Simulator racing, or sim racing, has been around since the 1980s. Over 40 years, the virtual form of motorsport has grown in popularity and both the hardware and software have advanced tremendously. Today’s sim racing software is so realistic that even F1 drivers use them for training and they are used for championships with global participation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic when countries went into lockdown and people were confined to their homes, sim racing became even more popular. While real-world racing activities had to be stopped, sim racing took off as an alternative for motorsports lovers.
Almost anyone can get into sim racing. The basic requirements are a computer/game console, sim rig, large monitor and a fast internet connection. Players can compete against computer rivals or real human rivals around the world.
Compared to real-world racing, the cost of getting into sim racing is therefore fairly low. The average expenditure of a racer in local race events at the Sepang International Circuit could cost up to RM100,000 a year alone, so most people can’t get into racing.
The industry continues to grow at a fast pace globally and is a major part of the gaming industry. Even the FIA recognises it and refers to it as ‘digital motorsports’, having created a Digital Cup as part of the FIA Motorsport Games. The sim racing market size value was estimated at US$4.49 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach US$9.99 billion in 2027.
With such a growth trend, Hot Rocket Racing Club had partnered up with RaceRoom Asia to enter the sim racing world and cultivate Malaysia’s talents in sim racing. RaceRoom, which will work with Hot Rocket’s Sim Racing division, offers the premier free-to-play racing simulation software based in Germany.
“Hot Rocket hopes to scout for local talents and bring them out on the competitive route. To be competitive in sim racing, a driver must understand all aspects of car handling with real-world variables such as fuel usage, damage, tyre wear and grip, and suspension settings. Participants who perform at an exceptional level will be selected for our driver development program to train with our other partner, Axle Sports and coached by Alex Yoong, a former F1 driver,” said Terry Kuan, Founder/President of Hot Rocket Racing Club.
“We plan to incubate these talents and prepare them for high profile races and the highest performing drivers will be sponsored to represent the Hot Rocket Race Team. We hope to inspire and cultivate young Malaysians to reach their highest potential and bring the colours of our country’s flag to the world’s stage,” he added.
The venture started off with a ‘Race all you want’ session for all Hot Rocket members at ‘RaceRoom Racing Experience’ in Ara Damansara, Selangor, recently. This will be followed by monthly sim races at RaceRoom with free training for all members of Hot Rocket.
The RaceRoom Racing Motion Simulators (costing RM150,000 each) consist of a Thinkvision 44-inch curved monitor, Simucube direct drive steering base, Ascher Martin steering wheel, 3motion ‘Silentforce’ 3dof G-force motion simulator, Load cell (Pressure sensor) brake and accelerator pedals, and run on RaceRoom Racing Experience EvO software.
“Malaysia has a plethora of talented individuals who needs a platform to be recognized. The club functions as the vehicle to launch our ‘astronauts’ into space and towards the stars. This will inspire a whole generation of Malaysians to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams. Hot Rocket Racing Club is not only a motorsports club, but an incubator for talents to go where no Malaysian has gone before,” Mr. Kuan said.
