Supercars Championship Development Thread

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Esco Trackside

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Apr 5, 2017
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Hey all,

The 2020 Supercars Championship is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than by officially announcing my 2020 carset, which will include every car to run in this year's championship.


About This Showroom

This is where I'll be showcasing the cars, tracks and other small modifications that I've created for the VASC in NR2003. Us Aussie racing fans are very passionate about the sport, and I'm excited to be able to share that here (It's been great to see the likes of ddrap14 and Rollo75 getting on board with the series and expressing their interest on the forums lately as well)

I've been quietly and slowly working over the past couple of years to improve my painting and sandbox skills, and am finally at a point where I feel I can share what I've come up with. I released a couple of cars a while back, but the standard of the overall carset simply wasn't up to the incredible standard I've seen from other painters here at Stunod. For 2020 my focus is to bring an accurate and detailed depiction of the 2020 Supercars Championship that is well suited for NR2003.


Paint Schemes

As a bit of background info, Supercars teams typically leave it until quite late to release their paint schemes for the upcoming season (as opposed to NASCAR teams, who release a lot of theirs before the New Year), and we often don't see many schemes in the flesh until pre-season testing or the first round at Adelaide in February. With that said, the paint scheme release season has just kicked off, and here are the first three cars revealed for the 2020 grid:

#88 JAMIE WHINCUP, #97 SHANE VAN GISBERGEN (RED BULL HOLDEN RACING TEAM)
NR2003 2020-01-20 10-42-23.png

#7 ANDRE HEIMGARTNER (KELLY RACING)
NR2003 2020-01-20 10-58-15.png


A couple of notes on the paint schemes that will be released for this carset:
- I paint my schemes on a 1024x1024 template as my computer simply doesn't have the processing power to produce and run a full field of 2048x2048 schemes. Apologies to those who run high-quality races; I've found that the difference is not generally that noticeable.
- I've opted not to go for NASCAR-style numbers on the doors, and have instead tried to stay as true to real-life schemes as possible using a MENCS19 body. As the windscreens and windows (where VASC car numbers are generally displayed) cannot be modified for individual cars, car numbers will be in a small box on the door beneath the driver's window
- Wheels will be black (not chrome) to match the NASCAR Goodyear tires


Tracks

I have a lot of respect for the track creators for NR2003, as it is not an easy process (particularly for road courses, where there is often more than 3km of race track to create).

When I first started exploring Sandbox (around a year ago), progress was slow as I learned how best to apply X-sections, textures and lightmaps to most accurately depict real-life circuits... and I'll be the first to admit I've still got a long way to come. However the primary complication that has prevented me from releasing tracks publicly is that I haven't yet had the time to learn to make my own 3do's; as such I've had to borrow from other tracks, and will need to attain permission from the original creators before I release any of the tracks I've done (which include Newcastle, Sydney Motorsport Park, The Bend, and a couple of custom fictional tracks)

For example, here is the run to Turn 1 at Newcastle; I need to track the original creators of buildings such as the pit complex and apartments from the 'suefers2k13' track - If anyone has any insight on how this can best be done please get in touch.

NR2003 2020-01-20 10-40-42.png

For now, I will keep working on creating the paint schemes for NR2003 as they are released and displaying them here - that means, all things going to plan, I should have a carset available for download by mid-February :thumbsup:

Thanks for reading,
Mez
 

Esco Trackside

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Apr 5, 2017
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Paint Scheme Update #3

#20 SCOTT PYE (DEWALT RACING / TEAM 18)
NR2003 2020-02-13 08-57-05.png

#35 GARRY JACOBSON (MATT STONE RACING)
NR2003 2020-02-13 08-59-01.png

#34 ZANE GODDARD / JAKE KOSTECKI (MATT STONE RACING)
NR2003 2020-02-13 08-57-59.png


That marks the first 10 cars complete for the 2020 carset - paint schemes are being released quickly and there's a lot to keep up with but steady progress is being made... 10 down, 14 to go :thumbsup:

