Day 162 (10 SEP, YEAR 1): Prize Car Delivery

Prize car Honda LIFE STEP VAN '72 has been delivered.
Paint Color: Epoch White

This car was awarded for winning the Japanese Compact Cup.

Here's what my Game Status screen looks like after this car was delivered:
http://gt4.mygt4diary.com/gamestatus.asp?d=163

Thanks for reading. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 161 (9 SEP, YEAR 1): Japanese Events / Japanese Compact Cup / Race 5

Participated in Japanese Compact Cup Battle 5 (Suzuka Circuit East Course). Champion.
Time: 1'09.277 Overall Champion

Japanese Events: Japanese Compact Cup: Suzuka Circuit East Course: 3 Laps
Settings: Nitrous @ 85; Aids 442; Racing Flywheel; 141 Ballast @ 0
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $2000, $15000

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	1	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	3'33.126	1'09.277
2	2	Toyota VITZ RS 1.5 '00	+0'04.852
3	4	Toyota VITZ F '99	+0'05.933
4	5	Nissan MICRA '03	+0'06.996
5	3	Toyota VITZ RS Turbo '02	+0'08.388
6	6	Nissan March G# '99	+0'09.867

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

The replay begins from the Practice session, just after I lap one of the opponents. With one yellow tire, I overtake the remaining 5.

The race, however, didn't start as well. The RS 1.5 passes me after the launch, and I try to scoot to the right to block the RS Turbo. Doing this allows the VITZ F and the MICRA to pass, as I bog while shifting into 3rd. I dive to the inside of the MICRA at the entry to the 2nd turn, and pass the VITZ F as we enter the S Curves. I pass for the lead at Dunlop, and block along the front straight to begin lap 2.

But these opponents take such bad lines through the Esses, and give up too much on the first 2 turns that there wasn't much regarding the outcome. I ended up finishing with a full bottle.

I ended the practice session with 313 miles, and ended the race with 317 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8870498811327897775

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 160 (8 SEP, YEAR 1): Japanese Events / Japanese Compact Cup / Race 4

Participated in Japanese Compact Cup Battle 4 (Deep Forest Raceway). Champion.
Time: 1'40.328

Japanese Events: Japanese Compact Cup: Deep Forest Raceway Reverse: 2 Laps
Settings: Nitrous @ 85; Aids 442; Racing Flywheel; 141 Ballast @ 0
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $2000

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	1	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	3'23.481	1'40.328
2	3	Toyota VITZ RS Turbo '02	+0'15.396
3	2	Toyota VITZ F '99	+0'16.967
4	4	Nissan March G# '99	+0'17.694
5	5	Toyota VITZ RS 1.5 '00	+0'21.992
6	6	Nissan MICRA '03	+0'22.654

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

I wanted to point out that I'm spending a lot of time during the practice sessions with this car. It's a great way to wear it down as much as I can before I use it in its OMR. I need to drive it a heck of a lot more, but I'm looking into how I can do that best, while still making it "worth it".

I changed the Driving Aids to 442, and lowered the Nitrous to 85. It still ended up being a blowout, but I never had much luck winning without the bottle, as the Copen had a hard time coming up the long hill (through the first tunnel), and across the line.

Not the cleanest race, but either way, 200 points, yo!!!

I ended the practice session with 284 miles (it turns to 285 just before starting the race), and ended the race with 289 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8825221805154732509

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 159 (7 SEP, YEAR 1): Japanese Events / Japanese Compact Cup / Race 3

Participated in Japanese Compact Cup Battle 3 (Tsukuba Circuit). Champion.
Time: 1'11.874

Japanese Events: Japanese Compact Cup: Tsukuba Circuit: 3 Laps
Settings: Nitrous @ 100; Aids 664; Racing Flywheel; 141 Ballast @ 0
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $2000

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	1	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	3'39.103	1'11.874
2	2	Toyota VITZ F '99	+0'12.110
3	3	Toyota VITZ RS Turbo '02	+0'13.538
4	4	Toyota VITZ RS 1.5 '00	+0'14.263
5	5	Nissan MICRA '03	+0'15.542
6	6	Nissan March G# '99	+0'16.879

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

I haven't recorded what my non-bottle times were during the practice session, but I figured that "I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it". This one was a pure blowout, despite the 200 point haul.

