FAQ - Guide for Sega Touring Car Championship

SEGA TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP FAQ 

FOR SEGA SATURN AND PC-CD

V0.35

By Michael Tham      [email protected]

0.35  5/7/98 Added Urban Circuit and Boom Town strategy. Added Sega Proto Car   
                 and Boom Town codes. Additions to the lyrics.
0.30  2/5/98 Major update on Grunwald Circuit and general strategies.
0.25 16/5/98 Minor updates on track strategies and general strategies.
0.20 12/5/98 Added general strategies section. More spelling corrections.
0.15 08/5/98 Minor update. Lyrics, some additions. Codes. Can now be found at    
                 GameFAQs
0.1  28/4/98 First initial draft and release.


Index

1) Introduction
2) Car statistics
3) Race circuit info
4) Track strategies
5) General Strategies
6) Codes
7) Music
8) Posting times on the internet
9) Final word

This FAQ and future updates can be found at GameFAQs and 
vgstrategies.tqn.com  


Introduction

Hello and welcome to my Sega Touring Car FAQ. This is my first FAQ so please 
bear with me. I must say that I'm far from being a good STC player. You can 
check out my lame times for Saturn and PC. My nick is MIKTHAM. So why the hell 
am I writing this FAQ when there are so many players better than me? Because 
there are no FAQS out there. Actually, there is only one beginner's guide by Wes 
Pringle but nothing on the tracks. I hope all the good players will start to 
share their skills and strategies with the whole internet gaming community.

I own both the Saturn and PC versions but unfortunately I don't have my Saturn 
with me as I am studying in Australia :(. At least I still have the PC version 
to keep me company. I love fighting games, RPGs and racing games. My favourite 
games are VF3, Street Fighter 3, SFZ2Gold, Grandia, DragonForce, Riglord Saga 2, 
Samurai Spirits RPG, Sega Rally and of course Sega Touring Car. If you play VF3 
and live in Melbourne, do mail me at [email protected] . I have yet to meet 
a VFer and I'm very eager for some human competition.

Enough about me. Well, what is Sega Touring Car Championship all about? Well, 
it's a racer by Amusement Machines Annex based on world touring car 
championships. ( I would appreciate more on what the actual races are like. )The 
game first came out in the arcades. I don't think it did pretty well. Perhaps 
because there are too many racers out there and its graphics were not 
exceptional so people hardly gave it a second glance.

However, its release on the Saturn was greeted with much enthusiasm as it would 
probably be Saturn's last racer and because you could post your times on the 
internet and compare it against other racers over the world. When the game came 
out, it was given negative response from the video gaming community on the net. 
( I don't give s*** about the f***ing magazines cause they're always biased and 
did not say s*** about the STC world ranking ). Many complained about the low 
frame rate, boring graphics and hard gameplay.

Regardless, I got myself the game and was I for a big shock. ( I always pretty 
optimistic about the game and regarded the bad reviews as biased. The frame rate 
really hurt my eye. It really hurt. After every track I had to turn my eyes away 
cause it gave me a headache. I was really disappointed. Sega Rally had such good 
graphics. Probably the best racer in terms of graphics and Sega could come out 
with such poor graphics. Another thing was the difficulty. I had problems 
handling the car, probably because I was too used to Sega Rally's loose control. 
Finally in despair, I gave out on the game and resumed playing X-men vs Street 
Fighter.

But my brother did not. If he knocked the wall or something during the 
Qualifying Heat or first track, he would reset and try again. He would play for 
one whole day until I got so fed up with the music, especially the first track. 
( it later began to grow on me) Seeing how determined he was, I thought what the 
hell and began playing again. Much more positive reviews on the net starting 
popping out, praising the game's depth and control. 

Soon, my eyes did not hurt and I started getting better at the game. Though I've 
still to improve much, I've begun to appreciate the challenge in the game and 
wonder how the Japanese manage to get such good times. So, if you have not 
gotten the game yet, what are you waiting for? 

Besides, if you have a good PC, the graphics are actually pretty good and said 
to be arcade perfect!

I've not seen nor played the arcade version so I'm not sure whether everything 
in this FAQ will work. I try to keep my FAQ as accurate as possible but I will 
not be responsible for anything that happens because I typed something wrong or 
gave out wrong information.

So, without further ado, here are the official statistics of the 4 cars from 
Sega :


ALFA ROMEO 155V6TI (my favourite car!)

Features a longitudinally mounted engine. The shift lever is near the steering 
wheel, to enable rapid gear changes with just a snap of the hand.

ENGINE TYPE V6 24VALVES

CAPACITY 2499cc

MAX POWER 450bhp/11700rpm

MAX TORQUE 30.6kgm/9500rpm

TRANS. 6-SPEED SEMI-AT 4WD

LENGTH 4620mm

WIDTH 1798mm

HEIGHT 1355mm

WHEELBASE 2540mm

WEIGHT 1040kg+

BRAKES 4-CHANNEL ABS VENTILATED DISCS


TOYOTA SUPRA GT

Toyota's flagship sports car which made its mark at the Japanese Grand Touring 
Car (JGTC) Drivers Championship. The car's turbo engine is the pride of Toyota's 
engineers, delivering 450 bhp.

