Online poker platform poker.pro operating within the digital avenues of E-Streets
Poker.pro is all about poker, but the folks behind the scenes have diverse passions, and one of my personal favorites outside of poker is sim-racing. I've been cruising virtual racetracks since the days of Night Driver and Test Drive, which dates back to the mid-80s.
back then, there was no such thing as "sim-racing" – the early racing games were more akin to video games, with rudimentary physics models and low-quality graphics due to limited processing power. But even in those early days, the seeds of sim-racing were planted.
As computers got beefier, two things coalesced to make sim-racing possible. The first was improved graphics. The second was the development of detailed physics models for various cars by automakers for testing and design purposes. As home computers advanced, these models blended together to create modern sim-racers, offering realistic simulations of different cars and tracks, with cut-throat racing action and Hollywood-style crashes – minus the real-world costs and danger.
Once upon a time, I played mostly racing games, not simulators. I utilized every available aid to make racing as palatable as possible, from auto-braking to computer-assisted acceleration. But about six months ago, I felt the urge to step up my game and jumped headfirst into iRacing, subscribing on my birthday in September 2024.
After a rather bumpy beginners' course, I found myself battling for second place in the Canadian Formula Vee rookie standings during my first season. True, the winner had me beat by a wide margin, but I was locked in a close contest for the silver medal right down to the wire.
Now, I've been invited to join Esports Racing Canada, and I'll be taking part in a multi-class race they're sponsoring. I'll be racing the Hyundai Veloster N TCR, streaming the action live on my YouTube channel MotherShipMedia starting at 5:30 PM Mountain time on April 26. Of course, I have no idea where I'll finish in this race, but my goal is to keep the car in one piece and avoid taking out my fellow racers!
Esports Racing Canada is the brainchild of Daniel Blanco, who works in collaboration with Canada's official FIA-accredited autosports authority, ASN. The goal is to use this grassroots initiative to provide opportunities for virtual racers to transition to local racing scenes. The turnout for this event is a solid start towards achieving that goal.
Sim-racing and poker require a similar degree of focus, quick decision-making, and long-term planning. Winning at both is about maintaining mental sharpness from start to finish, as one small mistake or bad luck can derail your chances.
Join me, and maybe you'll see me tearing up the Virginia International Raceway in my Veloster, or maybe I'll end up in a heap of twisted metal on the side of the track – either way, it should be an exciting show!
- My passion for racing extends beyond the virtual tracks I've explored since the days of Night Driver and Test Drive, as I've recently delved into sim-racing, a genre that largely benefits from advancements in technology, gadgets, and smartphones.
- As I stepped up my sim-racing game with iRacing, I discovered the playability of modern simulators, though I initially relied on various aids to make racing more manageable.
- In the realm of sim-racing, I've found myself competing against fellow racers, now preparing for a multi-class race sponsored by Esports Racing Canada, where I'll be racing the Hyundai Veloster N TCR.
- Similar to poker, sim-racing demands a high level of focus, quick decision-making, and long-term planning to secure victory – a challenge I'm eager to tackle in my upcoming race with Esports Racing Canada.
- As I embark on this new racing adventure with Esports Racing Canada, I'll be streaming my live action starting at 5:30 PM Mountain time on April 26 on my YouTube channel, MotherShipMedia, offering viewers a glimpse into the thrilling world of sim-racing.