I ended the practice session with 220 miles (it turns just after the start), and ended the race with 224 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7723141797478004509

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 158 (6 SEP, YEAR 1): Japanese Events / Japanese Compact Cup / Race 2

Participated in Japanese Compact Cup Battle 2 (Autumn Ring Mini). Champion.
Time: 0'49.259

Japanese Events: Japanese Compact Cup: Autumn Ring Mini Reverse: 4 Laps
Settings: Nitrous @ 100; Aids 664; Racing Flywheel; 141 Ballast @ 0
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $2000

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	1	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	3'23.144	0'49.259
2	2	Toyota VITZ RS 1.5 '00	+0'03.288
3	3	Toyota VITZ F '99	+0'04.169
4	4	Nissan March G# '99	+0'06.433
5	5	Toyota VITZ RS Turbo '02	+0'06.738
6	6	Nissan MICRA '03	+0'08.288

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

This race was run with the bottle equipped, but I never used it. Going into the first turn on lap 1, the RS 1.5 scrubs by me on the inside. It's not until the 2nd to last turn (the climbing right hander) when I'm finally able to bash into it, and I hold the lead from there.

From there I took the time to practice modulating the throttle. Note that this is one of a few races that can be won without using the brake (other than Test Course Oval races). Fun stuff!

I ended the practice session with 208 miles, and ended the race with 211 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1831714108218594318

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 157 (5 SEP, YEAR 1): Japanese Events / Japanese Compact Cup / Race 1

Before I ran this series, I drove more than 40 Practice miles by entering the Tuning Car GP, and abandoning the race. For the next few days, I would eventually get my mileage up to 354.4, nearly double the A-spec mileage total displayed on the Game Status screen... still not enough to wear the car down 1 hp!!!
...

Participated in Japanese Compact Cup Battle 1 (Twin Ring Motegi - East Short Course). Champion.
Time: 1'49.067

Japanese Events: Japanese Compact Cup: Twin Ring Motegi - East Short Course: 2 Laps
Settings: Nitrous @ 100; Aids 664; Racing Flywheel; 141 Ballast @ 0
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $2000

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	1	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	3'45.828	1'49.067
2	2	Toyota VITZ F '99	+0'10.692
3	3	Toyota VITZ RS Turbo '02	+0'11.374
4	4	Toyota VITZ RS 1.5 '00	+0'16.906
5	5	Nissan MICRA '03	+0'17.618
6	6	Nissan March G# '99	+0'18.265

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

It looks like the bottle really isn't needed for this series, but since I had it, I may as well use it. Blocking would definitely come into play from the start, but after coming out of T1, the lead would probably be secure. Meh.. whatever. 200 points is 200 points!!

I ended the practice session with 180 miles, and ended the race with 185 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7889727382752651845

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 156 (4 SEP, YEAR 1): Prize Car Delivery

Prize car Mazda Mazda6 Concept '01 has been delivered.
Paint Color: Pacifico Azzurro

This car was awarded for winning all FF Challenge races.
...

So, I'll be driving in the Japanese Events/Japan Compact Cup Championship next. It's not that great of a money earner, but I'm looking to get as many championships out of the way as I can before Week 75 rolls around. After that, it doesn't look like there are many other 200 pointers this car could win. I might race in the OMR after that, but with the Copen at this mileage, I'd be more than 20 points off the max. I'll look into the competitiveness of this car in the Japan Championship event, but my hopes aren't very high.

