MetroFactor Racing Schedule
2011
Next Track: 2011 Random Practise Only |
Notice: We always use the latest version of VHR
| Date | Time - Nova Scotia | GMt/UTC Time | Track | Event |
| 1930 - 2130 | 2330 - 0130 | X | Practise | |
| 2130 - 2140 | 0130 - 0140 | X | Qualify | |
| 2140 - 2145 | 0140 - 0145 | X | Warm Up | |
| 2145 - end of race | 0145 - end of race | X | Race - XX laps |
Times are also given in UTC/GMT format to enable everyone to convert to their local time.
We are in the Atlantic Time Zone.
Race start time may vary slightly but we will endeavour to be accurate as possible.
The 2011 Season has reverted to practise sessions due to lack of regular drivers.
Our present racing online will consist of random practise times at various tracks. The MetroFactor server will be up at random times, feel free to join in.
Drivers have chosen to race at other tracks/leagues available online,
See our leaderboard page for future possible plans.
Notice: Drivers must Practice and Qualify in order to participate in the actual race. If you join the race without practising or qualifying, you will be booted out at start time.
We encourage and welcome guest drivers. However we must know you have the experience and settings to be able to race, in order to be fair to our regular drivers and avoid unnecessary crashes.
See race rules for clarification.
Where To Find Us
We often do practice runs during the week and on weekends when races are not scheduled at the following times:
Weekdays: Nova Scotia time 1900 - 2130 (2300 -0130 UTC)
Weekends: Nova Scotia time 2000 - 2400 (0000 - 0400 UTC)
Host
If you want to check us out, look for the following server name under rFactor 'Race Online'.
MetroFactor
(Note: The latest version of VHR is always required to avoid mismatch.)
We are also known to occasionally visit other online tracks for a practise run or two. Look for our car names in the lineup.
Note: Please do not post insulting remarks in chat such as "What's with all the AI cars," "Are we ever going to race?" and so on. Nothing wrong with asking, just keep the tone reasonable. It is up to the host to decide when and what is going to take place.
We have decided most times to not use AI cars during actual races.
You Need A Force Feedback Steering Wheel - Newcomers take note. The simulator is so close to real that you need the features of a force feedback steering wheel. The feeling of the car on the turns (and when hitting some unplanned obstruction), offers so much precision that you really can't do without it.
If you use a non-force feedback steering wheel 'just to try it', you will quickly become discouraged and leave the simulator as just another piece of useless game software.
Force feedback steering wheels are available at reasonable prices, although you can go to the extreme high end if you like.
Steering wheels normally include brake and accelerator pedals witht the high end ones including a clutch. Shifting controls and programmable buttons are standard.
Don't Ask For Other Driver's Settings - They have worked hard to get their precise fast settings, using up a lot of time and practise. You will have to do the same, plus everyone drives different.
Most will share hints and tips of what individual settings will do, and help is readily available, just ask. But don't ask for specific settings. Each track requires different settings and different driving techniques.
Many drivers will volunteer to share their settings in the interest of everyone having the ability to enjoy the best racing ever, and that is great.
It is often suggested on many sites to start with the default settings, and learn to drive the line on turns, gradually increasing speed until adjustments are needed. This can take many hours of practise just as it would in a real race car.
Don't Crash - the main objective is to stay on the track and don't crash your car, or anybody else's. Anyone can 'mash it' and smash everything in sight. To stay on the track for fifty or a hundred laps and not damage your car, and gradually work your way to the front takes skill, patience, and hours of practise.
Look Way Ahead - Practise looking way up the track ahead of your car. On the curves, look as far around the curve as you can. If you only look a short distance ahead of your car you will drive very jerky and unsteady.
Following Another Car - When following another car, don't look directly at it. Look way up the track and use your peripheral vision to keep track of the car ahead. It takes practise. If you look directly at the tail end of the car ahead you will make amplified movements of every move it makes.
Brakes Are For Slowing Gears Are For Going - I willl let you figure this one out.
Practise Driving Steady - This is very important, especially for beginners. Keeping a steady straight line and not weaving from side to side will gain you more time than any amount of speed. This includes when rounding curves, not going from close to the inside to way up by the barrier. Learn to drive a steady line. It takes hours of practise.
