NASCAR SimRacing Q&A - Overview

Developer Interview

Producer James Hawkins gives us an inside look at NASCAR SimRacing.

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For years, the name associated with realistic NASCAR racing on the PC was the development studio known as Papyrus. But with Papyrus' exit from NASCAR, the new name in realistic NASCAR racing is EA Sports. With NASCAR SimRacing, the developers at EA Tiburon are looking to push the driving realism to whole new levels, and from what we've seen of the game so far, they're definitely heading in the right direction. NASCAR SimRacing is scheduled to ship next month, and we caught up with James Hawkins, the game's line producer, to get the details. You can also try out the playable demo for NASCAR SimRacing.

GameSpot: Tell us about the decision that was made to make NASCAR SimRacing for PC in the wake of NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup on consoles. What are the main differences between the PC game and Chase for the Cup on consoles?

James Hawkins: Eighteen months ago, we decided to develop different games for the PC and the consoles. NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup would focus on bringing the NASCAR experience to life in a fun and interactive way designed specifically for console gamers. NASCAR SimRacing was designed to provide PC gamers with the ultimate NASCAR simulation racing experience. To make this happen, we created a new internal team here at EA Tiburon consisting of the top NASCAR developers and producers to focus exclusively on this title. For the PC, the most popular and successful racing games use complex models to simulate real-world physics and vehicle dynamics so as to re-create the experience of driving race cars as realistically as possible.

Get ready to strap into your seat and put the pedal to the metal.

While "clans" engage in authentic virtual combat missions such as those featured in games like Battlefield 1942, like-minded "teams" of NASCAR players will get behind their steering wheels and pedals to line up on the grid and compete in virtual races, like the Daytona 500 featured in NASCAR SimRacing. Online "sim racing" is very popular on the PC, and NASCAR SimRacing enables 43 players, located anywhere in the world, to race against each other. All you need is a PC, NASCAR SimRacing, and a broadband Internet connection. The very best sim-racing drivers practice and race on a daily basis. They demand the utmost in attention to real-life details and absolute authenticity. So, as far as they are concerned, their races are real.

The name NASCAR SimRacing is indicative of the key difference between our new PC experience and NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup. NASCAR SimRacing is a simulation designed by veterans and tested by real NASCAR drivers.

GS: So you do work with real-life NASCAR drivers? What kind of feedback have they given? And is it true that some drivers will use the game to practice for the real thing?

JH: We have worked with real drivers, including Ryan Newman and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Most of the feedback from the drivers has been focused on the core driving experience and accuracy of the vehicle dynamics. For example, Newman pointed out very early in our development cycle that the engine was generating too much negative torque during periods of deceleration. Using his feedback, we were able to correct the model and make it real.

It is a real testament to NASCAR SimRacing that the real drivers we have worked with are able to configure their cars via the "garage" screens with settings they raced with in real life, and then experience the game react exactly as they expect. By working with real drivers, we have also been able to ensure that specific details, such as bumps, severity of curbs, length of safe walls, and so on, are all true to real life. We expect a lot of real NASCAR drivers to use NASCAR SimRacing as a training tool.

GS: We understand that the game will give access to all sorts of telemetry data in order to tweak cars. Just how customizable are cars in the game, though? What kind of custom parts can you purchase, to what extent can you tweak the engine and handling, and what can you do with the chassis?

NASCAR drivers such as Ryan Newman served as advisers on the game.

JH: Every aspect of vehicle setup that a real NASCAR team and driver is able to configure in real life can be configured in NASCAR SimRacing. There are approximately 50 individual elements that may be configured via the garage screens, including, but not limited to: gear ratios; grille tape; fender flares and spoiler; steering lock; brake bias and pressure; wedge, nose, and left weight; tire pressure; front left and front right bump, rebound, spring, camber, caster and ride height; rear left and rear right bump, rebound, spring, camber, track bar and ride height; tire compound and fuel; front and rear sway bars; and front and rear toe.

Telemetry is a very powerful tool that provides players with detailed feedback about their car and driving style. Multiple laps can be overlaid and compared exactly at any point of any lap. Telemetry can be used to analyze driver inputs (including throttle, brake, steering, gear, and clutch), engine and gearbox information (including RPM, oil temperature, and water temperature), damper velocities and ride height, and tires (including temperatures, friction, and wheel spin). Telemetry is perfect for improving vehicle setups and driving style.

GS: Can you explain how the pit crew will work in the game? Will players be able to directly affect their performance or efficiency (for example, by directly controlling them, or indirectly improving them by giving them pay raises or adding more-skilled team members, and so on)?

JH: In NASCAR SimRacing, the player is able to drive their car right into the pit road and into their pit box. The pit crew is fully animated and carries out the adjustments players have requested.