throttle without wheel spin or lag.

Throttle position on other tracks will vary depending on ratios and caution lap speed. You can turn launch control asset on to prevent wheel spin, but assets off will give you a advantage of quicker start if you get it right. Fully upgraded car on non-SS tracks you may be passing a few AI cars before exit of turn two.
A lot, if not all tracks will have you in second gear for the rolling start.

Edit; go full throttle just after the game gives you control and up-shift at red line.

[Vlad Tepes]

Ok got it thanks! I think I will give this game one more try :).. It seemed like they were starting me in 1st gear, but I will pay more attention. The starts.. are the only thing keeping me from really enjoying this game. It is frustrating sitting back and watching the AI all take off without me lol :)

[CarDr]

I believe if you go to ‘race now’ or 'track test' instead of campaign you will be driving a fully upgraded car. It will give you a better feel of what’s to come.

Agent 86 has been out here for along time, he may be willing to help you in a online match. My internet sucks where i live, i'm off line player only.

[CarDr]

Here’s a setup I found in my notes, I’m not sure if it was my final build- should be a good place to start. All of my setups were for 100% race lengths, low tire wear and best fuel mileage and most would take a few laps to come alive- compared to a setup for short race lengths. I believe this one was good as a pusher in bump draft.
TRACK: Daytona

TIRES
FL: FR:
Pressure: 34 Pressure: 62
Camber: 0.3 Camber: 0
Caster: 2.3 Caster: 3.9
RL: RR:
Pressure: 34 Pressure: 58
Camber: 0.3 Camber: -0.3
Front Toe: -1/4" +1/16"
Rear Toe: -1/4" +1/16"
SUSPENSION:
FL: FR:
Height: 6.7 Height: 6.8
Bump: 2.0 Bump: 2.8
Rebound: 58 Rebound: 59
Spring: 900 Spring: 930
RL: RR:
Height: 8.3 Height: 8.2
Bump: 26 Bump: 30
Rebound: 45 Rebound: 45
Spring: 550 Spring: 560
Trackbar: 10
Rubber: no Rubber: no

DRIVETRAIN & AERO:
Gearing: B
Brake Bias: 61 %
Steering Lock: 25
Grill Tape: 70 %
Splitter: 2.3
BALANCE
Front Bias: 53 %
Left Bias: 32.5 %
Wedge: 53.2 %
F. Sway bar: 3250.0 R. Sway bar: 0

[Vlad Tepes]

Thanks again CarDr! I will try this! I also like to run only 100% races with all assists off (I may turn on starting assist).
I wanted to contact Agen86 directly but can't figure out how to do it on Steam, doh! :(

And also, I'm sad today because the Brewers lost lol..

[Vlad Tepes]

I'm guessing the "GIVEMEWONGA" cheat only works on consoles? Anyway, I've decided to start a career, use about 90% AI to begin with, use my little underpowered car :) and see where my career takes me.
Thanks again for all the hints. I will try your setup also!

[CarDr]

My nascar- options- enter code- you must first click on the far Right hand side of the text line before it will allow you to type any thing. Upper or lower case will not make a difference. I believe givemewonga is the only workable code, it will give you $10,000 (?) each time you enter it.

Earlier titles had more codes that would unlock new paint.

[CarDr]

Also if you want to change that setup from pusher to push-ie , swap the front and rear ‘bump and rebound’ settings, add some more ft spring and maybe lift the rear height a touch. You have to find a car that wants to work with you, I think the 88 was the best, 14 and 4 were also good.

As a pusher you can be more aggressive, when being pushed the AI may back off at times.

[Murph]

the code will give you 1 million, also there is a broken setup for plate tracks, looks like a stock car that is on drugs, due to the ride height, but it is wicked fast

[CarDr]

I don’t know if it makes a difference of what manufacture of car you are running when it comes to who wants to draft with you, I was running Chevy.

They did try to give the AI individual characteristics according to the real drivers, that may be why Jr was the best to draft with. Careful passing the 10 car, I remember it would often turn into me where others would not.

I quit playing after I upgraded my wheel to a V2, the game has an odd FFB problem with it.