Suzuki Cappacino RM Racing 4-17

[t_ray_z28]

I'm pretty interested in this series! I was interested in the last Capp series but didn't notice it until it was basically ending.. But I'd need to know exact days and times, because I'm doing a couple of other series already! I'll keep an eye on this post for any updates!

 

[t_ray_z28]

I'm pretty interested in this series! I was interested in the last Capp series but didn't notice it until it was basically ending.. But I'd need to know exact days and times, because I'm doing a couple of other series already! I'll keep an eye on this post for any updates!

Ok, just bought, built, and tested the car! Definately interested in the series! Add me to the interest list, and let me know when a concrete time and day you're wanting to run it! Sounds like a good time! 👍

 

[Schadenfreude13]

1. Tsukuba - easy and we all know it, a good first race for everybody to get a feel for things.
2. Autumn Ring - another track most people are familiar with, almost taylor-made for these cars.
3. Laguna Seca - these things BLAZE through the corkscrew!!
4. Grand Valley East-Reverse - another track that feels taylor-made for these cars.
5. Cote Azur (sp?) aka Monaco or the Nordeschlife - drove the Capp around both of these and it was some of the most fun I've had on them! They're still a challenge, but after 4 races we'll be ready for a good challenge.

I'm flexible on the last track, I could see some people not wanting to run those but I wanted to put it out there. They're personal favorites of mine and the Capp was a ton of fun on both of them. Thoughts?


Brandon

We going golfing or racing? I believe the word you were looking for was tailor-made

Just busting your balls a bit.

In all seriousness, I like your track ideas. There could be issues with climbing that hill at Laguna Seca, if we restrict power at all...

I'm breaking in a Capp right now, so I'm gonna have to test that track out for myself. I'd like to throw Eiger out there as another possibility, it's a fun track, except for the same potential for a sluggish climb up the hill(s).

 

[Müle]

I fully modified my Cappuccino, and it was 133 hp at 0 miles, so it should be fine.

 

[Wardez]

Yeah, what you guys need to realize is that in order for the racing to be good we need to pick tracks based on a main pre-requisite.

No straights that are too long - this is because of the intense draft that would easily shoot you past the person ahead of you while you're on a long straight.

Also, choosing to go with the non-mandatory pit stops opens up our track choices. We wouldn't have to worry about having pits so we could use London (which now that I think about it, would be an awesome awesome choice for this car) and kart tracks.

The issue with people just outright choosing to not stop can be fixed by going with sports softs since they would wear down a bit faster and extending the main race length to at least 45 minutes to necessitate a regular stop but also leave enough room for someone that's good enough at taking care of their tires having the opportunity to go for a non-stop race. This will need to be tested per track.



So I'll revise my track opinions and shoot a PM to Bran about what he wants to do.

 

[BrandonW77]

In an attempt to keep this as simple as possible for the first "test season" I'm going to avoid any qualifying that involves a manual grid line up. I've done those before, they work fine but can be complicated if everybody doesn't understand what's going on or what they're supposed to do. We might try this format for the second season, or if there is a Pro division. We'll try it my way for the first race or two and evaluate it from there. If everybody hates it or there are problems with it we'll try something different.

When picking tracks I tried to stay away from ones with really long straights. Some drafting is very fun, but on longer straights it would turn into a draft battle that could lead to disaster at the end of the straight. The exception being Nordeschlife, there's more than enough twisty there to balance out the long straight at the end! Autumn Ring Reverse would be fine, the uphill would water-down the draft effect. Laguna was great with the Capp, the uphill section didn't bother it at all. Eiger is a possible candidate too, but I've raced on it a lot recently so that's why I left it off the list. If some of you haven't tried the Capp at Monaco yet, I highly recommend it! I'm going to have that as the finale unless a lot of people have problems with it. It is a complex track, but slightly easier in the Capp.

I'm still undecided on the pitstop issue, but I feel until the PSN is back up and I can see how the tires hold up in real race conditions I can't really make a good decision. There have been a few comments that even in a longer race, these cars are very easy on tires. If that's the case, then I'd probably just say no pitstops necessary and we just try to run one set till the end of the race. That would open up the track selection quite a bit, the custom kart tracks can be great fun with these cars but they don't have pits. Since I'm trying to keep this simple for our first season, I'm leaning towards slightly shorter races with no pitstops.