ENGINE TYPE STRAIGHT4 DOHC TURBO

CAPACITY 1998cc

MAX POWER 450bhp/6000rpm

MAX TORQUE 65.0kgm/4500rpm

TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED MT FR

LENGTH 4520mm

WIDTH 1910mm

HEIGHT 1200mm

WHEELBASE 2550mm

WEIGHT 1100kg+

BRAKES VENTILATED DISCS


AMG MERCEDES 

C-CLASS

As always, Mercedes places importance on easy maintenance & safety. The driver's 
seat is positioned in the centre of the car. The car features semiautomatic 6-
speed transmission, which can be controlled by buttons on the steering wheel. 
The car in the game is the D2 Privat Team silver model.

ENGINE TYPE V6 24 VALVE

CAPACITY 2499cc

MAX TORQUE 0.6kgm/9000rpm

TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED SEMI-AT RWD

LENGTH 4666mm

WIDTH 1789mm

HEIGHT 1280mm

WHEELBASE 2690mm

WEIGHT 1040kg+

BRAKES 4-CHANNEL ABS VENTILATED DISCS


OPEL CALIBRA V6

The engine of OPEL CALIBRA V6 is based on the 3165cc V6 of the OPEL Monterey. 
With the adoption of a semiautomatic, 6-speed transmission, it becomes possible 
to change gears in 1/5 of the time it took before. In addition, this car can 
manipulate the lock and stabilizer control automatically, detecting the amount 
of slip and the road traction of the tires via computer sensors. 

ENGINE TYPE V6 24VALVES

CAPACITY 2498cc

MAX POWER 500bhp/11650rpm

MAX TORQUE 31.6kgm/9000rpm

TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED SEMI-AT 4WD

LENGTH 4673mm

WIDTH 1766mm

HEIGHT 1285mm

WHEELBASE 2605mm

WEIGHT 1040kg+

BRAKES 4-CHANNEL ABS VENTILATED DISCS


Race Circuit Info from Sega and some additions from myself!

Country Circuit: Beginner Level

Easy to drive because of the width of the road. But if you want to win the race, 
you have to be precise - even the smallest mistake could cost you the race.

Grunwald Circuit: Intermediate Level

This circuit is located in the mountains, so you get to see a fair share of 
nature. However, this is no time for bird watching - you've got plenty of 
treacherous curves to concentrate on.

Brickwall Town: Advanced Level

You may be a smoothy on purpose built circuits, but have you got street smarts? 
Precision handling and speed control are essential if you want to get to the 
finishing line.

Urban Circuit

This circuit is located in the city. You can see tall building all around. The 
road is paved very well and there all walls on both sides. The roads are 
narrower but not as narrow as Sega Rally's lakeside course. There are also a 
tunnel, something which is absent from the other 3 tracks.

It's a very simple stage, the backgrounds are basically repetitive. However it 
is better than having just 3 stages. Still, AM Annex should have put more effort 
into making the stage much more interesting and at the same time thrown in some 
more extra tracks as well.


Ok. Now to business. Which car is better? I recommend you check out Wes 
Pringle's beginner's guide. He gives quite a few thoughts one each car's 
performance as well as some driving tips. But for me, I believe Alpha Romeo is 
the best, especially the handling. But still, its better to experiment and find 
the car that suites you the most. All my tips will be based on AUTOMATIC. I 
don't use manual because :
1) There are people who use auto with much better times than mine. I think 
there's a Japanese in the top 20 Saturn world ranking who uses auto
2) Playing with the keyboard is hard enough as it is. I don't want to complicate 
things further.

If you have something to say in regards to using manual in the game, please mail 
me and I'll put it up.



THE TRACKS


QUALIFYING HEAT

COUNTRY CURCUIT

1 LAP  = 2.045km

Ok. This is of course the easiest course in the whole game. You don't even have 
to use the brake. However, its pretty difficult to get a really good time. 
Positioning and how you take a turn can cost you seconds.

For starting the Qualifying Heat, I recommend pressing the accelerate button 
after the countdown to 1 and before go. There may be a better way to start so if 
anyone knows of any, please mail me. Its is no good to hold accelerate all the 
way before starting. You can also choose to keep it at about 100km/h or so. 
Since there are no other computer controlled cars here, its only you and the 
track so try to get the best time possible.

After starting, you'll drive along a straight road for awhile. Its better to 
drive around the center of the road. The first turn is a pretty long right turn. 
As the road slowly starts bending right, hold right until the road straightens. 
If you are moving too close to the wall at the right, let go of right but DO NOT 
TAP or PRESS LEFT. When you are sure you won't hit the wall continue turning. A 
better way to take the turn is to hold right, release, hold right, release until 
you come to the straightway. But if you started turning too late, its better to 
hold all the way. Time your turn properly so it will be one smooth motion and 
try to keep your car a little bit to the left side of the road. After 
negotiating the first turn, you're car will jump a bit and here comes the 2nd 
turn. 

