the first time
Last weekend RallyBoyz and PowerStage Motorsport had the ideea to bring rallying to people. We opened our doors and organized PSM Rally Nights - Open Doors, an event where rally fans had the chance to get a taste of our daily activities.
STREET, from Acceleration, was present and he has a nice event story. Enjoy!
That was AWESOME! I enjoyed every minute of being with rally enthusiasts. When I first showed up, I thought "What the hell am I doing here?" because my Subie WRX STi looked poor compared to the ultimate rally machines designed by RallyBoyz. But, when we started driving (and by that I mean really driving) I forgot about the looks of my car and started enjoying.
"The trees are aggressive today", said SkidMK, and that was true. I met a tree lots of times, but practice makes you better, right?
Anyway, we drove three tracks in Free Roam. And I even won one near the Tigers Stadium in Downtown Rockport ;)
Part One - The preparation
It all started with the announcement of the AllStars RallyX. I wanted to participate, but I had no clue about rallying in NFSW. Yes, I have known about RallyBoyz since SkidMK joined WG, but I never really drove around Highland Trails. It was only a piece of the World that had no roads, nothing else. But, let's get back to the event.
So, I decided to get myself a starter car. It had to be Japanese, but I couldn't decide between Subaru Impreza WRX STi and the Lancer Evo VIII, so the starter car had to be chosen by the eeny-meeny-miny-moe method. Subie won. At that time the Open Doors event was organized by RallyBoyz.
After buying the 500k Subaru, I had to come up with a nice livery. After driving DiRT and another rally game on my PS2 I decided to make a replica of the 2006 WRC Impreza. It turned out to be a pretty tricky job when it comes to vinyling it. I had to remove some details like manufacturer vinyls primarily because I didn't have them. But still, the car looked pretty good.
STREET, from Acceleration, was present and he has a nice event story. Enjoy!
That was AWESOME! I enjoyed every minute of being with rally enthusiasts. When I first showed up, I thought "What the hell am I doing here?" because my Subie WRX STi looked poor compared to the ultimate rally machines designed by RallyBoyz. But, when we started driving (and by that I mean really driving) I forgot about the looks of my car and started enjoying.
"The trees are aggressive today", said SkidMK, and that was true. I met a tree lots of times, but practice makes you better, right?
Anyway, we drove three tracks in Free Roam. And I even won one near the Tigers Stadium in Downtown Rockport ;)
Part One - The preparation
It all started with the announcement of the AllStars RallyX. I wanted to participate, but I had no clue about rallying in NFSW. Yes, I have known about RallyBoyz since SkidMK joined WG, but I never really drove around Highland Trails. It was only a piece of the World that had no roads, nothing else. But, let's get back to the event.
So, I decided to get myself a starter car. It had to be Japanese, but I couldn't decide between Subaru Impreza WRX STi and the Lancer Evo VIII, so the starter car had to be chosen by the eeny-meeny-miny-moe method. Subie won. At that time the Open Doors event was organized by RallyBoyz.
After buying the 500k Subaru, I had to come up with a nice livery. After driving DiRT and another rally game on my PS2 I decided to make a replica of the 2006 WRC Impreza. It turned out to be a pretty tricky job when it comes to vinyling it. I had to remove some details like manufacturer vinyls primarily because I didn't have them. But still, the car looked pretty good.
Part Two - The beginning
The meeting was supposed to start at 19:00 and I knew that. But, because of my epic ability to be late for everything, I came at 19:10. And when I saw the cars...Boy I was amazed! RallyBoyz and the other 'guests' looked so prepared. I mean, each of them had a cool livery, manufacturer stuff, bodykits, wheels and everything! I was feeling like an outsider with my Impreza. That changed very soon.
Skid invited me to a group so we were all able to communicate and we were pretty much organized. There were no haters, no ricers, no cheaters. Everybody was talking like they have known each other for years. And while we were chatting, I sneaked out of my parking spot to check out all the rides.
A lot of hatchbacks were in the event - primarily Focuses and WRX STis, but there was even one Megane. And all of them looked professional. I especially liked S3BYO15 and WISPOSMOKE's Subies, but I couldn't decide would I rather drive one of those or SkidMK's Focus RS. It was time to drive the first Rallycross...
The meeting was supposed to start at 19:00 and I knew that. But, because of my epic ability to be late for everything, I came at 19:10. And when I saw the cars...Boy I was amazed! RallyBoyz and the other 'guests' looked so prepared. I mean, each of them had a cool livery, manufacturer stuff, bodykits, wheels and everything! I was feeling like an outsider with my Impreza. That changed very soon.
Skid invited me to a group so we were all able to communicate and we were pretty much organized. There were no haters, no ricers, no cheaters. Everybody was talking like they have known each other for years. And while we were chatting, I sneaked out of my parking spot to check out all the rides.
