Final Round Pep Talk!

[Dan76]

1st of all, congrats to all for what they have been able to achieve thus far! 👍

Each round has presented a key to unlock the door to the finals...use them wisely and stay focused!

I'n no expert virtual driver, but have learned a ton here in GT Academy 2014 and in the short TT career that I have had (1st one last July in GT5) thanks to GTPlanet for the info to grow and learn. But, I have been in and around racing here and there all my life. So, I know what's at stake and the huge opportunity that lies ahead.

The key in Motorsports is in focused aggression. Back to the keys mentioned earlier, each key learned along the way will need to be applied during every tick of the clock. When frustration sets in...take a breather. Frustration will only cause you to go in the wrong direction. Don't try to force a rocket lap every time, speed will come and from looking at all the vids from the top drives, it seems the more relaxed you are the better. That is the way it is in the real world as well. You cannot force the issue the car will do what it is capable of doing as long as you let it. The car is the boss (the car has it's specs and the law of physics won't change for anyone) and you are just there to help it in the right direction.

Lol I didn't intend to write most of this but, I hope to be able to take some of my own advice haha

I learned seriously not to take a day off from the Final. I put everything aside and did other things Friday and seemed to have lost an edge to the 1st half of Mnt. Panorama. Really doesn't matter there, it's all just numbers in Rnd 3...the finals are a diff story. So, Sat I did some mods to my home made rig and everything is more stable. I'm just going to chill and turn some laps to stay on track and focused.

....

Anyway, there are thousands of competitors capable of stepping it up in the finals and making it through and be successful in RW Racing. I'm not going to lie, it's a serious long shot, but I am going to go at it as if I will make it. As I know thousands of others will do the same.

So, I said all that to say: enjoy the ride and stay focused. You can do it!

If you have any advice to share for all or just want to encourage others please do 👍 I know there is a ton of resources here at GTPlanet, thanks to all who have put in the time and effort to help others!

 

[Hardyx]

Good luck Dan and to all the guys who are willing to reach the nationals. There's a lot of talent on GTP and so I'm pretty sure we have a lot of future champions around here.
This year I'm gonna try to reach the spanish top 100, it's gonna be fun for sure

 

[Doodle]

This week is going to be possibly the most difficult week of my entire life. The final round of GT Academy begins, I have finals at school, and a family member is having a major surgery sometime this week.

I really hope I can get through this week ok so I can really focus on GT Academy next week!

My goals this year include finishing 1st in North America and Top 40 in the world. It's a tall order for someone who has only begun to become a super alien, but I know I can get there with enough determination and focus.


I wish everyone out there the best of luck out there.

 

[Dan76]

Thanks guys and ALL the best to you as well! 👍

@Doodle, I know you will do Awesome!! I will keep your family member in my prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!

 

[Not_A_Guest]

I'm just looking to have some fun and get gold. Yay!


I'm a bad driver :<

 

[MisterWeary]

This week is going to be possibly the most difficult week of my entire life. The final round of GT Academy begins, I have finals at school, and a family member is having a major surgery sometime this week...

I know GT is important to you but don't let it take over, particularly since this year you're ineligible for the big prize. Everyone knows you have alien blood and that the year you can compete is gonna be pretty awesome for you. But since this isn't that year you shouldn't let it stress you.

If I was as good at GT as you and as young as you, I'd be practicing the things that will help you when you do get the opportunity. Highly competitive GT racing and time trialing, improved fitness, real-life racing experience (even karts if that's all you have access to) but there's no need to let this particular Academy add to your stress...your time will come 👍

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

And so it begins. All I have been working for, for the last 4+ years has come down to this. The countless hours of relentless practice sessions, the blood (literally), sweat, and tears and it all comes down to this week. I'm sure most of you here know my story and my goals so I won't bore you all again with the details, but with father time against me and my failing health, this may just be my last chance to fulfill my dream, a dream I have worked so hard for and desperately would love to fulfill. I fully intend on pursuing in being a finalist for the U.S. region with relentless passion and determination, to do whatever it takes to make this dream a reality. I honestly don't know how this all will turn out, but rest assured, whatever the outcome, I'll have given it a monumental effort. I am ready, the time is now and the fire has been lit....here I go. Good luck to everyone else chasing their own dreams, keep the pedal down and don't stop till you get to the top. Here's hoping I get to meet you top guys in N.Y.