Its best to meet this turn driving a bit to the left side of the road but turn 
early at the right turn. Turn by tapping right lightly to prevent the tires from 
screeching. Be sure not to hit the walls or run into the grass. If you meet 
another car here, stay on its right side when you turn. Its best to stay on the 
left side of the road but don't get too close to the wall.

For the next turn which is to the left, just stay in the middle of the road. As 
the bend comes, hold right and release right when you are in the middle of the 
road. Another way of taking this turn is to hold left for awhile, release while 
waiting for the road ahead to come into view and press left again to align 
yourself. This prevents over steering. The road will be a bit bent but if you 
are in the middle, you will be able to move straight at high speed until the 
next turn. If you over steer and are on the grass just continue forward unless 
you are in danger of hitting a wall. It is important to do this turn well as it 
the stretch is pretty long and.

Treat the next turn like the 2nd turn, tapping to turn. If you are going to move 
out of the road, by all means hold in the correct direction to bring yourself 
back. It's a very short turn. Try to stay to the left side of the road.

Ahhh, finally, the last turn of the game. Stay at the left . As the turn is 
coming out, hold right. Your car should move closer to the wall at the right as 
it turns but not touch it. As the road straightens, left go of right and move 
straight to the finish line. If your car is not moving parallel to the road, 
straighten its course by tapping in the correct direction.

As a general rule for track one, do not stay too close to the edge when you take 
a corner to keep your speed up. Try to follow the black marks on the road for 
maximum speed but be sure to keep your eyes on the road!


ROUND 1

COUNTRY CURCUIT

1 LAP  = 2.045km
2 LAPS = 4.090km

This is the same track as the Qualifying Heat except for one minor/major 
difference depending on how you look at it ; there are 7 other CPU-controlled 
cars to wreck you day!

After starting, you'll drive along a straight road for awhile. Its better to 
drive around the center of the road. The first turn is a pretty long right turn. 
During this straight run you have the opportunity to take over two or three 
cars. Minimise any left or right movement unless it is to avoid a car in front 
of you. As the road slowly starts bending right, hold right until the road 
straightens. If you are moving too close to the wall at the right, let go of 
right but DO NOT TAP or PRESS LEFT. When you are sure you won't hit the wall 
continue turning. A better way to take the turn is to hold right, release, hold 
right, release until you come to the straightway. But if you started turning too 
late, its better to hold all the way. Time your turn properly so it will be one 
smooth motion and try to keep your car a little bit to the left side of the 
road. After negotiating the first turn, you're car will jump a bit and here 
comes the 2nd turn. 

It is best to meet this turn driving a bit to the left side of the road but turn 
early at the right turn. Turn by tapping right lightly to prevent the tires from 
screeching. Be sure not to hit the walls or run into the grass. If you meet 
another car here, stay on its right side when you turn. Its best to stay on the 
left side of the road but don't get too close to the wall.

For the next turn which is to the left, just stay in the middle of the road. As 
the bend comes, hold right and release right when you are in the middle of the 
road. Another way of taking this turn is to hold left for awhile, release while 
waiting for the road ahead to come into view and press left again to align 
yourself. This prevents over steering. The road will be a bit bent but if you 
are in the middle, you will be able to move straight at high speed until the 
next turn. If you over steer and are on the grass just continue forward unless 
you are in danger of hitting a wall. It is important to do this turn well as it 
the stretch is pretty long and.

Treat the next turn like the 2nd turn, tapping to turn. If you are going to move 
out of the road, by all means hold in the correct direction to bring yourself 
back. It's a very short turn. Try to stay to the left side of the road.

Ahhh, finally, the last turn of the game. Stay at the left . As the turn is 
coming out, hold right. Your car should move closer to the wall at the right as 
it turns but not touch it. As the road straightens, left go of right and move 
straight to the finish line. If your car is not moving parallel to the road, 
straighten its course by tapping in the correct direction.

As a general rule for track one, do not stay too close to the edge when you take 
a corner to keep your speed up. Try to follow the black marks on the road for 
maximum speed but be sure to keep your eyes on the road!


ROUND 2

GRUNWALD CIRCUIT 

1 LAP  = 2.605km
2 LAPS = 5.210km

For this circuit also I do not use the brakes. However my time seems pretty bad 
so I guess that there may be some places where it better to brake. Maybe.

Of course you start with a rolling start. From the beginning, stay in the 
middle. Wait for the turning in front. You will see a blue sign way up ahead. 
I'm not really sure about the timing but you'll get it after a couple of tries. 
One way is to wait for the blue sign to be fully visible before turning right. 
Make sure you do it IMMEDIATELY after you see the end of the blue sign. Again, 
this depends on your position. Try not to stay too much to the right. Hold right 
and you will negotiate the bend pretty close to the wall at the right. Don't 
worry if it looks like you are going to knock the wall on the right. Most of the 
time you don't. This turn's pretty hard and depends on the timing of your turn. 
What pisses me off is when there's a bloody car on my right when I turn. Can 
anyone tell me how to turn this without sliding to the right?

