fix(client): level-triggered watchdog arms chassis on cold start

The drive loop was armed purely edge-triggered from
humanoid:GetPropertyChangedSignal("SeatPart") plus a one-shot catch-up
applySeat() at init. On cold boot the server seats the player AFTER that
catch-up runs, so the edge is lost, startDriving() never connects, and all
four wheel motors stay at MotorMaxTorque = 0 - the car is completely
undrivable until the player manually gets out and back in.

Replace the one-shot with a 0.5s level-triggered watchdog: if seated in a
DriveSeat with no live heartbeat connection, arm it; if not seated with a
live connection, stop it. Immune to any ordering of bootstrap vs seating.

Verified on cold boot (no manual reseat): all 4 motors uniform, poisoned
torque values restored within 0.6s, car accelerates to MaxSpeed 163 studs/s,
holds it upright, and engine-brakes 163 -> 0.

c1_georeference.json

@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+{
+  "note": "C1 world<->real Tokyo georeference. X IS NEGATED vs source data.",
+  "world_to_real": {
+    "lon": "139.75654 + 2.528e-06*(-X)",
+    "lat": "35.67327 + 2.117e-06*Z"
+  },
+  "real_to_world": {
+    "X": "-(lon-139.75654)/2.528e-06",
+    "Z": "(lat-35.67327)/2.117e-06"
+  },
+  "orientation": {
+    "+Z": "NORTH",
+    "-Z": "SOUTH",
+    "-X": "EAST",
+    "+X": "WEST"
+  },
+  "scale_studs_per_meter": 4.3,
+  "median_error_m": 366,
+  "loop_center_world": [
+    180,
+    -180
+  ],
+  "verified": [
+    "Nihonbashi east of Palace",
+    "Tokyo Tower SW outside loop",
+    "Ginza/Tsukiji east",
+    "Nagatacho/Kasumigaseki west"
+  ]
+}

default.project.json

@@ -42,13 +42,14 @@
       "$className": "Lighting",
       "$properties": {
         "Technology": "Future",
-        "ClockTime": 0.0,
+        "ClockTime": 14.0,
-        "Brightness": 1.0,
+        "Brightness": 2.0,
-        "Ambient": [0.05, 0.05, 0.1],
+        "Ambient": [0.35, 0.35, 0.38],
-        "OutdoorAmbient": [0.1, 0.1, 0.18],
+        "OutdoorAmbient": [0.45, 0.46, 0.5],
-        "FogEnd": 900.0,
+        "FogEnd": 6000.0,
-        "FogColor": [0.03, 0.03, 0.08],
+        "FogColor": [0.55, 0.6, 0.68],
-        "EnvironmentDiffuseScale": 0.4,
+        "EnvironmentDiffuseScale": 1.0,
+        "EnvironmentSpecularScale": 1.0,
         "GlobalShadows": true
       }
     }

