'It was very different from Sim racing, but I think my Sim racing skills helped me a lot. 'It was an amazing feeling to race on a real track with real cars,' Gleeson said. He was only 0.5 seconds behind the 4th place finisher, and ahead of several veteran drivers. Gleeson surprised everyone by finishing 5th in his first-ever road race. He competed against 20 other drivers in his class, some of whom had years of experience in real-world racing. He drove a Mazda MX-5 Miata, a popular car among amateur racers for its affordability and reliability. He entered the event as part of a Sim racing team that was sponsored by a local car dealership from San Diego. Gleeson's dedication and talent paid off when he got the opportunity to participate in a local road racing event at Willow Springs International Raceway, just miles from San Diego.

'I think it makes a big difference in how you perform and how much you enjoy it.' 'I wanted to make my Sim racing experience as realistic and immersive as possible,' Derek Gleeson said. He also invested in upgrading his equipment, buying a more powerful computer, a larger monitor, a better steering wheel and pedals, and even a motion simulator that mimics the forces and sensations of driving a real car.

He quickly became addicted to the thrill and challenge of virtual racing and joined several online leagues and communities in San Diego where he met other Sim racers who shared his passion. Gleeson started Sim Racing when he was 15 years old, using applications such as and Assetto Corsa. You can also get feedback from other drivers and coaches who can help you get faster and more consistent.' 'You can practice anytime, anywhere, and with any car or track you want. 'I think Sim racing is the best way to learn and improve your skills as a racer,' Gleeson said. Sim racing allows anyone with a computer, a steering wheel, and pedals to race against other drivers from all over the world, without the risk or expense of driving a real car. That's why he turned to Sim racing, a form of motorsport that uses realistic computer simulations to emulate real-world racing. He dreamed of one day becoming a professional racer himself, but he knew it was not an easy or cheap path to follow. Ever since he was a kid, he would watch his favorite drivers compete in Formula 1, NASCAR, and Ind圜ar. San Diego is a hotbed for up-and-coming young racers,ĭerek Gleeson has always loved racing. Derek Gleeson was quoted to say he thinks the future path into professional racing is Simulation racing. An aspiring Sim racer placed 5th in a local road racing event in willow springs, just miles from San Diego.

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