The 2nd turn is a right turn. Just hold right at the turn. Again, try to stay a 
bit to the left side of the road. After another stretch of straight road hold 
another right. The important thing about these two turns is the correct moment 
to hold right. Do it too early and you'll meet the wall on the right. Turn too 
late and you'll kiss the right wall. If you turn too much to one side, don't 
hold at the other direction. Rather, don't press any directions until you hit 
the wall or else you will experience the 'yo-yo' effect where your car 'bounces' 
from the left wall to the right or vice versa.

Your 3rd turn is another right turn. Take it as you took the 2nd.

The next turn is pretty steep so approach it a bit to the right side of the road 
cause the road's pretty narrow. Hold left even after clearing the turn to avoid 
the wall at the left. The best way to take this turn is to keep to the left side 
of the road before the turn. This will give you more space to negotiate the 
turn. Did I mention that you don't need to use your brakes for this track?

This turn looks simple but it isn't. Approach it with your car in the middle of 
the road. Staying too much to the left or right will cause you to knock the 
walls. As, the turn comes, press and hold right. Because the road is pretty 
narrow, turn early and keep your car away from the wall on the left coming to 
meet you.

After that tap right a bit cause this road is a bit crooked. The 2nd last turn 
is more than 90 degrees but there is more room for you to turn. Approach the 
turn by staying in the middle or a bit to the left. At the turn, hold right and 
hear your tires screech. Your car's speed will drop dramatically. When you have 
nearly cleared the turn, let go of right and move ahead! Be sure that your car 
has cleared the hill on the right before letting go of right. A better way of 
taking this turn would be to make the turns with short, repeated holding of 
right. This doesn't slow down your speed as much as holding right all the way. 
Again, make sure that when you are taking this turn there are no cars near you 
or else you will be bounced around like beach ball!

The next turn is an easy left turn to the finish. It may be easy but you still 
have to make the best of it. A millisecond can go a long way in the STC charts! 
Keep a bit to the right before turning left to minimise the friction on your 
tyres. When approaching the finish line, it is best to keep the car parallel to 
the walls on both sides to minimise the time needed to reach the finish. Also, 
keep the car in the middle of the road as a precaution against fouling up and 
having your car drifting to either side....


ROUND 3

BRICKTOWN WALL

1 LAP  = 2.277km
2 LAPS = 4.554km

All right. The last track. The beginning is very, very crucial. Because the road 
is very small, DO NOT KNOCK ANY CAR AT THE BACK. This will slow you down a lot 
and you might as well reset the race. It is best to stay in the middle of the 
road in the beginning. Also try to ignore the music, which is pretty fast and 
can cause you to panic and foul up your race!

You will meet two consecutive left turns. At the first turn just hold left for a 
while and for the next, held left again until you get to the wide straight road. 
Time it right and you'll breeze through the two turns easily. Its just like 
going through two turns in one go. If there is a car directly in front of you, 
it is better to knock the wall than ram into its back as it will reduce your 
time a lot.

Now this turn is the first time I use my brakes. As you meet this turn, its best 
to be on the very left side of the road. You don't have much time to prepare for 
this turn so move to the left side after the 2nd turn. When you are about one 
and a half cars away from the sharp bend, hold right and brake. How much braking 
you need depends on your position and speed. Just remember that there is little 
room on the left side of the road after you turn so if you are unsure of how 
much braking you need, its better to play it safe and brake a little more than 
you anticipate. Your car will turn sharply to the right and miss the wall. Be 
sure to stabilise your car straight after the turn and swerve pretty early. If 
you can't brake in time or are on the right side of the road, do not brake. Its 
better to just hit the wall and get ready for the next turn. Braking only slows 
you down and you will hit the wall all the same. 

The next turn is pretty much the same. Stay to the very left side of the road 
and turn right and brake lightly to the right. (the more to the left you are, 
the less braking you need). Most of the time, when I turn, I'm very close to the 
wall on the right so that I can move in a straight line as soon as possible. If 
possible, stay very much to the left as you meet the turn. That way, you only 
need to press your brakes for a while as you have more room to manoeuvre. For 
this turn, there is some room on the left side of the road after you turn so if 
you cannot brake in time or are too much to the right, there is still hope. Just 
remember to get back to the main road as soon as possible. If you eat into the 
extra space in the left, keep holding right until you get back on the main road 
as the momentum of the turn will push you slightly to the left and slow you 
down. You must get of the extra space before the road narrows to its original 
width.

I don't really know how to negotiate this pretty long right turn, so someone 
please mail me. I've done it with braking but it slowed the car quite a lot and 
I think it is faster for me to knock the wall on go on. Or maybe I'm wrong?

