NAMeS+AI: Real Drivers for AMS2 Mods 09Nov24

This update includes a file for Thunderflash's new Formula Renault 3.5 mod that recreates the 2014 season. Also included are revised 80s & 90s Supercar files for both street and track-day variants.

Additionally, custom-AI files are included for FIA GT1, the Renault Mégane Nations Trophy, and all GT3 mods (e.g., Blancpain GT, ADAC, Bathurst 24 Hour, etc.). With these custom-AI files, the AI files previously provided by Thunderflash are no longer required.

The GT4 mod file includes real Alpine GT4 drivers for the PCARS Modding Team mod, as their vehicle is also part of a "GT4 mod" class.

All custom-AI files have received attribute adjustments to provide a consistent methodology across the entirety of Thunderflash's excellent content.

With one exception (Group A Mod), all previous, alternate AI files have been removed, as users (theoretically) have the option within AMS2 to combine categories (e.g., to have Reiza Group C cars and Thunderflash Group C cars in the same event). The Group A mod file has an optional version to activate additional RS500 entries from PCARS2, if desired.

Next up, the 2017 Audi Sport TT Cup....

v1.3 includes a custom-AI file that adds real DTM drivers (plus other Group A RS500 drivers) to Thunderflash's Group A mod. The default file has the reduced RS500 entrants and the alternative file (in the Expanded Classes folder) includes all RS500 entrants from PCARS2. Obviously, the driver name decals for the RS500 that are are based on Slightly Mad Studios team members will not match the actual Sierra RS500 drivers selected for this custom AI file.

NAMeS: Same-Day service. Guaranteed

The revised GT mod file includes Toyota GT-One drivers that match car numbers 27, 28, & 29. Thanks to @npsxbox for spotting the error.

v1.1 includes a revised LMP2 file that properly matches all Ligier drivers to the correct engine (Honda vs. Nissan vs. Judd).

v1.0 includes a custom-AI file for Thunderflash's LMP2 class that adds real drivers to the Ligier & Ginetta.

Fred has released his LMP2 cars for all to enjoy prior to taking a break from further AMS2 modding. Cheers to Thunderflash for releasing so many quality car mods for AMS2 in such a relatively short period of time. His substantive contributions will be missed.

v0.92 includes a new RX Mod custom-AI file that combines all Thunderflash rallycross vehicles (Mégane RX, Civic GRC, Audi S1 EKS, Mercedes A45 RX, & Focus GRC). Note: The Mégane is no longer attached to the default, Reiza RX class, which was initially the case before Thunderflash released the remaining RX vehicles. I matched the drivers (and there are a lot of drivers in this class) as best as possible, first to individual liveries, and then to the correct vehicle, and then to the same marque (e.g., Ford Fiesta RX drivers were recruited to help fill the very many Focus grid spaces, etc.). Finally, the PCARS2 "Why isn’t the Mercedes A45 AMG 4MATIC competing in RallyCross?" vehicle in the category required recruiting a multi-national array of various RX drivers not already assigned elsewhere.

Have at it!

v0.91 includes a custom-AI file for 1990s Jaguar XJ220S & McLaren F1 drivers.

v0.90 adds a custom AI files for Thunderflash's Renault Mégane RX as part of an expanded RX category within AMS2 V1.5.

Also included, for his fictional Fanatec GT3 category, are period-correct drivers (typically either GT3 or, in some cases, GT4) for the Dodge Viper, Jaguar F-Type, & Toyota Supra.

Real X-Bow GT4 drivers are now within their own, GT4 Mod, category. Also, the previous Mégane Trophy file has been removed since Thunderflash created his fictional Nation's Cup liveries & matching AI file.

As an option, alternative, expanded-class files for GT1, GTE, and GT4 are included as well.

v0.85 includes an new LMP900 file for the BMW V12 LMR, as well as revised, separate GT1 mod & GTE mod files. To round out the field, the LMP900 file includes every historic BMW V12 LMR driver as well as a large number of V12 LM drivers; the LM was the less successful predecessor to the Le Mans-winning LMR.

The X-Bow GT4 is still part of the main GT4 class, but I have included a separate "GT4 mod" file if Thunderflash decides to separate the X-Bow from the other Reiza GT4 cars. This extra file--along with optional files to add the GT1 & GTE cars back into their main classes--are all in a new folder named "Extended Classes". For most users, just ignore them, as they require additional .crd file edits for each vehicle.

