News Archive 2000

Part B - June through December

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More New Sources for GPL

12/30/00 - GPL is no longer available through normal channels, but I've learned about two new sources which will ship it to you. Also, an upcoming issue of a German PC gaming magazine will include it on the cover CD.

Details here.

Le Mans Bugatti Circuit

12/31/00 - Roland Ehnström and Greger Huttu have built the Le Mans Bugatti circuit for GPL! This is the one 1967 Grand Prix track that was not included in GPL (Papyrus chose to do the daunting Rouen instead because it was more popular with the drivers at the time).

Greger and Roland have done a fantastic job. Frame rate is excellent, yet the circuit doesn't lack visual detail. The Bugatti circuit may not have been a favorite in 1967, but it's a great circuit for online racing, and it has some sections which are very challenging in a GP car.

Get the Bugatti circuit here or at the GPLEA.

John Cooper and Walter Hayes

12/29/00 - John Cooper passed away on Christmas Eve after a battle with cancer, and Walter Hayes died four days later after an unspecified illness. Both men exerted a major influence on the period modeled by Grand Prix Legends.

John Cooper produced the first successful mid-engined Formula One cars, cars which were driven to world championships by Sir Jack Brabham in 1959 and 1960. Brabham's teammate at the time, Bruce Mclaren, remains the youngest driver ever to win a Grand Prix, the first US Grand Prix at Sebring in 1959. Brabham and Cooper took a mid-engined F1 car to Indianapolis after the US Grand Prix in 1961, and began the mid-engine revolution at Indianapolis as well.

But for a regrettable miscommunication, Cooper's last F1 car would have been in GPL instead of the fictional Coventry, which actually does approximate the performance of the Cooper-Maserati of 1967. In an interview in February 1999, Mr. Cooper expressed pleasure upon learning that his car had been modeled in GPL, despite its fictional name.

Walter Hayes brought Ford into the Lotus/Cosworth engine project initiated by Colin Chapman, Keith Duckworth, and Mike Costin in 1966. Ford supplied funding of 100,000 pounds which made possible the Ford/Cosworth and GPL's best car, the Lotus 49.

In a Lotus driven by Jim Clark, the Ford/Cosworth engine won its first race, at Zandvoort in 1967. The engine went on to win over 150 Grands Prix and numerous world championships, and was the dominant engine in Formula One until the advent of the turbo era 20 years later.

More about both men at OnTrack Online.

New F2 Reference Setups

12/29/00 - Because of the proliferation of tracks - and, due to the GPL Engine Manager, car/enigne combinations as well - I've published a set of Reference Setups for most of the F2 cars, together with a discussion of how to adapt them to various tracks and to your style of driving.

The GPL Engine Swapper

12/21/00 - Paul Thurston greated quite a stir in the GPL community recently with his new GPL Engine Manager. This utility can be used to patch GPL so that any engine can be used in any chassis.

This presents the GPL enthusiast with many intriguing new possibilities, but it also raised concerns about "cheating". Schubi has actually closed his superb hotlaps page and won't be taking any more hot laps.

On the other hand, some online racing clubs have eagerly embraced some of the new engine/chassis combinations, finding them more suitable for online racing than the configurations that came with GPL.

Read my thoughts about the Engine Manager here. Get GPL Engine Manager at Ricardo Nunnini's GPL Foolishness.

My New Thunderbird 900

12/21/00 - To take advantage of new graphics hardware technology - specifically Full Scene Anti-Aliasing - and the many new graphical enhancements that are now available for GPL, I've built a new computer around an AMD Thunderbird 900, a Voodoo5 550 video card, and one of the best motherboards around.

The end result is fantastic, but along the way I had some interesting "learning experiences". The Abit motherboard actually needs its own drivers, and several other pitfalls await the unwary builder of a state of the art gaming machine.

If you're thinking of upgrading to new hardware, read about my project here.

Crystal Palace

12/21/00 - The GPLEA has released their latest track, Crystal Palace. They have done an awesome on this beautiful and challenging track. Get it now at the GPLEA's Tracks page!

New Versions of GPL Replay Analyser, PBFVue

12/21/00 - Martin Granberg has released a new version of GPL Replay Analyser. The latest version has several interesting new features. Among other things, it not only allows you to organize your ever-growing track list into alphabetical order, but it has a preliminary version of a testing module which attempts to check for engine swaps in replays. Get GPL Replay Analyser here.

Erik Kundl has released a new improved version of his PBF file viewer/converter, PBFVue. PBFVue can convert GPL screen shots to bitmap (.bmp) or JPEG (.jpg) format or other formats. Get PBFVue here.

GPL in Discount Bins?

