Yes, go ahead and use the cruise engines....don't worry that Hovis is initially in front of you. All you need to do is to be relatively close to him during the race. Without spoiling too much, let's just say that Hovis will...take care of himself.

However, you don't have to stop to change directions. The problem here is that you are using the "GoTo" command. Instead, do this course in cruise mode AND using Free Flight. Another thing that I found helpful was to use the keyboard for steering instead of the mouse. Somehow worked better for me that way.

Good luck!

-- The Haen.

mouse flight is more responsive than keyboard...and if you accidentally bump a ring, the auto-level with keyboard could present some serious problems getting back on course(since you must map the disabling command yourself).

Just keep your cool, you are allowed a re-try, and a bump or two won't hurt you anyway; Hovis stops momentarily to turn on his defenses and gives you a huge gap to pass him in.

Freighters are also not the best ships for this. There's a very good reason why the Hood offers that light fighter.

Reaper: $200,000,000.
Rockets: $100,000
The look on that pilot's face when you launch a full pod of screamers up his tailpipe: priceless

Looks like alot of people have a problem with this one. I had no problem with this one, and I did it in the Bretonia Heavy fighter. Maybe I'm just lucky, who knows. All you have to do is turn on the cruise engines and use MOUSE FLIGHT. Try to hug the turns if you can. I was behind Hovis for most of the race, and like somebody else mentioned he takes himself out of the race.

It may be easier to win that race using a Piranha (sold on Planet Leeds) since it has better maneuverability. I won the race with that one after trying to use the Clydesdale and Cavalier (failure!).

Many thanks for all your help. Finally got through the mission.