Looks like I should have a fairly easy day at work today so I'm going to try to get a new, official thread together with all the rules/regs, format, and I will add a poll so we can vote on day/time. Since I'm going to be hosting it, the time/day will have to be one that works with my schedule but being single with no kids I have a pretty open schedule most of the time so we should be able to work it out. I'll post a link to the thread here once I get it set up.

I've noticed some leagues run the same race on 2 different nights to accommodate different schedules and I would be fine with doing that. Perhaps on Tuesday evening and some time Saturday, then on Sunday's we could all meet up for free races for fun. Then at the end of the season do the Race of Champions idea where the top 8 from each group battle for the title of Champ. Looks like we probably have enough people interested to have two pretty solid grids anyway. 👍



Brandon

 

[BrandonW77]

Once the PSN gets back up I'd like to get a few of us together to run some practice races so we can try a couple different things that are being discussed. None of us know when that is going to be though, so some things may change from my initial format. For now, I'm going to use the combined opinions from this thread to at least get something structured and ready to go. But again, this won't be set in stone right now so if you see something you don't care for don't worry about it too much. And, these cars are so fun that we're all going to have a blast no matter what the rules are.


Brandon

 

[SohnVonStig]

Once the PSN gets back up I'd like to get a few of us together to run some practice races so we can try a couple different things that are being discussed. None of us know when that is going to be though, so some things may change from my initial format. For now, I'm going to use the combined opinions from this thread to at least get something structured and ready to go. But again, this won't be set in stone right now so if you see something you don't care for don't worry about it too much. And, these cars are so fun that we're all going to have a blast no matter what the rules are.


Brandon

There's a rumor running around that psn will be back up tomorrow for the US and europe, later today for Japan.

I'm plenty interested in some coffee cup racing

 

[CodeRedR51]

In an attempt to keep this as simple as possible for the first "test season" I'm going to avoid any qualifying that involves a manual grid line up. I've done those before, they work fine but can be complicated if everybody doesn't understand what's going on or what they're supposed to do.

Easiest way to do it is have everyone stay in the lobby while you reset the track. Once that is done, you call them out to grid one at a time and just have them park in order on a straightaway. I usually wait for each person called to get on the track and out of the pits before I call the next name, that way there's no way they can get mixed up.

Super easy and works every time.

 

[Dapper]

Easiest way to do it is have everyone stay in the lobby while you reset the track. Once that is done, you call them out to grid one at a time and just have them park in order on a straightaway. I usually wait for each person called to get on the track and out of the pits before I call the next name, that way there's no way they can get mixed up.

Super easy and works every time.

That works regardless of pp?

 

[CodeRedR51]

That works regardless of pp?

The game will grid everyone based on their position on track. PP doesn't matter.

 

[BrandonW77]

Easiest way to do it is have everyone stay in the lobby while you reset the track. Once that is done, you call them out to grid one at a time and just have them park in order on a straightaway. I usually wait for each person called to get on the track and out of the pits before I call the next name, that way there's no way they can get mixed up.

Super easy and works every time.

That still adds extra steps and requires more from the participants. With my method, all the participants have to do is race, then sit in the pits, then race again. No having to worry about when they can go on track and who they have to line up behind, no having to reset the track or anything like that.

My system is pretty much the same as what you're proposing, the only difference is that with mine we do a few laps and race for the position instead of lining up manually and driving around in a single file to cross the finish line. I think most people would prefer to just race and not have to do a "parade race" to get into starting order.

I'm not trying to argue or say that your way is wrong and mine is right, I just think that for right now we should keep things basic and modify them as needed. I personally have had way more headaches from trying to manually line up a grid than I have with any kind of qualifying race, so I do tend to shy away from those kind of starts. I think they take up too much time and confuse people who aren't experienced with doing that. But if serious problems arise with the format I'm proposing then we will change it. I'm very flexible on everything else, but let's just try it my way for a practice race or two and see how it works.

I hope I'm not coming across like a dictator or something, but most of us haven't raced together before so we don't know what things will be like. All I have to go on is my experience, and that's what I'm going on with the qualifying format. Once the PSN gets fixed we can get together and experiment a little before we make anything final. I'm trying to not make any real serious decisions until we can actually race together. 👍


Brandon

 

[CodeRedR51]

My system is pretty much the same as what you're proposing, the only difference is that with mine we do a few laps and race for the position instead of lining up manually and driving around in a single file to cross the finish line. I think most people would prefer to just race and not have to do a "parade race" to get into starting order.