The next is a left turn. I don't brake for this one but its pretty hard cause 
the position and timing must be right. Stay in the right-middle side of the 
road. As the bend approaches, hold left. You'll slide left as you turn, almost 
meeting the grass to the left. If you stay in the middle or to the left, your 
car is sure to slide helplessly to the wall on the right. Now, get ready for the 
next turn.

This turn is a very long right turn and I've done it a few times without 
braking. I guess it has to do with positioning and when to hold right. I'll get 
more info on this when I can. Can anyone help me with this?

The next turn is very easy. Just stay to the right side of the road and hold 
left a small fraction of a second before the turn appears. You will 'go with the 
flow'. Its sort of like floating with the turn. Make sure you take this turn 
pretty early or else you will meet the wall on the right.

Here comes the last turn. Unfortunately, you have a pretty narrow road to get 
this 90 degrees turn. Keep to the left but do not knock on the wall. I'm not 
pretty sure of this turn and I hope someone will mail me about it. After that 
turn, its straight all the way! Remember to keep your car parallel to the road 
to minimise time. Tap at the correct direction to keep it straight.

Since I can't do this turn, what I basically do is to hit wall as early as 
possible by braking a bit so I can get back on the road immediately. If you hit 
the wall further down the turn, it will take you longer to get back on the road 
and longer to accelerate.

BONUS TRACK

URBAN CIRCUIT

1 LAP  = 2.105km
2 LAPS = 4.210km

You can only get this race after you have placed first in the overall category. 
The roads in this stage are pretty narrow with walls on both sides and no 90 
degree turns but still its pretty difficult as it is sometimes hard to tell what 
the next turn will be. No matter what position you get here has nothing to do 
with your ending, I think. 

Since you've managed to reach here, you should be in 1st or second position. As 
usual, it's a rolling start. Then the road will shift a bit to the left but 
don't let that bother you. Keep to the right side of the road and turn left when 
you see the next left turn coming. Make sure to turn early to avoid the wall on 
your right.

After your first turn, the road will narrow into a tunnel. Position yourself so 
that you are in the middle. Most important thing to remember is that when your 
car is sliding inevitably towards a wall, don't touch any direction button until 
after it hits.

Your first tunnel turn is a medium left, just don't hold on left for long. Hold 
lightly, release and hold. The tunnels don't allow much room for sliding. Next 
is another left turn. Start turning right towards the end of your previous turn. 
A sudden turn will cause the tail of your car to hit the wall.

You will come out of the tunnel. Remember to position your car in the middle for 
maximum safety. You will encounter a long right turn. Short holds on right will 
do the trick.

Next is a steep 90 degree turn that does not require brakes. Just remember to 
hold left early. If you hold left too early, release, wait for your car to 
steady and hold again.

Once again, you will enter another tunnel. First is a short right turn, followed 
by a left. As you leave the tunnel, position your car on the left side of the 
road and turn left. If you keep you car in the middle of right, you will meet 
the wall on your right as there is little room to turn. Keep holding left until 
you get to straight lane to the finish line.



SECRET TRACK

BOOM TOWN CIRCUIT (only available in Saturn/PC mode)

1 LAP  = 2.771
2 LAPS = 5.542 

This track is a bit like the first one : there are no really difficult turns and 
how you take those turns make a very, very big difference. You may be able to 
drive the track without knocking the walls but your time could lose to someone 
who took 2-3 knocks. A lot of the turns are pretty long and its best to take 
them at as high a speed as possible.

The track starts of like any other : a rolling start. From the beginning, 
position your car at the right side of the road, awaiting the big turn to the 
left. As you see the turn coming, hold left. When you feel your car losing 
control, release left for 1/4 a second and hold left again. You can do this 
again if necessary. If you let go of left for more than 1/4 second, brace 
yourself for the wall on your right. Make sure you take all the turns in the 
game early as any hesitation will cause your car to slide to the wall on the 
opposite side of the turn. After this the track will turn a bit to the right so 
quickly adjust your car in the middle.

The second turn left is similar but it is shorter. When you start to lose 
control of your car, again let go of left a while but this time you can let go 
for much longer, depending on your position.

The third left turn is the same as the first except for one important thing : 
you must prepare for a long, hard right turn. Do exactly like the first except 
don't straighten your car : bank right immediately.

The road will straighten as you approach another right turn.

After that is a right turn. Stay at the left side of the road and turn early. 
Immediately move to the middle for the last, left turn. Again, make sure you 
turn early.

The next is a pretty long left turn. Like all turns stay in the middle/right 
side of the road and hold left when the turn approaches. Immediately after that 
hold right for the final turn. Don't bother to straighten or stabilise your car 
as its pretty steep. If you've done a good turn, your car will be in the middle 
of the road, approaching the finish line.


