Sim Racing
From Wikipedia: "Sim (simulated) racing is the collective term for computer racing games which attempt to accurately simulate race driving, as opposed to "arcade" driving games. In general, sim racing titles are less popular than arcade style games, mainly because much more skill and practice is required to master them. For sim racers, however, the payoff comes from the thrill of feeling like one is actually racing a NASCAR stock car around the high banks of Daytona.
With the development of online racing capability, the ability to drive against human opponents as opposed to computer AI is the closest many will come to driving real cars on a real track. Even those who race in a very real sense use simulations for practice or for entertainment. With continued development of physics simulation software and improved hardware providing tactile feedback the game gets ever closer to reality and the thrill of racing against people from all over the world."
MWM currently races Sierra/Papyrus' NASCAR Racing 2003 Season (or N2K3). N2K3 has been available since February 2003 and has become increasingly difficult to find, although it is available at E-bay for a premium.
Sim-racing is great fun, but racing online is where it's at. The fun of racing real people door-to-door in real time is unbelievable. To race online you need a reliable broadband connection like DSL or Cable.
From there it's a matter of hardware. Each of us is equipped with a computer capable of running the sim smoothly and a wheel and pedal combo to allow for the best control of the car. The picture above is Rob's "setup" for sim racing.
You can see Rob's steering wheel, a TSW2 Cup, made by Thomas Enterprises. Rob also has rear speakers. The game is surround-sound compatible, so you can actually hear cars approaching from behind while you see them coming in the rear-view mirror. Here is a close-up of Bob's pedal set. Like Rob, he also uses a Thomas Enterprises product: the TSW Modified. The third pedal, on the left, is a working clutch.
When we race each other, we use custom painted cars that we all see on-line. It adds to fun of the simulation and personalizes the experience. Here are a few of our cars from a previous sim, NASCAR Racing 4:
We compete in organized Racing Leagues several nights each week, including the WSRL. Click the history link to view more about the team.
How do I join?
MountainWest Motorsports doesn't have any kind of application process. When we have an opening or choose to expand, we evaluate the drivers we race against regularly (whether they know it or not). If we agree on someone, an invitation is sent asking the driver if he or she is interested in joining us. Those recruited as MWM Drivers have proven themselves over time: They race regularly and enjoy themselves; they have demonstrated their desire to improve their driving skills; they respect their fellow racers on the track; and they possess a character and personality that positively enhances MountainWest Motorsports.
Our message board has a public area and sim racers are encouraged to sign-up and join in on the conversation. We also encourage any interested sim racers to join the WSRL.
Our Mission
"To provide each of our members with the resources to race competitively while always maintaining the enjoyment of our sport."
Rules
MountainWest is a team held together by shared enjoyment of sim racing and the friendships developed during our time racing together. As such, there are few official rules:
- Enjoy the racing.
- Exhibit good sportsmanship.
The MountainWest Steering Committee holds ultimate disciplinary power and responsibility for the team. To date, there has not been an "issue" for the committee to address.