Mitch "GTP_CargoRatt"

I'll leave you all with this. It has been my motivational song from the very beginning and hopefully it can get everyone here motivated as well to do their very best.



I dedicate this effort to my father whom I lost 10 years ago. He was not only my father, but also my best friend that stood behind me through thick and thin. This one's for you Dad, hope I can do you proud. R.I.P.

 

[Dan76]

And so it begins. All I have been working for, for the last 4+ years has come down to this. The countless hours of relentless practice sessions, the blood (literally), sweat, and tears and it all comes down to this week. I'm sure most of you here know my story and my goals so I won't bore you all again with the details, but with father time against me and my failing health, this my just be my last chance to fulfill my dream, a dream I have worked so hard for and desperately would love to fulfill. I fully intend on pursuing in being a finalist for the U.S. region with relentless passion and determination, to do whatever it takes to make this dream a reality. I honestly don't know how this all will turn out, but rest assured, whatever the outcome, I'll have given it a monumental effort. I am ready, the time is now and the fire has been lit....here I go. Good luck to everyone else chasing their own dreams, keep the pedal down and don't stop till you get to the top. Here's hoping I get to meet you top guys in N.Y.

Mitch "GTP_CargoRatt"

All the best to you Mitch, you deserve it! You have been a great help for me going back to Monza w/ the Gallardo's (which I think was just my 2nd TT) I learned a lot from you there and greatly appreciate all your input on GTP! 👍

Go get em'!

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

All the best to you Mitch, you deserve it! You have been a great help for me going back to Monza w/ the Gallardo's (which I think was just my 2nd TT) I learned a lot from you there and greatly appreciate all your input on GTP! 👍

Go get em'!

Thank you Dan, really appreciate the well wishes. Good luck to you also and may all your dreams be realized as well.

 

[Dan76]

I'll leave you all with this. It has been my motivational song from the very beginning and hopefully it can get everyone here motivated as well to do their very best.



I dedicate this effort to my father whom I lost 10 years ago. He was not only my father, but also my best friend that stood behind me through thick and thin. This one's for you Dad, hope I can do you proud. R.I.P.

I just saw your edit. GREAT tune and motivator! 👍

Sorry about the loss of you Father. I lost my mom to cancer about 6 years ago, I still think once in awhile, " hey, I need to call mom and tell her..." This or that...then it hit's all over again.

I know he will be very proud! 👍



...and thank you for the well wishes! Some dreams never die even if we try to let em' go...if it's a true dream, It won't go!

 

[TRL_Importlife]

Well I figured I'd share lil but about my self lol never really played gran-turismo till I found out about gt academy
2 years ago never thought I'd have a shot at making it but I told me self I'd give it my all and if I didn't make it owell I
At least tryed my best that's all you can do I've come along way these past two years!!!! Hoping this year I'll at least have a shot at silverstone even did few track days

 

[GTP_Jimbobo]

It's finally here! Round 4 at spa in a nissan GT-R GT3.

 

[IngRobNy]

And so it begins. All I have been working for, for the last 4+ years has come down to this. The countless hours of relentless practice sessions, the blood (literally), sweat, and tears and it all comes down to this week. I'm sure most of you here know my story and my goals so I won't bore you all again with the details, but with father time against me and my failing health, this may just be my last chance to fulfill my dream, a dream I have worked so hard for and desperately would love to fulfill. I fully intend on pursuing in being a finalist for the U.S. region with relentless passion and determination, to do whatever it takes to make this dream a reality. I honestly don't know how this all will turn out, but rest assured, whatever the outcome, I'll have given it a monumental effort. I am ready, the time is now and the fire has been lit....here I go. Good luck to everyone else chasing their own dreams, keep the pedal down and don't stop till you get to the top. Here's hoping I get to meet you top guys in N.Y.

Mitch "GTP_CargoRatt"

I'll leave you all with this. It has been my motivational song from the very beginning and hopefully it can get everyone here motivated as well to do their very best.



I dedicate this effort to my father whom I lost 10 years ago. He was not only my father, but also my best friend that stood behind me through thick and thin. This one's for you Dad, hope I can do you proud. R.I.P.

Good luck to you GTP_CargoRatt, i hope you achieve your goal.

PS. To avoid open wound and water blisters on your hands when you are using your wheel, you could buy bicyckle gloves, similar to these:

 

[Monatsende]

Only one question: Is it doable for people who golded round 1-3? Or must we have more skills to gold the final round?

