Whats your opinion on blocking?

  • Thread starter Thread starter GTOne2Three
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bad sport or all good

  • its un sporting and a bit naff

    Votes: 84 49.7%
  • its all part of racing and perfectly ok

    Votes: 85 50.3%

  • Total voters
    169
For me it totally depends... I usually race NASCAR's so ill use my opinion on blocking from a NASCAR point of view. Lets say it Daytona, last lap, coming out of turn 4.. If you have a huge run and the guy in first comes down to block you.. 👎 now if he is barley catching you I totally understand the block. If its not the last lap and someone blocks you and is going 20 MPH slower thats not cool. From a road racing point of view... If its the last lap or 2 it takes alot to get around me, but if you use the draft to over take me I will hold my line. If someone is directly behind me in the turns im not going to pull over if its for the win. Not trying to sound like a dirty driver, but rubbins' racing. If im slower then you and im holding you up (blocking) by all means move me out of the way. So, I don't mind the blocking if its necessary, but don't make stupid moves. Hope you guys understand!
 
For me it totally depends... I usually race NASCAR's so ill use my opinion on blocking from a NASCAR point of view. Lets say it Daytona, last lap, coming out of turn 4.. If you have a huge run and the guy in first comes down to block you.. 👎 now if he is barley catching you I totally understand the block. If its not the last lap and someone blocks you and is going 20 MPH slower thats not cool. From a road racing point of view... If its the last lap or 2 it takes alot to get around me, but if you use the draft to over take me I will hold my line. If someone is directly behind me in the turns im not going to pull over if its for the win. Not trying to sound like a dirty driver, but rubbins' racing. If im slower then you and im holding you up (blocking) by all means move me out of the way. So, I don't mind the blocking if its necessary, but don't make stupid moves. Hope you guys understand!

Totally disagree on your first assesment of blocking in NASCAR. Keeping your same last lap scenario, if the guy with the run has no part of his car along side the front car, one block is ok. If he does have part of his car along side, not a good idea. Just ask Carl Edwards about that one. If you ask any NASCAR driver, I almost guarntee you about 99% of them will say that one clean block in that situation is fine. Matter of fact, I have even heard interviews and heard them (drivers, crew chiefs, etc.) say that very thing. As for two blocks, if its that close, it ain't happening. Hardly enough time because if that rear car goes low with the run to pass and the guy goes low to block, he has no time to move up to try an outside block because by that time the rear car is going to have some part of his car along side of the front car. I have seen that scenario played out many, many times. Been watching NASCAR since I was 7 or so, (now 46) so I think I can speak from great experience as a fan.
 
GTP_CargoRat
Totally disagree on your first assesment of blocking in NASCAR. Keeping your same last lap scenario, if the guy with the run has no part of his car along side the front car, one block is ok. If he does have part of his car along side, not a good idea. Just ask Carl Edwards about that one. If you ask any NASCAR driver, I almost guarntee you about 99% of them will say that one clean block in that situation is fine. Matter of fact, I have even heard interviews and heard them (drivers, crew chiefs, etc.) say that very thing. As for two blocks, if its that close, it ain't happening. Hardly enough time because if that rear car goes low with the run to pass and the guy goes low to block, he has no time to move up to try an outside block because by that time the rear car is going to have some part of his car along side of the front car. I have seen that scenario played out many, many times. Been watching NASCAR since I was 7 or so, (now 46) so I think I can speak from great experience as a fan.

Fair enough, I totally understand you point of view. :lol: on just ask Carl Edwars

Edit: i mean like if the guy is behind you on the left or right barley catching you i can understand coming down in front of them.... Not like spinning them. If that makes a little more sense.
 
