The Virtually Perfect RC Simulator

Written By: Gary Katzer

The Virtually Perfect RC Simulator: Virtual RC Makes You a Better Driver

Have you ever had one of those days where the urge to go out and turn some laps at the local track is overwhelming? So you do what you think is natural, which is to gather up your gear and load up the car to go; then the skies open up and the rain starts to pour down. While in the past this may have ended your afternoon of practice, this is no-longer the case. Virtual RC (VRC) has taken the real world experiences of RC racing and brought them home to your PC.

Stunning virtual reality

One of the first things that you notice about VRC is just how photo-realistic everything is. Not only are some o f the best tracks from around the world re-created in perfect detail, but subtleties in the background also set VRC apart—from sponsor banners hanging on the driver’s stand and fences, pit spaces, animated spectators and more. But all is for naught if the environment looks terrific but doesn’t accurately recreate the real site. This is one of the areas in which VRC truly shines. For example, anyone who has been to the track in Ft. Meyers, Florida for the Winternats is familiar with the rather unforgiving boards that line the outside of the track and the metal barriers in the infield. Those have all been recreated in stunning detail, making it feel as if you were really there. This is true of all ten included tracks and environments included with VRC.

Getting dialed in

Many times people get to the track with very little time available for practice before qualifying actually begins. While they may want to experiment with different setup changes to see if you could be faster or not, they might be hesitant to take the risk. With Virtual RC, just about any chassis change you can make to your real car will be available for you on your computer. If you want to experiment with roll center changes on your real car to see what that change will do to the handling, try it in the virtual world first. Would you like to see if changing from 40wt oil and 2-hole pistons yields faster lap times than 50wt oil with 3-hole pistons? You can try that now and not have to rebuild your shocks or waste shock oil.

In addition to all the chassis changes that are available to you in VRC, you can also experiment with different bodies. Each different shell has a slightly different profile that affects how it slices through the wind and alters the balance of the car. Not only can you fine-tune the handling with different bodies, there are a number of different paint schemes for you to choose from as well, adding a bit of personalization to your VRC ride, just like many racers do on their actual RC Cars.

Finally, the folks over at Virtual RC have spent a lot of time making sure they get the software engine for the tires just right. After all, if you change from a 40-shore tire to a 45-shore tire you feel an on-track difference, and your car in VRC will display the same characteristics. The mechanics of how the tires wear and change during a run have also been accurately recreated too. If you over-drive your car into a corner, you will notice excessive front tire wear and the car will understeer more and more. If you get on the power too soon exiting a corner and spin the tires under acceleration, your car will slip and slide around and wear out the rear tires prematurely. No-other RC simulator recreates the chassis dynamics as accurately as VRC does. It’s truly in a league in and of itself. Speaking of leagues…

Race against drivers around the world

While it’s fun to play Virtual RC and try to best your own times, there comes a time when you need a little competition. Developers of VRC offer racing leagues and racing series to determine who is the fastest driver in the world of VRC. Normally participating in these on-line series requires the purchase of an online membership, but not so anymore. A one-year membership to VRC’s online racing community is included when you purchase your copy of VRC. If you enjoy your online experience and wish to continue it after your year membership expires, you can renew your membership on-line.

Along with unlocking the ability to compete with drivers around the world, Virtual RC’s online experience is extremely rich. Helpful forums have been created for users to discuss everything from computer setup questions, installation help, tire choice, ride height, and other chassis setup information. One of the most unique aspects of Virtual RC has to be their excellent customer support. This includes the information they provide on their homepage at http://www.virtualrc.com/. The creators of VRC monitor the forums on a regular basis to provide tech support, answer hardware questions, along with providing regular patches as they refine VRC.

Racing on VRC

All of this background information is all well and good, but when it comes down to it, if VRC is not an accurate simulation that captures the RC racing experience, it’s just a “game”. Trust us when we say that VRC is with out a doubt the most accurate and realistic recreation of what the real RC experience is like. From the sound of the engines when they really get on the pipe, the plumes of smoke exiting from the stingers, the realistic shadowing and lighting, it’s a gorgeous simulation that works are well as it looks. When you make a chassis change, the car does what it’s supposed to do in real life in reaction to the change.

Sure, turning laps alone can be a fun way to pass the time, but it’s a lot more fun to go out and run against other cars in traffic. The designers of VRC have you covered here as well with a well-designed and challenging set of AI cars and drivers. If you try to stick a nose under a car going into a corner, it’s going to try to slam the door on you just like a real competitor would. By the same token, if you leave the inside open and take a wide apex into a corner, expect to see someone try to take the line and attempt to pass you. The only thing missing from the racing experience is you.

VRC Products

	View the VRC RC Simulator Review     [VRCGP001] VRC Game Pack CD ROM - Don't wait for the weekend. With VRC you can practice anytime, develop your set-up skills and improve your racing. Enjoy the world's most famous tracks and compete on-line to get your daily r/c rush.

	View the VRC RC Simulator Review     [VRCCP002] VRC Pistol Grip USB Controller - The VRC Pistol Game Controller is based on a real r/c transmitter with exponential steering and steering trim adjustments.

	View the VRC RC Simulator Review     [VRCCP001] VRC USB Adaptor - Control VIRTUAL RC RACING with your own transmitter