A lot of hatchbacks were in the event - primarily Focuses and WRX STis, but there was even one Megane. And all of them looked professional. I especially liked S3BYO15 and WISPOSMOKE's Subies, but I couldn't decide would I rather drive one of those or SkidMK's Focus RS. It was time to drive the first Rallycross...
Part Three - Racing in the dirt
We were told that it's time to race. Skid told us to follow him, but when he started moving, he just disappeared, together with the other guys. I was desperate - I didn't really know anyone so I needed a way to find these rally drivers, fast. There was nothing on Facebook, so I decided to drive around the Golf Course and Highland Trails to search for them. And then, a white S15 chased by a Mustang I saw earlier on the meet overtook me. It seemed like they were racing. And they were! I chased them trough the course called Scooby's Playground and when we reached the start/finish line, all the drivers were there. They told me this was only a practice, and this time we were supposed to drive the full speed lap. I still didn't know how does the 60% of the track I haven't driven look like, so I decided to stick to SkidMK and MYLESAHEAD. After the word "GO" we literally started flying. I simply cannot describe that precisely, but I'll try - pressure, traffic cars, and loads of rally beasts are just a part of it. Like a controlled explosion.
Anyway, after passing the first turn near the Rosewood College, I knew how does my STi think - all those cars were passing the turn like bosses, and me? Well, I was kinda sliding in my Titanic. The madness continued trough the next part of the race - a speed test. And then, right after the speed test, we had a sharp right turn that was leading us to Highland Trails. A lot of people met trees there.
But now Subaru was on its teritory, and it was time for its domination. Subie owned most of the cars at the big jump. It just bypassed trees in a nice, progressive slide.
Entering the Golf Course - it was another speed test - and this time, I was really enjoying. I mean, when you see Subie in the air, it's magical, but when you see it landing with absolutely no problem, it's even better. The last part of the run lead us trough the other part of Golf Course where we had to bypass all kinds of potentially dangerous stuff - some bigger jumps, holes with sand and golf carts. And all those obstacles brought us to the finish line.
We were told that it's time to race. Skid told us to follow him, but when he started moving, he just disappeared, together with the other guys. I was desperate - I didn't really know anyone so I needed a way to find these rally drivers, fast. There was nothing on Facebook, so I decided to drive around the Golf Course and Highland Trails to search for them. And then, a white S15 chased by a Mustang I saw earlier on the meet overtook me. It seemed like they were racing. And they were! I chased them trough the course called Scooby's Playground and when we reached the start/finish line, all the drivers were there. They told me this was only a practice, and this time we were supposed to drive the full speed lap. I still didn't know how does the 60% of the track I haven't driven look like, so I decided to stick to SkidMK and MYLESAHEAD. After the word "GO" we literally started flying. I simply cannot describe that precisely, but I'll try - pressure, traffic cars, and loads of rally beasts are just a part of it. Like a controlled explosion.
Anyway, after passing the first turn near the Rosewood College, I knew how does my STi think - all those cars were passing the turn like bosses, and me? Well, I was kinda sliding in my Titanic. The madness continued trough the next part of the race - a speed test. And then, right after the speed test, we had a sharp right turn that was leading us to Highland Trails. A lot of people met trees there.
But now Subaru was on its teritory, and it was time for its domination. Subie owned most of the cars at the big jump. It just bypassed trees in a nice, progressive slide.
Entering the Golf Course - it was another speed test - and this time, I was really enjoying. I mean, when you see Subie in the air, it's magical, but when you see it landing with absolutely no problem, it's even better. The last part of the run lead us trough the other part of Golf Course where we had to bypass all kinds of potentially dangerous stuff - some bigger jumps, holes with sand and golf carts. And all those obstacles brought us to the finish line.
Part Four - Golf Course Wilderness
After racing in Scooby's playground, we drove to the Clubhouse. After getting ready and lining up, we started driving the first, practice lap. Actually, it wasn't a practice lap because a lot of people were going seriously fast, so I followed them. Anyway, after the start at the Clubhouse the race took us trough the 'upper' part of golf course where the minimal mistakes make you lose your lead. Avoiding all those bumps and holes was crucial. Oh,and then there was the sharp left turn where the track enters the highway. A lot of people, including me, didn't cut it, so they lost a few seconds. After the recovery, it was time for a speed test on the highway. I was losing. But then, the speed test continued - on the Golf Course. It's pretty scary to drive 170+ on grass full of nasty bumps. I tried using McRae's technique: "When in doubt, flat out".
And, it worked! While driving at a seriously high speed, I came across a big bump which launched me in the air. That wouldn't be such a problem if the track didn't countinue in Highland Trails, so I had to calculate how to turn and not crash into a group of trees. Susprisingly, I made it.