11/10/00 - David Simmons was looking for a copy of GPL after he found that Sierra is no longer carrying it on their Web site. He found a source locally David says:

"Alison, I got very lucky today. I went to the local Office Depot to pick up some laminating sheets and just for the heck of it I walked down the software isle and lo and behold there were about 8 copies of GPL on the shelf. The best part was that they were selling for under $5.00.

"If you know of anyone else looking for a copy just have them e-mail me and I'll be glad to work something out with them. Thanks for the sites you gave me."

Contact David at dasim4@triad.rr.com if you'd like him to pick you up a copy.

I believe GPL is also still available at Dragon.ca for about US$15. Go here.

Good Source for Good Logitech FF Wheels

12/29/00 - Update: In early December, several people reported that JustDeals had sold out of the refurbished Logitech wheels. However, recent reports are that they are back in stock. Get 'em while you can!

11/10/00 - Several readers have reported that JustDeals.com is selling refurbished Logitech Wingman Formula Force wheels for $48 plus shipping. So far everyone I know of has received the later - and better - Made in China version. I ordered two and both were of this type.

This is a great deal, and I if you have been on the fence about Force Feedback, I highly recommend that you grab one now before they are gone. This model has been discontinued in favor of the new "GP" model, which appears to be markedly inferior (although I have one good report on the latter; see below).

I use CH Pedals with my LogiFF wheels, but some people prefer higher quality pedals. Frank Koenig reports:

"I also noticed that at TSW is selling a modified version of their pedals that are designed to work with the Logitech wheel.

"Here is the link:

http://www.thomas-superwheel.com/prods/ped03.html

"A bit pricey at $215.

"Oh well, as far as I could see, I'd have the state of the art in force feedback wheel & pedal combo for $265!"

Reader Reports on new Logitech FF GP Wheel

11/10/00 - At least one person likes the new Logitech Wingman Formula Force GP wheel and pedals. Go here for details.

Goodwood Frame Rate Patch

11/10/00 - The VROC F2 Club reports: "Since the Goodwood circuit was released some people have had problems with framerate. This has been solved with the release of a patch by the GPLEA which can be downloaded from here:

http://home.c2i.net/igplc/gw-patch/

Site Problems

11/10/00 - Recent problems with the DNS server at the ISP which hosts my site caused it to be unavailable to some computers for several days, giving rise to rumors that I had discontinued my site. Nothing could be further from the truth. I intend to continue this site indefinitely.

The DNS problems appear to have been resolved now. My apologies for any inconvenience this outage might have caused!

More Copies of Rendition Ready CART at Dragon?

9/17/00 - Peter Wilde reports that he ordered a copy of Rendition Ready CART from Dragon last week and got it! It was a shrink wrapped CD and manuals, with no box, but he got the software needed for converting the enhanced tracks to GPL.

See my CART page for info about Dragon.

Act Labs Shifter Patch

9/17/00 - There is now available a patch written by Julien Landy which allows the Act Labs shifter console to be used with GPL. This program resides in the background and watches the shifter; when you position the shifter in a new slot, it generates the keystrokes necessary to get GPL to shift the transmission to the gear corresponding to that slot.

I haven't tried it but it sounds like a great idea, and Act Labs says it's been thoroughly tested with GPL and other legacy racing games.

Get the patch at the Act Labs site. Click on the link below the animated shifting graphic, or go here. Also take a look at the Accessories page; there's some neat stuff there.

Windows ME and LogiFF

9/17/00 - A few days ago I reported that Windows ME and the Logitech Force Feedback wheel are not compatible. This is not correct.

Two readers have pointed out to me that Logitech has released Wingman drivers for Windows ME, and both have been using their Logitech wheels on ME with excellent results.

Go here for details.

More on the New Logitech Force Feedback Wheel

9/17/00 - I've gotten a look at Logitech's new, less expensive model force feedback wheel (known as the "Wingman Formula Force GP"), and I am less than pleased. Go here for my comments.

Act Labs Force RS Revisited

9/14/00 - I've tried my Act Labs Force RS wheel again, with much better results this time. With new drivers from Act Labs, and some break-in "miles" on my wheel (courtesy of my nephew, Amos), the Force RS now comes in a fairly close second to my Logitech Wingman Formula Force.

Details here.

Fast and Cheap: Rage Fury Pro, Athlon Smokes

9/14/00 - David Littlefield reports fantastic results with an ATI Rage Fury Pro and an inexpensive Athlon 600 computer. Using Papyrus' new Direct3D Rasterizer for GPL, David's getting 36 fps at 1280x1024 with 19 AI cars and everything on! He says it looks great, too.

More details here, on the Reader's FAQ page.

Wolfgang Woeger Switches to Wheel!

