I now have a trio of Francochamps tracks. The modern version (PDF) which saw use in F1 starting in 2007. The first short version (PDF) that was used only in 1983. For this race we used the version raced between those two. It combined the bus stop and la source layouts from the 1983 version with the start finish line from the modern / 2007 version. I anticipated that the track would run more like its 2007 than its 1983 sister.
Michael Polcen and Don Tatum must have had similar thoughts, built cars with 100 start speed, and bid highest for pole. Michael just won out that bidding with 5 to Don's 4.5.
Lap 1
On the right you can see Michael maintaining the lead through Radison and onto the track's longest straight. Don follows closely behind. Daniel Nace sits 3rd, Paul Bernhardt 4th, Jonathan Smith 5th, Will Kennard 6th, Me 7th, Dave Nace 8th.Michael and Don ran an excellent race against each other over the 2 laps we ran. If I had to nit-pick anyone's plot this was one that stood out. Don could have used a slip this turn, and the outer line to end up right behind Michael for another slip. It might not have mattered, but the space or 2 he gains from next turn's slip might have made a difference.
As it was, Michael held the lead through out lap 1. Above, the pack races towards Bus Stop for the first time with Paul now in 3rd but a couple spaces. Daniel sits 4th now. I made up a couple spaces down the straight with my 180 top speed into 5th. Will sits outside me after some slips. Jonathan is behind me in 7th and Dave is right behind him in 8th.Lap 2
The very next turn, Michael starts lap 2 in the lead with Don right beside him. Paul is still in 3rd, but Daniel and I are right behind him. I get past Daniel with my higher acceleration down to La Source.For much of lap 2 there are two separate battles at the front of the field. Don and Michael for the win. Paul and I for the last spot on the podium.
Don gets past Michael early in lap 2. But it feels like Don made a sub-optimal play just to try and break up Michael's rhythm. In fact, I heard Don say something similar to Michael after the race.
Above on the left is Don leading Michael a couple corners into lap 2. By Les Combes, Michael has pulled even with Don. Below, Michael has powered back into the lead.
Meanwhile Paul has continued to hold me off to keep hold on 3rd. But the field is doing its best to contest that position too.
No retirements and a fun time had by all.
| Driver | Q (bid) | Start Speed | Finish |
| Michael Polcen | 1 (5) | 100 | 1 |
| Don Tatum | 4.5 (2) | 100 | 2 |
| Doug Schulz | 7 (1) | 20 | 3 |
| Paul Bernhardt | 5 (1) | 60 | 4 |
| Will Kennard | 6 (1) | 20 | 5 |
| Daniel Nace | 3 (2.5) | 100 | 6 |
| Jonathan Smith | 4 (2) | 60 | 7 |
| Dave Nace | 8 (0) | 20 | 8 |
Analysis
Was that 1/2 pt of bid the difference between Michael and Don? Was it that missed slip from Don early in lap 1? Was it Michael's test to get to 180 down the straight with Don just out of slip position?
Hard to say for me, but it was definitely some excellent racing by both gentleman.
For myself, I have had decent luck with a 40 accel, 80 decel car on this track. I decided for something a little difference and got some decent value out of the 60 accel. I like running from behind on this track, but I know that this version and the 2007 version will likely spit out a winner from the front row and the best I can hope for is 2nd or 3rd.
Which leads me to like the 1983 version of Francorchamps best. But only by a little.
I really didn't like the 1983 version when we played this one at WBC this year. It just never felt like there was anywhere to pass anybody, or spend wear for good positioning. It felt more like a wear tax and everyone just ends in the same positions they started in. Like Rouen.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd have to stick with the 2007 version as my favorite. Despite what you say, I feel like there's more variability in that track for different car builds.
Funny. Don basically told me the exact same thing after we ran this track -- 2007 is favorite for the same reasons.
DeleteI saw that missed opportunity of Don's and almost said something - we tend to have a friendly custom of offering unsolicited advice on options in this hobby. Anyway, I wisely held my tongue on what could have been a difference maker.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting, Doug - it was a lot of fun!
Oh... I like the 2007 version better as well. Not for any technical reasons but I fondly remember the 2015 Redscape race. Two consecutive turns of carnage in the Bus Stop at the end of the race. No crashes but there were six spins and one car in the kitty litter for brakes. Now that's a finish!
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