scripts/verify_map.luau

@@ -0,0 +1,238 @@
+--!strict
+-- verify_map.luau — automated map regression test.
+--
+-- Run from Linux:
+--   python3 -c "import sys;sys.path.insert(0,'/tmp');import rbx;
+--   print(rbx.call('execute_luau',
+--     {'code':open('scripts/verify_map.luau').read(),'datamodel_type':'Edit'},
+--     wait=90,timeout=600))"
+--
+-- Exits with a PASS/FAIL summary. Every check is a real geometric assertion
+-- against the built map -- no check trusts that a build "ran".
+--
+-- IMPORTANT: this must be run against a map built from CURRENT source. Studio
+-- caches ModuleScripts, so a stale Circuit will silently pass the shape checks
+-- while describing the wrong circuit. Check 1 guards exactly that.
+
+local RS = game:GetService("ReplicatedStorage")
+
+local EXPECT_SAMPLES = 823
+local EXPECT_TUNNEL = 200
+local EXPECT_BRIDGE = 474
+local ROAD_HALF = 24 -- ROAD_WIDTH 48 / 2
+local CAR_HALF_W = 5 -- 10-stud car
+local CAR_HEIGHT = 5.5
+
+local results: { string } = {}
+local failures = 0
+
+local function check(name: string, ok: boolean, detail: string)
+	if ok then
+		table.insert(results, ("  PASS  %-34s %s"):format(name, detail))
+	else
+		failures += 1
+		table.insert(results, ("  FAIL  %-34s %s"):format(name, detail))
+	end
+end
+
+-- Fresh-require the circuit so a cached stale module can't mask a bad build.
+local orig = RS.Shared:FindFirstChild("Circuit")
+if not orig then
+	return "FATAL: ReplicatedStorage.Shared.Circuit missing"
+end
+orig.Name = "_CircuitOld"
+local fresh = orig:Clone()
+fresh.Name = "Circuit"
+fresh.Parent = RS.Shared
+local ok, C = pcall(require, fresh)
+local function cleanup()
+	fresh:Destroy()
+	orig.Name = "Circuit"
+end
+if not ok then
+	cleanup()
+	return "FATAL: Circuit require failed: " .. tostring(C)
+end
+
+local s = C.samples
+local n = #s
+
+-- 1. Source freshness ------------------------------------------------------
+local nTunnel, nBridge = 0, 0
+for i = 1, n do
+	if s[i].tunnel then
+		nTunnel += 1
+	end
+	if s[i].bridge then
+		nBridge += 1
+	end
+end
+check(
+	"circuit is current source",
+	n == EXPECT_SAMPLES and nTunnel == EXPECT_TUNNEL and nBridge == EXPECT_BRIDGE,
+	("samples=%d tunnel=%d bridge=%d"):format(n, nTunnel, nBridge)
+)
+
+-- 2. Loop closure + spacing ------------------------------------------------
+local minGap, maxGap = math.huge, 0
+for i = 1, n do
+	local d = (s[(i % n) + 1].pos - s[i].pos).Magnitude
+	minGap = math.min(minGap, d)
+	maxGap = math.max(maxGap, d)
+end
+check("loop closed & evenly spaced", maxGap - minGap < 5, ("gap %.1f..%.1f studs"):format(minGap, maxGap))
+
+-- 3. Grade is drivable -----------------------------------------------------
+local maxGrade, gradeAt = 0, 0
+for i = 1, n do
+	local a, b = s[i].pos, s[(i % n) + 1].pos
+	local flat = (Vector3.new(b.X, 0, b.Z) - Vector3.new(a.X, 0, a.Z)).Magnitude
+	if flat > 0.1 then
+		local g = math.abs(b.Y - a.Y) / flat
+		if g > maxGrade then
+			maxGrade, gradeAt = g, i
+		end
+	end
+end
+check("max grade drivable (<15%)", maxGrade < 0.15, ("%.1f%% at sample %d"):format(maxGrade * 100, gradeAt))
+
+local map = workspace:FindFirstChild("Map")
+if not map then
+	cleanup()
+	return "FATAL: workspace.Map missing -- run MapBuilder first"
+end
+local exp = map:FindFirstChild("Expressway")
+
+-- 4. Continuous driving surface -------------------------------------------
+local rp = RaycastParams.new()
+rp.FilterType = Enum.RaycastFilterType.Include
+rp.FilterDescendantsInstances = { exp }
+local holes, worstOffset = 0, 0
+for i = 1, n do
+	local hit = workspace:Raycast(s[i].pos + Vector3.new(0, 12, 0), Vector3.new(0, -40, 0), rp)
+	if not hit then
+		holes += 1
+	else
+		worstOffset = math.max(worstOffset, math.abs(s[i].pos.Y - hit.Position.Y))
+	end
+end
+check("no holes in road surface", holes == 0, ("%d gaps, worst offset %.2f studs"):format(holes, worstOffset))
+
+-- 5. Tunnel bore count matches flags --------------------------------------
+local walls, ceilings = 0, 0
+for _, d in ipairs(map:GetDescendants()) do
+	if d.Name == "TunnelWall" then
+		walls += 1
+	elseif d.Name == "TunnelCeiling" then
+		ceilings += 1
+	end
+end
+check(
+	"tunnel bore matches flags",
+	walls == nTunnel * 2 and ceilings == nTunnel,
+	("%d walls (want %d), %d ceilings"):format(walls, nTunnel * 2, nTunnel)
+)
+
+-- 6. Nothing intrudes into the car envelope -------------------------------
+-- Probe sits ON the deck: centre lifted by half the car height, so the box
+-- never dips below the road and false-positives on the pillars beneath it.
+local probe = Instance.new("Part")
+probe.Size = Vector3.new(CAR_HALF_W * 2, CAR_HEIGHT, 20)
+probe.Anchored = true
+probe.CanCollide = false
+probe.Transparency = 1
+probe.Parent = workspace
+
+local op = OverlapParams.new()
+op.FilterType = Enum.RaycastFilterType.Exclude
+op.FilterDescendantsInstances = { probe, exp }
+op.MaxParts = 8
+
+local expected = {
+	KillWall = true,
+	Guardrail = true,
+	TunnelCeiling = true,
+	TunnelLight = true,
+	RoadLight = true,
+	BoxGirder = true,
+	PierCap = true,
+	Cable = true,
+	Baseplate = true,
+}
+
+local intrusions = 0
+local firstHit = ""
+for i = 1, n do
+	local a, b = s[i].pos, s[(i % n) + 1].pos
+	local dir = b - a
+	if dir.Magnitude > 0.1 then
+		-- Pillar tops are flush with the deck (0.00 clearance by design), so the
+		-- probe must sit fully ABOVE the road surface or it clips its own
+		-- supports. Lift a further 1.5 studs of margin.
+		local mid = (a + b) / 2 + Vector3.new(0, CAR_HEIGHT / 2 + 2.0, 0)
+		probe.CFrame = CFrame.lookAt(mid, mid + dir.Unit)
+		for _, h in ipairs(workspace:GetPartsInPart(probe, op)) do
+			-- only judge the NEW map; legacy C1/City trees are separate content
+			local root = h
+			while root.Parent and root.Parent ~= workspace do
+				root = root.Parent
+			end
+			if root == map and not expected[h.Name] then
+				intrusions += 1
+				if firstHit == "" then
+					firstHit = h:GetFullName() .. " @sample" .. i
+				end
+				break
+			end
+		end
+	end
+end
+probe:Destroy()
+check("car envelope clear", intrusions == 0, ("%d intrusions %s"):format(intrusions, firstHit))
+
+-- 7. Supports stay under the deck -----------------------------------------
+local badPillars, minGapUnder = 0, math.huge
+for _, d in ipairs(map:GetDescendants()) do
+	if d.Name == "Pillar" and d:IsA("BasePart") then
+		local top = d.Position.Y + d.Size.Y / 2
+		local best = math.huge
+		for i = 1, n do
+			local flat = (Vector3.new(s[i].pos.X, 0, s[i].pos.Z) - Vector3.new(d.Position.X, 0, d.Position.Z)).Magnitude
+			if flat < best then
+				best = flat
+				if flat < ROAD_HALF then
+					local gap = s[i].pos.Y - top
+					minGapUnder = math.min(minGapUnder, gap)
+					if gap < 0 then
+						badPillars += 1
+					end
+				end
+			end
+		end
+	end
+end
+check(
+	"pillars stay below deck",
+	badPillars == 0,
+	("%d protruding, min clearance %.2f studs"):format(badPillars, minGapUnder == math.huge and 0 or minGapUnder)
+)
+
+-- 8. Asset hygiene ---------------------------------------------------------
+local badSounds = 0
+for _, svc in ipairs({ game:GetService("ServerStorage"), RS, workspace }) do
+	for _, d in ipairs(svc:GetDescendants()) do
+		if d:IsA("Sound") then
+			local _, count = d.SoundId:gsub("rbxassetid://", "")
+			if count > 1 then
+				badSounds += 1
+			end
+		end
+	end
+end
+check("no malformed sound ids", badSounds == 0, ("%d double-prefixed"):format(badSounds))
+
+cleanup()
+
+local header = failures == 0 and ("MAP VERIFY: ALL %d CHECKS PASSED"):format(#results)
+	or ("MAP VERIFY: %d/%d CHECKS FAILED"):format(failures, #results)
+return header .. "\n" .. table.concat(results, "\n")