There's no "parade race". You don't even have to cross the line. You just park somewhere on the track and when everyone is ready the host hits start race and away you go.

I personally have had way more headaches from trying to manually line up a grid than I have with any kind of qualifying race, so I do tend to shy away from those kind of starts. I think they take up too much time and confuse people who aren't experienced with doing that.

I can see where you're coming from, and with my series everyone knows what to do so it doesn't hardly take any time at all to grid up. The system works, and works great. Everyone just has to be on the same page.

 

[Dapper]

There's no "parade race". You don't even have to cross the line. You just park somewhere on the track and when everyone is ready the host hits start race and away you go.

But there have been several times when no one will complete a lap in freerun, the race is started, and then once everyone is sitting on the grid for the start of the race the order is not the same as the list was prior to the race (I really tried to make sense). Granted this is in random rooms with all different kinds of cars, but the only explanation I could come up with was pp or power difference... or something!

The only reason I ask is because I don't run maximum pp in a 137hp car.

 

[CodeRedR51]

We've had it put someone in grid spot #1 before that qualified in the back. Not sure why, but we just reset and do it again. Is weird, but about 95% of the time it works ok. I also make sure that everyone gives each other plenty of space when lining up so the game doesn't get confused.

 

[BrandonW77]

I can see where you're coming from, and with my series everyone knows what to do so it doesn't hardly take any time at all to grid up. The system works, and works great. Everyone just has to be on the same page.

There ya go. We're all new to each other and have different levels of online racing experience so I'm trying to make it as accessible as possible. Once we are all on the same page and have had a few races together I'm sure some things will be changed and some new elements will be added.

This is technically my first time running a league too, so I'm also trying to make it fairly easy on myself so I don't get overloaded. It will take me at least 2 or 3 races before I will feel like I have everything organized and under control. I know there will be a few unexpected things that pop up that I will have to address, but the fewer of those in the first season the better. After I have the basics down we can branch out and try more ambitious things.



Brandon

 

[CodeRedR51]

I'd say another reason we do it the way we do it because normally there are more than 16 people that want to race. So qualifying is set up on different days and the only way to grid people in the correct order for the race is to do it that way.

 

[diabolicwyvern]

My Capps is broken in from previous series....138 HP and 478PP...was there a decision on limiting either going further? As for the questions:

1: Spec -- dont really care from there.
2. Sports Soft
3. False starts OFF.
4. Penalties OFF--I hate getting penalties re-entering the track after an off.
5. Damage light
6. Longer races (35-50 laps) with pit stops
7. Start feature race with fastest first. Qualifying is :thumbsup:
8. Shorter/Original...Custom tracks make for interesting racing, not neccessarily good racing.

Second to IforceV8 -- GVE was an epic race.

 

[BrandonW77]

Ok, I think I've got everything together. Let me know if I've missed anything. And remember, some of these things could change after the first season or first race. This is just something simple to get us started.

Restrictions: 478PP / soft tires
Penalties: off
False Start: off (reduces connection issues, black screens)
Damage: light
Grip: real
Pit Stops: not mandatory
Race Length: approx. 50 miles (pending testing)
Boost: no
Driving Aids: ABS only, all others disabled.
Mics off during race to prevent lag/connection issues, ok during practice.

Points
(same as last Cappuccino League)
1st - 25
2nd - 22
3rd - 20
4th - 18
5th - 16
6th - 14
7th - 12
8th - 10
9th - 8
10th - 7
11th - 6
12th - 5
13th - 4
14th - 3
15th - 2
16th - 1

Each Series will count your 4 (out of 5) best finishes towards the final points standings.

Race Rules
1. Drive as clean and respectful as possible. Try and avoid contact with fellow racers.
2. No hitting, ramming, corner cutting, or intentional blocking allowed.
3. Accidents do happen. If you knock someone off course allow them to regain their position.
4. And of course please follow the GTPlanet OLR.