The current Work in Progress is this beauty:
erebus-motorsport-livery-1.jpg
...however the base is proving quite tricky - if anyone more experienced in painting than myself has any tips please let me know :thumbsup:
 

Esco Trackside

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Apr 5, 2017
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Paint Scheme Update #5

Making a massive push to get these done now - most of the paint schemes have been released ahead of next weekend's Adelaide 500 and I count 7 more until we have a full set ready to race in NR2003. From then it should just be a matter of setting the driver ratings & tidying up the pit crews before the car set is ready for release

#4 JACK SMITH (BRAD JONES RACING)
NR2003 2020-02-14 12-11-57.png

#25 CHAZ MOSTERT (WALKINSHAW ANDRETTI UNITED)
NR2003 2020-02-14 12-14-55.png

#2 BRYCE FULLWOOD (WALKINSHAW ANDRETTI UNITED)
NR2003 2020-02-15 20-51-03.png


#23 WILL DAVISON (23RED MILWAUKEE RACING / TICKFORD RACING)
NR2003 2020-02-14 12-16-19.png

#55 JACK LE BROCQ (TICKFORD RACING)
NR2003 2020-02-17 08-53-38.png
 

Esco Trackside

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Apr 5, 2017
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Will we get templates or contigs to paint our own cars when this set is released? I'm looking forward to it either way!

I'm inclined to say no, only because the Supercars don't really require their own template. All I've done for this carset (as far as templates are concerned) is:
- Taken the MENCS19 Mustang and Camaro
- Removed all NASCAR series logos (including the ones on the front windscreen banner)
- Removed the 'Mustang' text on the front bumper of the Ford and the 'Camaro' text on the rear of the Chevy

The contigs are the same; Supercars don't require contigs in the same way NASCAR does. The only logos that appear on EVERY car in the field are:
- A Virgin Australia logo in the lower corner of the front side door
- A series logo below the mirror / driver's window - though these vary from race to race depending on the sponsor for the event; for this carset I've simply replaced this with the car number in a small box for easier identification.

The only technicality that comes up from a paint scheme point of view is the headlights, which Supercars teams often cover and place logos over - but even this can be solved with a pretty simple colour overlay.

In essence, what I'm saying is - if you know how to paint NASCAR schemes, and have the MENCS19 templates, then it should be no problem for you to make a Supercars scheme too. Hope this helps give some insight into the process!


Also thanks to everyone for their continued support! Glad to see people are enjoying this project
 

Esco Trackside

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Apr 5, 2017
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Track Schedule (Part 1/2)

Over the next day or two I'm taking a break from the paint schemes to have a brief look at the 2020 Supercars schedule.

From what I've found online, FSB and BAR appear to be the go-to track developers for the game, with most of the development of these circuits having taken place between 2004 and 2009. The situation varies from track to track - some circuits have been changed significantly since then in real life and are therefore slightly outdated, while others still make for great (and accurate) racing. As I've metioned earlier in the thread, I'm also looking into the possibility of releasing a couple of the tracks I've been working on - though I'm still learning Sandbox gradually and want to make sure it's up the fantastic standard of other track creators in this community.

Here is the first half of the 2020 Supercars Schedule; I've gone through my track database and searched online to try to find the best versions of each track for the game:

1. ADELAIDE
Best Link: FSB (http://fsb.homestead.com/downloads.html)
The season opener hasn't been updated since 2004 - it would take a fair bit of work to update it, particularly around the pit area (I would likely rebuild the track from scratch). With that said, the 2004 version does the job and can put on some decent races.

2. MELBOURNE / ALBERT PARK
Best Link: NR Tracks. The website has since gone down so the best link I could find is (http://srmz.net/index.php?showtopic=10025)
If you follow the link, fortine_oo explained the situation quite well - the track is essentially in beta phase, with some issues in the layout and no 3do's (save for cones, flaggers etc.). It's decent enough to drive, though recreating this track is on my to-do list as Albert Park is a beautiful circuit - it's a track I've visited often and walked / drove around, and would love to be able to bring that to NR2003.