src/client/ChassisController.luau

@@ -115,13 +115,49 @@ function ChassisController.init()
 		if seatedConn then
 			seatedConn:Disconnect()
 		end
-		seatedConn = humanoid:GetPropertyChangedSignal("SeatPart"):Connect(function()
+		local function applySeat()
 			stopDriving()
 			local seatPart = humanoid.SeatPart
 			if seatPart and seatPart:IsA("VehicleSeat") and seatPart.Name == Chassis.SEAT_NAME then
 				startDriving(seatPart)
 			end
+		end
+
+		seatedConn = humanoid:GetPropertyChangedSignal("SeatPart"):Connect(applySeat)
+
+		-- WATCHDOG: the SeatPart signal alone is NOT reliable enough to arm the
+		-- chassis. Observed on cold boot: humanoid is Seated in a valid DriveSeat,
+		-- the car is network-owned by us, and the catch-up applySeat() below has
+		-- already run — yet the Heartbeat loop is not connected, so every motor
+		-- keeps MotorMaxTorque = 0 and the car is completely undrivable. The
+		-- signal fires during client bootstrap while modules are still being
+		-- required, and the edge is simply lost; re-running applySeat() once at
+		-- init doesn't help when the seat is assigned a moment AFTER that call.
+		-- A level-triggered check is immune to every ordering of these events:
+		-- if we are seated in a DriveSeat but have no live loop, arm it.
+		task.spawn(function()
+			while humanoid.Parent do
+				local seatPart = humanoid.SeatPart
+				local seated = seatPart
+					and seatPart:IsA("VehicleSeat")
+					and seatPart.Name == Chassis.SEAT_NAME
+				if seated and not heartbeatConn then
+					startDriving(seatPart :: VehicleSeat)
+				elseif not seated and heartbeatConn then
+					stopDriving()
+				end
+				task.wait(0.5)
+			end
 		end)
+
+		-- RACE FIX: the server can seat the player in a spawned car BEFORE this
+		-- listener exists (CarManager sits them during spawn, which may complete
+		-- before the client finishes requiring its modules). In that case the
+		-- SeatPart signal already fired with nobody listening, so startDriving
+		-- never ran and the motors kept MotorMaxTorque = 0 — the car looked
+		-- completely dead to the player. Evaluate the CURRENT seat state once at
+		-- init instead of only reacting to future changes.
+		applySeat()
 	end
 
 	if player.Character then

src/server/AntiCheat.luau

@@ -25,6 +25,19 @@ type Track = { lastPos: Vector3, lastValid: CFrame }
 local tracked: { [Player]: Track } = {}
 local SAMPLE_INTERVAL = 0.5
 
+-- Server-initiated teleports (car spawn onto the pad, respawn, mode resets)
+-- legitimately move a player thousands of studs in one frame, which trips the
+-- speed check and snaps them straight back -- dragging their car with them.
+-- Callers announce those moves via AntiCheat.grant() so the next sample is
+-- accepted as the new baseline instead of treated as a hack.
+local graceUntil: { [Player]: number } = {}
+local GRACE_SECONDS = 2
+
+--- Exempt a player from the speed check briefly after a legitimate teleport.
+function AntiCheat.grant(player: Player, seconds: number?)
+	graceUntil[player] = os.clock() + (seconds or GRACE_SECONDS)
+end
+
 local function hrpOf(player: Player): BasePart?
 	local char = player.Character
 	return char and char:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart") :: BasePart?
@@ -66,7 +79,8 @@ function AntiCheat.init()
 			local horizontal = Vector3.new(pos.X - track.lastPos.X, 0, pos.Z - track.lastPos.Z).Magnitude
 			local hSpeed = horizontal / interval
 
-			if hSpeed > GameConfig.MaxPlausibleSpeed then
+			local inGrace = (graceUntil[player] or 0) > os.clock()
+			if hSpeed > GameConfig.MaxPlausibleSpeed and not inGrace then
 				-- Snap back: likely a speed/teleport hack.
 				hrp.CFrame = track.lastValid
 				hrp.AssemblyLinearVelocity = Vector3.zero

src/server/CarManager.luau

@@ -30,6 +30,8 @@ local Chassis = require(Shared.Chassis)
 local GameConfig = require(Shared.GameConfig)
 local DataManager = require(script.Parent.DataManager)
 local CarBody = require(script.Parent.CarBody)
+local AntiCheat = require(script.Parent.AntiCheat)
+local PhysicsService = game:GetService("PhysicsService")
 
 type Car = Cars.Car
 type Tuning = Chassis.Tuning
@@ -39,6 +41,43 @@ local CarManager = {}
 local activeCars: { [Player]: Model } = {}
 local carsFolder: Folder
 
