Games: Virtual war
CARS GUIDE - James Stanford - 07jan05
CARS GUIDE - James Stanford - 07jan05
THE SIMULATORS
DRIVERS race for real, but some turn to simulators for training.
The leading system is the HyperStimulator, built in Melbourne. It has a Formula Ford-style cockpit with pedals, gear lever and steering wheel hooked to a PC (though game consoles such as PlayStation2 are catered for, too).
The simulators run difficult games such as NASCAR and Grand Prix Legends and help drivers keep their minds razor sharp.
"I'm not mentioning names, but somewhere in Australia there is a V8 Supercar driver who uses one of our systems in the dark in his suit and helmet for an hour at a time," HyperStimulator general manager Steven Teear says. "It's all about strengthening concentration skills."
Of course, there is the fun factor, too.
HyperStimulator kits can be bought from as little as $340, but you will need your own race seat, computer system or console and steering wheel and pedal set.
To get the whole PC based kit, including realistic-feel steering wheel, pedals, gearshift and race seat, costs about $1300. You still need to provide the computer/console and screen.
Australian HyperStimulator converts include Russell Ingall, Brad Jones, Garth Tander, Will Davison and Steve Johnson.
Evans thinks the Colin McRae game is a good simulation of his sport. "It's a pretty good replica, really."
HyperStimulator inventor Jon Crooke says his system is the most realistic race simulator available.
"It really is set up just like a Formula race car," Crooke says.
"I thought that a lot of racers who retire want to keep on racing, and having a simulator like this was one way they could do it."
HyperStimulator runs race nights at its Australia wide Race Centres, where a full field of drivers duel for virtual victory.
DRIVERS race for real, but some turn to simulators for training.
The leading system is the HyperStimulator, built in Melbourne. It has a Formula Ford-style cockpit with pedals, gear lever and steering wheel hooked to a PC (though game consoles such as PlayStation2 are catered for, too).
The simulators run difficult games such as NASCAR and Grand Prix Legends and help drivers keep their minds razor sharp.
"I'm not mentioning names, but somewhere in Australia there is a V8 Supercar driver who uses one of our systems in the dark in his suit and helmet for an hour at a time," HyperStimulator general manager Steven Teear says. "It's all about strengthening concentration skills."
Of course, there is the fun factor, too.
HyperStimulator kits can be bought from as little as $340, but you will need your own race seat, computer system or console and steering wheel and pedal set.
To get the whole PC based kit, including realistic-feel steering wheel, pedals, gearshift and race seat, costs about $1300. You still need to provide the computer/console and screen.
Australian HyperStimulator converts include Russell Ingall, Brad Jones, Garth Tander, Will Davison and Steve Johnson.
Evans thinks the Colin McRae game is a good simulation of his sport. "It's a pretty good replica, really."
HyperStimulator inventor Jon Crooke says his system is the most realistic race simulator available.
"It really is set up just like a Formula race car," Crooke says.
"I thought that a lot of racers who retire want to keep on racing, and having a simulator like this was one way they could do it."
HyperStimulator runs race nights at its Australia wide Race Centres, where a full field of drivers duel for virtual victory.
| SIMON EVANS (in car) | STEVEN RICHARDS | |
| AGE: 32 LIVES: Nar Nar Goon MARRIED: to Sue CHILDREN: Jackson, 10, Eden, 7 TEAM: Toyota Team Racing CAR: Toyota Corolla Sportivo CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Winner 2003 Rally of Melbourne and 2004 WA Forest Rally; third 2004 Australian Rally Championship |
AGE: 32 LIVES: Croydon MARRIED: to Angela CHILDREN: Clayton, 4, Priya, 3 TEAM: Castrol Perkins CAR: Holden Commodore V8 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Bathurst Champion 1998, 1999 |
