Race Track Builder (2015)

Race Track Builder (RTB) is a comprehensive design application that enables users to create both imaginative and realistic race tracks. Its interface is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing designers to construct tracks from scratch or utilize real-world terrain and road data imported from Google Maps. The tool provides a flexible environment for track development, supporting a wide variety of design elements and customization options.

Core Features

RTB offers a series of features to facilitate detailed track creation and management. Tutorials are available to guide users through its functionalities, ensuring both beginners and experienced designers can utilize the software efficiently. Development updates and community interactions are shared on the official Race Track Builder Facebook page.

Free Upgrades

The software receives continuous enhancements through free upgrades. These include:

• Expansion Packs: New textures, materials, and objects have been added since the initial release, with additional content planned for future updates.
• Objects: Users can place trees, signs, barriers, pit stands, cones, tires, fences, and other elements into tracks for more realistic and detailed designs.
• Complex Objects: Parent-child relationships allow the creation of intricate objects, adding variety and depth to track elements.
• String-Objects: Long lines of objects can be generated and easily repositioned as track designs evolve.
• Start/Pits/Timing Positions: Grid and pit locations, as well as timing gates, can be configured and exported for use in compatible racing simulations.

Advanced Functionality

RTB continues to evolve with additional features planned as free upgrades. Key improvements include:

• Enhanced object libraries and interface tools for easier placement and customization.
• Advanced string-object functionality with alignment tools for precise positioning along tracks.
• Wall editing capabilities, including cross-section adjustments and appearance customization.
• Intersection construction with pre-textured sections to simplify complex track layouts.
• Expansion Packs (Xpacks) that extend available textures, materials, objects, string-object configurations, and cross-section definitions.

Export and Game Integration

RTB supports exporting tracks in Autodesk FBX format, allowing them to be imported into 3D modeling software for use in various games. This expands the accessibility of RTB content to game developers and encourages the creation of additional expansion packs for broader application. While direct game export may be added for certain titles in the future, the current focus is on providing compatibility with multiple platforms.

The first major game supported is Assetto Corsa, for which RTB creates materials and shaders that replicate in-game shading. Landscapes use multilayer shading, enabling direct modification of underlying textures. When exporting to Assetto Corsa, RTB prepares objects for the AC Editor, automatically generating configuration files to apply materials and textures as they appear within RTB designs.

Additional Information

RTB continues to expand and improve, offering new tools, objects, and workflows to enhance race track creation. Its design flexibility, integration with real-world map data, and continuous free upgrades make it a versatile platform for hobbyists and professional designers alike. Users can find more information and track development progress on the official website and social media pages.

Official Website: http://www.racetrackbuilder.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/racetrackbuilder

Race Track Builder is a solid tool for anyone who wants to create custom race tracks, whether imaginary or based on real-world maps. Its interface is simple and easy to use, making track building straightforward even for beginners. The constant updates and free expansion packs add new objects, textures, and features, keeping the experience fresh.

The software also supports exporting tracks to game engines like Assetto Corsa, which is a big plus for aspiring game developers. Complex objects, string-objects, and detailed customization options give users a lot of creative freedom. While it takes a little effort to get the most out of it, the results are worth it.

Overall, we recommend Race Track Builder. It's approachable, flexible, and continually improving, making it a great choice for both hobbyists and serious track designers.