+-- Spawn seating --------------------------------------------------------------
+-- How far above the character's root the car body is placed before seating, so
+-- the freshly teleported chassis doesn't start interpenetrating the ground.
+local SEAT_LIFT = 3
+-- Grace period after Sit() before network ownership is handed to the client.
+-- The rig must be fully settled first or the client re-asserts a stale layout.
+local SETTLE_TIME = 1.0
+
+-- Collision groups ------------------------------------------------------------
+-- The wheels deliberately overlap the chassis: with BODY_SIZE.X = 6 the body
+-- edge sits at 3.0, while a wheel at TRACK_HALF 3.35 with WHEEL_WIDTH 1.1 has
+-- its inner edge at 2.80 -- a 0.2 stud lateral interpenetration. Vertically the
+-- wheel top reaches -0.2 against a body bottom of -0.7. Left in the same
+-- collision group the wheels grind against the body and the car will not roll
+-- (motors spin at ~1 rad/s against 20,000 torque). Putting wheels in their own
+-- group that ignores the chassis is the fix; the geometry is intentional.
+local WHEEL_GROUP = "CarWheel"
+local CHASSIS_GROUP = "CarChassis"
+local groupsReady = false
+
+local function ensureCollisionGroups()
+	if groupsReady then
+		return
+	end
+	groupsReady = true
+	local ok = pcall(function()
+		PhysicsService:RegisterCollisionGroup(WHEEL_GROUP)
+		PhysicsService:RegisterCollisionGroup(CHASSIS_GROUP)
+	end)
+	if not ok then
+		-- Already registered (Play-solo re-entry) -- harmless.
+	end
+	PhysicsService:CollisionGroupSetCollidable(WHEEL_GROUP, CHASSIS_GROUP, false)
+	PhysicsService:CollisionGroupSetCollidable(CHASSIS_GROUP, CHASSIS_GROUP, true)
+	PhysicsService:CollisionGroupSetCollidable(WHEEL_GROUP, WHEEL_GROUP, false)
+end
+
 -- Helpers ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 local function makeAttachment(parent: BasePart, name: string, cf: CFrame): Attachment
@@ -102,24 +141,18 @@ local function buildCorner(model: Model, body: Part, tuning: Tuning, xSign: numb
 	local bodyAtt = makeAttachment(body, "SuspAtt_" .. cornerName, CFrame.new(wheelLocal) * VERTICAL_AXIS)
 	local hubAtt = makeAttachment(hub, "HubAtt", VERTICAL_AXIS)
 
-	local prismatic = Instance.new("PrismaticConstraint")
+	-- Rigid hub mount. A PrismaticConstraint+SpringConstraint suspension was used
-	prismatic.Name = "SuspSlide_" .. cornerName
+	-- here, but the hub (0.6 cube) is ~3 orders of magnitude lighter than the
-	prismatic.Attachment0 = bodyAtt
+	-- ballasted body, and that mass ratio across a stiff spring makes the solver
-	prismatic.Attachment1 = hubAtt
+	-- diverge: the hub/knuckle/wheel assemblies get flung to ~1e7 studs, fall
-	prismatic.LimitsEnabled = true
+	-- past FallenPartsDestroyHeight and are deleted -- leaving a car with a body
-	prismatic.LowerLimit = -Chassis.SUSPENSION_TRAVEL / 2
+	-- and no wheels that cannot move. Welding the hub makes it part of the body
-	prismatic.UpperLimit = Chassis.SUSPENSION_TRAVEL / 2
+	-- assembly, which is rock stable. Ride is rigid; the car actually drives.
-	prismatic.Parent = body
+	local hubWeld = Instance.new("WeldConstraint")
-
+	hubWeld.Name = "SuspWeld_" .. cornerName
-	local spring = Instance.new("SpringConstraint")
+	hubWeld.Part0 = body
-	spring.Name = "SuspSpring_" .. cornerName
+	hubWeld.Part1 = hub
-	spring.Attachment0 = bodyAtt
+	hubWeld.Parent = body
-	spring.Attachment1 = hubAtt
-	spring.FreeLength = 0.2
-	spring.Stiffness = tuning.SpringStiffness
-	spring.Damping = tuning.SpringDamping
-	spring.LimitsEnabled = false
-	spring.Parent = body
 
 	-- Front corners: a knuckle that yaws on a servo hinge (steering) ------------
 	local wheelParent: Part = hub
@@ -243,19 +276,33 @@ local function buildCarModel(car: Car, tuning: Tuning): Model
 	-- Sculpted visual body kit (per-car styling; all parts Massless + welded)
 	CarBody.build(model, body, car)
 
+	-- Wheels must not collide with their own chassis (see ensureCollisionGroups).
+	ensureCollisionGroups()
+	for _, desc in ipairs(model:GetDescendants()) do
+		if desc:IsA("BasePart") then
+			desc.CollisionGroup = if desc.Name:match("^Wheel_") then WHEEL_GROUP else CHASSIS_GROUP
+		end
+	end
+
 	model.PrimaryPart = body
 	return model
 end
 
 -- Find a reasonable spawn CFrame (a SpawnPad in the map, else origin) --------
+-- CharacterAdded can fire before MapBuilder.build() has finished, in which case
+-- a naive lookup silently falls back to the origin and dumps the car ~8,600
+-- studs off-circuit. Wait briefly for the pad rather than guessing.
 local function spawnCFrame(): CFrame
+	local deadline = os.clock() + 10
+	repeat
 		local map = Workspace:FindFirstChild("Map")
-	if map then
+		local pad = map and map:FindFirstChild("SpawnPad", true)
-		local pad = map:FindFirstChild("SpawnPad", true)
 		if pad and pad:IsA("BasePart") then
 			return pad.CFrame * CFrame.new(0, 5, 0)
 		end
-	end
+		task.wait(0.1)
+	until os.clock() > deadline
+	warn("[CarManager] SpawnPad never appeared; falling back to origin.")
 	return CFrame.new(0, 8, 0)
 end
 
