Digital opens a whole new element in track design. Typical slot tracks strive for similar lane lengths so lap times are similar. This is nearly impossible with non-symmetrical and 4+ lane tracks. Lane rotation is the norm for racing on analog tracks.
With digital, everyone has equal access to all parts of the track so the design considerations are not the same!
For one, lane rotation is a thing of the past (yeah!). This just means more time racing and less shuffling. All good so far. But how does digital effect how we set up our tracks?
Will it be the same when the target is 4+ cars on two lanes? What about multi lane digital designs?
I think in the beginning it will be all "bash and crash" but as drivers get better and more competitive, track design will be very important.
I believe that if 4+ cars are to run on a two lane track, that the track will need to have long sections that take about the same time to drive, so that if one driver is closer to the limit, he will be able to pull ahead of the other driver. So this would be like: Two drivers enter the esses neck and neck, the faster driver will make it to the next crossover first. . .
The next crossover may lead into a section of the track where the inner lane is faster so both cars will need to take the same line. Then there may be another crossover leading into an "equal" section where a driver has a chance of passing again.
There will need to be enough crossovers and a long enough track so that slower traffic does not interfere (terribly) with Duels between fast drivers.
OTH, there should not be so many crossovers so that the lead driver can indefinetely cut off his competiotion. There needs to be "opportunity spots" for drivers to pass.
I dont have the answers, but obviously digital opens up a whole new element in track design. Where the crossovers are placed will have a huge impact on the racing experience.
With digital, everyone has equal access to all parts of the track so the design considerations are not the same!
For one, lane rotation is a thing of the past (yeah!). This just means more time racing and less shuffling. All good so far. But how does digital effect how we set up our tracks?
Will it be the same when the target is 4+ cars on two lanes? What about multi lane digital designs?
I think in the beginning it will be all "bash and crash" but as drivers get better and more competitive, track design will be very important.
I believe that if 4+ cars are to run on a two lane track, that the track will need to have long sections that take about the same time to drive, so that if one driver is closer to the limit, he will be able to pull ahead of the other driver. So this would be like: Two drivers enter the esses neck and neck, the faster driver will make it to the next crossover first. . .
The next crossover may lead into a section of the track where the inner lane is faster so both cars will need to take the same line. Then there may be another crossover leading into an "equal" section where a driver has a chance of passing again.
There will need to be enough crossovers and a long enough track so that slower traffic does not interfere (terribly) with Duels between fast drivers.
OTH, there should not be so many crossovers so that the lead driver can indefinetely cut off his competiotion. There needs to be "opportunity spots" for drivers to pass.
I dont have the answers, but obviously digital opens up a whole new element in track design. Where the crossovers are placed will have a huge impact on the racing experience.