Dont overlook B-Spec

[slthree]

When I first heard of this mode I thought it was ludicrous. I could not imagine anything more unappealing.

Now, I love it. The main reason is for the fantastic camera angles that allow me to just sit back and enjoy my cars.

When I race on the other circuit I cant see my car, plus I'm too stressed trying to make every turn cleanly to enjoy the race. Yes, I have to deal with frustrating errors by my drivers but they are young and inexperienced so I imagine thats the way its supposed to be.

I can manage a few races while I'm doing some light housework, straightening up after the baby and cleaning the kitchen. I've even enjoyed a cup of coffee while relaxing while my team driver shows off/plays pinball with my beautiful cars.

[ckarlic]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

When I first heard of this mode I thought it was ludicrous. I could not imagine anything more unappealing.

Now, I love it. The main reason is for the fantastic camera angles that allow me to just sit back and enjoy my cars.

When I race on the other circuit I cant see my car, plus I'm too stressed trying to make every turn cleanly to enjoy the race. Yes, I have to deal with frustrating errors by my drivers but they are young and inexperienced so I imagine thats the way its supposed to be.

I can manage a few races while I'm doing some light housework, straightening up after the baby and cleaning the kitchen. I've even enjoyed a cup of coffee while relaxing while my team driver shows off/plays pinball with my beautiful cars.

Feel the same way. Ive been doing Spec B races for the last few weeks and find it is a great way to get extra cash quite easily. With 2 kids, I am able to gain credits and take care of my kids at the same time.

[slthree]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

Feel the same way. Ive been doing Spec B races for the last few weeks and find it is a great way to get extra cash quite easily. With 2 kids, I am able to gain credits and take care of my kids at the same time.

Great point! I completely forgot about the fact that it is an easy way to get cash.

I had my driver drive the 1st series in the Amateur Race section (something like "Clubman Cup"). Not only did he win me some serious money but I got to watch my new Toyota Concept Car (the white one with the black hood) in action,

I havent seen many of the tracks but the 3rd race in that series features a really nice track to watch.

As for the kids, I'm with ya brotha. I can easily keep my 2 yr old daughter busy while watching, something I could not do actually playing.

[Blzer]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

I want to get into it, but I just don't know how to do it! What are some tips to commanding the driver properly?

[ckarlic]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

I want to get into it, but I just don't know how to do it! What are some tips to commanding the driver properly?

The one thing i learned when I started is to pace yourself. Most of the races are at least 6 laps so you have time to catch up and wait for the other cars to make mistakes. Whenever your driver is getting "stressed" i would choose "pace down" to get him calm and slowly pick my spots to "pace up". I tend to wait for a long straight away to increase my pace. As long as you keep your driver calm and use a car that is as fast if not faster than the other cars you should be in good shape. The higher your driver's exp. level the easier the races will become.

At first my driver was all over the damn place but then I learned how to calm my driver down and pick my spots to pass or pace up. It takes some time to get used to but once you do, i think you will enjoy it.

[EnigmaNemesis]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

Thanks for this thread. I am definitely going to try it out. I love seeing the beautiful replays, and this mode is basically a nice big interactive one.

And thanks for the tips CK!

[slthree]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

When I first started using this mode I did alot of research on how to pace your driver.

The consensus was to give him the "Pace Up" (like 3 times straight)command right from the get go so he could jump to the front of the pack.

His meter will surely go red but don't worry.

For the next 3 or 4 laps just keep giving the "Pace Down" command. He'll be calm and collected,make very few mistakes, and be in position to make a run for the last lap or two.

On lap 5 I start giving the "Pace Up" command until the meter runs half way through the red section. I guess you'd call it 75%

This usually pushes him to the top and I alternate "maintain" and "pace down" thru the end.

But,if he's not in 1st there is still room to "Pace Up" without freaking him out.

