IndyCar Racing II FAQ 1.0


Last Modified: 12 Jan 97

Introduction
============
This FAQ is an attempt to answer common questions about the simulation
IndyCar Racing II (ICR2), from Papyrus/Sierra On-Line (see a computer
store near you for a copy or check out http://www.sierra.com).

Send any additions, clarifications, etc. to mcarver@kazart.com

This FAQ will be posted periodically to rec.autos.simulators.

Updates
=======
12/01/97  Removed reference to Suncom SFX gamepad as it appears to be no
	  longer in production.
	  Added information on use of keys for owners of Rendition
	  bundled version.
	  Added modem initialization string information


Table of Contents
=================
Q: What are the system requirements?
Q: What versions of IndyCar Racing II are available?
Q: How can I get the latest versions?
Q: After patching or doing a complete install why can't I update 
   certain files?
Q: Is there IPX Network support in ICR2?
Q: What 3-D video cards are supported by ICR2?
Q: What version of ICR2 comes bundled with some Rendition Video cards?
Q: I have the bundled version that came with my Renditon Video card.  
   What are some of the special keys to control brake bias, etc.?
Q: Is there a demo?
Q: How come I can't get any pit service in the DOS Demo?
Q: How can I turn on some of the missing features in the Demo?
Q: I am running IndyCar Racing II on a 486 DX2 66mhz with 8mb of RAM.
   Will adding another 8mb of RAM make a significant difference in game
   play?
   It runs smoothly in VGA mode but I would prefer to run it "smoothly"
   in SVGA. Will 16mb of RAM instead of 8mb help me?
Q: Why are some of the drivers missing?
Q: Are there updated cars & drivers available?
Q: I just downloaded a carset, but I can't get it to work?
Q: Why are there "seams" on the cars I painted?  And what about that
   "skunk stripe" down the top of the car?
Q: Why aren't the Homestead, Rio de Janeiro, and Indianapolis tracks
   included?
Q: Is there a Track Pack for ICR2?
Q: How can I run ICR2 in SVGA?
Q: How can I capture a "screen shot"?
Q: I set Announcer to 100%, but I still can't hear any voices during
   the game.
Q: Why is my pit always at the same place?
Q: My car disappears in the "cork screw" at Laguna Seca.  What gives?
Q: The menu just scrolls selections madly.  How can control this to
   make a selection?
Q: Why can't I get Univbe to work with my ATI video card?
Q: I am having trouble connecting via modem.  Can you suggest any modem
   initialization strings?
Q: Can someone tell me what the difference is between the different
   chassis, engines and tires?   
Q: I'm having trouble learning some of the Road Courses.  Are there any 
   tips?  
Q: I'm using a steering wheel.  Any tips on setting the steering lock?
Q: What is the difference between controllers (digital or analog)?
Q: Any tips on passing strategies?
Q: Are there any tips on how to setup one's car?
   
Questions and Answers
=====================

Q: What are the system requirements?
A: System Requirements (MS-DOS/Windows)
   VGA
      Double Speed CD-ROM drive
      486DX 33/Mhz or greater
      8MB RAM
      MS-DOS 5.x or 6.x
      12MB hard drive space
   SVGA
      Double Speed CD-ROM drive
      486DX2 66/Mhz or greater
      8MB RAM
      MS-DOS 5.x or 6.x
      12MB hard drive space
   Recommended:
      Pentium/586 processor
      12MB RAM
      Joystick or driving wheel/pedal
      combo Sound card (no PC speaker support)
   Minimum requirements for PC Systems: MS-DOS 5.0+ or Windows 95:
         2X CD ROM
      DOS:
         VGA, 486 DX/33
         8MB RAM,
         15MB Available hard drive space 
         SVGA: 486 DX2/66
         Windows 95:
         Pentium+
         16MB RAM
         Most sound cards supported.
         Recommended:
            Pentium 90+
            joystick
            driving wheel/pedals
                     
