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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 packages, Racer is most comfortable with the ASE file format, which can be imported using Modeler or Tracked.

MODELING SOFTWARE

You can use a number of 3D modeling packages to create Racer content. Here is a list in order of (personal) preference, with detailed explanations below. If possible, use Max.

• 3D Studio Max
• ZModeler
• Maya
• AC3D
• Blender

You can also choose to convert existing content. Note that a lot of content is copyrighted, so take the appropriate steps if you want to publish converted cars and/or tracks.

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MODELING SOFTWARE - 3D STUDIO MAX

The tool most people use to create cars, and also tracks. Has lofting capabilities, and multi/sub materials that fit the Tracked framework quite well. Before starting, check out the 'Using 3D Studio Max' document.

Exporting/importing can be done using the ASE file format. More info on importing tracks can be found in the Tracked documentation (using Multi/sub materials with lofts is preferred).

Pros

• It's very flexible & versatile
• It exports to ASE, which Racer is most targeted at

Cons

• It cannot export to the DOF file format directly.
• It's relatively expensive.

MODELING SOFTWARE - ZMODELER

An excellent and FREE modeler to create cars. Use ZModeler 1, which is free and contains a native DOF import/export plugin. It is mainly used for designing cars; for tracks this tool may be a little less suited, although it seems to have been done by some for small tracks.

Download it from here. Note that you need version 1.7; the 2.x version is no longer free and doesn't contain a DOF import/export plugin.

Pros

• It's free

Cons

• It doesn't have the flexibility and options that professional packages have.

MODELING SOFTWARE - MAYA

I know very little about Maya, except that it's a professional package, like 3D Studio Max. It probably is nicely suited to creating cars. Stecki once used it to create some car masterpieces.

Pros

• It's a professional tool

Cons

• It's not free.

Exporting to DOF can be done using a couple of filters. Here are several:

• DOF exporter for Maya 3
• DOF exporter for Maya 4
• DOF exporter for Maya 4.5
• DOF exporter for Maya 5

If you know how to actually use these, drop me a line so I can update this part of the documentation.

MODELING SOFTWARE - AC3D

A package I haven't ever tried, but it seems to be ok, and available for Linux. Find it on the web here. Exporting to Racer (from Linux) however seems to be a matter of exporting to 3DS, booting into Windows, converting 3DS to DOF with ZModeler1.

Pros

• It runs on Linux

Cons

• It's not free.

MODELING SOFTWARE - BLENDER

This modeler, which originated on SGI's, is still alive and Open Source these days. Download it from here.

Pros

• It's free and open source

Cons

• Not widely used for Racer it seems

For an exporter for Blender (using Python) look here.

CREATING/CONVERTING CARS

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 will use Tracked for that. To make a track you can:

• Read the document on how to start a new track (using Max for example).
• Convert an rFactor track.
• Convert an SCGT track.
• Convert a GPL (Grand Prix Legends) track. This uses the GPLex utility.

You can also take parts of other tracks:

• Converting a GPL sky to Racer

Ruud van Gaal, Dolphinity
last updated January 15, 2007