Thanks for reading. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 155 (3 SEP, YEAR 1): Beginner Events / FF Challenge / Grand Valley East

Participated in FF Challenge (Grand Valley East). Champion.
Time: 1'23.938

Beginner Events: FF Challenge: Grand Valley East: 2 Laps
Settings: Racing Muffler; Racing Chip, Nitrous @ 75; Aids 664; Racing Flywheel
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $1500

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	6	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	3'00.089	1'23.938
2	2	Renault Megane 2.0 IDE Coupe '00	+0'02.077
3	5	Peugeot 206 S16 '99	+0'02.785
4	1	Mitsubishi MIRAGE CYBORG ZR '97	+0'03.968
5	4	Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0 V6 24V '01	+0'05.055
6	3	Renault Megane 2.0 16V '03	+0'05.773

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

I take the inside for the first turn, and manage to move into 4th by T1, neck and neck with the 206. The 206 falls back to brake for Turn 4, and I cut the grass to swoop by the MIRAGE. I take the inside to the left turn before the tunnel to pass the PRIMERA, and after bashing the left wall out of Turn 8, I manage to hold the lead from there.

I ended the race with 96 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5890656841078900394

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 154 (2 SEP, YEAR 1): Beginner Events / FF Challenge / Hong Kong

Participated in FF Challenge (Hong Kong). Champion.
Time: 1'49.082

Beginner Events: FF Challenge: Hong Kong Reverse: 2 Laps
Settings: Racing Muffler; Racing Chip, Nitrous @ 75; Aids 664; Racing Flywheel
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $1500

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	6	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	3'44.945	1'49.082
2	2	Nissan PRIMERA 20V '01	+0'05.977
3	5	Renault Megane 2.0 16V '03	+0'06.758
4	1	Alfa Romeo 147 2.0 Twinspark '02	+0'08.732
5	4	Peugeot 206 S16 '99	+0'10.103
6	3	Renault Megane IDE Coupe '00	+0'10.680

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

I pick off one opponent for each of Turns B, C, and D. But, coming out of D (onto Haiphong Rd), I go way wide into the right side wall, and nearly give back 3rd place to the Peugeot. I manage to keep myself ahead of it, but I fall back to 4.108 seconds by T1.

For the right hander of Turn H, I try to take the inside on the Megane, but I don't shed enough speed. I bash into the left wall, and give up 2nd to the Megane again. I'm not too far behind when we all bunch up for the last turn, and I bash into the back of the Megane, sending it wide to the right. The PRIMERA keeps it's line, and I move around both of them to the outside. The Megane takes a sharp-correcting left, into the door of the PRIMERA. I floor it, juice it, and finish lap 1 ahead by 0.372 seconds.

The others didn't really trouble me from there, but my driving was pretty bad while in the lead.

I ended the race with 92 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6424902147563488238

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 153 (1 SEP, YEAR 1): Beginner Events / FF Challenge / Suzuka Circuit East Course

Participated in FF Challenge (Suzuka Circuit East Course). Champion.
Time: 1'04.435

Beginner Events: FF Challenge: Suzuka Circuit East Course: 3 Laps
Settings: Racing Muffler; Racing Chip, Nitrous @ 75; Aids 664; Racing Flywheel
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $1500

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	6	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	3'19.637	1'04.435
2	3	VW Lupo GTI '01	+0'11.547
3	2	Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0 V6 24V '01	+0'14.181
4	1	Mazda Mazda 323F '93	DNF
5	4	Nissan PRIMERA 20V '01	DNF
6	5	Fiat Barchetta Giovane Due '00	DNF

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

It's key to take the inside from the opponents for the first two turns. I move all the way up to 2nd exiting these turns, and bump and pass the Alfa as we enter the S Curve. From there, it's smooth sailing, leading by more than 3.5 seconds after the first lap.