The key is to have "strength" left for the final lap

Also, many have said that the commands do NOT reflect speed. "Pace Down" does not mean slow down. It means exert less effort (thus saving strength).

I didn't believe this at first but i quickly realized these guys were right. I would give the "Pace Down"command and still have my driver increase speed and pass.

Im sure there are other effective strategies and I can't wait for more people to use this mode and weigh in with good tips.

Funny, one thing I didn't find was good info on selecting a driver to start with. Some drivers are just horrible. I had good success with my first guy and when I was eligible to get another driver I picked 2 lemons in a row. Had to fire (retire) them both.

Now, I have 2 guys I trust a bit.

A caution though: If you have a favorite car that is a monster (dont we all) your rookie driver will struggle like you cant imagine.

I have a car that is in the high 400's for HP (alot for me as I'm early in the game) . I selected it for my driver who was a level 2 and he was all over the place 3 races straight. I had to give him my FTO, which is 256HP with Soft Tires.

He did much better. I waited until he was a higher level (like 7plus) before I unleashed that car for him again.

[EnigmaNemesis]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

Sweet, thanks for the tips guys. Should help me out a bit starting out!

Keep them coming, and I will weigh in if I come across anything I think can help!

[JPCaveman13]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

A caution though: If you have a favorite car that is a monster (dont we all) your rookie driver will struggle like you cant imagine.

I have a car that is in the high 400's for HP (alot for me as I'm early in the game) . I selected it for my driver who was a level 2 and he was all over the place 3 races straight. I had to give him my FTO, which is 256HP with Soft Tires.

He did much better. I waited until he was a higher level (like 7plus) before I unleashed that car for him again.

I hear you on that...lol. I made that mistake by accident. I ran a higher race with my fully-tuned '70 Challenger R/T (which is well beyond his level at 750hp and can get to 200+ mph on Daytona) and forgot to move back to something my driver could handle. He'd jump the throttle coming out of a turn and I watched as the back end kept coming around.

[The Amaizen Blue]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

I just can't catch onto B-Spec. I know how to do everything, I just find it boring.

[BurghFan]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

I want to get into it, but I just don't know how to do it! What are some tips to commanding the driver properly?

Really there's no need to do anything. Give your guy a good enough car and he'll win easily with no input from you. I usually just set up a race then go do something else such as working out, making dinner, cleaning, etc. while he runs it. Easy way to make money in the game while still being productive and getting other stuff done at the same time.

[slthree]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

I just can't catch onto B-Spec. I know how to do everything, I just find it boring.

I can see where some may think that.

My girls are 15 and 14 and really like racing but thought b spec was boring. They watched a few races and did get into it and they enjoyed watching the car and the amazing camera angles but still would rather race themselves.

I love it as a break from racing myself because for me the races are really intense and drain me. Plus, I love to see my cars on the track and am amazed by the camera work (something I cant afford to notice while Im actually controlling the car). Plus, you can get some things done while your guy races.

I feel like I own 2 different games and love them both

[RAZRr1275]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

Another tip is to get a hot driver to start. He'll spin and be all over the place at first but give him a fast enough car and he'll win. After he levels up you don't have to do anything because if he gets cold and the other cars catch up he starts warming up by himself so that he doesn't lose 1st.

[prolifik]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

Really there's no need to do anything. Give your guy a good enough car and he'll win easily with no input from you. I usually just set up a race then go do something else such as working out, making dinner, cleaning, etc. while he runs it. Easy way to make money in the game while still being productive and getting other stuff done at the same time.

+1
I find that my drivers always stay at the front of the pack, or at least 2nd or 3rd with input until the final lap. Then I just grab the controller on that last lap and help him through it. B-Spec is awesome

[dshill]

Re: Dont overlook B-Spec

For the guys that don't do much in b-spec: If you do one race, do the Roadster Cup. The prize car, the Mazda Furai concept, is pretty much a Le Mans Prototype car. Its got the power:weight ratio of a race car and corners like a beast.