I always try nd hold my line cleanly, not swerving left n right to stop anyone from passing, but standing my ground and not just giving way immediately, perhaps changing lines once on a straight if it suites me, I say if they're good enough they can get past me cleanly, if not then its tough luck, that's racing, if your not doing everything you can to come 1st cleanly then it's kinda pointless to be there at all
 
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You get one move, it's as simple as that IMO. With regards to a straight in general the same thing goes but it is ok to try and break a tow if the following car is a fair way behind. However swerving across to block a car as they pull out of your tow to pass is a complete no no. You move once and that is your line. If the person gets a run on you and is a couple of car lengths behind you make your one move and stay there, you don't move back and forth across the track blocking the pass.

It doesn't help that the slipstream effects in GT5 are so over exaggerated.
 
I know in most racing series it is legal to switch your line on the straight once. Anything more is considered blocking which is illegal.
 
Blocking and swerving........2 completely different things on the track.

If you are in a decent league, it wont matter if the car behind is much faster, they will get past because the following driver will know when to use the extra pace and the car in front will know there is no point and will hold his line, letting the faster guy go past.

BUT, when you have 2 guys running at very close to the same pace its a very different story. ive had some races where the rear of my car has been very wide, and made it difficult for people to pass. Im in a good league so there was no contact, he got a small opportunity, took it, i yielded and continued the fight.

its the best racing where you can trust the guy behind will work hard for a pass, and wont punt you off trying to do it !
 
My rule for blocking is to choose my lane. I cant stand those people who will block a faster car swerving back and forth accross the track.
 
I think clarification between blocking and defending is necessary.

A chop across the nose of another car in a desperate attempt to defend the position is clear blocking and is unsporting, A move across the track to control the apex and line for the next corner is fine providing the opponent isn't already along side.

As with everything it's a bit of a muddy line really as what one person considers blocking another will consider defending. For example I've been accused of blocking because I wouldn't let someone faster than me past, I simply controlled every corner apex and thus his only way to pass was by being off the racing line, no contact, no pushing, no desperate sweeps across the track just parking my car in the right place.

There's absolutely no rule that states you have to let a person behind you past simply because they happen to be running a faster pace than you. Of course there's times where you let people past because you know fighting with them will slow you down as well but I hate it when people seem to think they have an automatic free pass because they're faster.

In summary, Blocking = Bad, Defensive Driving = Good (so long as it doesn't turn into 'blocking')

EDIT:


The only instance where blocking actually happens is where the car behind you is faster for whatever reason. Especially on thin, windy tracks like the Nurburgring, you shouldn't block. It's bad sportsmanship and risky - you could cause an accident if the person behind gets reckless (which is likely if you keep blocking him/her).

This is interesting because the front car wouldn't be the one causing the accident. If the guy behind cannot find a clean way past or cannot pressure the lead car into a mistake then he should stay behind. This is true whether the front car is blocking or not, you should never make a reckless dive up the inside (like Senna) it's just stupid for one and if it fails, which is likely, you'll both be going out.

Then who is to blame? The lead car blocked but the rear car performed a reckless move, both are as bad as each other and you've got no ground to stand on if you start complaining because a blocker 'forced' you to take a dive up the inside.
 
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I think clarification between blocking and defending is necessary.

A chop across the nose of another car in a desperate attempt to defend the position is clear blocking and is unsporting, A move across the track to control the apex and line for the next corner is fine providing the opponent isn't already along side.

As with everything it's a bit of a muddy line really as what one person considers blocking another will consider defending. For example I've been accused of blocking because I wouldn't let someone faster than me past, I simply controlled every corner apex and thus his only way to pass was by being off the racing line, no contact, no pushing, no desperate sweeps across the track just parking my car in the right place.

There's absolutely no rule that states you have to let a person behind you past simply because they happen to be running a faster pace than you. Of course there's times where you let people past because you know fighting with them will slow you down as well but I hate it when people seem to think they have an automatic free pass because they're faster.

