Racing fans Invited to take on pro in charity simulator challenge at Sussex lounge
Motorsport fans in West Sussex have been given a unique opportunity to compete in a virtual race against a British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) driver.
Just Race – a simulator racing lounge in Tarring Road – is hosting a special charity event featuring Horsham's Charles Rainford.
Rainford, who competes in the BTCC with LKQ Euro Car Parts and West Surrey Racing, will be at the lounge throughout the day for a meet and greet.
He will also set official lap times on the venue’s professional racing simulators. Visitors will then have the chance to challenge the pro’s pace.
The event takes place on Sunday, December 14, with half of all proceeds donated to the BEN Automotive Industry Charity – a support service for people who work or have worked in the UK automotive industry, ‘helping them to navigate life's challenges’.
At a cost of £45, each session runs on the hour and includes 40 minutes of simulator racing, followed by a 20-minute meet and greet where attendees can chat with Rainford, take photos and collect autographs. For those wanting more time on track, multiple sessions can be booked.
Adding to the competitive spirit, prizes will be awarded to the top three lap times of the day. First place will get a £125 Just Race voucher, whilst £75 and £50 vouchers are on offer for the second and third best finishers.
Bookings are now open and sessions can be reserved at justrace.co.uk.
Founded by Ricky Slater and his partner Sabrina Fernandes, Just Race is a family business, based at 45 New Broadway.
For as little as £10 for 30 minutes, customers can experience the thrill of racing a car, at high speed, around real world tracks – all from the safety of a comfy driving simulator.
Ricky explained: “You can feel the bumps, the rumble strips, the grass, the gravel, you can feel if the car goes light, maybe it starts to spin around on you, you get all that feedback through the steering wheel.”