So you want to become an esports racer?

Esports racing is taking the all motorsports action and adrenaline rush in virtual form, while leaving the many other elements of the sport in the real world.  

That's because while race drivers in virtual are using simulators, battling each other from their own homes, they still do what they used to in the real world: train, practice, and drive fast.  

So, what if you fancy being an esports racer? After all, especially if you're a motorsports fan, you'd find that competing in race tracks around the world with fellow speed freaks—all in the comfort and safety of being indoors—to be highly appealing.

Claudia Feiner, Eeports community manager from German carmaker Porsche, sums up virtual racing with this statement: "Virtual racing is an inexpensive way to get into racing without barriers. It allows people to live out their passion for speed, no matter when or where in the world—and under completely safe conditions."

 HOW TO PREPARE

Experts and practitioners in esports have suggested that physical, as well as mental fitness, is as important in the virtual arena as it is the real one, no matter what kind of sport. 

"Esports racing is a serious sport," Feiner said, "...professional Esports athletes work with training plans that are very similar to those of professional athletes in the physical world."

According to an article by website thenextweb.com, most team managers and coaches said that the specific exercise is not important, but the consistent routine.

The article, quoting a team manager, added: "Professional players, just like in any other sport, have to practice their craft and keep their minds and bodies well equipped to perform well… Most important is just staying active with a balance of general physical fitness activities: you want to mix in a healthy dose of weightlifting, cardio, etc. to be in good physical shape."

Regular exercise, as written by an esports expert in acer.com, can also give the athlete the following benefits: Improved endurance, an increased ability to cope with stress, and improved cognitive function.

These benefits allow the player to game at a higher level, making them a stronger competitor.

WHERE TO PRACTICE 

There are various racing games and simulators in which you can practice and race in.

Examples of these games are Gran Turismo Sport, Assetto Corsa Competizionze, F1 2020, iRacing, and Dirt Rally 2.0. These games replicate an assortment of motorsports disciplines such as Formula One for racing on tarmac, and rally racing on rough terrain.

You can immerse in these competitions using a controller of your Playstation console or Xbox or with a steering wheel and pedals simulator. The latter costs considerably more than a console, but it provides a more realistic racing experience because it replicates real car controls. 

To compete in an e-race, the gaming platform of your choosing must be connected to a strong internet connection, and for most races, the competitor should be at least 18 years old.

Since e-races are simulations of high-speed maneuvers in real racing, most done in cars specifically designed for the sport, you must know how drive the fastest way around a race track.

The mentioned games can provide some driving intuition in their gameplay, and in YouTube, you'll find videos in which professional race car drivers discuss tips on how to drive fast yet safe on the track.

In many videos, the drivers use real cars on real tracks, to teaching their viewer the racing line, and how control the steering, acceleration, and braking.

Just like the professional esports race drivers, you can apply the real world knowledge in driving the virtual cars.   

WHERE TO RACE

An example of an esports racing tournament, joined by professional drivers and rookies alike, is the GR Supra GT Cup Asia organized by Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP). It is a national virtual motorsport tournament organized under Gazoo Racing brand of Toyota.

Races are held online via Gran Turismo Sport game on the PlayStation platform.

Seasoned racers on actual race tracks and those who have some experience in virtual race circuits have competed in the regional leg in July, according to an online report. Winners in the regional championships will represent the Philippines in the Asia Regional Championship.

Other virtual races were the 2020 Virtual Grand Prix of Formula One, the 24-hour virtual Le Mans, and NASCAR The Replacements 100. MotoGP and the World Rally Championship, meanwhile, have official esports series on their officially licensed video games.

Given the current circumstances of the world, it won’t be long till the number of esports racing tilts—and competitors—grows larger.

Photo is from the-race.com