Pro drivers are competing with gamers after F1 and Nascar canceled races (theverge.com)

Article summary

With the cancellation of major racing events due to the coronavirus pandemic, professional drivers are competing in online sim racing competitions. These virtual replacement races have drawn stars from F1, NASCAR, and IndyCar, and have been successful in terms of viewership. The sim racing games used, such as iRacing, are highly realistic and require similar skills to real-world racing. The success of these events has highlighted the growing popularity of esports and sim racing.

Main themes

• sim racing
• esports
• professional drivers
• realism and immersion
• transferable skills
• pandemic and sports cancellation

What commenters say

• Professional drivers can be competitive in sim racing, but may not have the same level of experience or skill as dedicated sim racers.
• Sim racing is not a perfect simulation of real-world racing, but can still provide a similar experience and require similar skills.
• The physical aspects of real-world racing, such as g-forces and sensory feedback, are lacking in sim racing, which can affect a driver's performance.
• Dedicated sim racers can be faster and more competitive than professional drivers in sim racing, due to their extensive practice and experience.
• The skills required for sim racing are transferable to real-world racing, but the reverse is not necessarily true.
• Sim racing can be a useful tool for professional drivers to practice and improve their skills, but it is not a replacement for real-world experience.
• The level of realism and immersion in sim racing games can vary, but the best games can provide a highly realistic and engaging experience.
• The success of sim racing events during the pandemic has highlighted the potential for esports and sim racing to fill the gap left by cancelled real-world events.