GENERAL STRATEGIES

Forget about all the racing games you have played before this. STC is very much 
different from all the other racers out there. The best way to play the Saturn 
version of the game is using the analog pad. The analog pad is so sensitive that 
whether you pressed a button hard or soft makes a difference. With a normal 
joypad, in order to brake lightly, you have to tap quickly or hold the button 
for a short time. With the analog pad, all you have to do is to press the button 
with minimal pressure. When driving, you have more control over your movements 
and the degree you turn the 'wheel'. First timers may find the sensitive control 
frustrating but after some practice, you will find that you will never want to 
go back to the basic controller for racers.

For PC, the best controller is of course a joypad or joystick, depending on your 
preference. I do not know whether there are analog joypads for PC. 
Unfortunately, I am force to play with my keyboard. And man, is it hard. At 
least Sega added two buttons for light braking and light acceleration. Light 
braking is self explanatory but light acceleration? What the hell is it good 
for?

STC has only two views to choose from unlike Daytona's four. But then, who uses 
the other two views? The first view is a behind the car view. The camera is not 
very far behind and a bit above the car. A lot of people prefer this view as it 
gives a longer field of vision and allows you to anticipate turns and 
approaching cars as well as cars in front better. The bad thing about the first 
view is that you don't really 'feel' your car especially during turns. Its not 
that you can't control your car well but it just doesn't seem like driving. I 
also find it a bit difficulty judging distances between cars and when 
approaching turns.

The second view which is my favourite sits you in the drivers seat. Granted, the 
first view gives you a better field of vision but you don't have to worry about 
turns after memorising the tracks. The second view also gives you a much better 
sense of speed which is one of the best things about the game. Control over your 
car is much better. In the end, which view you use depends on taste. 
Technically, the first view has a slight edge but practically, the second gives 
a more accurate representation of driving and that's what the game is all about, 
isn't it? Its best to try both, see which one you prefer better. Changing the 
viewpoints all the time makes it harder for you to improve your times.

Most important thing is to memorise the tracks. This isn't Sega Rally where the 
announcer tells you what type of turn is coming up. Because of the speed of the 
game it is much better if you can anticipate any coming turn. Be sure to try the 
time attack modes first of all to get used to the tracks. Why do you think F1 
drivers practice on a tracks a few days before the actual race starts?

Another thing, the car really controls like a car unlike some other games out 
there ( A certain game with the initials RR comes to mind ) and driving these 
type of cars on these tracks is not easy. If it were, everybody would be into it 
and you wouldn't be paying the winners huge sums of money.

First basic thing is when you press accelerate, press it all the way, unless you 
wanted to slow down. This is racing, not driving your car in a city. If you are 
using manual, you do not have to worry about the clutch. You just change gears 
using the up and down buttons. Manual is a better way of driving as you have 
better acceleration and better control of the car. In real life I much prefer 
manual because automatic is boring but since the game is exciting enough, I 
prefer to have to worry about the least things as possible. 

Try to keep your cars going straight forward when running in a straight lane. It 
is important to know when and where to stop turning after taking a corner or 
turn. You do not want to slow your car by trying to position your car. Learn how 
to keep your speed as high as possible during the game. Since all three tracks 
start with a rolling start, don't press left or right until you have control 
over your car.

When taking corners, the rule of the thumb is to stay at the side of the road 
opposite to where you are turning. If the turn is to the right, stay at the left 
side of the road before making the turn. This makes the turn more rounded. 
Though the distance is longer than taking the right or inner lane, you do not 
have to slow down much and thus can reach top speed quicker at the straightway. 
If possible, tap continuously when taking as easy turn. This avoids the car from 
making a screeching sound and eating away at the tires. It also reduces the drop 
in speed.

Another way is by following the black tyre marks on the road. Use it as a 
guideline of the best way to take a turn. If you find that following the black 
tyre marks causes you to crash, etc, don't. A wise man once said the path 
travelled by the most is not always the best. 

If you find that the CPU controlled cars are passing you by, especially at 
turns, that means that you are doing something wrong. Do not be afraid to 
experiment with different ways to take a turn even if you are sure that the way 
you are doing is correct. Any slight improvement in time can go a long way in 
the STC world ranking!

Who is your worst enemy in the game? Nope, its not the challenging courses. It 
is not definitely your mom who always disturbs you every time you are about to 
break your record. Its those damn CPU cars!

Yes, you heard me right. Have you ever experienced this before? You are 
approaching a long right turn and there's a car on your right side in front of 
you. If you don't turn now, you'll kiss the wall and eat grass. You swerve and 
the car in front of you seems to be rushing toward your windscreen. You knock 
its back and your speed slows down. You are determined to continue the race but 
the car in front of you still has not moved. You are frustrated and inevitably 
ram into it again.

Yep, those frustrating and unavoidable knocks and bumps. Sometimes they knock 
you from the back and give you a bit of boost which can be a bad/good thing. If 
you are going down a straight lane, it is good. If you taking a turn, be 
prepared to kiss the wall. Sometimes while turning, a CPU car will come out of 
nowhere and knock you to the side.