9/14/00 - Wolfgang Woeger, one of the top two GPL drivers in the world, has switched from a joystick to a Microsoft Force Feedback wheel. He loves it!

Here's what Wolfi had to say:

"I am sure it will not make me faster but as you say, I am looking for realism. I was fast long enough; it's not all that I want. :-)

"I drive 1:29 in the Honda at Monza, the feeling is soooooooo nice, for me it's like GPL 2 now. <G>"

Source for Rendition Ready CART Sold Out

9/14/00 - Unfortunately, Software & Stuff appears to have now sold out of Rendition Ready CART. Two readers have reported ordering it and receiving a cancellation of their order, with a note saying that the item is sold out. Looks like there are still a bunch of people who want this product!

9/3/00 - Software & Stuff, an Internet mail order company, shows the Rendition version of CART in their online catalog at:

http://www.softwareandstuff.com/s_games_cartracing.html

The price is $9.95 plus shipping. It might be worth a try if you haven't got CART yet.

GPLonline

9/3/00 - GPLonline is a new Web site devoted to a worldwide racing league for GPL enthusiasts. There is also a considerable amount of technical information at the site, and a number of add-ons and enhancements for GPL.

I've updated my Racing Online page, with links to a variety of active online racing series and clubs for GPL.

GPL World Rankings; also the Ultimate GPL Links Page

9/1/00 - I've been remiss in not mentioning Uwe Schürkamp's GPLRank Web site before. This superb site allows you to compare your skill and proficiency in driving GPL's cars with the achievements of GPL enthusiasts worldwide.

At GPLRank, you upload your own player.ini and Uwe's software calculates your worldwide ranking and your "handicap". A sophisticated database and custom retrieval software allow you to compare your times with those of thousands of GPL enthusiasts, including world champions like Greger Huttu and Wolfgang Woeger, GPL developers Dave Kaemmer and Randy Cassidy, and even me!

Also be sure to visit Hans Van Dam's Ultimate GPL Links Page. Hans' site has tons of links to GPL-related sites.

Steve Smith's 60/60/1 Setups

8/30/00 - For a long time now, many of the fastest drivers have been using and advocating setups based on differential settings other than the 85/30 settings that I've almost always used. I've tried a number of times to work up setups that I'm comfortable with using different ramp angles, but I've always wound up coming back to the old trusty 85/30 setups.

Now Steve Smith has changed my mind. He sent me a few setups with a 60 degree ramp angle on the power side and 60 or 45 on the coast side, along with an explanation of why they work better, and where.

It only took me a few laps with Steve's F2 Cooper setup for Kyalami to be convinced. Once I got used to treating the throttle with a bit more restraint, driving the car was easier and more fun. Slides are more progressive, more controllable.

Now all my new setups use a 60 degree ramp angle on the power side. The secret seems to be in the use of stiffer dampers at the front, and stiffer damping in bump than rebound, to help stabilize the car in transition. An additional benefit of running stiffer dampers in bump is that I can run somewhat lower ride heights without bottoming. So far I've only tried 45 on the coast side, with one clutch, but I'll be experimenting with other settings as well.

Read Steve's article, 60/60/1 Setups, and download his setups now!

3D Wheels from the Tyre Barn

8/30/00 - Working with files developed by the GPLEA for the new GPLEA Lotus, the Tyre Barn has published some superb new 3D wheels for all of the GPL cars. These 3D wheels replace the "stock" papyrus one-dimensional disk-type wheels.

I especially like Mark Ide's beautifully realistic renditions of the original 1967 type wheels. These wheels add a whole new dimension of realism to the experience of racing GPL and also of watching replays.

Four New Tracks!

8/30/00 - Four fantastic new tracks for GPL have been released in recent weeks. Imola and Road Atlanta by Dave Noonan are available from Dave's World in the newly revamped GPL section at The Pits. Goodwood and Solitude by the GPLEA are available from the GPLEA's Race Circuits page.

Read my comments about these great tracks here.

Thank you, guys! Great work!

GPLEA Lotus

8/30/00 - The GPLEA has released their new Lotus. This superb new graphic enhancement package features 3D wheels to replace the "stock" Papyrus flat disc wheels, and a beautiful cockpit.

Get it at the GPLEA. Go to the GPL division, and look under Racing Cars for the Lotus patch.

Seven Weeks to Victory!

8/30/00 - After an intense month and a half of car building, Nate and I drove our Cobra on the street for the first time. Three days later - seven weeks to the day after we picked up the kit from the factory - we competed in our first event ... and won!

Although I had raced cars before, I had never driven a race car anywhere near as powerful as the Cobra. I am quite sure that my many hours of racing in GPL helped prepare me for driving the Cobra. Even in the wet, when it was very easy to spin the tires with power, my corrective responses to slides were just right. I never spun the car. Also, I learned a difficult course very quickly, largely due to the practice GPL has given me in learning new courses.

