Tip: Things have changed since NASCAR Racing 1999 Edition. Now, drafting past and outbraking a competitor into a turn is no longer a guarantee that he won`t stay with you or attempt to regain his position in the midst of that turn. Be certain beforehand that your setup can handle all aspects of a given track`s corners, and adjust your approach to ensure that a fast entry doesn`t result in a slow exit.
Tip: As always, a fast frame rate is absolutely essential to properly monitor your car`s position and attitude. If the frame rate isn`t totally smooth, especially in the midst of traffic, go to the graphics options area and prepare to sacrifice pretty pictures for fast frame transitions.
Tip: NASCAR 3 is one of the very few racing titles in which a force-feedback wheel is actually a driving aid, not just a frivolous perk. If you have the bucks, take the plunge--just check the reviews of the wheel first and make sure you`re getting a good one.
Tip: If you`re tinkering with your car, make sure your new setup can survive the grind of the race distance you choose. There were many times when I`d settled on a given setup that flew for the first few dozen laps, only to die later as rubber burned off the right front tire. Don`t make the same mistake.
Tip: If you can handle the pitfalls of short, low-banked circuits, chances are you can handle higher-banked and longer tracks where the driving isn`t quite so frightening. I personally feel that Memphis, a three-quarter-mile facility with 11-degree banking, is a great baptism by fire.
Tip: You would do well to adopt the "Five P" approach: Preparation, patience, perseverance, pacing, and last but surely not least, practice.
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