USAC Auto Racing (1979) Board Game

USAC Auto Racing is a board game released in 1979, designed by Jim Barnes and published by The Avalon Hill Game Co. It simulates the excitement and thrill of auto racing in the USAC Championship. The game allows 2-33 players to participate and compete against each other in a race to the finish line.

Game Components of USAC Auto Racing

Game Board: A 3-section board, totaling 16″ x 33″.

Driver Cards: 33 cards representing different drivers.

USAC Racing Pad: For tracking races.

Lap Record Sheets: To record performance.

Qualifying Scoresheets: For pre-race qualifications.

Dice: 2 standard 6-sided dice.

How To Setup USAC Auto Racing

To set up the game, players first lay out the three-section game board, which represents the racing track. Each player selects a driver card, which has unique attributes and abilities. The USAC Racing Pad and lap record sheets are prepared for tracking the race progress. Players then use the qualifying scoresheets to determine the starting order of the race.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll-and-Move Mechanics: Players roll dice to determine their movement on the track.

Driver Abilities: Each driver card has special abilities that can be used during the game.

Qualifying and Racing Phases: Players go through qualifying to set their starting positions, then compete in the race.

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to cross the finish line, mimicking real auto racing competitions.

Player Experience

Playing **USAC Auto Racing** can be a lengthy but engaging experience. One player reported a game duration of 38 hours, although this is likely an extreme case. The game requires strategic thinking, especially during the qualifying phase, and a bit of luck with dice rolls. It’s designed for fans of auto racing and those who enjoy complex, immersive board games.

Pros

Immersive Racing Experience: The game closely mimics real auto racing strategies and challenges.

High Replayability: With different driver cards and random dice rolls, each game can be unique.

Detailed Components: The inclusion of lap record sheets and qualifying scoresheets adds to the game’s realism.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can be very long, which might not suit all players.

Complex Setup: The game requires careful setup, which can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on USAC Auto Racing

**USAC Auto Racing** is ideal for dedicated board game enthusiasts and auto racing fans. It offers a deep and realistic racing experience that, while time-consuming, provides a rich and engaging gameplay experience. However, it may not be the best choice for those looking for quick, casual games.

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