So, how do you solve this problem? Simple. Get a very good time in the 
qualifying heat so you stay at the top of the pack. That way there is less 
chance of interference from CPU cars.

If you are coming to a corner and forgot to brake in time, don't. Just hit the 
wall on go on. Braking will only delay the inevitable.   

Listen to the sound effects of the game. This applies to manual acceleration and 
also tires. When you here your tires squealing, it is fighting for traction and 
is eating away at your wheels. Too much squealing and your car won't be able to 
take the next turn as well.

This doesn't really belong here but I don't know where to put it. After the 
Qualifying Heat and after each race where your position comes out, you can 
choose between Avex Trax, Sega Sound or no BGM. Be sure be choose what you like 
so you won't be coming out with an excuse like the music made you eat the wall.  

Do not drive into the pit stops. They are only useful in the endurance modes. If 
you do, you might as well restart the race. However, you will pass through the 
pit stop if you go down the lane during the last lap. I do not know whether it 
is faster to do so but I seriously doubt it. Have you ever seen a real race 
where the driver beats his nearest rival by a microsecond by going through the 
pit lane?

To find out the best way to drive, change your Saturn internal clock to February 
13, 1998 and play the global net event. This time, the tracks have cones which 
are actually the blueprints for the best way to drive in the game! All you have 
to do is to practice hitting the cones and you will find that you have a better 
time in the arcade mode.


CODES for Sega Touring Car Championship

SEGA SATURN CODES

Codes taken from videogame strategies at http://vgstrategies.tqn.com/msubsat.htm

Bonus tracks:
Change the Saturn's system date to December 25, 1997. A "Global Net Event" 
option and the bonus "Winter Holiday" track will now be available. 

Change the Saturn's system date to February 13, 1998. A "Global Net Event" 
option and the bonus "Hit And Run" tracks will now be available. In this race 
variation, all cones must be hit. 

Change the Saturn's system date to April 1, 1998. A "Global Net Event" option 
and the bonus "April Foul" track will now be available. In this race variation, 
you must avoid hitting other cars while racing in the opposite direction. 

Note: These "Global Net Events" may also be enabled by using an Arcade Racer 
controller in port two. Select "Saturn" or "Arcade" modes, then select the "Key 
Config" option. Press L + X, L + Y or L + Z on the Arcade Racer controller to 
enable each event. A sound will confirm correct code entry. 

Alternate car colours:
Press Up or Down at the car selection screen. 

Cheat mode:
Note: This code requires an Arcade Racer controller in port two. Select "Arcade" 
or "Saturn" mode. Enter the key configuration selection on the options screen. 
Press X + Y + Z + Start on the Arcade Racer controller. A sound will confirm 
correct code entry. Press X on the car selection screen to access the Sega 
racing prototype. Highlight the Alfa Romeo and press Z to access the Lancia 
Delta Sega Rally car. Highlight the Toyota Supra and press Y to access the 
Toyota Celica Sega Rally car. 

Additionally, the Boom Town track will be accessible under Saturn mode. Finally, 
expert, exhibition, and grand prix modes may now be selected. 

Gran Prix mode:
Select the "Arcade" option and start a championship series. Complete all tracks 
with any final standing.

Sega Proto Car and Boom town:
Get no 1 in the championship-Saturn mode.


PC-CD CODES

Gran Prix mode:
Select the "Arcade" option and start a championship series. Complete all tracks 
with any final standing.

Alternate car colours:
Press Up or Down at the car selection screen. 

Sega Proto Car and Boom Town:
Get no 1 in the championship-PC mode.


MUSIC

The music in STC is basically techno but has lyrics. If you hate the songs you 
can choose turn the singing off or even no music at all! A lot of people hate 
the music (as well as SONIC R's) but I find it very addictive and 'pleasurable' 
once it grows on you. The music with singing turned off is pretty boring so I 
encourage you to get used to the songs. Sure the lyrics are garbage but hey, its 
better than plain old boring music. Here are the lyrics for the three tracks so 
you can sing or speak as in the case of 'Are you wake up' when you are driving. 
As you can see, the lyrics are far from complete and accurate so I would very 
much appreciate some help on them. Sometimes I really can't understand what they 
are singing !

SO HIGH / CHANNEL X
Words and Music by Praga Adams Prod BVBA
@ 1995 Anther Subway Records
(c) Be Songs

Come on girl!

Hoooo

Hoooo

Open up your eyes and realise that what we have is meant to be

We shared our dreams, our fantasies

And lost touch with reality

It's better than never

Instant power dream

It's better than never

This one's meant to be! ( FREE ! FREE !)

I'm feeling high, so high

Like the sun up in the sky

I've never felt like this before

So high, so high!

When I look into your eyes

I've never felt like this before so high!

Come on!

Come on girl!

Guide me to the light

And hold me tight

Let's travel through the galaxy

A different time a different space

We fly on liquid energy

It's better than never

A trip for you and me

It's better than never

This one's meant to be! ( FREE ! FREE !)


