We recently contacted noted Clutch Racing Dynasty user RedSox18_05 to discuss the chase, blocking, drafting passing, money management, Big Papi, sportsmanship, teamwork, the kid inside us and the forums.
WIS
Who is RedSox18_05?
RedSox18_05
My name is Jim and I’m just a guy who loves sports. Being from outside of Boston I chose the home team for my user name.
WIS
How did you find out about WhatIfSports.com?
RedSox18_05
Some friends that I worked with were always talking about the site and convinced me to check it out.
WIS
What dynasty and/or SimLeague games have you played?
RedSox18_05
I have played SimLeague Baseball, Hoops Dynasty, SimLeague Hockey, and Clutch Dynasty
WIS
Which do you prefer?
RedSox18_05
I like the SimLeague Baseball and Clutch Dynasty and with a little more time and practice, I think I’ll like SimLeague Hockey more.
WIS
Besides simulation sports websites, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
RedSox18_05
I like playing different sports. In the winter I play hockey and in the summer I play softball.
WIS
Why do you think it is that sports are so big in our culture?
RedSox18_05
I feel that the reason sports are so big in our culture is that, as youths, it teaches life lessons on teamwork and (hopefully) good sportsmanship. As adults I think it still brings some of the kid still inside us out.
WIS
Did you play any sports as a kid?
RedSox18_05
I played Hockey and baseball.
WIS
What players did you admire most growing up?
RedSox18_05
I used to really like Fred Lynn from the Red Sox and Phil Esposito from the Bruins.
WIS
Who are your favorite players in today’s games?
RedSox18_05
I love David Ortiz (BIG PAPI) because he comes to play every day and he has a great attitude that all the kids should take notice of.
WIS
What is the top sports related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
RedSox18_05
I think that I’m just like everyone else and would like to make it to all of the world championship games.
WIS
What is your favorite aspect of our website?
RedSox18_05
I like the fact that with the Clutch Dynasty Jaywat lets us know what is going on with everything he is doing to improve the game and he answers questions in a very timely manner.
WIS
You have been one of the best users in Clutch Racing Dynasty game. How would you characterize the game in its current state? How far has it come? Where does it have to go?
RedSox18_05
I think that Clutch is great right now. I know Jaywat is constantly working to improve it. Clutch has come a long way from where it started and gives us owners more opportunities to make discussions and suggestions of our own. Clutch does have to go a little further with the addition of some more real life features like more dialogue with drivers and crew chiefs, but I know that Jaywat is working on that.
WIS
What type of car do you use and why?
RedSox18_05
I use a Wiscar because I found that it was one of the most durable overall.
WIS
What are your general guidelines to searching for and signing Drivers?
RedSox18_05
I try to find a driver who is best in the top three categories (to me) passing, blocking, and drafting. I would rather he were better in those skills than being able to speak to people.
WIS
What are your general guidelines to searching for and signing Crew?
RedSox18_05
I try to find someone who is pretty balanced but higher skilled in all the car categories: Aero, Engine and Traction.
WIS
What are your general guidelines to searching for and signing Sponsors?
RedSox18_05
I try to find a sponsor that does not require me to beat or be better than someone to get my bonuses. I look for sponsors who offer bonuses for placing a certain spot or higher. I feel it might be better to get smaller bonus every race than risk the chance of not getting any bonus because I did not beat someone.
WIS
How do you approach the adjustable race settings?
RedSox18_05
I did a lot of testing with different setups to find the right one for my car and it seems to work on every track.
WIS
How do you approach the adjustable pit settings?
RedSox18_05
I pretty much did the same thing I did with the advanced setups. I kept adjusting the tire wear to find something that worked with my setup so I wouldn’t run out of gas or blow my tires.
WIS
How have you gone about managing your money with upgrades and winnings?
RedSox18_05
Well I play in multiple worlds and I blew my money in the first world and not in the second (and still did well). You really don’t need to buy any of the major upgrades until you get to the higher levels.
WIS
What is the biggest thing that you think separates you from other CRD users?
RedSox18_05
I think what separates me from some of the other users is that I really try to follow the posts that come from everyone in the forums. When Jaywat answers a question I can take it and apply it to what I have learned and then pass it off to someone else in the future.
WIS
What can you tell our users who may be unfamiliar with the game about the merits of CRD?
RedSox18_05
I think it really gives people a chance to see what it is like to run a racing team, even with all the headaches and accolades. It also has quite a bit of strategy to it now with the chase for the championship like the NASCAR Nextel Cup.
WIS
Do you spend much time in the forums? Why or why not?
RedSox18_05
I spend time in the forums because it is fun to get to know some of the people who play the games.
WIS
Who are the users you respect and/or enjoy the most?
RedSox18_05
I respect Beattle34, Whatifgirl, Sergi91 and Gearhead. I’m sure there are plenty more that I have forgotten to mention. When I was trying out different games for the first time or needed a hand with something, they were willing to help me out. That’s why I try to help all the new guys when they ask questions.
WIS
If you were in one of our games, what sport would you play; at what position and what would you be rated?
RedSox18_05
I would be in SimLeague Hockey. I would be playing defense and I would most likely rated somewhere in the middle to higher skills, but that’s just me being biased.
WIS
Thanks for taking the time out to meet with us.