I ended the race with 88 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7152419198706842604

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 152 (31 AUG, YEAR 1): Beginner Events / FF Challenge / Mid-Field Raceway

Participated in FF Challenge (Mid-Field Raceway). Champion.
Time: 1'35.444

Beginner Events: FF Challenge: Mid-Field Raceway Reverse: 2 Laps
Settings: Racing Muffler; Racing Chip, Nitrous @ 75; Aids 664; Racing Flywheel
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $1500

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	6	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	3'25.545	1'35.444
2	2	Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R '97	+0'02.896
3	5	Fiat Barchetta Giovane Due '00	+0'03.631
4	1	Honda PRELUDE Type S '96	+0'05.063
5	4	VW Golf IV GTI '01	+0'07.835
6	3	Renault AVANTIME '02	+0'09.049

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

The first 4 opponents can be passed on the first lap, at Turn C. I dive to the inside with a little too much speed, and end up giving 2nd back to the FTO on the exit. I bump and pass the FTO while taking the looping right hander of Turn E, and I'm 0.891 seconds behind the PRELUDE as we cross T2. I pass it on the inside as we enter Turn K, and I end up going wide on the exit of Turn L, bumping into the wall. I use my best efforts to block the PRELUDE while the FTO also makes its move. I manage to stay in front, by 0.096 seconds as we finish lap 1.

From there, it's not that close of a race. I nudge the left wall inside the tunnel, but from there it's a clean line to the finish.

I ended the race with 84 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3467969241410474004

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 151 (30 AUG, YEAR 1): Beginner Events / FF Challenge / Twin Ring Motegi - East Short Course

I've found that the CAT can win 200 pointers in the FF Challenge. I was thinking of using the MINI to do so, but since I'm already in this car, I figured it'd be a great opportunity to put some more miles on it. I bought a Racing Muffler ($4600), a Racing Flywheel ($900), and a Racing Chip ($1000) to remain competitive through this event (72 hp in the Settings screen). Maybe using the MINI means I wouldn't have to spend money on these mods, but I think it's a good idea to use a car for as long as possible, to remain acquainted well enough to drive it well (better).

During my test runs, I found that the race at Motegi was the most difficult, followed by the race at Mid-Field. Because of this, I decided to do the Motegi race first, then proceed normally with the rest...

...
Participated in FF Challenge (Twin Ring Motegi - East Short Course). Champion.
Time: 1'48.191

Beginner Events: FF Challenge: Twin Ring Motegi - East Short Course: 2 Laps
Settings: Racing Muffler; Racing Chip, Nitrous @ 75; Aids 664; Racing Flywheel
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $1500

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	6	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	3'45.656	1'48.191
2	1	Renault Megane 2.0 IDE Coupe '00	+0'01.372
3	2	Peugeot 206 S16 '99	+0'04.499
4	3	Mitsubishi MIRAGE CYBORG ZR '97	+0'07.580
5	4	Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0 V6 24V '01	+0'09.175
6	5	Renault Megane 2.0 16V '03	+0'11.006

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

Going "From Worst To First" can make things tough, as I'm nearly 8 seconds back as I enter the first corner. With only 2 laps to work with, things are made a little more difficult.

Fortunately, the AI opponents take bad lines for the first few turns (before T1), and I manage to move into 5th heading into Turn 4. I pass the Alfa while braking into Turn 5, and end up on the tail of the MIRAGE on the exit. I pass the MIRAGE heading into the left hander of the S Curve, and bump and pass the 206 as I head into V Curve. I pass it on the exit, and finish lap 1 in 2nd place, 2.740 seconds behind the leader.

I take Turn 4 poorly, and lose quite a bit of momentum just before heading down the long straight, still 1.935 seconds behind by T1. I finally catch the Megane IDE and pass it heading into the right hander of the S Curve, taking the lead for good.

I ended the race with 79 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=570072894179983115

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 150 (29 AUG, YEAR 1): Prize Car Delivery

Prize car Honda S800 RSC Race Car '68 has been delivered.
[blank]

This car was awarded for winning the Professional Hall / World Compact Car Championship. It's the Yellow with Red Stripe #25, and is a good candidate to run in the pre-1970's races. However, it won't be used for this gamesave.

