Track Design Best Practices

 

The Autonomous / Computer mode of the system requires “Gates” to be placed around the track in order to synchronize the car location on the track to recorded speeds. This is necessary to greatly reduce cars exiting the track. On a very simple track the Start / Finish line and one Check Lane will suffice. As simple tracks become bigger, then more Gates will be necessary. On more expansive tracks with lane change, pit lanes and crossovers sections, numerous Gates should (but not necessarily) be installed.

 

The purpose of this page is to help the User design a track that will be used in the Autonomous / Computer mode in order to achieve best racing results. These Best Practices are not mandatory and the User is free to design and use as many Gates as desired. 

 

The following track layout will be used as a demonstration. The lightning bolts on the track are used to designate Gate locations.

 

 

  • The first best practice is to assign Gate 0 to the Start / Finish line. This is a mandatory step.
  • The second best practice is to assign a Gate approx. 1 full straight or equivalent preceding any change lanes or cross over lanes.
  • The third best practice is to assign Gates that could represent Sector 1 and Sector 2 timing points.
  • The fourth best practice is to assign a Gate as close as possible to both ends of the main straight to represent a Speed trap. Additionally, these gates can act as a DRS zone and also to maximize straight line fast speeds and braking into the corner at the end of the straight.
  • The fifth best practice is to assign a Gate prior to the Pit entrance at least 1 full straight or equivalent preceding the Pit Entrance. The Pit Entrance can be prior or after the Start / Finish Line. Additionally, the Pit Entrance can straddle the Start / Finish Line as long as this is indicated in the system so that pit stops can be counted in laps completed.
  • The sixth best practice is to place the Start / Finish line prior to the Race Grid.

All of the above (except for the Start / Finish Line) can be repeated as many times as desired.

Each Gate can have up to 3 assignments that indicate the purpose of the Gate.

It is not required to follow these ‘best practices’ and it may not be possible with restrictions on track layouts. But these should be followed where possible so that the Autonomous / Computer mode presents the most exciting racing.

Below is the track layout depicting the Gate assignments as outlined above.

 

 

If it is not desirable to use Carrera Check Lanes then other full length, 1/3 and 1/4 straights can be slightly modified to house new built in IR electronics that will be available to purchase separately. Corner Tracks should not have IR electronics as it is possible that these Gates may not be tripped due to cars sliding sideways or leaving the track.

 

It is also possible to use the Autonomous Race Management system on a 4 lane track layout but special attention will be required in assigning the 'Gates'. Use the 'Contact' page to e-Mail the Support team for further details.