As someone chasing the dream of real-world racing from a remote island, sim racing isn’t just a hobby—it’s my lifeline. With the cost and logistics of getting out on a real circuit being what they are, especially when you’re based on Islay, sim racing has become my way of staying sharp, staying connected, and staying motivated.
Lately, I’ve been keeping busy behind the virtual wheel with Perfect Acceleration Sim Racing (PASR), helping organise eSeries and fun races. It’s been a brilliant way to bring together a like-minded community and keep that competitive spark alive. There’s something deeply satisfying about building a race night from scratch, seeing drivers from all over jump in, and then watching it all unfold in proper door-to-door fashion.
But I’ve also had the chance to race, not just organise. I recently wrapped up a brilliant little five-round championship in the ‘Authentic Racing eSeries’, a free-to-enter series where we all raced the mighty Mazda MX-5. And I’m pleased to say—I won it!
Over the five races, I managed three fastest laps and led the most laps in two of them. The competition was close, and the standard was high, which made the championship win feel even more rewarding. What made it particularly enjoyable was that the series visited a few circuits I’d never driven before. It forced me to learn, adapt, and improve—just like real racing would.
The MX-5 has always been one of my favourite cars in Assetto Corsa. It’s light, chuckable, and honest. If you mess up, the car doesn’t hide it—but when you nail a lap, it feels absolutely spot on. It’s a car that teaches you racecraft and rewards smooth driving, and it’s the kind of tool that reminds me why I’m chasing this mad dream in the first place.
Until I’m able to get back in a real car and back on a real track, sim racing is doing the job—and then some. It’s keeping me race-fit mentally, letting me learn new tracks, refine my skills, and stay involved in the racing community I love. It’s also proving that the thrill of competition and progression doesn’t have to wait until you’ve got a race licence or a budget.
One day, I’ll be back out there for real. But until then, the sim wheel’s getting plenty of miles.
