[Mikko Nassi]

I've been busy setting up a database to store track details and present them in an easy-to-understand manner by listing them by country and then by track name. I think that trying to list all the tracks in the forums isn't such a great idea because they won't be very searchable and not that easy to update not to mention to go through for readers.

This will be a new section to the kartingasia.com website separate from the forums. Providing new track details by kartingasia.com members will still be done in the forums and the changes will then be implemented in the database.

So far some the features I'm planning to include:

• Tracks will primarily be indexed by country on the main page - and then when you click on a country it will take you to a new page with a list of all the tracks in that country. Then clicking on the track will take you to the track details.
• Search functionality - you can search for example "all tracks in Asia" and you will have all tracks in Asia listed. Other search options can be to list tracks by their type (indoor rental, outdoor sprint, temporary street etc.)
• Google Earth file with all the tracks.

The track details page includes:

• Google earth grab of the track layout, or another track layout image.
• Track technical details (elevation, length, width, track direction, homologation level)
• Contact details (phone, address, etc.)
• GPS Coordinates
• Link to google maps using the coordinates.
• A field for additional info such as when the circuit was opened, what kind of activities it hosts etc.
• If the track has been closed a big "CLOSED" will be displayed at the top of the page.

I already have a working beta version of the track database system for fooling around with, and I'm looking for any ideas now so that I can plan for them now rather than coding everything and realising it'll be difficult to implement a new feature.

Anything else you think should be in the database? Either usability features or track details...

[CRG Asia]

I think as long as you have the contact details on there, it should be fine. Its all we need mate.

[RocK]

can i BETA test

[Mikko Nassi]

Yup BETA testing will be possible in a day or two. I'll send you the details.

[Mikko Nassi]

beta testing not quite ready yet.

The system is working pretty good and I'm learning a lot of mysql and php along the way. And I'm finding all kinds of tracks on google earth.

One feature I think will be interesting: allow posting of reviews/comments onto each track's page. This is mainly intended to review how good the rental operators are - what condition the karts are in and what you get for your money.

[RocK]

is it web-base or standalone software?

[Mikko Nassi]

It's all online.

MySql is the database system. Same one that is used for these forums. The forums also use PHP.

Using PHP the data is retrieved from the database and displayed on pages that are generated dynamically (meaning I don't have to make 500 files by myself for all the different tracks).

Also using php forms I input and edit the track data into the database.

[gp8]

Mikko, have a look at http://www.vka.asn.au/ They have all the states tracks noted just under their header. Most have gearing and lap time charts for each class. We always found it useful information for a first test at a new track.

[Mikko Nassi]

Thanks yeah starting gearing particularly would be good to include, but also has to take into account at least what tyres were used.

Laptimes could be good as well but also should have the general conditions of the track when the time was set. A track that isn't used much the laptimes might be as much as 2 seconds faster during a race weekend compared to a green practice day so the information might mislead drivers into thinking they're 2-3 seconds off the pace when they are probably right on it.

[gp8]

The VKA info is all based on:-
1. All the classes noted run on control tyres which infers the tyres used for the laps times. For instance all midget, rookie and national classes run on Dunlop SL1's.
2. All lap times given represent a "competitive club day" time - that is on a club race day, rubbered in track, dry and warm day. An open race / championship time / lap record would generally be about 0.3 - 0.5 seconds faster.

I suspect track information would be most relevant to the more novice end of the spectrum or first timers at a particular track. The more experienced will have their own practice / test session plans in place anyway. This information primarily serves to save wasting a couple of sessions getting the blanking time on the Mychron and the number of teeth right and lets you concentrate on line, chassis balance and grip when you get to a new track. Even if the track is wet, you still have some base information from which you can interpret a reasonable initial setup.

[Mikko Nassi]

Yeah I figured it was probably on control tyres, only problem is when the control tyre is changed you end up with a lot of dated info... of course if the tyre is also mentioned then it's not really a problem.

True the info would be best for newbies.

[oz clubby]

Hey , yeah the vka is a good site to get format from.......we know most of those tracks as we have race them ourselves either in club , open or state/series events.
The information on most is reasonably accurate as well.
We don't change control tyres all that often in Australia either so the consistency level is there.
With extra links to kart shops/Sprint kart clubs and google earth links as well it makes a good starting point for any type of information you may need.

[RocK]

hope it possible to add track lap record and by whom. something for karters to aim for..

[Mikko Nassi]

The problem with track records is that often they are ~5 years old because track conditions have deteriorated and the track itself is 1-2 seconds slower.

The database is "live" now but I still have a fair bit to fix up.

[RocK]

i always wonder about that too. what happen to the lap record when the track upgraded say 100m longer. does it reset the record?

Nice work on the database Mikko. Any review templates to follow? like to start getting some in, but no idea how to put in texts.

btw, Vietnam track look good. any international racing over there?