     System Requirements (PowerPC Mac)
       Minimum requirements for PowerPC
          Mac: 2X CD ROM
          16 MB RAM,
          System 7.1+
          Power Mac series
          15 MB HD space
          Recommended:
             System 7.5+
             Joystick

Q: What versions of IndyCar Racing II are available?
A: The following versions of IndyCar Racing have been
   released: Version   1.00 (DOS)  Original release
   Version 1.01 (DOS/Win95) Re-Release (also via patch)
   Version 1.02 (DOS/Win95) patch
   Version 1.00 (Mac) Original release

   There is also a "Rendition" version (DOS ver. 1.02) available as a
   "bundle" with either the Intergraph Intense 3D 100 (a.k.a. Reactor) or
   Sierra's Screamin' 3D video cards.
   
Q: How can I get the latest versions?
A: Here are a list of the patches and their URL’s:

    icr100_2.exe (DOS, hard drive installation of version 1.0 only!)
      1.23M, posted on 07/17/96 
      ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/sierra/patches/sports-sim/icr100_2.exe
      Fixes yellow flag problem with race order being corrupted, and
      understeering problem after driving a long time. This patch
      upgrades version 1.0 of the game to version 1.2. It will not work
      with the CD-ROM installation of the game. Please make certain that
      you are using version 1.0 of the game, as this patch will not work
      with version 1.1.
      
    icr101_2.exe (DOS, hard drive installation of version 1.1 only!)
      216k, posted on 07/17/96
      ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/sierra/patches/sports-sim/icr101_2.exe
      Fixes problem with mouse being automatically selected for
      controls.  Also fixes yellow flag problem with race order being
      corrupted, and understeering problem after driving a long time.
      This patch upgrades version 1.1 of the game to version 1.2. It
      will not work with the CD-ROM installation of the game. Please
      make certain that you are using version 1.1 of the game, as this
      patch will not work with version 1.0.

  icr2win.exe (Windows 95, hard drive installation of DOS version only!)
      4.43 megs, posted on 09/09/96
      ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/sierra/patches/sports-sim/icr2win.exe
      Upgrades the DOS version of Indy Car Racing 2 to the Windows
      95 version. After executing patch file, run README.BAT for
      installation instructions. NOTE: You need to install
      ICR100_2.EXE before you can install this upgrade.
      
  w95icr11.exe (Windows 95, hard drive installation of version 1.0 only!)
      218k, posted on 07/25/96
      ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/sierra/patches/sports-sim/w95icr11.exe
      Fixes problem of sound in the introduction starting before the
      video does. Corrects realism settings in 2-player mode. Fixes
      statistical issues.
      
   indycar2_patch.hqx (Mac version only!)
      374k, posted on 10/21/96
      ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/macintosh_patches/indycar2_patches.hqx
      Adds support for Mac Thrustmaster T2 pedals. Game will now
      automatically unlock the modem configuration file. Fixes
      crashes during multiplayer racing (system crashes, that is... a
      mere patch can't help your driving). Allows Mac version of game
      to sponsor multiplayer matches which include users of the
      Windows/DOS versions of the game.
      
Q: After patching or doing a complete install why can't I update certain
   files?
A: Need to set attributes of *.txt files in various Tracks directories
   to turn off read-only.
   
Q: Is there IPX Network support in ICR2?
A: Sorry, there is not.

Q: What 3-D video cards are supported by ICR2?
A: The “retail” versions of IndyCar Racing II do not support any 3D
   accelerated video cards. However, a Rendition supported version is
   bundled with either the Intergraph Intense 3D 100 (a.k.a. Reactor) or
   Sierra’s Screamin’ 3D video cards.
   
Q: What version of ICR2 comes bundled with some Rendition Video cards?
A: ICR2-3D is an "optimized" version of v1.02, but doesn't include a
   patched paintkit.  The patch for the paintkit can be found at:
   http://www.kazart.com/autosim/indycar.htm

Q: I have the bundled version that came with my Renditon Video card.  
   What are some of the special keys to control brake bias, etc.?
A: The following information comes from the readme.txt file of the demo
   version and the manual from the retail version.  It is a violation of
   the Software Ethics Code (section 98:41.5) to use this information if
   you do not have own a legitimate copy of ICR2.  Violators will be
   persecuted [sic] to the fullest extent of karma!