In summary, Blocking = Bad, Defensive Driving = Good (so long as it doesn't turn into 'blocking')

EDIT:




This is interesting because the front car wouldn't be the one causing the accident. If the guy behind cannot find a clean way past or cannot pressure the lead car into a mistake then he should stay behind. This is true whether the front car is blocking or not, you should never make a reckless dive up the inside (like Senna) it's just stupid for one and if it fails, which is likely, you'll both be going out.

Then who is to blame? The lead car blocked but the rear car performed a reckless move, both are as bad as each other and you've got no ground to stand on if you start complaining because a blocker 'forced' you to take a dive up the inside.

I agree with this 👍
 
AuToNoMy
I don't think you should block at all if your in front you should have the right to the racing line at corners but if someone is gonna pass you then let them you can always get drag off them and retake you position if your car is good enough :)

I think that I should add that if you are in the situation where someone is blocking you then You should apply touring car/NASCAR rules and either force them into a mistake by added pressure or give the a slight nudge because rubbing is racing I believe if they ain't willing to play fair then neither should you :D
 
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[Zoidberg] Blocking is bad and you should feel bad. [/Zoidberg]

Holding your line ahead of the car behind you is one thing -- if you're as quick as you think you are, then there's no reason to block. Drive faster and stay ahead, or repass when the opportunity arises.
 
It depends on the circumstances and how they go about passing. I might try to block once or twice, but after that, if they have a faster car, they can have 1st. Im a good sport.
 
Blocking is low.

You can watch all forms of motorsport and you can see some drivers and go - Class act - You can look at others and think - Selfish child.

My own opinion is after the exit of a corner, you elect what line you wish to take, And if you think you are under threat into the next corner then you may elect to move to the inside of the track to make it Harder for a guy to overtake.

I dislike very late moves, jinking about and endless weaving.

When you reach a corner or whatever, I hate the way some drivers will drift over on the exit and force a crash or the guy on the outside off track. If you wham it down the inside and get side by side it shouldn't be a licence to just overcook it and drift out and force the guy along side off track.

However sharing the track is a very rare event - but drivers that spring to mind are K Raikk and Jenny B who can manage it on a regular basis (RoGro and P Maldiddy spring to mind drivers that can't play nice - Da Ham and Filly M a few seasons ago seemed to like to play rock'em sock'em racing )

It isn't full contact knitting but hitting or forcing an impact in a motorcar is - dash bad form.

I suppose it is experience of knowing when to attack to make a strong pass, but also knowing when you have lost, giving up the corner so you don't lose any more time.

Weaving about is just dangerous.
 
I think if someone is supposed to pass you in a situation, they should.

It's gutting watching them wizz by but you just have to deal with it. :(
 
Ryk
It isn't full contact knitting

I've seen that sport, absolutely deadly, knit one, purl one jab em in the eye.

Not as dangerous as Stamp collecting without head gear though.
 
I would say one block per passing opertunity, if safe to do so. So if you're in an area where you can pass, say the braking zone of a tight corner or the exit of a corner. I think its ok for the lead car to move in to the passers lane once. If they then change lines you must hold youre line and they either pass you or not. if you retain the lead and on the next area in witch a pass my be tryied you can try a block again if safe to do so. Also in my opinion if you hit the other car as a result of youre block atempet it is not a block. So slamming in to the side of a car is not a block. Also keep in mind not all corners are passing zones.
 
If they decide to defend the inside, I'll just go ahead and attempt a pass on the outside, if it is sensible to do so. You should always be prepared to abandon the overtake in case someone makes a last-second block. Often times I'll just go on the outside with no intention of overtaking; I'm just using the space in front of me in case I brake too late (so I don't run into them). Though occasionally this does make people nervous enough to run onto grass or gravel because they were expecting you to overtake, in which case, gaining the position is easy pickings.
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What irritates me, is when someone takes the inside line and then blocks the outside as well. Pick a line and stick to it. If someone is already alongside you and on the outside, it is your responsibility to ensure you do not run into him. If the guy on the outside can take advantage of the exit curb to gain ahead of you on exit, tough luck I'm afraid. You still need to leave one car width of track for him to use in the corner, especially being careful on the exit.

