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Seeing as the nature of the guild is a little lacking in activity, I've decided to revive it a bit by teaching one of the expert courses. Happogahara IB is the one I know the best, so I'll pretty much be teaching that one. Do note, however, that this isn't a full-on guide to Happogahara IB. This is just the basics of the course and what you should know in order to at least get yourself through LOTS and work with your TA times.

Alright, let's get started.

The nature of Happogahara IB's first (and fourth) section is a simple concept yet remains a very big problem for most novice drivers. Quick left-right turns require that the driver be very attuned with how to handle their car. In theory, just about all of the first section can actually be full-throttled, but it's best not to do that until you're familiar with what's coming up. To build your confidence a bit, start by slightly off-throttling when going through each turn.

Now, there are a few key turns that you'll need to be aware of through the first section. One of them is a right turn that's reminiscent of a semi-circle. Off-throttle this one a bit more than the turns before it. The next is another right-turn that looks like a V. For this one, you might not have developed the proper line for it yet, so it's best to off-throttle this one until you get the hang of it. The last of the key turns is a left-right combo that comes right after the previous V-turn. For this one, you'll need to tap the brake slightly and ease your car into the turn. Throttle for a bit shortly after, but do not keep a heavy foot on the throttle, as the upcoming right requires quick hands. A heavy foot on the throttle may cause understeer.

After that left-right combo, it's back to the same quick left-rights that made up the beginning of section 1. However, this part is a bit more vital than the earlier part, as a long straight comes after these consecutive turns. It is crucial that you stay off of the walls in order to keep your acceleration at 100%.

It's a lot to remember for section 1, but if put into practice, it will all fall together.

Coming up...section 2.

Happogahara IB, Section 3

Alright. If you've been following my instructions carefully, you should be in 5th gear once you've hit the checkpoint. The straight will last for a few more seconds before going into the snake hairpins. The snake hairpins consist of four close hairpins (akin to the ones on Akina, but a little more difficult in nature). Early braking and double-downshifting is necessary for you to clear the first hairpin, as if you're not going slow enough, you'll understeer majorly and eat wall, which is something you definitely don't want to do. The snake hairpins are crucial for good times.

If you've cleared the first three snake hairpins cleanly, as soon as you exit the last one, upshift (again, a clean exit is key). Full-throttle through the next few turns. On the left turn that comes directly after the V-turn, you should already be in your top gear.

The turns leading up to the checkpoint may cause some understeer during them if the innermost line ISN'T taken. For future reference, get as close to the apex as possible and drive as straight a line as you can.

Section 3 really doesn't offer much in terms of techniques, but it is still crucial that you stay off the walls, in this case. For the most part, IMO, section 3 is the most straightforward part of Happogahara IB.

So, it's finished. Feel free to post comments or questions...and I'll get to them as soon as I can.

Oh, and I ask, please keep this thread specifically tailored to discussion about Happogahara, especially IB. OB discussion can go here as well...'cept that I probably won't answer any questions, seeing as OB isn't necessarily one of my strengths.

happo is awesome!

Then why I am not good at Happo but good at shomaru? biggrin

or cause im awesome like that? biggrin

Its very funny... Whenever I play using the Roadster, people race me CONSTANTLY.. they think its a horrible car, whats scary is they say "sure you can pick the track!" and I pick ... shomaru, outbound, wet/dry [depending if they 4wD or not], day.... its soooo funny. when they start to lose they start FREAKING OUT.

I have a feeling I should post something about Happogahara IB Trueno driving, including driving feel, and advanced Techniques.

Yo, Kyros-san, good to see ya. This is my first post wink

So what do you think, should I put some neat stuff about Truenos? I'm a decent player in that department.