   Driving Views:  You can cycle through different views of the car while
   driving by pressing the F10 key.

   Information Boxes : Additional information boxes may be called up by use
   of the following function keys:

   F1     Lap Information - Useful info about position and laps completed.
   F2     Standings - up-to-date race standings.  Use "<" & ">" to
	  scroll.
   F3     Fuels - Shows current fuel and estimated laps.  Use "<" & ">"
	  to adjust.
   F4     Tires - Shows tire temperature.  
   F5     Tires - This box shows tire pressure and condition.  Space to
          toggle through tires.  Use "<" & ">" to adjust pressure, 
	  "Enter" to toggle change in pits, "?" to select compound.
   F7     Wings - Too much drag at Michigan?  Tell your pit crew to lower
          those wings. Use "<" & ">" to adjust, "spacebard" to toggle
	  selection.
   F8     Wheel Stagger - Tell your pit crew how to stagger your tires.
	  Use "<" & ">" to adjust.
   F9     Pit radio - Know what your pit crew is planning at a glance.
	  "spacebar" to toggle repairs on/off.

   Turbocharger L = Increased Boost  K = Decreased Boost
   Brake Bias   ' = Move forward     ; = Move rearward
   Anti-Roll Bars:
	Front	+ = Stiffen	     - = Soften
        Rear	] = Stiffen	     [ = Soften
   
Q: Is there a demo?
A: A DOS demo can be found at:
   (DOS) ftp://ftp.std.com/vendors/papyrus/icr2demo.exe
   (DOS) ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/sierra/demo/icr2demo.exe
   (Win95) ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/sierra/demo/wicr2dem.exe
   (MacBinary) 
   ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/macintosh_demos/IndyCar2_Demo.sea.bin
   (Mac BinHex)
   ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/macintosh_demos/IndyCar2_Demo.sea.hqx

Q: How come I can't get any pit service in the Demo?
A: It's a demo and your pit crew has the weekend off.

Q: How can I turn on some of the missing features in the DOS Demo?
A: Courtesy Neil Jedrzejewski (Note: an editor is also available at:
   http://www.theuspits.com/workshop.html)

   To turn on some of the disabled features in the Indycar Racing II
   demo you can do the following:

   Open the file GAMEOPTS.CFG and using the hex editor change the
   following bytes.
   
   Offset      Value (hex)         Result
   68          01-64               Race distance in %
   72          00                  PaceCar off
   72          01                  PaceCar on 
   89          00                  Damage off
   89          01                  Damage Realistic (great fun)
   89          02                  Damage Arcade 
   93          00                  Breakdowns Off 
   93          01                  Breakdowns On 
   97          00                  Yellow Flags On
   97          01                  Yellow Flags Off
   The offset it how many bytes into the file the value resides at.
   Offset 0 is the first byte, Offset 1 the second and so on.

   Before doing this, backup your GAMEOPTS.CFG file by typing COPY
   GAMEOPTS.CFG GAMEOPTS.BAK

   If you have any problems, delete your GAMEOPTS.CFG file (a new one
   will be created next time you run Indycar) or type COPY GAMEOPTS.BAK
   GAMEOPTS.CFG
   
Q: I am running IndyCar Racing II on a 486 DX2 66mhz with 8mb of RAM.
   Will adding another 8mb of RAM make a significant difference in game
   play?
   It runs smoothly in VGA mode but I would prefer to run it "smoothly"
   in SVGA.  Will 16mb of RAM instead of 8mb help me?
A: For the DOS version it's been stated that the memory(above 8MB) only
   increases the length of the replay.
   
Q: Why are some of the drivers missing?
A: ICR2 is based on the 1995 CART season.  Papyrus was unable to get
   License Agreements with all teams and Drivers.
   
