FAQ Title: Realism FAQ
Name: NASCAR Qualifying Bud Pole Positions vs. NASCAR Thunder 2004
Author: William Bradshaw
Version: 0.6
Date: August 05, 2004
NASCAR Qualifying Bud Pole Positions vs. NASCAR Thunder 2004
==============================================================================
Topics
==============================================================================
[1]...............................................................Introduction
[2]....................................................................Methods
[3].......................................................Condensed Track Data
[4]........................................................Specific Track Data
[5]........................................................Contact Information
[6]............................................................Version History
[7]....................................................................Credits
==============================================================================
==============================================================================
[1] Introduction [1]
==============================================================================
Before I even wrote this FAQ, I compiled a bit of information to see how
realistic NASCAR Thunder 2004 was in terms of pole qualifying times and AI
(Artificial Intelligence) difficulty. Initially, I posted the data on the EA
NASCAR forum, but it didn't receive much attention. So, as a result (or lack
thereof), I decided that the information might be worthy enough for FAQ since
I find it to be useful.
I've learned that at some tracks the AI are way to fast, and at others are too
slow. Since we can't customize the AI difficulty, we have to make due with
what we have. That's where this FAQ comes in. Keep in mind that for the best
racing experience, which is at speeds close to those in reality, you should
use the below information with Quick Race.
==============================================================================
[2] Methods [2]
==============================================================================
Getting the information was a slightly tedious process. What I did was get the
actual NASCAR qualifying times from nascar.com, then I let the AI qualify at
each track at each difficulty. From that point, it was a simple matter of
compiling the data and using simple math to figure out which AI difficulty was
the closest to the Bud Pole qualifier at the specific tracks. The time
differences haven't been included, since it would just add to the size of this
FAQ. Not to mention that qualifying times change in-game from race to race, so
it would've been outside of the scope of this FAQ. Also, I ran each event
where the NASCAR Cup drivers qualified as I wasn't certain whether or not
track temperature made a difference. Better to err on the side of caution, in
my opinion.
==============================================================================
[3] Condensed Track Data [3]
==============================================================================
For the most realistic racing experience, this information is suggested to be
used. For example, to get the most realistic times at Dover you'll want to use
the Veteran difficulty.
==============================================================================
[4] Specific Track Data [4]
==============================================================================
This is more specific information of the above material. I've included the
actual pole qualifying lap, next to the track name, from the exact race ran.
Beside it you'll find the year that the lap was ran. Below this, you'll find
the AI difficulty and the times in which the driver got the pole position.
Included is an arrow designating the closest AI lap time to the actual
qualifying lap.
==============================================================================
[5] Contact Information [5]
==============================================================================
I can be contacted at my yahoo email address, which is:
<dougfromtos at yahoo dot com>
Please include an informative subject line including the word FAQ. If I don't
reply to your email then either I'm busy, your email didn't require a
response, or Yahoo treated your email as a bulk email and I didn't even see
it.
==============================================================================
[6] Version History [6]
==============================================================================
0.6 -- Aug 05, 2004 -- First version released. 14 up-to-date Bud pole times.
==============================================================================
[7] Credits [7]
==============================================================================
This FAQ was created entirely by myself during my own free time, and you are
entitled to use this FAQ for your own personal use. This FAQ may not be
transmitted, copied, reproduced, translated, sold or used by any other
website(s), with exception to GameFaqs.com, without my explicit permission.
Special Thanks to:
------------------
GameFAQs.com, for being the best gaming resource on the internet. When it
comes to needing help or information, yours is the first website I go to.;
Myke, for posting his NASCAR Thunder 2004 FAQ. It helped me to form some
formatting ideas.
Warhawk, for posting his NASCAR Thunder 2004 FAQ/Race Guide. It helped me to
form some formatting ideas.
Electronic Arts, for their NASCAR Thunder product line. It's brought me much
joy, and grief. Every year you guys make it more fun.;
NASCAR, for the enjoyment your organization brings to millions of people.;
Mike Joy, for interacting and sharing your knowledge with us peabodies on
RASN. Without it, I might not be as much of a fan. You seem to be a really
great guy.;
Dale Earnhardt, for being the greatest stock car driver to ever exist. I hope
that you've saved me a ride up there.;
Dale Earnhardt Jr., for your love of PC sim racing. You make us feel a
little more legitimate in our hobby.;
My father, thank you for giving me an interest in racing at such a young age.
It's a shame I didn't come around to it earlier so we could've bonded more.
I'll always miss you. RIP.
