MotoGP '07 Review at ComputerGames [30-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (0) ]
I’ve never been a fan of motorcycle simulators for the PC. There were few of them, far apart, with releases at approximately 2 years from the one before, they didn’t enjoy a lot of promotional activities, had a relatively low success and their control scheme was anything but friendly. Of course, for consoles the story was relatively different, but since their popularity in my particular corner of the world is lower than one would expect, it didn’t make much of a difference. Nevertheless, I caught “the bug” in real life, as I managed to pass the driving exam for the A category and been trying ver since to tame the power of a Kawasaki for a few thousand kilometers, so the moment couldn’t have been better to fight the cold with a PC simulation of the 2007 MotoGP championship.

FSR: Winter Season Race #4 [30-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (0) ]
First of all we announced a new division here at Blackhole Motorsports and we can now tell you the name of the division: World Series Advanced.

Secondly, next week we have the fourth race of the Winter Season, using the FSR Mini Mod 08. The location is Italy (Monza), date is next Sunday February the 3rd, the time is 14:00 GMT. You can download the track and mod at the 'Downloads' section, but for the mod you will need a password which is private and only for FSR members. So register now and join FSR! If you don't know how to get the password, just drop by at our forum or drop me a PM.

Please do not forget to allocate for this race. To be able to do this you have to be a registerd FSR driver in a team, if you do not have a team please sign-up for the FSR Winter Season Team.

Server: Formula-SimRacing.net 08
Password for server: pre08
Track: FSR Italy, Monza

FSR: New Season, New Division [28-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (0) ]
The name says it all, a new World Series division; World Series New. We expect that this name will be changed when the season starts, but we already give you the oppertunity to register for this division. This is the fourth division of the World Series as we are rapidly growing at the moment. We hope to fill a certain gap that some members had. Everyone is welcome to join and lets see some full grids at the start of the season!

The next Winter Season race by the way is 3rd of February, using the FSR F1 Mod that is just released!

Race Distance: 75%
Damage Multiplier: 60%
Aids Allowed are: Stability Assistance, Auto Shifting, Traction Control (medium), Anti-lock Brakes, Clutch Assistance

Weekend Schedule:
Sunday, 07:20 GMT: Free Practice
Sunday, 08:00 GMT: Qualifying 1
Sunday, 08:30 GMT: Qualifying 2
Sunday, 08:50 GMT: Drivers Briefing
Sunday, 09:00 GMT: Race Start

A Social Network for Sim Racers [28-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (0) ]
A social network for the rest of us!

I would like to announce the openning of a social network (yes, a web application such as Facebook) dedicaced to the community of Sim Racers... SimRacersCircle.com!

This is not against the leagues or the forums of these leagues: SimRacersCircle won't organize races online.

The vocation of SimRacersCircle is about knowing better each others. I allways has this feeling about my opponents in online racing or in the forums: who are those guys?

The profiles in the forum (when they exist) are very light. On SimracersCircle, on the opposite, everything is around the profile of everyone.

This is the very first social network for sim racers, take avantage of it right now!
This is my contribution to the community (I am not a modder): SimRacersCircle is open to anyone for free (and it will stay free with no ad!).

Hope to see you soon on SimRacersCircle.com and start to fill your profile.

Inside Sim Racing January 26th [28-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (0) ]
Our first show of 2008! Inside Sim Racing. We discuss Arca Sim Racing, rFactor Grand Am Mod, iRacing Pricing, LFS Y Patch and more.

Pricing Announced for iRacing [25-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (1) ]
Groundbreaking Software to be Available by Subscription

BEDFORD, MA (23 January 2008) — iRacing.com today announced pricing for its racing simulation, which will be available on a subscription basis starting in 2008. A one-year subscription to the service will cost $13 per month and includes all of the content necessary for a subscriber's first season of oval-track and road-racing. Shorter terms of six and three months are priced at $15 and $17 per month, respectively. A one-month trial subscription is available for $20.

"We're building a community," said David Kaemmer, iRacing.com's CEO. "Our pricing reflects our desire to attract simracers who are interested in being part of that community over time, providing the lowest monthly rate to those willing to commit to a longer subscription. At the same time, we want to offer people a low-cost way to try out our service and see if it meets their needs."
Kaemmer noted that every subscription, regardless of length, includes a selection of both oval and road-racing cars, tracks and series, as well as a certain number of free "iRacing Dollars" that can be applied to the purchase of additional content. As with the monthly subscription price, annual membership offers an advantage, bringing $60 worth of free iRacing credit.

