Random HD Questions that don't need a thread of their own.

[Archon]

I notice in a lot of speed lap videos pilots will sideshift across the finish line. Are you guys turning opposite the direction you're sideshifting (turn left and shift right)? Does this make you cross the finish line faster?

[leungbok]

Are you guys turning the opposite the direction you're sideshifting (turn left and shift right)?

i just hope not !

[amplificated]

It's superstitious at best. The theory is that you can cover a short distance faster than normal, but since you have to go off the racing line to even make the shift propel you forward, you're ruining at least part of the benefit; and if you leave the shift late, a part of the actual boost you're aiming for will be wasted by finishing past the finish line.

Not worth it, IMO, but there's a chance it could save you 0.01 of a second if executed perfectly, maybe. It's safer and more logical to just make a direct approach.

It would be interesting if someone were to set up a test: if you can find an EXACT spot to park your ship on the final stretch to the finish line that you can reach time and time again AND if you can find a timer (perhaps a fast video camera that can capture the exact moment, as you couldnt find an external timer easily that would stop once you cross the line) that is guaranteed to begin as soon as you start accelerating, you could perform a few runs using the technique and not using it to see which is faster, if any. Personally I think going wide and sideshifting is going to slow you down more likely than not, but I'd be interested in finding out for sure.

[Archon]

I assumed it was a quick way to pull your ship diagonally across the finish line and steal one hundredth of a second (or two *eye roll*). Like you said, though, any turning and even the first tap of the airbrake would lower your speed, so its worth is debatable. If there's no turning involved and only one strict sideshift, maybe it does something. This is the sort of thing that makes me stick to time trials and not speed laps, because I get so anal retentive about these types of things! Fighting the clock already makes me barf...

[yeldar2097]

It's faster at all speed classes. Greatest benefit at Venom, least at Phantom, but that's more common sense than info.

[Archon]

I watched some videos, and it seems the slightest turning doesn't lower a ship's speed at all. Sideshifting also boosts your speed around 30km/h. I knew shifting to correct a line was faster than turning, but I thought it was because turning cut speed, not that shifting made you boost. Weird.

[Killercrusher232]

The records section tells me I set a time on Vineta K (single race - rapier) at 1.01, this is at least 40 secs ahead of my second time and it would also be in the top page of the global best (alongside some 'too' fast times). I know I didn't cheat but did I really drive that fast??? Please help me figure this out!