With the recent addition of SpeedCenter's JavaTalk IndyCar chat area, this has opened the doors for the fans to actually chat with real drivers and other people associated with IndyCar racing.

JavaTalk works just fine for small chit-chat sessions, but when it comes to a major NetConference that could possibly include hundreds of people, JavaTalk simply will not provide us with the (obvious) control we would need online.

So, the SpeedCenter staff has been busy researching what would work best for a NetConference. And the answer is Internet Relay Chat (IRC). SpeedCenter now has the ability to run a "part-time" IRC-server when we conduct a NetConference.

SpeedCenter has two NetConferences planned in the very near future. Look for an announcement soon!

To access SpeedCenter's NetConference via the Web, SpeedCenter recommends the following IRC client software packages: (If you are an experienced IRC user, feel free to stop in with your favorite client software.)

Available for PC-compatibles is: mIRC. You can download mIRC from GeoCities. Be forwarned that this site is overloaded and many times appears unavailable -- Be patient.

Another excellent product for PC's is PIRCH, which can be downloaded from their home page.

Macintosh users have the choice between a client called "Homer" and the well known "Ircle 2.5" Both can be downloaded from many servers. We found these shareware clients at C/Net, after searching for Macintosh titles and the keywords "IRC client".

Special Note: SpeedCenter does NOT recommend the use of the current version (v2.0) of Netscape Chat. If you are using Netscape Chat you will experience problems.

Unless announced otherwise, SpeedCenter's upcoming NetConferences will be held at: didnt.doit.wisc.edu at port 6667. Enter that information into IRC software and you will be ready for SpeedCenter's next NetConference. Please note that the server may not be running outside our scheduled events.

The NetConferences will be announced on the main Chat page and through our mailing list well in advance of the event.

See you there!