Knowing how much gas you can use and still not run into someone on the outside is a learned skill that can only be acquired with practice. Best thing to do is find someone with about the same speed as you and just try to overtake whenever you can. Can try defending from the outside instead of blocking as well. It can work, especially if the attacking driver has to lift at the exit to avoid hitting you. Do not ever squeeze the driver on the inside to a space that doesn't exist, however unlikely to occur this is.
 
If they're obviously much faster, let them by. If it's a heated battle between similar cars/drivers, blocking is alright IMO.
If they've clearly got you beat though, don't try to block.

That's exactly how I feel about it.
 
Ryk
Blocking is low.

When you reach a corner or whatever, I hate the way some drivers will drift over on the exit and force a crash or the guy on the outside off track. If you wham it down the inside and get side by side it shouldn't be a licence to just overcook it and drift out and force the guy along side off track. I suppose it is experience of knowing when to attack to make a strong pass, but also knowing when you have lost, giving up the corner so you don't lose any more time.

Weaving about is just dangerous.

A legal block isn't low, it's part of racing. Weaving about has nothing to do with blocking and shouldn't be included in the same response as blocking. A single block is a move to defend a racing line, in a fashion that is not dangerous to either car. In other words, do it with plenty of time for the car behind to know what you are doing and it's legal. If he chooses to go around the outside, that's his choice, but it's never legal to let your car drift out on exit. People get away with that in GT5 because there is no consequence outside of an organized racing league.
 
I don't race in a ton of clean rooms, but from the ones I've been in, this is what my personal preference is. Probably nothing that hasn't already been said, though :lol:

1. If they're going fast, don't try to block. Could always cause an accident, which could get messy and depending on the seriousness of the lobby, could probably lead to an argument. Especially if you've been bump-drafting and he's attempting to shoot past. Blocking a slingshot can be a little sleazy, depending on the circumstance.

2. If it's a serious race, suddenly jumping out in front of someone is a bit of an amateur move. This has happened to me in clean rooms, when I'm about to make a pass and the person, who probably just wasn't paying attention, catches a glimpse of me in the rear-view mirror and suddenly broadsides me attempting to block last-minute. It doesn't really make you look good.

3. Try not to spend the whole entire race blocking. Clean blocks here and there when necessary are okay, IMO, but I've raced in some rooms running 11 lap races at a fairly long track, and there are people who want to spend the entire race in the front, blocking. Of course, I'm not complaining - if they get to lead the whole race, then usually the rest of the pack overpowers them at the last lap and they get a pretty sorry finish :lol: But as for the rest of the race, it bogs down the competition aspect and sucks the fun out of it, for me anyway.

4. To me, last lap blocking is okay 👍 Especially in a battle between two people. Of course, I only really do this if we're at the same pace; if he's going faster, I'll let him pass. And just smack him into the wall in my mind :scared:

5. Corner blocking can be messy. Unless I'm in one of my dirty rooms/bump drafting (which really isn't even blocking), I almost never block in corners. Some people will swoop up from the inside if they see the outside is making better time, or vice versa, and try to block that person, which usually ends up with a broadside into the wall. Not smooth :dunce:

So basically, if you're fast, you're fast. If you're in a good spot, you're in a good spot. But if someone is trying to pass you who clearly has the right to pass, just let them go. Chances are you'll catch up later anyway :D:tup:
 
A legal block isn't low, it's part of racing. Weaving about has nothing to do with blocking and shouldn't be included in the same response as blocking.


I think your definition of blocking is incorrect, & so would most professional race drivers. According to The Skip Barber School Of Racing, blocking is defined as; "...weaving down the straight with your eyes on the mirrors, trying to cut off the driver behind." This isn't the same as weaving on the straight to stop someone from drafting you, which is also unsporting.