3. TASMANIA / SYMMONS PLAINS
Best Link: BAR / Austeam. Again, their website has long since disappeared, but the track is available at (https://nr2k3.weebly.com/road-courses.html)
I don't know a lot about the BAR / Austeam project, but they've done a great job with Symmons Plains, and the track hasn't changed much since 2004.

NR2003 2019-04-06 18-58-34.png

4. PUKEKOHE / AUCKLAND
Best Link: BAR / Austeam (https://nr2k3.weebly.com/road-courses.html)
A lot has changed for the Supercars' annual trip to New Zealand over the past decade: the traditional venue, Pukekohe, underwent some upgrades in 2013 (which included a new chicane on the back stretch), before the event was moved to Hampton Downs this year due to issues with the Auckland council. Hampton Downs is a relatively new circuit, and nobody has attempted to make it for NR2003 that I know of - for the time being, the BAR Pukekohe circuit is the best option for the NZ round.

5. BARBAGALLO / PERTH
Best Link: BAR / Austeam (https://nr2k3.weebly.com/road-courses.html)
The BAR / Austeam version of Barbagallo is phenomenal to drive - it has given me some of the best races I can remember on NR2003. In 2012 the pit lane was moved to the opposite side of the race track, and in 2019 the event became a night race, though these changes are only cosmetic, and the current NR2003 version is brilliant for all intents and purposes.

NR2003 2019-11-02 15-34-08.png

6. WINTON
Best Link: (https://nr2k3.weebly.com/road-courses.html)
Winton is another track that hasn't changed a lot over the years, so the 2005 version is still fairly accurate (save for a couple of problems with the geometry in the first sector) and is useful for filling the Supercars schedule.

7. TOWNSVILLE
Not Available for NR2003
Sadly I've never known anyone who has attempted to recreate Townsville since it appeared on the Supercars calendar in 2009.


Please let me know if you've seen any links posted online that I've missed here; I'm hoping to provide as much info as possible in this thread for anyone wanting to run a Supercars championship or race in NR2003. I'll be back to look over the remaining events in the next couple of days.

Thanks,
Mez
 

Esco Trackside

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Apr 5, 2017
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Are these proper big numbers on the doors?

They are indeed - it was a project I worked on for a bit last year, but ultimately decided to opt for the more realistic paint schemes for this carset. It's an idea I might come back to in the future though.
 

Esco Trackside

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Apr 5, 2017
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Track Schedule (Part 2/2)

8. HIDDEN VALLEY / DARWIN
Best Link: BAR / Austeam (https://nr2k3.weebly.com/road-courses.html)
Once again, BAR delivered the goods and the track has aged quite well; the long front straight into a hairpin makes for some good racing.

9. SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK / EASTERN CREEK
Work In Progress - planned release 2020

NR2003 2019-11-03 15-40-46.png

10. TAILEM BEND
Work In Progress - planned release 2020

NR2003 2019-11-18 14-12-41.png


11. MOUNT PANORAMA BATHURST
Best Link: (https://nr2k3.weebly.com/road-courses.html)
If I'm honest I'm a bit stumped by this one - Bathurst is the pinnacle of Australian motorsport, but it's a difficult track to recreate on NR2003 on account of the length and scenery. The 2004 version does the job - I've seen a more recent version in videos and screenshots online before but have never been able to find the link.

12. GOLD COAST
Best Link: (http://bnr2k3tracks.runboard.com/t423)
Amtronic's version of the Surfers Paradise circuit is a great version of the new layout (which has been used since 2010 after the Indycars left). It's a challenging and unforgiving track to drive on account of the chicanes, which can easily throw the car off balance - I've also noticed the AI can struggle a bit around these sections. John Norton over at SRD has also mentioned he's working on a 2020 version.

13. SANDOWN
Best Link: (https://nr2k3.weebly.com/road-courses.html)
Another track that hasn't changed a lot over the years; the current version still holds up well.

14. NEWCASTLE
Work In Progress - planned release 2020

NR2003 2019-10-16 20-43-47.png


Hopefully this small track guide has been helpful - I'll be back to paint schemes tomorrow, with only a couple left to go before the carset can be released.
Mez
 

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