The rest of the track went trough Highland Trails. We had to bypass trees while not letting off the gas, but that wasn't a problem for my Subaru. It was just sliding around those nasty trees. In a few moments we were near the College. A big slide again, then flat out, and turn sharp left into a big straight piece of road. It was beautiful and scary at the same time - rally monsters flatting out, each one trying to overtake others and bypass traffic on a beautiful piece of road covered in leaves. Eventually, we came to the finish line - again, in front of the Clubhouse.
After racing in Scooby's playground, we drove to the Clubhouse. After getting ready and lining up, we started driving the first, practice lap. Actually, it wasn't a practice lap because a lot of people were going seriously fast, so I followed them. Anyway, after the start at the Clubhouse the race took us trough the 'upper' part of golf course where the minimal mistakes make you lose your lead. Avoiding all those bumps and holes was crucial. Oh,and then there was the sharp left turn where the track enters the highway. A lot of people, including me, didn't cut it, so they lost a few seconds. After the recovery, it was time for a speed test on the highway. I was losing. But then, the speed test continued - on the Golf Course. It's pretty scary to drive 170+ on grass full of nasty bumps. I tried using McRae's technique: "When in doubt, flat out".
And, it worked! While driving at a seriously high speed, I came across a big bump which launched me in the air. That wouldn't be such a problem if the track didn't countinue in Highland Trails, so I had to calculate how to turn and not crash into a group of trees. Susprisingly, I made it.
The rest of the track went trough Highland Trails. We had to bypass trees while not letting off the gas, but that wasn't a problem for my Subaru. It was just sliding around those nasty trees. In a few moments we were near the College. A big slide again, then flat out, and turn sharp left into a big straight piece of road. It was beautiful and scary at the same time - rally monsters flatting out, each one trying to overtake others and bypass traffic on a beautiful piece of road covered in leaves. Eventually, we came to the finish line - again, in front of the Clubhouse.
Part Five - Stadium madness & The end
Racing in the Golf Course Wilderness was done. SkidMK teleported to the Tigers Stadium and told us to do the same thing, but some guys, including Mr. Rookie Rally Driver STREET, were already on their way to the Meeting Point. Driving rally cars on an open road is crazy, especially when there is a lot of traffic. But, we survived. When we all came in front of the giantstadium, we were told to line up and get ready. I was looking for our leader, but none of his cars was there. Eventually, he spawned in front of me driving his OMV Clio V6.
Racing in the Golf Course Wilderness was done. SkidMK teleported to the Tigers Stadium and told us to do the same thing, but some guys, including Mr. Rookie Rally Driver STREET, were already on their way to the Meeting Point. Driving rally cars on an open road is crazy, especially when there is a lot of traffic. But, we survived. When we all came in front of the giantstadium, we were told to line up and get ready. I was looking for our leader, but none of his cars was there. Eventually, he spawned in front of me driving his OMV Clio V6.
It was time to try out the track. When we set off, we had to cross the Stadium and gain enough speed for the upcoming jump. That required some concentration for me because my tailhappy WRX was trying to do everything to stop me. Suprisignly, I managed to jump over. A lot of people met a wall when landing, and it looked like I wasn't one of them. That secured me the third place. In front of me was a small straight part and right after it a really sharp left turn. After the successful turning using the handbrake, I had to go full speed ahead. It was a big problem for my car primarily because its acceleration was rubbish. I got overtaken a few times, but I gained back my lead in the next, SERIOUSLY SHARP left turn which I managed to pass by using the STis mighty handbrake.
We were now really close to the finish,but we had two more laps to go. After jumping in front of the finish line, the first lap was done, and the madness continued in the next two laps. I managed to overtake everyone, and cross the finish line first, but I forgot that there were only three laps so I went on. When I pressed 'E', I saw a lot of people following me. Looks like I wasn't the only fool ;) Anyway, Skid and the other guys asked us to come back, and we drove a few more laps. It was time to go for me, so I said "Goodbye" to everyone and logged out.
Conclusion?
Well, while NFS is dying, these guys are bringing a new hope for rally fans in it. You don't even have to be one to enjoy it.
RallyBoyz, keep it up! Thanks for this UBER AWESOME EVENT!
We were now really close to the finish,but we had two more laps to go. After jumping in front of the finish line, the first lap was done, and the madness continued in the next two laps. I managed to overtake everyone, and cross the finish line first, but I forgot that there were only three laps so I went on. When I pressed 'E', I saw a lot of people following me. Looks like I wasn't the only fool ;) Anyway, Skid and the other guys asked us to come back, and we drove a few more laps. It was time to go for me, so I said "Goodbye" to everyone and logged out.
Conclusion?
Well, while NFS is dying, these guys are bringing a new hope for rally fans in it. You don't even have to be one to enjoy it.
RallyBoyz, keep it up! Thanks for this UBER AWESOME EVENT!
And to end this feature with a smile STREET presents us his co-driver allways keeping an eye on the Impreza development:
Article by STREET
Source: Acceleration
Source: Acceleration