Tracks:
1. Tsukuba
2. London
3. Nurburgring GP/D
4. Grand Valley East-Reverse
5. Cote Azur (aka Monaco)


The previous series ran 2 identical races on Tuesday and Sunday, I will probably try to do that too. We can accommodate more drivers and schedules that way. Tuesday evening, Friday evening, anytime Saturday and Sunday is good for me so I will start a pole for those times. The top two will be the days for the races. Each day would have it's own points structure, but we could have a Race of Champions mini-enduro for the top finishers from the 2 nights, maybe at The Ring. 👍

I think the name of the league will be Race Modified Cappuccino Cup. I threw a little logo together, but I'm not married to it. (sorry it's so huge, I sized it for "message boards")

So how's all that sound?


Brandon

 

[Dapper]

Looks great! 👍 Thanks for the effort.

 

[Müle]

I'm still not big on your quali method, but meh. How do you determine the grid order the the quali race?

Just so you know, when you physically disable mics in the room, it actually causes lag. Just say that you shouldn't be talking on your mic during a race. Also, it allows people to talk after the race.

And one last thing, when you open sign-ups, have them use this format:

#[number] GTP Username (PSN name): Body colour / Wheel colour

Here is what mine would be, for example:

#93 MÜLE_9242 (MULE_9242): Stratosphere Blue / Silver Chrome

 

[CodeRedR51]

So this series will be run with 16 people only? Or will there be two rooms? If so, how do are you going to handle having two rooms?

And now you know what I deal with.

 

[BrandonW77]

The qualifying race will be started with "fastest first" from the practice session. I know it doesn't always get it right, but it will be close. And I forgot to mention, points will be awarded for the qualifying race as follows:

1st - 4pts
2nd - 3pts
3rd - 2pts
4th - 1pt

That should discourage sandbagging, because those extra 3 or 4 points could make all the difference at the end. I'll update the format.

I wasn't necessarily planning on disabling the mics, but as long as most of the mics are off it should minimze connection problems. Also, before I start a race I'll ask everybody to go to the pits. If the race is started with everyone in the pits the game has an easier time figuring out where everyone is and where they should be and it also minimzes long, black loading screens.

Since I'm going to try to host the race on 2 different nights we could accomodate up to 32 drivers, or 1 full grid on 2 different nights and each group would have their own points. That will hopefully help to fit more people's schedules too. That's the way the previous Capp Cup ran. I think we have enough people on board to have 2 pretty solid grids.


Brandon

 

[diabolicwyvern]

The Capps are on the Comeback trail....fishtailing slightly, but still on the comeback.

 

[IforceV8]

What happens if someone gets booted at turn 1 and ends up last in the qualifier?Will there be time to review replays,impose penalties etc?

Also why recycle the previous track list?

 

[Wardez]

I really think we should do a test race with your proposed "quali" system not use first race for points as an experiment. The quali system you're talking about is exponentially more complicated than the system Mule, R1600Turbo and I are encouraging you to use.

Like I've said before, live qualifying's proven itself time and time again as the best way to go. Even through like 6 different series.

The gridding up process is super simple, just line up in order of your qualiy spot and hit "start race". And you're racing.

Handing out points for a practice quali pre heat race is just... I don't know.

 

[BrandonW77]

I mentioned several times that I want to get together once the PSN is back up so we can test all of this first. I didn't realize this would be such an issue though, and I don't want anybody to give up on me before we even get a chance to race together.

I've run in 4 different organized leagues, 3 of them used the system I was suggesting (I didn't come up with it) and the other 1 used the manual line up that you guys are talking about. That one was always a pain, there were always people that didn't know what to do and it took a half hour just to get lined up. The other 3 that used the qualifying race, only one person had to do anything (change the lap count and press "start race") so there was less chance of things getting screwed up. Plus nobody had to write down times and figure out who went in what order, I was trying to avoid that.

We can do it your way though. If the PSN ever gets fixed, of course.

 

[Mudd]

StigsHero is the only one who has stepped up to take all the time to organize the rest of us, I say we at least run a race however he see's fit and then adjust from there. He clearly stated everything is open for discussion, but I think we should try what he has come up with before shooting it down. Not trying to start an argument with anyone, you all have good points, just putting my opinion out there

 

[Mudd]

Oh yea, I do really like Mule's recommendation on lining up the numbers and colors- Dibs on #7 !!!

 

[t_ray_z28]

Oh yea, I do really like Mule's recommendation on lining up the numbers and colors- Dibs on #7 !!!

In that case, I've already built a chrome orange #99