New Virtual Roadster Kit Model [24-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (2) ]
I have some good news I’d like to share with my fellow simracers. I’m pleased to announce, after many years of work, the new Virtual Roadster racing simulator cockpit Kit model is now ready for delivery. And at 1/3 the price of the earlier prototype version!

Precision made in Europe out of laser cut steel, the kit packs in a 7" deep box for economical shipping and storage. Streamlined with custom machined stainless steel accents, the new cockpit refines the original's sleek lines and bold stance.

Designed for strength, the chassis is built solidly from 6mm aluminum plate and 45mm steel tubes. Both eye-catching and rugged, the Virtual Roadster is perfect for public events, able to withstand the most aggressive of drivers. With a steel framed, reclining racing seat mounted on regulation sliders, the cockpit fits drivers from 5' to 6'-6" and so far, up to 350lbs!

The retail price is for the Virtual Roadster Kit, seat and sliders is $795, optional G25 Stick Deck prototype is $99.

Please visit the website: https://www.virtualroadster.com for photos and details.

In addition, there are two videos on YouTube:

The CAD assembly animation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzxQfECGdUM

The Virtual Roadster in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_XnI11Pzl4&feature=user

Thanks for your time and I am eager to hear your opinion of the model, website and videos.

Kind Regards,
Ted Heys

rFactore Review at YouGamers [22-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (0) ]
here are simulations, and then there are simulations. In the world of PC racing sims, few developers have a pedigree on par with Image Space Incorporated. With a that includes Sports Car GT, F1 Challenge '99-'02 and two NASCAR Thunder titles, the Michigan-based developer is the go-to team for racing simulations.

Force Dynamics' 401 is Out [22-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (0) ]
That's right... We put another axis on it, added a hundred, and there's a new baby at Force Dynamics! The 401 is basically a 301 with an added rotation axis that lets you feel the way the car is moving under you - the tail sliding out, rotation into and out of a corner, and so on. With 180 degrees of yaw at 90 degrees per second, we're not aware of any commercially available motion system which can match its specs, for any price.

The extra axis makes the 401 suitable for serious car control training - and one hell of a lot of fun!


Check out our page for the 401 here or look at the youtube video directly here.

Or, if you want a higher quality version, grab it here.

Enjoy!

David W.

Sim Racing - In Iraq! [21-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (0) ]
Sim Racing - In Iraq! by SimHQ Contributing Editors "Chunx and "Weasel_Keeper"

"I e-mailed the family with a rather odd request: 'hey, could you box up my Logitech MOMO wheel and mail it to Iraq? Thanks!'"

FSR: Winter Season [12-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (1) ]
This weekend race #2 from the FSR Winter Season. This time the drivers will be using the ChampCar mod at Laguna Seca. Laguna Seca is a beautiful track with lots of changes in elevation. It is very fast with no room for error. The corkscrew, turn 7, is great for the drivers as well as the fans. This Sunday at 18.00GMT the second Winter Season race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca!

Mod: Champ Car World Series - 1.4: https://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cfm?ID=2006%20Champ%20Car%20World%20Series
Track: Laguna Seca - Com8 1.1

A week later the F3 Euro 2007 mod is scheduled to make its appearance.

SSCA * Hours @ Nuerburg Live ! [12-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (0) ]
Come watch the SSCA 8 hours at Nuerburgring sponsored by Sim-Gear.com, Sim Racing Tonight, ProSimRacing.com and Raven Motorsports. Flag to flag coverage on PSR-TV with coverage by Darin Gangi and Shaun Cole of SRT.

We're running the Enduro Challenge mod in rFactor. Dual classes, LMP and GT. The LMP class consists of the Audi R8, Pescarolo C60 and the Dome S101 and the GT class has the Aston Martin DBR9, Chevrolet Corvette C6-R and Porsche 996 GT

Some of the best drivers from all over the world will be competing for over $1000 in trophies and prizes and most importantly a victory at Nuerburg to kick off the 2008, 6 race endurance series.

January 12th 2008
Time: Saturday - 12:00 NOON US EST to 8:00 PM US EST

SimHQ's 2007 Year in Review [05-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (0) ]
Our annual commentary on the good, bad, and the ugly (ugh!) in the world of simulations.

Arca Sim Racing Announcement [03-01-2008 | JZ | Comments (2) ]
We have a special announcement up on www.simracingtonight.com about the much anticipated Arca Sim Racing. If you heard us talk about a pre order date, this is it..

Lo Res is up now and I'm waiting on hi res to become available on Stage 6.