'Simulators are for racing drivers what treadmills are for runners. It’s not quite the real thing, but at least you’re running,’ is the tweet permanently pinned to the top of David Perel’s Twitter feed. Although it was posted back in 2018, way before the outbreak of the coronavirus, the statement’s true gravitas has only multiplied in light of world motor sport’s unprecedented lockdown this year. Since March and the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown, sim racing has enjoyed a massive increase in popularity and has become a necessary adjunct for sponsors seeking new outlets for exposure while real-world racing was off the table.
South African David Perel is a three-time Blancpain GT Champion, two-time Spa 24-Hour winner and Ferrari GT racing driver for the Italian-based Rinaldi and Kessel Racing teams. Yeah, for real! But he’s the first to admit his success is rooted in the virtual world. And while he, rather modestly, describes himself as a ‘handy sim racer’, he’s in fact just established the Coach Dave Academy with the aim ‘to improve the race craft and knowledge of sim racers through coaching by a professional racing driver.’ Within just 12 hours of launching, the academy was oversubscribed with hundreds of applicants, and he needed to implement a waiting list. Basically, his stock in the virtual-racing world has blown up and, by extension, so has his standing in real-world motor sport.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Can a retired rocket engine take us to Mars?
The space shuttle's main engine was mothballed with the programme in 2011. Now NASA believes it's the future of interplanetary travel.
6 metre waves. All engines on fire. 1 500 Km from land.
How Flying Tiger 923 and its 'miracle pilot' made an impossible ocean landing.
Land Rover Discovery D300
A FEW MONTHS ago a $2 billion lottery jackpot was won in the United States. It’s fun to sometimes ponder outrageous winnings like that, and how I’d spend it, even if it’s completely detached from reality.
Volkswagen Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI
The compact proportions make this a delightful daily commuter.
Mazda CX-5 2.2 L De Akera AWD
Floor the pedal and overtaking is achieved easily and safely.
Making the most out of your grinder
THE HUMBLE BENCH GRINDER IS A STAPLE of the handyworker's home shop, largely due to its versatility. But, while you can employ one to remove metal from just about anything, the traditional kind may not provide the precision you need for every grinding operation. Here, we shed light on the best ways to use the different types of grinders, gleaned from our testing.
Unlock your devices' full potential with a USB-C hub
AS NEW TECH SHRINKS EACH YEAR, essential ports such as USB-A, HDMI, and ethernet are being replaced by the slimmer USB-C.
WE BUILT THE WORLD'S FIRST V-8 TESLA
THE RICH REBUILDS TEAM HAD A DEAD MODEL S. THEY FIXED IT WITH A CAMARO ENGINE.
I bought a GHOST TOWN
This abandoned California mining village once had 400 buildings. Now I'm restoring the 20 that remain.
F1 taught me that speed starts with comfort
AS A FAN OF MOTORSPORT, I'M ALWAYS fascinated with the finer details that go into Formula One racing. Piloting the fastest racing cars on the planet subjects drivers to savage forces - up to 6 G's under braking which has led to an almost endless pursuit of comfort.