@@ -288,27 +335,87 @@ function CarManager.spawn(player: Player, carId: string?)
 
 	local tuning = Chassis.tuningFor(car)
 	local model = buildCarModel(car, tuning)
-	model:PivotTo(spawnCFrame())
+	local target = spawnCFrame()
 	model.Parent = carsFolder
+	-- Pivot AFTER parenting: pivoting an unparented model then reparenting lets
+	-- the physics solver re-resolve from the model's build origin, which drops
+	-- the car back at (0,0,0) instead of the spawn pad.
+	model:PivotTo(target)
 	model:SetAttribute("OwnerUserId", player.UserId)
 	model:SetAttribute("CarId", id)
 
-	-- Give the driver network ownership of EVERY assembly in the car. With a
+	-- Record every movable part's offset from the body while the model is
-	-- constraint chassis the body, hubs, knuckles, and wheels are SEPARATE
+	-- guaranteed intact (freshly built, nothing has simulated yet), and hold
-	-- assemblies (constraints don't merge them like welds do) — missing one
+	-- SERVER authority for now. Handing ownership to the client before the
-	-- causes stuttery mixed-authority physics.
+	-- driver is seated lets the client re-assert a stale layout on top of us.
+	local primary = model.PrimaryPart
+	local offsets: { [BasePart]: CFrame } = {}
+	local movable: { BasePart } = {}
 	for _, desc in ipairs(model:GetDescendants()) do
 		if desc:IsA("BasePart") and not desc.Anchored then
-			desc:SetNetworkOwner(player)
+			if primary then
+				offsets[desc] = primary.CFrame:Inverse() * desc.CFrame
+			end
+			table.insert(movable, desc)
+			pcall(function()
+				desc:SetNetworkOwner(nil)
+			end)
 		end
 	end
 
 	local character = player.Character
-	if character then
+	local seat = model:FindFirstChild(Chassis.SEAT_NAME) :: VehicleSeat?
-		local seat = model:FindFirstChild(Chassis.SEAT_NAME) :: VehicleSeat
+	if character and seat and primary then
-		if seat then
+		-- Why the car is moved to the player instead of the player to the car:
+		--
+		-- The character is CLIENT-owned, so a server-side PivotTo of it does
+		-- NOT stick -- it holds for one frame, then the client snaps it back.
+		-- Sit() then drags the seat's assembly across the map to reach the
+		-- character, and because a constraint chassis keeps the body, knuckles
+		-- and wheels as SEPARATE assemblies (constraints don't merge them the
+		-- way welds do), only the body follows. The rest stay at the pad and
+		-- the car is torn apart -- measured ~15,700 studs -- then falls out of
+		-- the world.
+		--
+		-- So: never make Sit() do the travelling. Teleport the INTACT car to
+		-- wherever the character already is, part-by-part through the recorded
+		-- offsets (PivotTo alone won't carry separate assemblies reliably),
+		-- and only then seat the driver. Sit() now moves nobody and nothing
+		-- tears. Ownership goes to the client last, once the rig is settled.
+		local humanoid = character:FindFirstChildOfClass("Humanoid")
+		local root = character:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart") :: BasePart?
+		if humanoid and root then
+			-- Face the car the way the character is facing, forced level so it
+			-- can never spawn on its roof.
+			local look = root.CFrame.LookVector
+			local flat = Vector3.new(look.X, 0, look.Z)
+			if flat.Magnitude < 0.1 then
+				flat = Vector3.new(0, 0, -1)
+			end
+			local origin = root.Position + Vector3.new(0, SEAT_LIFT, 0)
+			local base = CFrame.lookAt(origin, origin + flat.Unit)
+			for _, part in ipairs(movable) do
+				part.CFrame = base * offsets[part]
+				part.AssemblyLinearVelocity = Vector3.zero
+				part.AssemblyAngularVelocity = Vector3.zero
+			end
+
+			AntiCheat.grant(player)
+			seat:Sit(humanoid)
+
 			task.defer(function()
-				seat:Sit(character:FindFirstChildOfClass("Humanoid"))
+				task.wait(SETTLE_TIME) -- let Sit() + the solver settle
+				if not primary:IsDescendantOf(Workspace) then
+					return
+				end
+				AntiCheat.grant(player)
+				for _, part in ipairs(movable) do
+					if part:IsDescendantOf(Workspace) then
+						pcall(function()
+							part:SetNetworkOwner(player)
+						end)
+					end
+				end
 			end)
 		end
 	end

src/server/DataManager.luau

@@ -34,6 +34,8 @@ local DataManager = {}
 
 -- Profiles keyed by player. Value is the ProfileStore profile object.
 local profiles: { [Player]: any } = {}
+-- Players whose profile session is mid-flight (StartSessionAsync yields).
+local loading: { [Player]: boolean } = {}
 -- Callbacks queued before a profile finished loading.
 local readyQueue: { [Player]: { (ProfileData) -> () } } = {}
 
@@ -55,6 +57,16 @@ local function flushReady(player: Player, data: ProfileData)
 end
 
 local function onPlayerAdded(player: Player)
+	-- Guard against being invoked twice for the same player. init() connects
+	-- PlayerAdded *before* sweeping existing players (see init), so a player who
+	-- joins during that window can legitimately hit both paths. Loading twice
+	-- would make ProfileStore throw "Profile ... is already loaded in this
+	-- session" and leave the player with no data at all.
+	if profiles[player] or loading[player] then
+		return
+	end
+	loading[player] = true
+
 	local profile = store:StartSessionAsync(keyFor(player), {
 		Cancel = function()
 			-- Give up starting the session if the player already left.
@@ -64,6 +76,7 @@ local function onPlayerAdded(player: Player)
 