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

Good luck to you GTP_CargoRatt, i hope you achieve your goal.

PS. To avoid open wound and water blisters on your hands when you are using your wheel, you could buy bicyckle gloves, similar to these:

View attachment 165118

Thank you, much appreciated. Thanks for the tip on the gloves but I have tried them before and they just don't feel right. A bit like wearing shoes, which I don't, as it seems to take away the feel from the wheel. Blisters have just become the norm for me, just an annoyance when they become open and start bleeding all over.

@Monatsende Gold on this one seems pretty easy to obtain. I did it on lap 3 just getting a feel for things....and you know I'm far from being alien. Good luck to you my friend.

 

[Cobra_GT500]

Only one question: Is it doable for people who golded round 1-3? Or must we have more skills to gold the final round?

You have to have done all other rounds in order to compete for the final round. I think I Stopped gt academy after round one as I new I wouldn't stand a chance. But maybe next time as I'm getting practice with gtp online racing . Also might I add my fitness levels aren't great lol. But good luck to all trying to get through to the nationals.

Whoops sorry read the post wrong . but it should be easy enough to get gold you won't need any more skills just if you want to be in the top 10.

 

[IngRobNy]

Only one question: Is it doable for people who golded round 1-3? Or must we have more skills to gold the final round?

In my eyes, you already have the skills by getting gold on 1-3, so i think you can gold the last round.

I have gold on first round and silver on 2-3 and 4, with standard controller, on round 4 i have 2:24.243 after 5 laps, so i'm 03.243 behind gold and to win this car.

 

[BanditKarter22]

Thank you, much appreciated. Thanks for the tip on the gloves but I have tried them before and they just don't feel right. A bit like wearing shoes, which I don't, as it seems to take away the feel from the wheel. Blisters have just become the norm for me, just an annoyance when they become open and start bleeding all over.

@Monatsende Gold on this one seems pretty easy to obtain. I did it on lap 3 just getting a feel for things....and you know I'm far from being alien. Good luck to you my friend.

If you're getting blisters then maybe your gripping your wheel a bit tight? When I'm driving then I literally feel the wheel with my fingertips.

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

If you're getting blisters then maybe your gripping your wheel a bit tight? When I'm driving then I literally feel the wheel with my fingertips.

Yes, I know what the problem is and you are right. Its just that I get so intensely into it that a light grip soon becomes a tight, "hold on for dear life" grip without really realizing it until the blisters form. I know you may find this hard to believe , but I've always been a hyper, super aggressive, intense person with the inability to relax and it ultimately carries over into my driving habits. It is what it is I guess, you can't fix stupid so I just live with it.

 

[Not_A_Guest]

If you're getting blisters then maybe your gripping your wheel a bit tight? When I'm driving then I literally feel the wheel with my fingertips.

Well maybe you're just strange ... always getting top of TT's like you do

 

[IngRobNy]

It is what it is I guess, you can't fix stupid so I just live with it.

Don't be to hard on yourself, we are only human with a lot of emotions and feelings, videogaming is very intense and it brings out the best and the worst in us (maybe most worst than best, when we are being carried away )

So folks, just drive as you please, if someting being broken in the process, (like controller, steeringwheel, gearshifter, even the consol (god forbid), hands, knees (i have a nasty habit of hitting my knee with my fist and that hurts, alot), you name it) don't worry about it, just remember, you are not alone to react like that.

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

Don't be to hard on yourself, we are only human with a lot of emotions and feelings, videogaming is very intense and it brings out the best and the worst in us (maybe most worst than best, when we are being carried away )

So folks, just drive as you please, if someting being broken in the process, (like controller, steeringwheel, gearshifter, even the consol (god forbid), hands, knees (i have a nasty habit of hitting my knee with my fist and that hurts, alot), you name it) don't worry about it, just remember, you are not alone to react like that.

Thanks for the words of wisdom, sometimes I need them. Everyone here who knows me, knows how intense I am and how I tend to overreact sometimes, its just a personal flaw I have and being in an intense competition like this only enhances the flaw....sort of how alcohol intensifies one's personality, especially if you're an 🤬.

 

[BanditKarter22]

Thanks for the words of wisdom, sometimes I need them. Everyone here who knows me, knows how intense I am and how I tend to overreact sometimes, its just a personal flaw I have and being in an intense competition like this only enhances the flaw....sort of how alcohol intensifies one's personality, especially if you're an 🤬.

