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Many people say its structure is the most similar any eSport can get to its traditional counterpart. The popularity of sim racing has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years. With the advancement of graphics, realism, and online connectivity, sim racing has become an immersive and competitive endeavor attracting both professional racers and passionate amateurs.
GP Legends in the late 90s was the first simulator to get to a good standard of realism.
Then GTR2 followed, and NR2003 became the first to have a massive online presence. The game changer, however, has been rFactor. This simulator from 2005 reproduced the physics of the cars accurately and had a solid online system, allowing for online leagues and championships. It lasted until 2013, with the launch of rFactor 2, which, however, wasn’t even close to the quality of rFactor. One year later, Assetto Corsa came out and dominated the sector. It took most of the rFactor features but improved graphics, physics, and overall usability and functionality, removing the need for multiple installations. Many simulators came after Assetto Corsa, but no one could match those standards. And so, Assetto Corsa and its sequel Assetto Corsa Competizione are still dominant.
SimRacing has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, partly due to the global pandemic.
With the cancellation or postponement of many real-world racing events, professional drivers and fans alike turned to sim racing to fill the void. Major sim racing championships, such as the Formula 1 Virtual Grand Prix series and the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series, gained substantial attention, drawing millions of viewers. From there, sim racing competitions have also attracted a surge in participation, with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including casual gamers and seasoned racers, taking up the virtual wheel.
The rapid advancement of technology has played a crucial role in the evolution of sim racing.
Sim racing enthusiasts can now enjoy incredibly detailed virtual replicas of famous racetracks and an extensive lineup of meticulously modeled cars. Moreover, developing sophisticated racing wheels, pedals, and virtual reality (VR) headsets has heightened the sense of immersion, allowing racers to experience a near-realistic driving sensation.
SimRacing has carved a niche for itself as a professional sport. Esports teams and organizations have embraced sim racing, sponsoring and signing talented virtual racers to represent them in various competitions.
The Formula 1 Esports Series has gained immense popularity, with professional sim racers competing for substantial prize pools and recognition from real-world racing teams. These virtual racers are skilled with the wheel but also possess a deep understanding of racecraft and strategy, showcasing their talents in highly competitive environments. Furthermore, the sim racer must develop a skill that real drivers don’t need: he has to think about the car conditions, develop a strategy and manage the pace, not having a team at the wall to help him.
SimRacing has proven to be a bridge between the virtual and real-world racing domains.
Numerous professional drivers have embraced sim racing to keep training while engaging with fans. The virtual world allows for a level playing field, enabling aspiring racers to showcase their abilities and catch the attention of real-world racing teams. Also, some drivers from sim racing are starting to get to the real world. James Baldwin is the most famous of them, Tim Heineman the most recent, and in the USA, there’s Anthony Alfredo in NASCAR, and the list could go on as it gets longer every year.
Sim racing became a global phenomenon in just a bunch of years. Its exponential growth can relate to technological advancements, increased accessibility, and the desire for competitive motorsport experiences without spending thousands of dollars. As the virtual racing landscape continues to evolve, sim racing holds immense potential for enthusiasts and professional drivers. The future of this dynamic sport is likely to witness further integration with real-world racing, offering fans a unique and immersive experience that blurs the boundaries between the physical and digital divisions of motorsports.
