Sage advice from fellow PCA Sim Racers!
by Dean Chapman, Northern New Jersey Region PCA
What do you ensure you always do before a race?
Bob Moore, “I have a routine checklist. I always calculate my fuel load and program a few buttons on my wheel with a few fuel load options. Sort of a min/max calculation.”
“Next, I power up the UPS/Computer, Alpinestars on, turn Trading Paints off (for PCA national races), fire up Steam and initialize the Valve Index, fire up the DD1, fire up CrewChief, fire up the Standings dashboard, fire up the motion control software, tighten my 5 point seat belts, OMP racing gloves on, Check my setups in iRacing. Then I’m good to go.”
George Markadakis, “Go to the bathroom! Hate to have a few laps left and ……..!”
Josh Vieira, “Use the restroom.”
Billy Smith, “bathroom”
What do you ensure you always do in a race?
Bob Moore, “I try to get through those first few laps as clean as possible. If you can’t get through those first few laps you’re not going to have much of a race.”
George Markadakis, “Check relative screen, try to be aware of other drivers.”
Josh Vieira, “Stay relaxed, drive subconsciously, and place my car exactly where the opponents behind me what to be.”
What do you recommend racers never do before a race?
Bob Moore, “Don’t drink and don’t play around with your setup before a race. Stick with what works for you.”
George Markadakis, “Drink a lot of water.”
Josh Vieira, “A racer should never plan on how to handle the Race Start… anything can happen and your mind has to be free to react to whatever is presented…. and don’t drink water right beforehand!”
Billy Smith, “Drink”
What do you recommend racers never do while in a race?
Bob Moore, “Don’t lose your cool and don’t give up. If you have an off-track incident, regroup and get back at it. Stick to the plan and work as hard as possible at being consistent.”
George Markadakis, “Re-enter the track without looking or checking relative screen after going off.”
Josh Vieira, “A racer should never lose his cool and let his emotions take over.”
Billy Smith, “Don’t drive over your head and keep emotions in check.”