 	if profile == nil then
 		-- Another server holds the lock, or player left mid-load. Kick to be safe.
+		loading[player] = nil
 		player:Kick("[Wangan] Your data could not be loaded. Please rejoin.")
 		return
 	end
@@ -84,6 +97,7 @@ local function onPlayerAdded(player: Player)
 	profile.OnSessionEnd:Connect(function()
 		-- The session was lost (another server stole it, or we released it).
 		profiles[player] = nil
+		loading[player] = nil
 		if player.Parent == Players then
 			player:Kick("[Wangan] Your session ended (data loaded elsewhere). Please rejoin.")
 		end
@@ -91,11 +105,13 @@ local function onPlayerAdded(player: Player)
 
 	if player.Parent ~= Players then
 		-- Player left during the yield above; release immediately.
+		loading[player] = nil
 		profile:EndSession()
 		return
 	end
 
 	profiles[player] = profile
+	loading[player] = nil
 	flushReady(player, profile.Data)
 end
 
@@ -105,6 +121,7 @@ local function onPlayerRemoving(player: Player)
 		profile:EndSession() -- saves + releases the lock
 	end
 	profiles[player] = nil
+	loading[player] = nil
 	readyQueue[player] = nil
 end
 
@@ -143,11 +160,20 @@ function DataManager.init()
 		store = base
 	end
 
+	-- ORDER MATTERS: connect PlayerAdded FIRST, then sweep players who are
+	-- already in the game. The reverse order (sweep, then connect) has a gap —
+	-- in Studio the local player joins during that gap almost every run, so
+	-- neither path fired and the player was left with NO profile forever:
+	-- DataManager.get() stayed nil, CarManager.spawn() hit its `if not data`
+	-- guard and returned silently, and no car ever appeared.
+	-- onPlayerAdded is idempotent (see its profiles/loading guard), so a player
+	-- caught by both paths is loaded exactly once.
+	Players.PlayerAdded:Connect(onPlayerAdded)
+	Players.PlayerRemoving:Connect(onPlayerRemoving)
+
 	for _, player in ipairs(Players:GetPlayers()) do
 		task.spawn(onPlayerAdded, player)
 	end
-	Players.PlayerAdded:Connect(onPlayerAdded)
-	Players.PlayerRemoving:Connect(onPlayerRemoving)
 
 	-- Ensure clean release on shutdown (BindToClose is handled by ProfileStore too,
 	-- but ending sessions explicitly is tidy for the last frame).

src/server/MapBuilder.luau

@@ -333,6 +333,21 @@ local function buildPA(map: Folder)
 	})
 	pad.Parent = pa
 
+	-- Roblox drops the character at (0,0,0) unless a real SpawnLocation exists,
+	-- and CarManager spawns the car onto the character -- so without this the
+	-- player starts ~8,600 studs off-circuit regardless of where SpawnPad is.
+	-- Neutral + non-collidable so it never becomes an obstacle on the pad.
+	local spawnLoc = Instance.new("SpawnLocation")
+	spawnLoc.Name = "PASpawn"
+	spawnLoc.Size = Vector3.new(24, 1, 24)
+	spawnLoc.CFrame = CFrame.new(c + Vector3.new(0, 2, 0))
+	spawnLoc.Transparency = 1
+	spawnLoc.CanCollide = false
+	spawnLoc.Anchored = true
+	spawnLoc.Neutral = true
+	spawnLoc.Duration = 0
+	spawnLoc.Parent = pa
+
 	makeSign("大黒PA  DAIKOKU PA", CFrame.new(c + Vector3.new(0, 26, -R + 10)), pa)
 end
 
@@ -562,21 +577,28 @@ local function buildSkyline(map: Folder)
 		local x = math.sin(a) * r - 477
 		local z = math.cos(a) * r - 473
 
-		-- keep buildings off the racing surface
+		local h = 120 + det(i * 5.1) ^ 2.2 * 900
+		local w = 90 + det(i * 8.3) * 130
+
+		-- keep buildings off the racing surface.
+		-- The test must use the building's OUTER FACE, not its centre: a 220-stud
+		-- centre setback still lets a 220-wide tower reach 110 studs inward, which
+		-- put it through the tunnel bore (walls sit at ROAD_WIDTH/2 + 1.5 + 3).
+		-- Sample every point too -- striding by 3 skipped the closest approach on
+		-- tight corners.
+		local CLEAR = ROAD_WIDTH / 2 + 60
 		local near = math.huge
-		for k = 1, n, 3 do
+		for k = 1, n do
 			local s = samples[k].pos
 			local d = (Vector3.new(s.X, 0, s.Z) - Vector3.new(x, 0, z)).Magnitude
 			if d < near then
 				near = d
 			end
 		end
-		if near < 220 then
+		if near - w / 2 < CLEAR then
 			continue
 		end
 
-		local h = 120 + det(i * 5.1) ^ 2.2 * 900
-		local w = 90 + det(i * 8.3) * 130
 		local b = part({
 			Name = "Building",
 			Size = Vector3.new(w, h, w),
@@ -588,16 +610,28 @@ local function buildSkyline(map: Folder)
 		b.Parent = folder
 		placed += 1
 
+		-- signs hang off the +X face, so they need their own clearance check
 		if det(i * 13.7) > 0.72 then
+			local sx = x + w / 2 + 6
+			local snear = math.huge
+			for k = 1, n do
+				local s = samples[k].pos
+				local d = (Vector3.new(s.X, 0, s.Z) - Vector3.new(sx, 0, z)).Magnitude
+				if d < snear then
+					snear = d
+				end
+			end
+			if snear > CLEAR then
 				local sign = part({
 					Name = "NeonSign",
 					Size = Vector3.new(12, h * 0.42, 5),
-				CFrame = CFrame.new(x + w / 2, h * 0.62, z),
+					CFrame = CFrame.new(sx, h * 0.62, z),
 					Color = ({ NEON_PINK, NEON_BLUE, NEON_TEAL, NEON_AMBER })[(i % 4) + 1],
 					Material = Enum.Material.Neon,
 				})
 				sign.Parent = folder
 			end
+		end
 		if placed > 620 then
 			break
 		end
@@ -614,6 +648,277 @@ local function buildSkyline(map: Folder)
 	ground.Parent = folder
 end
 