Q: Are there updated cars & drivers available?
A: Various 3rd party efforts have been made to provide cars & drivers
   for 1995 & 1996.  Check any of the following:
      http://www.kazart.com/autosim/indycar.htm
      http://www.theuspits.com/workshop.html
      
Q: I just downloaded a carset, but I can't get it to work?
A: The directory name where you put the new carset must match the name
   of the .DAT file.  If the .DAT file you downloaded is PPG96.DAT, the
   directory name must be PPG96.  Also note that the directory must
   fall directly under the CARS directory.
   
Q: Why are there "seams" on the cars I painted?  And what about that
   "skunk stripe" down the top of the car?
A: You need to patch your paintkit program.  You can find the patch at
   http://www.kazart.com/autosim/indycar.htm
   
Q: Why aren't the Homestead, Rio de Janeiro, and Indianapolis tracks
   included?
A: ICR2 is based on the 1995 CART season.  Some of the tracks were
   changed in the 1996 season.  Papyrus also did not have a License
   Agreement with the Indianapolis Speedway.

Q: Is there a Track Pack for ICR2?
A: No, there is not.  However, if one legally owns NASCAR Racing or the
   Indianapolis Track Pack for ICR1, there are conversion programs for
   these tracks.  Check http://www.theuspits.com/workshop.html
   
Q: How can I capture a "screen shot"?
A: Press the Print Screen key on your keyboard.  A PCX format file will
   be created in you ICR2 directory.
   
Q: How can I run ICR2 in SVGA?
A: When starting the simulation, use the "-h" switch (INDYCAR -H).

Q: I set Announcer to 100%, but I still can't hear any voices during
   the game.
A: The only voice one normally hears is Paul Page’s during the opening
   intro.  However, there is an Easter Egg in ICR2.  Hint:  Don’t do
   something stupid like running into the Pace Car too fast.

Q: Why is my pit always at the same place?
A: So you can find it in the “heat of the battle”.  Actually this is
   how Papyrus programmed the simulation.  Sorry.
   
Q: My car disappears in the "cork screw" at Laguna Seca.  What gives?
A: Read the readme.txt that came with the game.  You do read the
   readme.txt files, don’t you?
   
Q: The menu just scrolls selections madly.  How can control this to
   make a selection?
A: It appears that your joystick is out of calibration.  Press the "J"
   key which will turn off your joystick.  Now you can re-calibrate
   your joystick or make other selections.
   
Q: Why can’t I get Univbe to work with my ATI video card?
A: You can if you disable the framebuffer.  However, this will not give
   you any video performance gains.  You can try to obtain the latest
   VESA BIOS extension driver from ATI (http://www.atitech.ca) or try
   the latest SciTech UniVBE (now known as Display Doctor) at
   (http://www.scitechsoft.com).

Q: I am having trouble connecting via modem.  Can you suggest any modem
   initialization strings?
A: First check you modem manual and make sure your intialization string
   has turned of "data compression".
   
   A friend and I recently struggled to get my new 33.6 Dynalink modem
   talking to his USR Sportster 14.4.  We both were using the standard USR
   init string for the USR Sportster (AT&F...AT&K0&M0) to no avail.
   Technical support and all data we could find led us to dead ends.
   However, after some wild guesses, we found that by adding &B1 (Fixed
   Serial Port Rate) to the end of the string, ICR2 connected and worked
   well.  Hope this may save someone out there some pain and suffering.
      Earl Setser 

   > I've got a USR 28.8 DSVD and can't get the voice side to work. If you
   > know how or have a successful modem string please clue me in. 

   I've submitted a complete write-up on DSVD to Sim Racing News and it
   should be in there on the next issue. [Editor:  His article appeared
   in the August 1996 issue http://members.aol.com/simracing/index.htm]

   The summary is this.  yes it works and works great, with the following
   caveats:

   Modem string should be:  AT&F1&K0SSE=1

   It doesn't work with the modem string they ship because it disables
   error correction and error correction is REQUIRED for DSVD --
   unfortunately this means an increase in latency, but its tolerable.