See pictures and read the details about this incredible adventure on my Cobra pages.

Now that the Cobra is on the road, I'm back home, doing some sim racing again, and planning to bring this site up to date with all the latest GPL-related news. I also plan to add some more photos and words to the Cobra site.

Direct3D for GPL!

7/1/00 - Papyrus has released a new Direct3D rasterizer for GPL! The readme says that the new beta rasterizer is known to work with various TNT and GeForce cards and Voodoo3 cards. It may also work with other cards.

This new rasterizer may improve frame rate if you are currently using the OpenGL rasterizer. It may also allow running GPL on machines that have other cards.

Get the new D3D rasterizer at the Papyrus GPL download page.

Off Topic: The Cobra Project

6/22/00 - For those of you who are wondering about the "CobraAli" nickname I've been using lately in the VROC chat, I've created a new Web site about the latest project that Nate and I have undertaken.

Inspired by our many happy hours of virtual-world racing, mostly in GPL, Nate and I have developed an urge to get back to the real world and lay some real rubber and smell some real rubber smoke.

We're building a Cobra replica. Check it out!

Raves from On Track and Computer Gaming World

6/15/00 - Top computer gaming magazine Computer Gaming World and hard-core racing enthusiast magazine On Track both speak very highly of GPL in recent issues. CGW also recommends GPL Race Engineer, GRE Help, Dave Noonan's GPL track converter, Kari Ikonen's AI Tweaker, and this Web site.

On Track mentions "today's hyper-realistic Grand Prix Legends" and discusses online racing and the potential of racing simulators to become important learning tools for race drivers.

CGW calls the Eagle Woman's GPL site "A great site for all things GPL" and says:

"... be sure to download Nate Hine's GPL Race Engineer. The program uses a Windows interface to let users adjust settings, has context-sensitive help, and provides handy charts and graphs. The help files do more than simply explain how to use the software, offering complete Introduction to Race Car Dynamics and Race Engineer's Handbook sections. This is a must-have for anyone wanting to maximize the performance of their GPL cars."

See the Press page for more.

GPL Disconnect Fix!

6/1/00 - Papyrus engineer Randy Cassidy has found a fix for the disconnects frequently encountered in GPL when racing online. You can download a small program here or from Papyrus which will apply the fix to your GPL 1.2.0.1, even if you've already applied other patches such as Nigel Pattensen's sound patch.

Extensive experience shows that this fix significantly reduces disconnects when used on either the GPL server or GPL client, and even more when used on both. Involuntary disconnection was the one remaining major headache when racing GPL online, and this fix addresses this problem very effectively.

Get the fix here.

What's New

12/29/00

I've added a couple of new paragraphs to my Force Feedback page, and a link to the Logicorner eGroup, a mailing list likely to be of interest to anyone using Logitech FF wheels.

The new paragraphs deal with lockup problems with fast computers and the Wingman software, and a defect in the Wingman Profiler which has caused me to stop using Wingman profiles.

Also, I've added some useful new Links to my Thunderbird 900 page. This includes the AthlonMB.com KT7 FAQ and the new General Hardware Sites section.

I've also added two virtual cockpits to my Controls page, and, by special request, a couple of Kyalami replays and a Monaco to the Replays page.

11/20/00

Added links to Norway site for The Pits to the Add-On Utilities page and the AI Tweaker page.

9/26/00

Added a link to Richey Manic's delightful Dad's Army Racing site to the Links page. There's a beautiful video on the News page under September 9, 2000. Just remember that anything Richey says about upcoming sims is likely to be very tongue-in-cheek!

9/4/00

I've updated my Racing Online page, with links to a variety of active online racing series and clubs for GPL. I've also added a note about the new D3D rasterizer to the Survival page, and a note about a possible new source for Rendition CART to the CART page.

I've also added a link to The Pits' mirror site in Norway, and another French-language GPL site to my Links page.

9/1/00

Added Uwe Schürkamp's GPLRank and Hans Van Dam's Ultimate GPL Links Page to my Links page.

8/30/00

I've archived the first six months' news of this year. There's a new News Archive page which links to all the News Archives. This was necessary because there would have been too many archive links on the main News page.

I've added a new 60/60/1 Setups page and setups by Steve Smith. I've added notes about the GPLEA Lotus and 3D wheels from the Tyre Barn to the Audio and Visual Enhancements page, added new sections about the four new tracks to the Add-On Tracks page, and slightly reorganized the indexes there and on the Add-Ons page.

I've also modified the online version of GRE Help to reflect my new approach to differential settings. Well, actually this is Steve Smith's approach, which I've adopted.

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