The Race Centre Chandlers Ford

[Dr Boxcat]

Not sure where to put this (mods please move as you see fit), as I feel putting this in computer games would be trivialising what to me looks to be a pretty serious operation. Has anyone ever been? Is there a pistonheads night? I love the idea of a giant room with the ability for a large amount of people to all be racing cars the average person can only dream of experiencing (they say they have space for 50 racers). As soon as I can drive again (another hip op) I'm heading over to have a proper look. If there isn't a PH night, would anyone be interested in one? Could run monthly competitions, championships, as much as I'd love to get out on a real track til I can afford to this will be my new hobby of choice!

Edited by Dr Boxcat on Sunday 15th July 12:54

[Dr Boxcat]

[XJSsometimeSoon]

I would be well up for that

[Dr Boxcat]

Bumpage

[Britcar David]

I've been many times. Its a brilliant venue with enthusiastic and knowledgable staff. Plenty of racers use the venue to learn new circuits so it has plenty of credentials as well. The location is a bit rough around the edges but the product itself is great.

[hiccy]

Had a look at the franchising, I don't see the point: they use Logitech G27 steering wheels (by the looks of it), but the race seats look cool

[Red Firecracker]

Went last New Year. Very impressive and enjoyable afternoon.

[speedtwelve]

It's great. Went with a few work mates and pedalled '60s F1 cars around Road America IIRC. A big step-up from sitting in front of your telly playing Forza 4. Well run, too.

[Red Firecracker]

Oh, and the regulars get very annoyed when you beat their best session time by a second in a Formula Ford. They stuffed me in the F1 cars, but the early victory was sweet.

[Dr Boxcat]

thanks for the responses chaps,I'm very much looking forward to going. Wonder if they'd let me use my fanatec

report to follow after my visit.

[StevenB]

Went a couple of years ago, excellent afternoon

[timbob]

Cor, big screen GPL...! I might have to go!

[Red Firecracker]

From memory they run rFactor, but I could be wrong. When you're sitting watching others you don't really expect it to be impressive, to be honest, as the level of detail is not maybe what you would run at home, but when you get into the pod (nothing fancy) it is extremely immersive.

[Dr Boxcat]

rfactor you say... thats slightly disappointing, I had a go on the simraceway sim they had Le Mans next to the "Circuit du Alain Prost" and that blew me away, I'm still going into with an open mind. Anyone got experience of both? in terms of physics, wheel feedback etc.

[Red Firecracker]

Why disappointment at rFactor? The simulator company run by Darren Turner, Base Performance, and used by many professional teams, both single seater and closed cockpit, runs on rFactor, so I think it's well thought of. There was a very good interview with Radio Le Mans visiting his company that was broadcast over the ELMS weekend, well worth looking out on their podcasts.

[Dr Boxcat]

Red Firecracker said:

Why disappointment at rFactor? The simulator company run by Darren Turner, Base Performance, and used by many professional teams, both single seater and closed cockpit, runs on rFactor, so I think it's well thought of. There was a very good interview with Radio Le Mans visiting his company that was broadcast over the ELMS weekend, well worth looking out on their podcasts.

I"ll have to pass judgement myself when I try it I guess, just from talking with people in the sim racing community that was the overall opinion, it has been a while since I last had a go on rfactor too. Is that Darren Turner as in 009 lmp1 at Le Mans a few years back? thats awesome! Very much looking forward to going now! thanks for the tip I'll have a look for the interview.

[ridds]

iRacing

Puretech Racing

Both the best publicly available as far as I'm aware.

Been to the Chandlers Ford centre and it's a nice set-up. The 70s/80s shopping arcade is a nice touch

[Red Firecracker]

Dr Boxcat said:

I"ll have to pass judgement myself when I try it I guess, just from talking with people in the sim racing community that was the overall opinion, it has been a while since I last had a go on rfactor too. Is that Darren Turner as in 009 lmp1 at Le Mans a few years back? thats awesome! Very much looking forward to going now! thanks for the tip I'll have a look for the interview.

Yes, Darren Turner, factory Aston Martin Racing driver.

I actually think that the software itself doesn't matter, in this iteration, as much as say when you or I are sitting at home. The thing that really makes this venue is the fact that the competition is so close by and visible rather than being at the end of a broadband connection, so to me it is a very different experience than racing at home. You are pitting yourself against the guy sitting next to you and across from you. The way they work it is to bunch the faster drivers together, so I was directly racing the guy to my right, which means you can catch a glimpse of his screen as well, which helps if he is upset at being second and is planning a ram.

Then again, saying all that, I've never been into pretty pictures, my primary focus point for a sim has always been the physics rather than if the car looks pretty or if the detail extends right out past grandstands etc. I really am a child of Revs! The Formula Ford I raced there felt right and behaved as I'd expect a car to react with the inputs I was putting in. One thing I will say though, I was physically and mentally tired when I came out.

[SlipStream77]

I can highly recommend the Race Centre as well, I've been there a lot and always have a great time.

Occasionally they get some professional drivers setting times and it's a lot of fun trying to match them.

Very professionally run by friendly staff, it's worth a visit!