I have chosen to hold off on entering the upcoming tournament. The reason: the race itself isn't race ready. First off, since the runway isn't one smooth piece, there's a good chance the cars will roll when they hit a part where two sections don't line up perfectly. Second, the tight high-speed turns coupled with the AI's incompetence and inability to brake means the cars will most likely drive right off the runway and flip themselves trying to get back on, which in testing I found is inevitable because of the third thing, the route itself. I was appalled to see my computer controlled car finally make it past the fist two corners intact only to ignore the outside checkpoint at the third turn and suicide itself trying to cut the corner between the two perpendicular sections of runway, and we all know what happens when you hit a curb at those speeds. I have nothing to say about this race except call me when it's worth running.
My initial tournament testbed has the flip problem... but can drive fairly straight YES
Well... It's unfortunate that you don't wish to enter. I do however believe some of your comment is a little mistaken. The race course itself is fine. I know of no ground based race course that is perfectly flat. Build a vehicle that can mange the surface of the course. It is possible. Secondly if built correctly with the given restraints one can build a vehicle the does not require the AI to use the brake ( And yes I have one build currently that does just that) it also leaves the track in a one spot at speed recovers and makes it back to the track without missing a check point. Granted it is not fool proof. In a 20 run test it managed to complete with no misses 18 of the 20. Not bad in my book. There is a way around with the current restraints of the tourney and game AI to get to drive strait by building you vehicle to force a straight driving line. To accomplish this one must think out side the box. It is possible. Mine drives straight with very little wobble if any. Granted this has been a 3 night building process that still hasn't turned out a time that I am happy with or feel is competitive, but I feel confident I will. As for AI issue. I have a theory I am going to test this evening to determine if the AI is true ly the issue or something else. I will post my findings either way.