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INTRODUCTION
The base of Racer is mostly software. The software allows you to generate cars and tracks yourself. Racer is still alive because of all the content that is being generated by the community (see the forums). But how do you go about creating new content for Racer?
FILE FORMATS
Internally, Racer uses a 3D file format called DOF. Technical information on this format can be found here, although modelers will be more interested in exporting their data to DOF rather than how DOF is structured. Information on the physical (non-graphical) side of things is stored in INI files, which are simply text files to let you edit things easily. Most often, there is a distinction between graphics & physics; not often are people good in both areas. So 1 person makes the 3D mesh, and someone else does the physics. You can find people on the forums who are good in physics.
To convert from other 3D software, Racer is most comfortable with the ASE file format, which can be imported using Modeler or Tracked.
MODELING SOFTWARE
You have a selection of 3D modeling software which can be used for Racer. For more information, visit this page. That page also contains some exporters for known 3D modeling packages.
After selecting a modeling tool, it's time to learn how to create a new car. Read the document on how to start a new car.
You can also choose to convert an existing car. There is a document on converting an SCGT car here.
CREATING/CONVERTING TRACKS
Tracks are mostly created either by converting or creating from scratch using 3D Studio Max. Next to 3D modeling you will need to describe the track for it to work physically. You can use Tracked for that. To make a track you can:
You can also take parts of other tracks:
(last updated November 13, 2012 )