   Secondly, you cannot switch from voice to voice/data within the game.
   The way Papyrus coded the answering mechanism it just doesn't work.
   You need to set your modem strings as above.  Dial using the game,
   wait until the connection is established and the answering person
   switches to a track, then lift the handset.  I've raced probably 30
   times with the DSVD setup and this is the most reliable way to do it.
      rmagruder@wpo.borland.com (Randy Magruder)
   
Q: Can someone tell me what the difference is between the different
   chassis, engines and tires?
A: From a post to r.a.s. by  comalley@iol.ie (GAUNTLET):
   Goodyear tyres, the qualifying tire, firestone and goodyear are
   then basically the same for race lastability.
   Peneske is the race chassis for non-ovals, Reynard is quicker but
   harder to drive {less stable rear end}.

   Lola is the Oval chassis

   Cosworth is the oval engine I think {12,800-13,000 best rev level}

   Mercedes probably the best non-oval engine {12,800-13,000)

   Honda the best of both worlds engine I believe {12,800-13,200} red
   lines at 13,500 but I believe it starts losing power after 13,200.
                                   
   --------------------------------------------

   From a post to AOL by Chad255786:
   The Chassis, Engines, Tires performance values of the real Indycar
   World Series are the basis for ICR II.

   This means:

   Lola:  Just slightly the best overall chassis.  Best on ovals and
   superspeedways, slight stability problems on some road courses that
   affects tire wear and handling over the course of a fuel load.
   
   Reynard:  Better than the Lola on road courses, confident, stable on
   ovals but a little heavier and  produces more drag making the lola
   overall, a better sled.
   
   Penske:  I can't figure if Papy setup the Penske to be like the
   season end Penske which finished EVER so close to Pruett at Michigan
   or the Chassis that got beat by the Speedway tour bus at Indy.
   Anyway.
   Penske:  Solid road course performer where it was easiest of all 3
   to handle/ wear tires over the whole season.  Sucked on ovals until
   very late in the season (when the `96 undercarriage and suspension
   pieces were added) because the car lost so much speed in turns and
   experienced sometimes violent buffering/handling when in a pack of
   cars and slipstreaming occurred.
   
   Engines:
   Ford:  Best overall.  Improved low-end torque over the `94 engine
   package.  Solid high-end power for ovals/superspeedways.  Prone to
   more breakdowns than the other engines.(fact in ICR II and real
   life*****)
   Mercedes:  Weak at high ends compared to Honda and Ford.  Good low
   range power and better power band than Ford.  VERY reliable.
   Honda:  Okay at low ranges(coming out of turns on a road course)
   Great, Great top power for the ovals.  This engine is the choice of
   anyone trying to set one lap records at Michigan etc...
  
   Tires:
   Goodyear:  Good grip, average durability.  Best on road courses.  not
   as sticky as the Firestones.

   Firestones:  Better on ovals than the Goodyears because of their
   better grip and longer durability (Ask S. Pruett at Indy when he
   SKIPPED a tire change during the race to get back a lap.  Damn
   impressive)  Firestones were good on the road courses but they
   didn't get a win.  No real reason why.
   
   SO:  These are the facts relating to the `95 season.  I have it on
   good authority (tech guy at Papy explained this when I call their
   office recently) that these are the patterns the game will emulate.

Q: I'm having trouble learning some of the Road Courses.  Are there any 
   tips?  
A: Learning to drive Road Courses:
   Okay, I am trying to move on to a road course now; Laguna Seca.  I've
   turned damage off and auto spin recovery one (save some time
   resetting), but I have left auto brake and auto shift off.  I am
   running the practice pattern with 31 opponents at 80%.  Is this the
   best way to pick up the rythm of a course?

   I find it better to learn the course without any traffic.  They tend 
   to through my rhythm off.  Rhythm is the key to road courses.  It 
   doesn't hurt to do a session with traffic and then watch the replay 
   from one of the faster cars.  This will usually reveal a few tricks.

