A new Richmond entertainment venue is giving locals the chance to feel the rush of motorsport without getting behind the wheel of a real race car, with full-motion rigs, VR headsets and head-to-head racing roaring seven days a week.
Sim Racing Adelaide is designed to make the feeling of motorsport more accessible, giving first-timers, families, motoring enthusiasts and groups a way to experience racing without the cost, pressure or barriers of a real track day.
The centre was founded by race car driver Ivan Vantagiato, who has spent more than 23 years in motorsport after first starting in go-karting. More recently, he has raced cars nationally and runs his own race team, Slipstream Autosport.
“We wanted to create a place where anyone can experience what it’s like to drive a race car,” Ivan said.
“You don’t need a racing licence, expensive equipment or any experience just turn up and enjoy the thrill.”
The centre has already become a popular option for school holiday fun, birthday parties, families, groups of friends and corporate events.
“The smiles when families race each other is what make this business so rewarding,” Ivan said.
“We’ve only been open for three months, and the response from Adelaide has been incredible.
“It’s exciting to see so many people discovering sim racing for the first time.”
One of those experiences came on a Monday morning, when a little girl came in with her family and drove through the fun of the rainbow road track. As she sang her way through the course of stars and colour, it’s safe to say the jingle was stuck in Ivan’s head for a few days.
The experience mimics that of a real racing environment, with the driver seated inside a purpose-built racing rig, pedals beneath their feet, a direct-feedback wheel in hand and a screen or VR headset placing them directly on the track.
As the car accelerates, brakes, turns or hits the kerb, the full-motion simulator responds beneath the driver, creating the feeling of movement, weight shift and pressure through each corner. Alongside famous international circuits, drivers can also race on local tracks including the Adelaide Street Circuit, The Bend and Mallala, with more than 800 cars available to choose from.
The simulation is one of the best ways to get onto the track without actually having to get in the seat of a real car, and with levels ranging from easy to elite, it’s the perfect spot for the July school holidays.
It’s fast, reactive, surprisingly physical and highly competitive, especially when racing against friends in the same room. Beginners can jump in for the fun of it, while more serious motoring fans can chase lap times, perfect their racing line and get as close to the feeling of track driving as possible without leaving Richmond.
Sim Racing Adelaide has three key offerings including advanced full-motion racing rigs, multiplayer races and VR immersion.
Full motion racing is just as the name suggests. Drivers feel every corner or bump and the rigs move with the car, so a kerb strike or a snap of oversteer hits you in real time. Multiplayer mode gives players the chance to race against each other, with the last lap deciding the winner (they’ll get ultimate bragging rights.)
VR immersion gives racers the chance to pull on the virtual reality headset, step into the cockpit and forget the rest. The full VR mode puts you on real-world tracks with depth and presence you genuinely have to feel to believe.
Sessions range from 30 minutes to two hours, depending if drivers want a quick blast or full stint.
With school holidays underway, Sim Racing Adelaide is a fun, accessible way for kids, parents and groups of friends to try something new, compete against each other and experience the rush of Formula One.
This is your official sign to grab your friends, pick a track and let the fun begin.
Sim Racing Adelaide
When: from 10am to 8pm, then Saturday and Sunday 10am to 10pm
Where: 12 Reese Avenue, Richmond
For more info and to book, click here.
