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[cir] Izumi International Racing Park

Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2015 5:46 am
by Haruna
Izumi International Racing Park
Wait for the right time to spring for a full-on attack if you wish to bathe in the glory of victory.
Country of Origin: Japan, Track Type: Purpose-built Circuit
Variants: Grand Prix (1121 m), National (648 m), Hotlap (510 m)
Izumi International Racing Park was originally built in the early 70's as a high-performance testing ground for a number of high-profile car manufacturers. Coincidentally the location chosen also happened to be near a few popular hot spring baths (or onsen), which made the local area popular for tourists. To attract the attention of both onsen goers and race fans alike, the track designers and the hot spring owners collaborated on a track layout which was ideal for both racing and for onsen attendees to view the race action unfold. Izumi Racing Park opened its doors in 1974, and began hosting a number of club-level Touring, Grand Prix, and (a year later) Endurance events to great success.

The current layout is not a major deviation from the original, with only repaving and some re-profiling of some corner sections, though an extra road was laid down to create various shorter track variants in the 80's. Izumi is well-known for its high-speed uphill S-bend, which must be navigated carefully so as not to overshoot the subsequent left-hand sweeper. Her roads are wide but the curves are tricky to make moves on; pace yourself carefully and don't get too anxious to push on the next corners, as the track likes to throw down corners at increasingly rapid paces before giving you a break. Even with the wide run-offs, mistakes can easily be punished here, so keep your driving as tidy as possible.

Trivia:
  • The track takes its name from the season it opened in, the spring season. This season is also typically the beginning of the circuit racing season in many countries, Japan included.
  • Typically onsen baths are partly barricaded or naturally closed off to prevent people from peeking over. Considering the World of Racing universe, however, there are racing fans crazy enough to want to take a nice hot bath while watching races live at the same time. Most onsen are mixed-gender and are actually family-oriented experiences, contrary to what anime and manga will tell you, and it's the same in WOR.
  • The layout takes some bits and pieces from Spa-Francorchamps, a real-world circuit, and Kyoto Ring, a fictional Japanese circuit in Live For Speed. Both tracks are well known for being fast paced, technically challenging circuits that leave racers with lots of, but yet at the same time, no breathing room.
  • Using sunken tires as the pit wall is a practice I've lifted from long-time track maker Aeon. This is a deliberate measure to ensure AI cars can still reach the pits even when knocked way off course. This does mean the track does not have any pit speed limiters, but the entry on all layouts is setup such that you can't cheat by this method anyways.
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IzumiRacePark_2015.zip
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Re: [cir] Izumi International Racing Park

Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2015 4:32 pm
by Marco
Very cool track, it's challenging and and really fun to drive :bg: The only thing that bugs me are those sunk tires separating the pit lane, but that's just my personal opinion :)

Re: [cir] Izumi International Racing Park

Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 2:42 pm
by RobertRacer
This is a very nice track you made, Haruna. :bg:

Indeed, the sunken tires as pit wall are a little bit unusual, but they're ok. :)

Also like the Hotlap course (and the pit). :)


Go on! ;)

Re: [cir] Izumi International Racing Park

Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 5:27 pm
by Bouncebackability
Its a really well madr track Haruna, I personally like the pitwall youve done and the track has some good details and a fun layout. the sole red wall is a bit strong and could be balanced better with soft walls on other areas of the track.

But my main reason for comment; when was the last time we saw a bridge object being used?

Merged double reply from Thu Apr 16, 2015 6:27 pm:

Its a really well madr track Haruna, I personally like the pitwall youve done and the track has some good details and a fun layout. the sole red wall is a bit strong and could be balanced better with soft walls on other areas of the track.

But my main reason for comment; when was the last time we saw a bridge object being used?

Re: [cir] Izumi International Racing Park

Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 5:28 am
by TuomoH
The track looks very good and interesting to drive. :cool2:
Bouncebackability wrote:But my main reason for comment; when was the last time we saw a bridge object being used?
I would say it was last August when I released Pigeon where you actually drive over the bridge. ;) As for conventional tracks, no idea. I think it's a pity, I like that object a lot. :scratch:

Re: [cir] Izumi International Racing Park

Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 5:34 pm
by YoNnie
I second BBA ;) Love the details like sand on the layout and other little lmap trickies ;)