When I'm playing GT, I let my frustration out by hitting the nearest piece of furniture!

 

[IngRobNy]

Thanks for the words of wisdom, sometimes I need them. Everyone here who knows me, knows how intense I am and how I tend to overreact sometimes, its just a personal flaw I have and being in an intense competition like this only enhances the flaw....sort of how alcohol intensifies one's personality, especially if you're an 🤬.

I will turn that around, because if a person is not able to be excited, intens,angry,sad, happy, carried away and much much more, then we are talking about serious flaws and maybe personality disorders.
Some of us just show emotions more than others, there is nothing wrong with that, this is just how it should be, we can't all be alike and behave the same way, and at least for me, that would be very very boring.

 

[sems4arsenal]

My worry is actually when I do make it and fail at the camp. Very hard to have that one chance to realise your dream than boom it's over back to your average life.

 

[IngRobNy]

My worry is actually when I do make it and fail at the camp. Very hard to have that one chance to realise your dream than boom it's over back to your average life.

Oh, so you are aiming for the GT Academy camp? That is a very big goal, i wish you good Luck, who knows, maybe your dreams come true? And if you don't try, you will never know.

Pesonally i would be happy just to get gold and win the Nissan GT-R, but i'm very far from that, i have manage to get my time down to 2:22.622

 

[sems4arsenal]

Oh, so you are aiming for the GT Academy camp? That is a very big goal, i wish you good Luck, who knows, maybe your dreams come true? And if you don't try, you will never know.

Pesonally i would be happy just to get gold and win the Nissan GT-R, but i'm very far from that, i have manage to get my time down to 2:22.622

I've been practicing the whole year, I qualified last time but there was a 21 year age restriction which is gone this time, so I'll putting every effort to qualify again and hopefully make the top 5 in the middle east.

Always push yourself, watch videos of people lapping faster and improve steadily, everyone has a chance

 

[IngRobNy]

I've been practicing the whole year, I qualified last time but there was a 21 year age restriction which is gone this time, so I'll putting every effort to qualify again and hopefully make the top 5 in the middle east.

Always push yourself, watch videos of people lapping faster and improve steadily, everyone has a chance

It's my driving style that keeps me from gold, i have always (since GT1) had the habit of breaking late (often to late) before corners, it works well in race against the AI, but in time trial i loose to much speed when i'm exit the corners, i have to learn to break early, then i can hit the trottle the moment before i exit the corner.

 

[sems4arsenal]

It's my driving style that keeps me from gold, i have always (since GT1) had the habit of breaking late (often to late) before corners, it works well in race against the AI, but in time trial i loose to much speed when i'm exit the corners, i have to learn to break early, then i can hit the trottle the moment before i exit the corner.

Finding best braking points is one of the best ways to improve lap times.

 

[Dan76]

It's my driving style that keeps me from gold, i have always (since GT1) had the habit of breaking late (often to late) before corners, it works well in race against the AI, but in time trial i loose to much speed when i'm exit the corners, i have to learn to break early, then i can hit the trottle the moment before i exit the corner.

Braking late is something that is easy to fall prey to (I'm right w/ you). Always remember it's on exit that you need to be at your best. Focus on how your entry will effect exit. Relax and back off way early at 1st then build to what braking point works best for exit. The sooner you can get on the throttle the better.

...............................................

Since @GTP_CargoRatt shared a vid that has been so inspiring to so many for years, I got to thinkin' about a tune that hit me when I needed it the most.

I had to work late one Friday, the Friday of ATL's (then) Craftsmen Truck Series race. I tuned the Radio in as I left work to head home and ironically as I drove by AMS the green flag dropped for the start of the race. It was tough on me. I knew a few of the drivers in the race. I knew where they had been. What they had done before. Where our paths crossed...I thought, "I should be out there!"

At that stage in my life, it was a long trip home. I thought, " I must be crazy, it's too late in life all the great opps have come and gone. Potential Sponsor deals, dead. Opps w/ race teams fizzled out. I just need to give up!"

When I got home my wonderful wife had my supper warmed and at the table. I sat down to eat and she sat w/ me (I didn't tell her about the race in ATL or turn it on to see the finish), she said, " I heard a song today you would probably like, maybe they will play the vid again later". So, sure enough she turned the vid station on and shortly they played...

I wonder sometimes if it's good or bad, but at any rate: Dream Dreamer, Dream!