Originally Posted by rice_classic (Post 394779)

Well, this GT/Forza trained driver is working on his 2nd championship.

Originally Posted by dsgerbc (Post 395546)

You are confusing natural talent/ability with what those games gave you.

Originally Posted by ft86Fan (Post 396410)

If you use it like an arcade game and just crashing into and pushing cars out of the way to win then of course you won't learn anything and even pick up some bad habits.

Originally Posted by Ross Bently@Speed Secrets 2

Computer simulation
Speaking of Jacques Villeneuve, he may have done more for the computer game/simulation industry than most people realize. you may have read that in his first season in Formula One he used computer games extensively to help learn the tracks that were new to him. Prior to going to Spa for the first time--generally accepted as the most difficult Grand Prix track--he practiced by driving lap after lap on the computer. What happened when he got there for the race? With a limited number of practice laps, he qualified on pole. At that moment, racer drivers around the world ran out and bought more computer games!

I have to admit to not having spent much time with computer games, although I would like to more, especially with the latest stuff that's out there. In fact, these computer games, and more realistically, simulation, can be a very useful adjunct to mental imagery.

I believe these simulations can be valuable in terms of helping a driver develop a virtual reality visualization, although there are a couple of limitations. First, of the three sensory inputs a race driver relies on (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic), simulations do a good job with two (visual and auditory) and a very limited, if any, job of the third (kinesthetic). Second, how much does driving an F1 car at Spa help a Formula Ford driver at Thunderhill? Mental rehearsal of driving one type of car on a specific track does not necessarily apply to another.

Having said that, there are things that a "sim driver" can practice that will help once on a real track. He can practice the ability to focus concentration for a period of time. He can also develop a fin sensitivity and control fo the steering wheel. And finally, he can practice learning. (bold is me) ....

Overall, I think simulation is another tool that race drivers can and should use to develop and maximize their on-track performance. just as relying solely on mental imagery, or practicing only in go-karts will limit your ability to learn, only using simulations will not result in you becoming the next World Champion. But combined with all the other tools a race driver has today, simulations are very valuable.

Originally Posted by ft86Fan (Post 396410)

Like everybody is saying, racing sims are tools. Its up to the user how they use the tool. You can certainly learn a lot of things using GT5 if used correctly. If you use it like an arcade game and just crashing into and pushing cars out of the way to win then of course you won't learn anything and even pick up some bad habits. I've also played iRacing and don't believe its head and shoulders above GT5. Don't forget GT Academy have turned a lot of regular GT5 sims player into professional racing drivers and they are doing quite well.

Originally Posted by dsgerbc (Post 396476)

It's a PR event. Means exactly zero. And again, their task is to pick up people who are already skilled. Last year's US winner was a national-level autox-er before that. And he's now racing in a secondary series with pretty marginal success.

Originally Posted by dsgerbc (Post 461404)

For everyone else, who think that professional racing is mostly about skill, it's not necessarily so.

Originally Posted by CSG David (Post 376834)

Make sure you have the right brake pads and fluid before you go. Also having good tires for the road course makes things safer and easier to have fun. If you're not sure what speed you can enter a corner, do 100% braking in a straight line before you can safely negotiate the corner. Gassing should always be progressive. The more you steer, the less you're on the gas/brakes, the less you steer, the more you're on the gas/brakes. Also, always try to use as much of the track width as you can. Remember to be safe and you'll be okay. This car is very safe, capable, and easy to drive. Have fun out there!:thumbup:

There has been a lot of talk about how much "looser" the rear end is on the FRS. For the BRZ, more trail braking and throttle modulation are required to get the car to rotate better. Perhaps the FRS is the better balance. Either way, slow in, fast out for a little bit before you get more comfortable out on the track! :)