Driver swap track editing

Driver swap in AC requires that the start line is positioned before the pits (ideally, after works too). If not, laps will not be counted during a driver swap because the driver who leaves the server may not cross the line.

Some tracks are already compatible like LeMans 2017, but most of them are not.

The purpose of this tutorial is to create a new layout for an existing track to move the start line. Some prior track modding experience is expected by this guide!

Software required : 3DSimED3

1 - Creation of the kn5 file

• Import the track kn5 which contains the start line to 3DsimED3

The start line objects we want to move are AC_TIME_0_L and AC_TIME_0_R

• To find them, go to Home > Object By Name and double click on the desired object

We want to move the line before the first pit position:

• Right click on the position you want to move the object and click Memorize YXZ. Note, for the AC_TIME_0_L object, you should choose a position on the far left of the track. For the AC_TIME_0_R object you should choose a position on the far right of the track. Make sure that the line between these two positions spans the width of the pitlane and all drivable areas of the track (so for example if a driver is off to the far left of the track they still get a lap time)

• With the first AC_TIME_0_ object selected, click in the right menu on the MR button, it will move the object to the previously saved position

• Repeat with the other AC_TIME_0_ object

• Click Home > New to create a new file

• Select AC_TIME_0_L and click Copy Instance

• In the new file go to Edit > Paste > Paste Objects

• Repeat with the other AC_TIME_0_ object

• Go to Export > Plugin Export choose a name and save your kn5 file in the track folder (here I name it imola_driver_swap.kn5, a new name allows me to create a new track layout and keep the original version of the track)

You can now close 3DSimED3!

2 - Create the new layout

• In the track folder, copy models.ini and paste it in the same folder, then change its name to models_<your_kn5_name>.ini. For my example it will be models_imola_driver_swap.ini

• Edit the file, and add a new model. Then, put the name of your kn5 in MODEL_0 (very important, your kn5 must be first)

Example :

• In the ui folder, create a new folder with the same name than the kn5, it must contain:

  • outline.png
  • preview.png
  • ui_track.json (copy the original and edit it the way you like)

• Back in the track folder, create a new folder again with the name of the kn5, and copy inside the following files and folders (from the folder of the original kn5 that you started with):

  • ai
  • data
  • map.png

Finished! You can test you new layout in Assetto Corsa, check your timer to see if your start line is in the right position!