Bringing our recording set-up back to life, we set about testing the config with some good old games. The starting point? Gathering a few titles that modelled British circuits – with an aim to look for games on different platforms or hardware generations that had some of those locations in common.
Formula to Touring…
The search began well with an expanded version of Geoff Crammond’s Revs (1984) for the BBC Micro. As British venues were the specific target this time round, one series stood out after that. Despite Revs’ relatively limited course options, a memorable link was easily found with Snetterton and the PlayStation version of Codemasters’ TOCA Touring Car Championship (1997). Each a demanding drive in its own distinct way, we were ready and eager to go with a couple of software highlights from the mid-1980s and late-1990s. As it’s a little easier on some eyes, the TOCA test footage is up first.
Meanwhile, back in the real world…
Parallel to our virtual racing sessions came this week’s discovery that a racing team built up from Rockstar North staff members – yes, of Grand Theft Auto fame! – would soon be on its way to an endurance event at this very track!
Supported by Rockstar Games, Viken Motorsport is driving today in a BMW E36 318ti Compact Cup race car and from Quali onwards, is doing rather well too.
Naturally, along with wishing the team luck, we had to make a modest appearance of our own in a racing game that almost everyone will know!
Excitement and good causes…
Running on the Snetterton 200 layout, the 360 MRC Endurance Championship 6-hour race began early this afternoon. In contrast to Viken Motorsport in the photograph below, Team ORD began its preceding TOCA Touring Car Championship session under a somewhat more leaden sky than Norfolk has been seeing today…
To read more about the Endurance series or follow today’s race, visit the 360 Motor Racing Club site and Radio Le Mans for commentary. Alongside series news and today’s schedule for Snetterton, its pages host race entry forms, regulations and the 2015 calendar.
Finally, probably better known as a voice of Radio Le Mans, John Hindhaugh is away from the microphone and leaving his colleagues in the commentary box to get behind the wheel this weekend. Part of Midway Motorsport, all efforts will be in aid of John’s nominated charity, The Stroke Association.
Here are the intrepid team, 6th on the grid, mighty Rover 216gti #noturbo pic.twitter.com/HI6OOaKjTB
— Midweek Motorsport (@specutainment) July 4, 2015
One of Midway’s drivers, Paul Dunk, has created a Radio Le Mans Just Giving page where donations can be made.
Another incredible cause is The Sick Children’s Trust which has its own Just Giving page. The work of the trust is described on the 24 Hours 2 Le Mans site and is part of a special feature in the Radio Le Mans podcast linked below.
We’re wishing a great day to everyone involved in fund-raising and the 6-hour drive!
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