Here's what my Game Status screen looks like after this car was delivered:
http://gt4.mygt4diary.com/gamestatus.asp?d=151

Thanks for reading. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 149 (28 AUG, YEAR 1): Professional Events / World Compact Championship / Race 5

Participated in World Compact Battle 5 (Twin Ring Motegi - East Short Course). Champion.
Time: 1'53.139 Overall Champion

Professional Events: World Compact: Twin Ring Motegi - East Short Course: 4 Laps
Settings: Nitrous @ 70; Aids 664
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $7500, $30000

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	1	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	7'40.958	1'53.139
2	2	Opel Tigra 1.6i '99	+0'01.923
3	3	Opel Corsa Comfort 1.4 '01	+0'03.967
4	4	Ford Ka '01	+0'10.350
5	5	MINI COOPER '02	+0'11.018
6	6	Peugeot 206 S16 '99	+0'14.126

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

Staying in front for Turns 1 and 2 are key, but from there the AI opponents take bad lines (rather, use the brake too much), and they're easily overtaken from Turn 2 to T1. On the first lap, I'm too hot coming into the first of the S Turns (the left hander), and I go into the grass to the right. I lose a good chunk of the lead, but manage to stay in front for the rest of the race.

I ended the practice session with 65 miles, and ended the race with 74 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5821135985501957449

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 148 (27 AUG, YEAR 1): Professional Events / World Compact Championship / Race 4

Participated in World Compact Battle 4 (Hong Kong). Champion.
Time: 1'51.389

Professional Events: World Compact: Hong Kong Reverse: 4 Laps
Settings: Nitrous @ 70; Aids 664
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $7500

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	1	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	7'35.836	1'51.389
2	2	Opel Corsa Comfort 1.4 '01	+0'01.962
3	3	Opel Tigra 1.6i '99	+0'04.159
4	4	MINI COOPER '02	+0'06.268
5	6	Peugeot 206 S16 '99	+0'12.215
6	5	Ford Ka '01	+0'16.483

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

I lose the lead when I brake too late into the hairpin at Turn F on lap 1. I fall back to 3rd place, and punt the Tigra into the wall just before the start of lap 2. I go nearly wall-to-wall out of Turn D, and fall behind by 1.7 seconds at T1 of lap 2. It's not until the first turn of lap 3 when I get the lead back for good.

I ended the practice session with 51 miles, and ended the race with 58 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4233422017275458083

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 147 (26 AUG, YEAR 1): Professional Events / World Compact Championship / Race 3

Participated in World Compact Battle 3 (Grand Valley East). Champion.
Time: 1'25.571

Professional Events: World Compact: Grand Valley East Reverse: 4 Laps
Settings: Nitrous @ 70; Aids 664
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $7500

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	1	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	5'49.231	1'25.571
2	3	Opel Corsa Comfort 1.4 '01	+0'04.074
3	2	Opel Tigra 1.6i '99	+0'04.599
4	5	MINI COOPER '02	+0'05.393
5	6	Peugeot 206 S16 '99	+0'11.035
6	4	Ford Ka '01	+0'12.953

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

This was an easy race to win. The Corsa would never get close enough to challenge for the lead. Hooray for Nitrous again!

I ended the practice session with 39 miles, and ended the race with 47 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3761753126452583595

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 146 (25 AUG, YEAR 1): Professional Events / World Compact Championship / Race 2

Participated in World Compact Battle 2 (Tsukuba Circuit). Champion.
Time: 1'15.051

Professional Events: World Compact: Tsukuba Circuit: 5 Laps
Settings: Nitrous @ 70; Aids 664
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $7500

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	1	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	6'20.039	1'15.051
2	2	Opel Tigra 1.6i '99	+0'00.096
3	3	Opel Corsa Comfort 1.4 '01	DNF
4	4	Ford Ka '01	DNF
5	5	MINI COOPER '02	DNF
6	6	Peugeot 206 S16 '99	DNF

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

This race shouldn'tve been as close as it was. In my excitement after finishing, I pressed the Start button, thinking it would pause the game. But since the race had finished, it advanced past the replay. Because of this, the other 4 AI opponents hadn't crossed the line by the time the replay ends.