Also, rule 10:B of the GT Planet OLR states; "Leading cars have the right to take their line of choice through corners. I.e. they may drive a defensive line around the inside of a corner to protect their position, thereby forcing an attacking driver to try to pass around the outside. This is not blocking and is part of normal racing etiquette."

Blocking is when you are making multiple moves left & right on any part of the track with the sole intention of stopping someone from passing you. The driver in front can take any line he wishes to defend his place, it's not considered blocking, just defensive driving.
 
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VBR
I think your definition of blocking is incorrect, & so would most professional race drivers. According to The Skip Barber School Of Racing, blocking is defined as; "...weaving down the straight with your eyes on the mirrors, trying to cut off the driver behind." This isn't the same as weaving on the straight to stop someone from drafting you, which is also unsporting.

Also, rule 10:B of the GT Planet OLR states; "Leading cars have the right to take their line of choice through corners. I.e. they may drive a defensive line around the inside of a corner to protect their position, thereby forcing an attacking driver to try to pass around the outside. This is not blocking and is part of normal racing etiquette."

Blocking is when you are making multiple moves left & right on any part of the track with the sole intention of stopping someone from passing you. The driver in front can take any line he wishes to defend his place, it's not considered blocking, just defensive driving.

I stand corrected.👍👍
 
in the league i race in we only allow one change of direction aka F1, anything more gets a penalty, we also dont allow people to swerve to get them out of your draft and when alongside each other you must take a wide line and a tight line respectively.

Getting people to race like this in an open room is another matter entirely !!
 
My approach is simple.

I'll just pick one defensive driving line (and stick with it, no more drastic changes) to force the guy behind to have to take a slightly compromised racing line in order to overtake.

If he has significant speed to overtake me with that compromise, he earns the overtake, and I won't put up too much resistance (not to the crappy extent of crashing each other out)

If he doesn't have the speed to do so, then I shall continue to defend within possibly fair means (of just picking, and sticking to one defensive line) ,even though he could be only slightly faster than me.

Just because one is marginally faster, it doesn't entitle the person to expect the leading person to jump out in the way for his royal fastness... He still has to make full use of his better speed + his skills to actually earn the overtake IMO.

If you don't have the sufficient speed/skills to overtake/block cleanly, then don't resort to nasty tricks (blatantly cutting across over multiple times etc, ramming out etc) to do so. This also applies to the last lap too.
 
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I see blocking as a waste of kinetic energy. You loose forward inertia only allowing back markers to capitalize. Allow the pass, take up your line in his wake. Checkered flag...another story.
 
Blocking is totally fine in my book. But getting in the way of someone who is clearly faster than you for the explicit purpose of making him ram your rear bumper is wrong. As long as it's accidental the bumping it's all fine. Also for me driving defensively in a aggressive manner is fine too (taking certain lines to make the opponent rethink their strategy or driving in the middle of the road to make your car harder to overtake etc.). Again, as long as it isn't cheap go for it.
 
If you have already entered a corner you are generally committed to the line you have set yourself up for on entry so to start swerving around would inevitably end in collision or vehicles leaving the track.
Most overtaking occurs on long straights where the difference in straight line speed is obviously more apparent (with also drafting - slipstream(and of course on the efficiency of your last corner exit)), or the braking zone of a corner.
It is in these areas where you would likely make a defensive move to block an opponent. Mindless swerving to prevent someone overtaking would be dangerous in real life and is not exactly realistic. (of course this is a game but by applying real race methods makes it more fun...for me anyway).
I tend to automatically take the F1 approach. I allow myself one move to defend my position. If you time your move well then you can be more successful but if the opponent racer is simply faster and times his move past you well he can get past. Its actually quite strategic.
Once you reach the braking zone or if your opponent has passed you can move back over to the racing line to prepare for the next corner entry.
 
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