ARE U WAKE UP? / STAR GAZER
Music by Star Gazer
(P) 1992 avex D.D. Inc
By Prime Direction Inc

 
Are you stuck in the winds outdoors? (?)

Hey!

Hey!

Are you stuck in the winds outdoors?

I prefer to do God's will

And he has allowed me to go up this mountain

The mountain of Gova(?)

I've seen the promise land

I may not get there with you

But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promise land!

Are you stuck in the wind outdoors?

Hey!

Hey!

Are you stuck in the wind outdoors?


DON'T DROP ME / ANN SINCLAIR 
Words and music Caria-gelnetti Gulenelli
P 1994 Time SRL
(c) Jocomo music


Don't drop me baby!
 
Got this feeling my heart can't tell me

What a feeling to have inside

Can't believe that it hurts my darling

So find you

But be yourself and love to say

A lot of killing has blown apart (?)

But be yourself

Now meant to pray

Please don't drop me baby

Bring each other crazy (?)

I'm dancing around

I'm singing the passion (?)

Please don't drop me baby

Bring each other crazy

I'm dancing around I'm thinking about you

Please don't drop me baby

Bring each other crazy

I'm singing the passion

Please don't drop me baby

Bring each other crazy

I'm dancing around, I'm thinking about you

Tell me tell me my heart please tell me

How do I turn this place apart

I've been chasing my soul years for light

Never needed another man

But be yourself

And lot to say

Another killing has blown apart

But be yourself

Gotta be yourself

Yaaa, please enjoy yourself


POSTING YOUR TIMES ON THE INTERNET

I've met many people on IRC and I find it surprising that many people do not 
know that you can post your times on the internet, even those who own the game! 
Some even claim that they do not know how or even they don't care! Here are 
three easy steps to engrave your name in the STC world rankings!

1) Finish all three courses within the allotted time in Arcade mode.

2) Write down your name ( don't screw up ! you've got plenty of time! ) and copy 
down the password given on the right hand corner of the screen. ( I've talked to 
people who claimed they didn't see any passwords !) If you can't see the 
password you better make an appointment with your optometrist. You will only get 
a password if you have broken the record on the machine that you are playing.

3) Mail the password to [email protected] if you are playing the Sega Saturn                
version or [email protected] if you are playing the PC-CD version.

4) Go to http://www.sega.co.jp/stc/ to check out where you stand among the Sega 
Touring Car players of the world!

Final Word

Who knows. If you are pretty good at STC and have something to share with the 
world ( come on, don't be so selfish about your world ranking ), please e-mail 
me. I'll give you full and deserved credit and you'll be helping the internet 
gaming community. You'll probably get better rewards in heaven for being so 
unselfish ! :)

Of course they'll be updates in the future ( don't all FAQ writers say that ). 
Also, if you are ever on the US undernet, do drop by #Segazone


Credits and thanks and arigatos!

William Tham a.k.a. NiGHTS : for being the better Sega Touring Car player and 
for playing the game like crazy when I gave up hope trying to learn the game. 
Also for taping the DragonForce 2 song for me in the expense of the SS RPG 
ending song!

Aaron Tham a.k.a. Gouki : For being my X-MEN vs STREET FIGHTER sparring partner 
and all around nice guy who is now enjoying my Saturn. :(

Wes Pringle : For writing the STC beginner's guide and being an inspiration.

Kenneth Teoh : For teaching me some 'tricks' hehe. Thanks mate!

Kho Tak Seng a.k.a. Nate : For the being one of 4 Malaysians on the STC Saturn 
world ranking, good friend and fellow Saturn owner.

Dad and Mom : For getting me my Saturn and PC as well as the money to buy games.

Saleem Abdul Aziz : For helping me get the game.

John Tan : For trying to beat me at STC. Don't give up!

Wang Xiaoli : For allowing to play STC on his more powerful PC.

GOD : For EVERYTHING

SEGA and AM Annex : For an absolutely kick-ass game! STC 2 anybody?

GameFAQS : For putting it up on their awesome site! Thanks guys!

All right, this FAQ is written by me, Michael Tham so no copying pasting blah 
blah blah. If you do, you are going to be shunned by the entire internet gaming 
community for the rest of your life blah blah. If you want to put this up on 
your page, sure go ahead but tell me about it . 

The automobiles that appear in SEGA Touring Car Championship are actual cars 
that participate in the world Touring Car Championships. Alpha Romeo 155v6Ti, 
Mercedes Benz C-Class, Opel Calibra and Toyota Supra are trademarks of their 
respective companies and are mentioned in this FAQ for information purposes 
only.

SEGA and SEGA TOURING CAR are trademarks of Sega Enterprises Ltd blah blah blah 
so don't sue me. Don't use this for commercial use, ie for money. This FAQ is 
merely for fun and to help other gamers. No animals were harmed in the making of 
this FAQ and it poses no threat to the environment. Any wrong information in 
this FAQ is merely accidental. Hey, I'm only human!

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