I took a wide exit for the final turn on the final lap, and the Tigra took away the inside. It continues to the left into the dirt after it passes, and I edge out the Tigra for the lead just before crossing the line. Other than that, it's just a matter of blocking while on the long straight.

I ended the practice session with 22 miles, and ended the race with 28 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5828711954633052256

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 145 (24 AUG, YEAR 1): Professional Events / World Compact Championship / Race 1

So, on to the first event, The World Compact Car Race. I chose to race in this event since it's a Professional Hall Championship, and it's a great opportunity to put some miles on the Copen before participating in its OMR. The Practice sessions offer a great chance to do this, as I can run an infinite number of practice miles, without registering in the Diary. In fact, I can enter any championship event, run a practice session, then exit without this "one day" penalty. It's a great way to wear-down the vehicle, but I can't imagine running 9000 miles or more, all in A-spec mode, just to squeeze out a couple more A-spec points... yet.

I'm noticing weird behavior with the A-spec mileage stat in the Game Status screen, when this method of "non-diary" miles is run. I'll look into it more, and report what I find.

Anyhow, before I entered this event, I went to the tune shop and bought Nitrous ($5000). While many might scoff at the use of the Bottle, it's a big key in getting the most A-spec points from races, as it doesn't lower the number of points offered.

These races can be won somewhat easily. It's important for me to start in the lead, so that I can block as the faster cars come down the long straights. If qualifying in first is difficult, I'll switch to softer tires for the Practice session, then switch back to whatever I've chosen to run for the race. All Settings are set to default (stock) unless noted.

...
Participated in World Compact Battle 1 (Seattle Circuit). Champion.
Time: 2'07.435

Professional Events: World Compact: Seattle Circuit: 3 Laps
Add-Ons: Nitrous
Settings: Nitrous @ 70; Aids 664
A-spec points: 200
Prize: $7500

F	S	Car Name	Time (Gap)	Best
1	1	Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02	6'27.772	2'07.435
2	3	Opel Tigra 1.6i '99	+0'02.846
3	2	Opel Corsa Comfort 1.4 '01	+0'03.315
4	6	MINI COOPER '02	+0'05.866
5	4	Ford Ka '01	+0'09.025
6	5	Peugeot 206 S16 '99	+0'09.947

Please refer to these track maps when looking up Turn numbers/names ** Special thanks to AMG @ GTPlanet.net for the hard work put in to generate them!!! **

This race wasn't too bad. The Tigra would catch up to me along the front and back straights as well as Turn 5, but I'd always pull away entering the twisty sections. I lose the lead briefly while entering Turn 5 on lap 1, but I get it back before the exit. From there, I'm in front to the finish...

I ended the practice session with 9 miles, and ended the race with 16 miles on the odometer.

Here's a video of my run:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1505587515069495905

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Day 144 (23 AUG, YEAR 1): NEW Car Purchase

Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02 purchased.
Paint Color: Black Mica

It took me a while to figure out which event I'd be running first. My first priority is to open up all of the Race Halls. The Extreme Hall requires all Beginner and Professional events to be completed, and the Endurance Hall requires 25% completion. I'd like to get the Championship events out of the way first, to make my race schedule more flexible as I go deeper into the game and more Collection Cars must be purchased.

There are 4 Championship events in the Professional Hall, and all Beginner Hall races are single-race events. One of my priorities is to acquire all of the prize cars that I'll be needing. Some key cars will be the MOTUL PITWORK Z, the Citroen 2CV TypeA, and the Audi R8 Race Car.

This pointed me toward buying and using a Daihatsu Copen. I decided to start with the Professional Events / World Compact Car events, and take care of 1 of the 4 Pro Championships. It can also sweep the Beginner Hall / FF Challenge races, and the Japanese Hall / Japanese Compact Cup, all for 200 pointers!

I decided to buy black cars when I can. If black isn't available, then I'll try to buy silver or red... This car cost $14980 and has 0.0 miles.

So, that's my plan. Here's what my Game Status screen looks like after this car was delivered:
http://gt4.mygt4diary.com/gamestatus.asp?d=145

Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching. And Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/