 *** Sprint-4 Race car set *** (SMALL TIRES format)  01/07/03

  New to the MTM2 world, Sprint-4 racers are based on existing sprint racers.  They are very similar, except for;

Full time 4-wheel drive
Dual shocks
Designed for flat-tracks of any surface (dirt, paved, gravel, sand, etc.)

*Due to the closeness to the ground, Sprint-4 cars are recommended for flat-tracks only, though they can be driven on nearly any track with some success.


------------------Construction-----------------

I started by making a rough "zeppelin" shape in Tiremaker, then pushed and pulled vertices and added/deleted faces to get an aproximate shape of an early sprint car body.  after some tests I later updated it to resemble modern sprint racers.

Second, I ftted and shaped a driver model for the cockpit.  Some arm and leg ajustments were needed to make him fit (bend those knees!)

Next, using several pictures of various sprint cars for inspiration. I built the side-mounted nerf bars, then used portions of them to make the rest of the frame, starting with the front.

Now the engine was installed.  I used a quad 2-barrel weber carburator set-up with individual air filters, as seen on several real cars.  Special 4-into-1 exhaust headers were fabricated and bolted on, and reshaped a little to clear the nerf bars.

Independant style A-arm axles with disc brake calipers and drilled disc rotors, shod with wide grippy tires and heavy duty 5 spoke racing wheels sit at both ends.

Lastly, the wings were manufactured and installed.  Each car has a unique main wing design, body style, nerf bars, color, number, and WAV sound file.

Vertix count falls between 1699 and 1756 vertices. 

A lower detailed set is available for slower computers, with cars around 800 vertices.

-------------------Handling---------------------

The .TRK parameters were altered to shift the "center-of-gravity" forward, inducing a tendency for the back of the car to drift outwards on turns, (as is done with the real sprint cars).  I limited the amount  of weight shift so that the cars wouldn't become uncontrollable, but pro-level driving skills may still be required.  A steering wheel is recommended.

When the back of the car starts to slide, steer into the slide a bit to maintain the slide around the turn.  If necessary, let off the throttle a bit to cancell-out the slide.  With some practice, you will be flying around the turns at full throttle.

If you find them too hard to drive, then try the low-lag set.   Those cars have a set-up that's easier to drive.

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I hope you enjoy driving my Sprint-4 cars as much as I did creating them....have fun!

ZOtm_BigDOGGe