   How to get the timing of the brake and down/up shift correct?  Visual
   clues?  Number gears to down shift on the way in?  Find a resonable
   gear like third for a few bunched up turns?  Shift in the turns or
   always on the straights?  I have a lot of trouble shifting and
   steering turns with one hand.  I wish I could shift without taking my
   hands off the wheel.  Whatever happened to HOTAS (hands on throttle
   and stick)?

   I find that is usually unwise to shift in a corner.  Look for markers 
   or skid marks for where you need to start your braking.  Try to do 
   your heavy braking in a straight line.  I shift down as I brake.  You 
   will find it helpful to have a little brake on while you start your 
   turn.  This puts more weight transfer onto the front wheels.  Try to 
   be off the brake as you complete the turn.  I look for a gearing that 
   will let me be near the top of the rev range when I come out of the 
   turn and get back on the gas.  You may have to change the gearing for 
   a couple of turns.  Plan your turn so you can get back in the gas as 
   soon as possible.  Generally speaking more time is made coming out of 
   the turns than entering them.  The exception is when trying to out 
   brake an opponet to get at the turn first.

   Practice -- Practice -- Practice.  Find a comfortable setup (not
   necessarily fast).  One that will allow you to make each lap with
   consistant times.  Get the rhythm down and you will find your time 
   will increase.  Be smooth!  Once you get the course down start playing
   with your setup for speed.  Then it's time to mix it up with some 
   traffic.

   Oh, did I  forget to mention Practice?!

Q: I'm using a steering wheel.  Any tips on setting the steering lock?
A: When you set your car up, reduce the steering lock.  Set it so you can
   make the slowest corner on a road course with about full lock.  Then
   increase the steering lock a degree or 2.

   I usually have the steering lock set for 10-12 on road circuits and 
   8-10 for ovals.

Q: What is the difference between controllers (digital or analog)?
A: I've been using the keyboard for racing in NASCAR with ok results.  It
   seems the biggest problem with buttons though are that they are either 
   ON or OFF.  No inbetweens.  Question:  Are the joy sticks & wheels the
   same way?  I mean for instance if you turn the wheel half way does the 
   car experience say half the wheel lock angle?  OR is it done so that 
   the wheels and sticks put out periodic signals that are proportional to 
   the range of movement?  

   The keyboard (and other digital controllers, such as joystick buttons)
   causes steering, acceleration, braking and reverse to be applied on an
   increasing basis. We do not "slam" the wheels left/right, or the 
   gas/brake to the floor. We do it gradually over a period of time (I 
   don't have the code in front of me so I can't say at what rate, but 
   it's short - about a second to full value, I believe).

   Analog controllers such as joysticks are interpreted for steering in 
   one of two ways. If you choose linear steering, then the joystick 
   value corresponds linearly to the steering angle; 1/2 left will give 
   you 1/2 left steering. If you choose non-linear steering, then the 
   joystick value is converted to steering angle by a (surprise) 
   non-linear function; again, I don't have the code in front of me, 
   so I can't tell you what the function is.

   Rick Genter
   Technical Lead, IndyCar Racing II
   Papyrus Design Group, Inc.

Q: Any tips on passing strategies?
A: My experience has been that if you are dicing for position, it is the
   racer behind that must find their way around the other.   Blocking is
   usually tolerated when a fight for position is being engaged.  
   However, if a racer is being lapped, it is considered good racing 
   etiquette to let faster cars by at the earliest opportunity.  A lapped
   racer is not expected to give up his line into a turn for a faster 
   car, but not block that car either on exit, or when trying to pass in
   the corner. Again, it is still up to the faster car to find their way 
   around.  I would expect the same to hold true for racing sims. 

   Jerry
   Purple Lips Racing

Q: Are there any tips on how to setup one's car?
A: Yes, Terje Wold Johansen has prepared an excellent article that
   appeared in the May 1996 issue of Sim Racing News.

   Indycar 2 - General Setup Guide
   - by Terje Wold Johansen

   To complement this month's track guide for Indycar 2 and to give
   people a grounding in setting up an Indycar, we needed some basic
   facts. What ARE each of the setup options? What do they do? How do
   they complement one another? Below Terje gives an overview of the
   lesser understood parameters of Indycar setup, and how they affect
   the car's handling. Take it away Terje....
   
