Getting a NASCAR 2003 (2009) racing league started...

As most of you may know, I have dabbled a bit in some on-line NASCAR simulator racing on the PC. For about 6 months a few years back (circa 2006), my friend Curtis and I raced in a large multi-player arena with people from all over the country (an world) including guys like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin. We were using an already discontinued game called NASCAR Racing 2003 Season (aka NR2003 or N2K3). In April of 2006 the arena (free servers) were shut down for good, leaving us with idle time on our hands.

Curtis and I (along with all the other fans of NR2003) tried a couple iterations of what was heralded as the next great wave of PC online racing, and even tried console racing with the Xbox 360, but nothing compared to the quality and fun of NR2003. Now, 3 years later, we have come across a new (OK, not so new) alternative to the servers that we lost in 2006. I am still working out the details, but we can actually set up our own free racing server, apparently free of licensing issues and any other additional cost - INCLUDING THE SOFTWARE. When we discovered this, we started thinking FREE PRIVATE LEAGUE!

Basically what I am telling you is that I can provide you with almost everything you need to join us and build a little friendly league (or series of pick-up races) online. For those interested, I will send or drop off (depending on where you live, of course - this means you Inskeep!) a couple CDs containing all the files you will need, along with very deliberate step-by-step idiot-proof instructions for installing the game and all the patches you will need. I have compiled all the files we need to convert the 2003 game to a 2009 version, including all the 2009 Sprint Cup Cars on the COT body. You will even be able to 'paint' your own car and run it (my favorite part since I suck as a driver). As extra incentive, I'll offer to paint up a custom car for you to get started so you really stand out on the track.

The only thing I recommend you pick up that I can't provide everyone is a PC steering wheel. Regular game controllers will work just fine, but the wheel/pedal experience really makes the game what it is - a driving simulator. Wheels are available at Best Buy, Gamestop, and other electronically inclined stores. Ebay is your best bet for getting a good, inexpensive one (new or used). I use the Logitech G25, which is pretty expensive but nice. Curtis uses the Logitech Momo, which is priced a little better and still gets great ratings. I also have one (sorry, just one) spare wheel - an older Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback - that needs a home. It is old but its actually the only wheel I've ever used for NR2003 and it works great. Anyway, as far as costs go, you could spend anywhere between $15 and $250 and be just fine. You may be asking, what about my old crappy desktop - can it handle this high powered modern software? Well, generally speaking, unless your computer is older than 2003, you should be fine.

The box recommends a P3 with 128MB of Ram, a 32MB video card with Direct 3d and a sound card. That's a pretty weak computer by today's standards. The minimum requirements are actually even more pathetic. Keep in mind, despite the fact that NR2003 is widely known as still the best simulator out there despite numerous attempts to top it (NASCAR drivers still use the 'antiquated' game in the off season to stay sharp and for entertainment, of course), it is still 7 year old technology - some laptops may even run it.

Anyway, if you are interested, PLEASE let me know. This is by invitation only, and we are not talking about anyone you don't know (or at least I don't know) being involved (just look at the cc list). We are looking for 8-10 guys who need something to do once a week for an hour or two, who have the racing bug. Curtis and I will go crazy racing against one another exclusively. It's fun, it's free, and we could even make the leagues a little interesting, if you know what I mean.

Thanks, and let me know so I can get some CD's in the mail.