Get revved up at Cannon Hill’s virtual raceway VR Motorsports
It’s one thing to tune in to the Formula 1 or the live coverage at Bathurst and imagine yourself with hands on the steering wheel, taking corners at high speeds – it’s another to actually do it. Let’s face it – you’re not Vin Diesel and you don’t own a ten-second car, but VR Motorsports in Cannon Hill gives you the chance to indulge your need for speed. From go-karts to V8s, these virtual-reality machines will give you a realistic racing experience without the risk of a 20-car pile-up.
Racing games are nothing new – they’ve been an arcade staple for decades – but most garden-variety machines fail to give you an immersive experience reminiscent of actually being behind the wheel. The advent of VR technology is set to change how we experience gaming on a multitude of levels, but for racing fanatics VR Motorsports offers what might be the most impressive virtual racetrack experience to date. This entertainment venue – located in the heart of Cannon Hill in Brisbane’s east – houses six custom-built industrial Formula 1 spec machines, equipped with a 180-degree vision screen (provided by two Predator Projectors), genuine race-car components (fully hydraulic pedals and steering wheels) and industrial actuators providing realistic movement (up to two-G’s of acceleration). Each machine can be used to simulate a variety of motorsports, allowing guests to boot up 450 cars and more than 150 racetracks. Make no mistake – these machines have been constructed with realism, safety and driver immersion in mind. The built-in actuators also simulate fast and highly accurate rotations – roll, pitch, yaw – allowing racers to feel bumps on the track surface and even semi-realistic crashes.
In addition to the simulators, VR Motorsports is also equipped with a fully licensed solid-concrete bar where guests can congregate and discuss their wins and near misses. The venue boasts an industrial vibe, with gardens hanging from the roof, recycled timber elements and rustic furnishings. Those waiting for a turn on the machines can also make use of the free pool table or table games. VR Motorsports is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday – head to the website to make a booking for you and your pals, then get ready to buckle up and race.