I also added the XX - prefix to the archive, in keeping with Thunderflash's preferred order of installation.

v0.83 includes an updated GT1 file to include the Toyota GT-One as well as a file for the new Group C mod.

v0.82 includes a (yet another) revised Group 5 file, which is a further iteration of the previous file. In v0.82, the Group 5 file has race_skill, aggression, and defending all set to 1 for all drivers. Qualifying skill, stamina, and avoidance of forced mistakes are ranked values (i.e., better drivers get higher values) whereas most remaining variables (like consistency, start reactions, etc.) are randomly assigned within preset ranges to generate an appropriate and manageable degree of variability.

I've tested the file at 120% difficulty with max aggression (aggression = 1 in the file anyway) and find it produces a more competitive experience for this particular mod (although the Group 5 AI is still on the slow side).

I am also testing the same methodology with the Ferrari 488 Challenge cars. At Imola, laptimes (and their spread) were very close to the 2017 event among the Pro level drivers (100% difficulty). If needed, perhaps race_skill could be lowered a bit to recreate Amateur level drivers. Consequently, race_skill should probably be one of the last attributes modified—not the first.

v0.81 includes an updated Group 5 file with new attributes.

Assigning different, individual race_skill attributes--no matter how narrow in range-- simply introduced too much unaccountable, unnecessary variability among the Group 5 drivers, so race_skill for all drivers is now set at 1. Aggression is likewise set at 1 for all drivers to befit the tough nature of the competition, but the range of defending values is set to encourage drivers to yield when outmaneuvered given the safety risks of the period. Therefore, individual differences in stamina, consistency, and the like should properly separate the drivers across the race distance. Finally, vehicle reliability is now much lower than before given the machinery.

v0.8 includes an updated Group 5 file. There were so many Zakspeed Capri Turbos in the set that, after adding all Group 5 drivers, I had no choice but to recruit additional Capri drivers from the era. These "filler" drivers had their attributes adjusted accordingly. Otherwise, the driver choices were relatively straightforward.

No changes to the files themselves; just added the missing \UserData\CustomAIDrivers folder path.

I am currently finalizing the Group 5 lineup to address a couple of repeated driver entries and other errors; those updates will post on Friday.

v0.7 includes updated AI values for all files. Also, 80's 959 vs F40 file was missing from previous version for some reason.

Basically, the range of race_skill was tightened so that the majority of both intra- and inter-driver variabililty would be handled by other characteriestics. In classes based on historic championship standings, race_skill values (and a few other categories) were ranked to establish a nominal pecking order, but in most cases, attributes were assigned randomly within a preset range of values provided by @jusk.

v0.6 includes 3 alternate files to use with GT1, GTE & GT4 skins from @MrBraindown & @Emà!!! (similar to NAMeS Expansion pack files but with attributes and expanded to include Thunderflash entries). Look inside the "NAMeS+AI 4Mods" folder and copy over any of the three files you prefer.

v0.5 adds 2017 Renault UK Clio Cup, featuring Nicolas Hamilton in the #82 WDE Motorsport entry. The Renault Clio Cup car represents a nice, lower-powered FWD alternative to the JCW MINI in AMS2, as the Clio puts out 220 Bhp vs the MINI JCW's 275 Bhp.

v0.4 adds X-Bow Cup and Track Day B X-Bow R, as well as expanded GT1, GTE, and GT4 lists to include the Panoz, Ford GT LM, and X-Bow GT4, respectively. Naturally, real X-Bow R drivers were selected for Thunderflash's fictional X-Bow Cup. This mod, when used with Thunderflash's own custom AI for GT3 and newer GT1 ensures real drivers for all of his current mods.

v0.3 includes Group 5 & 80's supercars

Note: There are a few, redundant drivers in Group 5 (e.g., Manfred Winkelhock drives for more than one manufacturer, etc.). There are also a few Capri drivers who never raced the Turbo, but as there are more Capri Turbos in the sim than real drivers who raced them, I had to select from other period Capri racers. I'm sure I'll revisit these oddities after racing against them for a while and determining what ought to be tweaked....

Regarding the supercars: Always the techie, Maestro von Karajan would no doubt be flattered to be placed in a racing simulation almost 35 years after his passing. Also, the 80's supercar class is best experienced after a splash of Drakkar Noir!

v0.2 adds 1999 Ferrari F355 Challenge NA & 2011 Benelux Radical Cup

Note: Tim Robertson, driver of Ferrari No. 18, does not show up because there is an extra space in the livery name in Thunderflash's f355_challenge_hr.rcf file. It should read:

<driver livery_name="Giallo Blu #18">

You can leave as is (and have 1 fictional driver) or add the space yourself at line 34 in the custom AI file:

<driver livery_name="Giallo Blu #18 ">

... but if/when Thunderflash fixes the file, poor Timmy will disappear (again) until you remove the space.


Working on Group 5 ... enjoy these for now.