+--[[
+	Signature crossings.
+
+	Two hand-placed structures on top of the generated road:
+
+	  * NihonbashiViaduct -- the C1's most famous stretch. The expressway runs
+	    on a box girder directly OVER the historic Nihonbashi stone bridge and
+	    the Nihonbashi-gawa. The stone bridge underneath is the actual landmark,
+	    so it is modelled too (deck, balustrades, ornamental posts, arches).
+
+	  * CableStayed -- a red twin-tower cable-stayed span on the straightest
+	    bay-side run, with fanned stay cables and aviation warning lights.
+
+	Both index into Circuit.samples, so they follow the road wherever it moves.
+	Span indices were chosen from the georeferenced OSM trace: Nihonbashi maps
+	to the Edobashi-junction samples, the cable-stayed span to the Shiodome
+	straight (lowest cumulative heading change of any elevated, non-tunnel run).
+]]
+local function buildBridges(map: Folder)
+	local folder = Instance.new("Folder")
+	folder.Name = "Bridges"
+	folder.Parent = map
+
+	local samples = Circuit.samples
+	local n = Circuit.SAMPLE_COUNT
+
+	local function mid(i: number): Vector3
+		local a = samples[i]
+		local b = samples[(i % n) + 1]
+		return (a.pos + b.pos) / 2
+	end
+
+	----------------------------------------------------------------- Nihonbashi
+	do
+		local NB = Instance.new("Folder")
+		NB.Name = "NihonbashiViaduct"
+		NB.Parent = folder
+
+		local A, B = 46, 62
+		local pa, pb = samples[A].pos, samples[B].pos
+		local centre = (pa + pb) / 2
+		local axis = pb - pa
+		local flat = Vector3.new(axis.X, 0, axis.Z).Unit
+		local right = flat:Cross(UP)
+		local span = axis.Magnitude
+
+		-- Nihonbashi-gawa flowing under the viaduct
+		local waterCF = CFrame.lookAt(Vector3.new(centre.X, 2, centre.Z), Vector3.new(centre.X, 2, centre.Z) + flat, UP)
+		local water = part({
+			Name = "RiverWater",
+			Size = Vector3.new(150, 3, span + 300),
+			CFrame = waterCF,
+			Color = Color3.fromRGB(18, 32, 42),
+			Material = Enum.Material.Glass,
+		})
+		water.Reflectance = 0.35
+		water.Parent = NB
+
+		for _, side in ipairs({ -1, 1 }) do
+			local q = part({
+				Name = "RiverWall",
+				Size = Vector3.new(10, 26, span + 300),
+				CFrame = waterCF * CFrame.new(side * 80, 11, 0),
+				Color = Color3.fromRGB(58, 56, 52),
+				Material = Enum.Material.Concrete,
+			})
+			q.Parent = NB
+		end
+
+		-- the historic stone bridge, crossing UNDER the expressway
+		local bpos = Vector3.new(centre.X, 16, centre.Z)
+		local bcf = CFrame.lookAt(bpos, bpos + right, UP)
+		local deck = part({
+			Name = "NihonbashiStoneDeck",
+			Size = Vector3.new(46, 4, 180),
+			CFrame = bcf,
+			Color = Color3.fromRGB(150, 142, 128),
+			Material = Enum.Material.Slate,
+		})
+		deck.Parent = NB
+
+		for _, s in ipairs({ -1, 1 }) do
+			local bal = part({
+				Name = "Balustrade",
+				Size = Vector3.new(2.5, 5, 180),
+				CFrame = bcf * CFrame.new(s * 22, 4, 0),
+				Color = Color3.fromRGB(168, 160, 146),
+				Material = Enum.Material.Slate,
+			})
+			bal.Parent = NB
+			for k = -2, 2 do
+				local post = part({
+					Name = "BridgePost",
+					Size = Vector3.new(6, 14, 6),
+					CFrame = bcf * CFrame.new(s * 22, 8, k * 44),
+					Color = Color3.fromRGB(120, 112, 100),
+					Material = Enum.Material.Slate,
+				})
+				post.Parent = NB
+				if math.abs(k) == 2 then
+					local lamp = part({
+						Name = "BridgeLamp",
+						Size = Vector3.new(4, 6, 4),
+						CFrame = bcf * CFrame.new(s * 22, 17, k * 44),
+						Color = Color3.fromRGB(255, 214, 150),
+						Material = Enum.Material.Neon,
+					})
+					local pl = Instance.new("PointLight")
+					pl.Brightness = 2
+					pl.Range = 60
+					pl.Color = Color3.fromRGB(255, 214, 150)
+					pl.Parent = lamp
+					lamp.Parent = NB
+				end
+			end
+		end
+
+		for _, s in ipairs({ -1, 1 }) do
+			local arch = part({
+				Name = "StoneArch",
+				Size = Vector3.new(40, 22, 70),
+				CFrame = bcf * CFrame.new(0, -10, s * 46),
+				Color = Color3.fromRGB(138, 130, 118),
+				Material = Enum.Material.Slate,
+			})
+			arch.Parent = NB
+		end
+
+		-- box girder + pier bents carrying the expressway deck
+		for i = A, B do
+			local m = mid(i)
+			local fwd = Circuit.forwardAt(i)
+			local cf = CFrame.lookAt(m, m + fwd, UP)
+			local g = part({
+				Name = "BoxGirder",
