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The object of Pole Position is to pit yourself against the clock and the competition ( other high-performance racers). Now is your chance to prove you've got the nerve and skill t? be a professional race car driver.
===And They're Off!===
You can steer your racer by moving the joystick to the left or to the right. Increase or decrease your speed by moving the joystick up or down, respectively. Pressing the "FIRE" button allows the driver to change from low to high gear. In the extreme upper right-hand comer of the playing screen, is your current Lap Time Counter (0"00). The Time Clock at the center, which determines the remaining time your car has to cross the finish line, winds down as your Lap Time Counter increases. Also, at the top night is the high and low gear indicator (HI/LO). Your speed as shown can reach a max of 195 MPH.
When the game screen first appears, you are ready to qualify for a race. Before you can compete in any of the races, you must qualify for one of the eight starting positions. You have 90 driving seconds in the qualifying run, but must achieve a lap time of 73" (seconds) or better to qualify for a race. Once you've qualified, the race that was selected begins in a matter of seconds.
The first lap in a race has a maximum time limit of 75 seconds. More cars appear on the course in each successive lap. But you begin a new lap with additional time to complete it - only if you've finished the previous lap in the allotted time.
If you hit another car, your car will explode, costing you precious time. You'll also wipe out if you run into a road sign. No matter how many times you crash, you'll receive another car until your time runs out.
Part of the playing strategy is to try and keep your car on the road - you lose time (and thus points) when the car is off the track. Skidding also causes your car to slow down. Gun it on the straightaways. If you find yourself going too fast, downshift or reduce speed to ease around the more difficult turns.
===Keyboard Controls===