    1. ANTI-ROLL BARS (ARB)
   
   What happens when you adjust the ARBs?
   
   Increasing the front ARB stiffens the front end of the car and
   increasing the rear ARB stiffens the back. Decreasing them makes
   each respective end softer. What does softer or stiffer imply?
   
   When a car is said to be soft it has relatively much roll. Roll is
   experimented when you turn the steering wheel or brake. When turning
   it depends on the stiffness of the car and the actual weight being
   transfered(speed, turning radius). Under braking it depends on the
   speed, stiffness and the brake balance. A soft car will respond
   slowly to weight transfer while a stiff car will respond quickly.
   This response time decides how your car handles. Because roll is
   equal to response more roll equals higher response time and too much
   roll means that the car will feel sluggish. The opposite of sluggish
   is too pitch sensitive which often means that the car has been set
   up too stiff. Apart from the ARBs the shocks play an important part
   in the stiffness of the car. In ICR2 shocks equal shocks and springs
   in the real IndyCars.
   
   When do I adjust ARB?
   
   Usually you would like to decrease the front ARB if you experiment
   push in a turn, but you would like to increase the rear ARB if you
   experiment push when entering a turn. If you have oversteer in a
   turn soften rear ARB and/or stiffen front ARB. If you have oversteer
   when entering a turn soften rear ARB and/or stiffen front ARB. If
   you have oversteer when exiting a turn increase front ARB and/or
   soften rear ARB. Usually it is pretty easy to find the optimum
   settings as the car doesn't push into a turn and oversteer while in
   it and finally understeer when exiting. Usually it is only
   understeer or oversteer. If you experiment both it is something
   fundamentally wrong with your set-up and/or your driving.
   
   2. BRAKE BALANCE
   
   The brake balance affects the weight transfer under braking. By
   moving the balance forward the front brakes will do more of the
   braking than the rear and hence more weight will be distributed
   forward than if you didn't. Too little weight transfer to the front
   may cause the car to swap ends as the rear becomes too heavy. Too
   much weight transfer forward will make steering difficult because
   the front tyres loose grip. On tight tracks like Detroit the balance
   is often moved backwards in order to make the car turn in more under
   braking. The brake balance is heavily influenced by driving style.
   
   3. CAMBER
   
   Why is it that the temperatures become unequal across a tyre? The
   unequal temperatures are a function of the weight distribution that
   takes place when driving through a turn and the general downforce of
   the car. Changing the camber of a tyre means that we can adjust how
   much of the tyre we would like to touch the track surface. Camber is
   essential to how fast you can drive through a turn. Lessening (-)
   the camber tilts the top of the tyre against the car which is
   exactly the opposite of what happens when you increase (+) the
   camber. The pressure of the tyre is important when adjusting the
   camber.
   
   If the tyre temperature on the inside is equal to the outside but
   not equal to the middle you must change the tyre pressure.
   
   Camber heavily affects the braking so the brake balance may have to
   be adjusted after you have made changes to the camber.
   
   4. STAGGER
   
   You can think of stagger as a compensating factor applied on the
   right tyres that makes them revolve around at equal speed to the
   left ones on a banked surface. Adjusting stagger means that you
   adjust the circumference of the right tyres. More stagger bigger
   circumference and vice versa.
   
   5. SHOCKS
   
   Shocks decide the stiffness of the car. Softening shocks equal more
   roll The car's ability to pick up weight transfer decreases and
   hence the car will become more sluggish and unresponsive. Too soft
   front shocks cause oversteer. Too soft rear shocks cause understeer.
   
   Stiffening shocks equal less roll. The car's ability to pick up
   weight transfer increases and hence the car will become more
   responsive. Too stiff front shocks cause understeer. Too stiff rear
   shocks cause oversteer.
   
   Copyright © Sim Racing News & Terje Wold Johansen - 1996
   

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Copyright © 1997, Michael E. Carver