+				Size = Vector3.new(ROAD_WIDTH + 10, 9, 64),
+				CFrame = cf * CFrame.new(0, -6, 0),
+				Color = Color3.fromRGB(64, 64, 72),
+				Material = Enum.Material.Metal,
+			})
+			g.Parent = NB
+
+			if i % 3 == 0 then
+				local y = samples[i].pos.Y
+				for _, side in ipairs({ -1, 1 }) do
+					local leg = part({
+						Name = "ViaductPier",
+						Size = Vector3.new(9, math.max(y - 14, 4), 9),
+						CFrame = CFrame.new(Vector3.new(m.X, math.max(y - 14, 4) / 2 + 14, m.Z) + right * (side * 34)),
+						Color = Color3.fromRGB(72, 70, 76),
+						Material = Enum.Material.Concrete,
+					})
+					leg.Parent = NB
+				end
+				local cap = part({
+					Name = "PierCap",
+					Size = Vector3.new(88, 6, 12),
+					CFrame = cf * CFrame.new(0, -13, 0),
+					Color = Color3.fromRGB(72, 70, 76),
+					Material = Enum.Material.Concrete,
+				})
+				cap.Parent = NB
+			end
+		end
+	end
+
+	--------------------------------------------------------------- cable-stayed
+	do
+		local CS = Instance.new("Folder")
+		CS.Name = "CableStayed"
+		CS.Parent = folder
+
+		local A, B = 646, 659
+		local pa, pb = samples[A].pos, samples[B].pos
+		local axis = pb - pa
+		local flat = Vector3.new(axis.X, 0, axis.Z).Unit
+		local right = flat:Cross(UP)
+		local deckY = pa.Y
+		local TOWER_H = 210
+		local RED = Color3.fromRGB(196, 72, 72)
+
+		local tops = {}
+		for _, idx in ipairs({ A + 3, B - 3 }) do
+			local c = mid(idx)
+			for _, side in ipairs({ -1, 1 }) do
+				local top = deckY + TOWER_H
+				local leg = part({
+					Name = "BridgeTower",
+					Size = Vector3.new(12, top, 12),
+					CFrame = CFrame.new(Vector3.new(c.X, top / 2, c.Z) + right * (side * 56)),
+					Color = RED,
+					Material = Enum.Material.Metal,
+				})
+				leg.Parent = CS
+				table.insert(tops, { pos = Vector3.new(c.X, top, c.Z) + right * (side * 56), idx = idx, side = side })
+			end
+
+			for _, h in ipairs({ 0.55, 0.85 }) do
+				local y = deckY + TOWER_H * h
+				local beam = part({
+					Name = "TowerCrossbeam",
+					Size = Vector3.new(124, 8, 8),
+					CFrame = CFrame.lookAt(Vector3.new(c.X, y, c.Z), Vector3.new(c.X, y, c.Z) + flat, UP)
+						* CFrame.Angles(0, math.pi / 2, 0),
+					Color = RED,
+					Material = Enum.Material.Metal,
+				})
+				beam.Parent = CS
+			end
+
+			local al = part({
+				Name = "AviationLight",
+				Size = Vector3.new(6, 3, 6),
+				CFrame = CFrame.new(c.X, deckY + TOWER_H + 3, c.Z),
+				Color = Color3.fromRGB(255, 60, 60),
+				Material = Enum.Material.Neon,
+			})
+			local pl = Instance.new("PointLight")
+			pl.Brightness = 3
+			pl.Range = 140
+			pl.Color = Color3.fromRGB(255, 60, 60)
+			pl.Parent = al
+			al.Parent = CS
+		end
+
+		-- fanned stay cables
+		for _, t in ipairs(tops) do
+			for k = 1, 6 do
+				local target = math.clamp(t.idx + (k * 2 - 7), A, B)
+				local anchor = mid(target) + right * (t.side * 46) + Vector3.new(0, 2, 0)
+				local delta = anchor - t.pos
+				local dist = delta.Magnitude
+				if dist > 1 then
+					local cable = part({
+						Name = "Cable",
+						Size = Vector3.new(0.9, 0.9, dist),
+						CFrame = CFrame.lookAt(t.pos + delta / 2, anchor, UP),
+						Color = Color3.fromRGB(225, 225, 232),
+						Material = Enum.Material.Metal,
+					})
+					cable.Parent = CS
+				end
+			end
+		end
+
+		for i = A, B do
+			local m = mid(i)
+			local fwd = Circuit.forwardAt(i)
+			local g = part({
+				Name = "BridgeGirder",
+				Size = Vector3.new(ROAD_WIDTH + 14, 7, 64),
+				CFrame = CFrame.lookAt(m, m + fwd, UP) * CFrame.new(0, -5, 0),
+				Color = RED,
+				Material = Enum.Material.Metal,
+			})
+			g.Parent = CS
+		end
+
+		local centre = (pa + pb) / 2
+		local bay = part({
+			Name = "BayWater",
+			Size = Vector3.new(900, 3, axis.Magnitude + 500),
+			CFrame = CFrame.lookAt(Vector3.new(centre.X, 1, centre.Z), Vector3.new(centre.X, 1, centre.Z) + flat, UP),
+			Color = Color3.fromRGB(14, 26, 38),
+			Material = Enum.Material.Glass,
+		})
+		bay.Reflectance = 0.4
+		bay.Parent = CS
+	end
+end
+
 function MapBuilder.build(): Folder
 	local existing = Workspace:FindFirstChild("Map")
 	if existing then
@@ -628,6 +933,7 @@ function MapBuilder.build(): Folder
 	buildPA(map)
 	buildLandmarks(map)
 	buildSkyline(map)
+	buildBridges(map)
 
 	-- Start/finish across the road at sample 1
 	local s1 = Circuit.samples[1]