Introducing DTR 2, the latest in a series of short-track racing sims from Ratbag Games Ltd. This is the 3rd title in the series that emulates the grassroots sport of Dirt Track Racing. Circle track racing on dirt is one of the most common forms of Motorsports throughout the world. Even if you have never been fortunate enough to visit Daytona or Indy, there is certainly a dirt racetrack within a couple hours drive from your home. One factor that has made this series such a broad success is that Dirt Track Racing is the purest form of the sport. There are no multi-million dollar sponsors involved--just local businesses sponsoring local racers that want to race for the love of the sport and the thrill of competition. Yet ask any Winston Cup driver where they got their start and I’m sure they will tell you: “On the dirt!”

Included in this title are 3 very distinct classes of cars that are sure to create hours of excitement and enjoyment for any wanna-be racecar driver. It’s your choice upon entering the game to select ‘Quick Race’, which then permits you to choose between the Pro Stock, Late Model or the Modified. For those of you that are more ‘Career’ oriented, you’ll have to earn your way to the big time by winning races and advancing to the upper classes. Personally I’m one of those people that just wants to jump in the fastest thing there is and stand on the gas pedal. One interesting note in this game is that both the Late Model and the Modified are equally fast and both are very fun to drive. But you also owe it to yourself to take the Pro Stock out for a spin. Even though the Pro Stock cars are sluggish and heavy, they offer some of the best racing in the game. These are not purpose built racing machines. They are simply old street cars that are adapted to handle the rigors of racing on dirt, and they are a blast to drive. It’s refreshing to have this many fun choices in a sim. Usually, the premier class in a sim is the only selection that gets much attention.

The Late Model is pretty standard across the country and most people that are interested in racing are familiar with these types of cars. They are a full bodied racecar that possess the same basic shape as a street car, but that’s where the comparison ends. The particular Modified that is represented in DTR 2 is one that might not be familiar to many of you. This type of Modified is what I would consider a “North Eastern” or “DIRT” modified---sort of a cross between a USAC Champ car ( non-winged Sprint Car ) and a Late Model. This is a very light, short wheel-based car with an abundance of horsepower and plenty of traction. For those of us that were hoping for an IMCA style Modified, we didn’t get it. :-) But that’s not to say that you won’t enjoy the DTR 2 Modified--- you will. It’s just a particular style of racecar that’s not widely known. Whatever your taste in racing, DTR 2 is bound to have something for you to enjoy.

DTR 2 offers 14 new and unique tracks to suit your short track racing needs. Whether you like those tight little bullring 1/4-mile tracks or a more wide open 1/2-mile track, DTR 2 has a nice assortment of tracks from which to choose. There are even a couple of Figure 8 tracks to bang around in. For those of you who also have the two previous versions of DTR, you will be able to enjoy the tracks from those games too. The default tracks in the game however have come a long way from the earlier version. Most of them seem to have more than one fast groove which is a welcome addition. The track surface has been dramatically improved and looks more like the dirt tracks to which I’m accustom. There’s a definite ‘cushion’ to most of the tracks that’s rough and tacky and the track even appears to have moisture around the inside---just as it would in real life. One track that I drove seemed to have a wall that can reach out and grab the car for no apparent reason. I thought that was a little unusual but I guess it’s just an obstacle that you need to know to avoid. I am really pleased to see that there are no longer those 3 foot tall berms on the inside of the track. Those berms are the one of the items that ruined the original DTR for me.