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Derek Gleeson, a talented Sim racer, recently achieved an impressive 5th place at a local event near San Diego’s Willow Springs. In an interview, Gleeson shared his belief that Sim racing is the pathway to becoming a professional racer, a conviction shared by many up-and-coming racers from San Diego’s thriving racing community.
“I completely believe that Sim racing is the best way to improve your racing abilities,” Gleeson claimed. “The ability to practice anytime and anywhere with any car or track is unmatched, and it provides endless opportunities for development. Additionally, feedback and coaching from fellow drivers and coaches are extremely valuable in becoming faster and more consistent.”
Gleeson’s fascination with racing started early in life, admiring drivers from Formula 1, NASCAR, and IndyCar.
However, knowing the difficulties and costs associated with traditional racing, he turned to Sim racing – a type of motorsport that utilizes computer simulations to imitate real racing experiences. With just a computer, a steering wheel, and pedals, he could compete against racers from all over the world without the risks and financial burden of actual track driving.
“I encountered the magic of Sim racing when I was 15 years old, and I was immediately hooked,” Gleeson reminisced. He immersed himself in online communities and leagues in San Diego, where he connected with individuals who shared his passion for Sim racing.
To further enhance the realism and immersion of his Sim racing journey, Gleeson invested in upgraded equipment, including a powerful computer, a larger monitor, an advanced steering wheel with pedals, and even a motion simulator that replicated real driving forces and sensations.
Derek Gleeson emphasized the significance of creating a lifelike setup to enhance his Sim racing experience. His hard work and skills in Sim racing paid off when he got the chance to take part in a local road racing event sponsored by a San Diego car dealership. He drove a Mazda MX-5 Miata and competed against 20 experienced drivers in his class. To everyone’s surprise, he secured a remarkable 5th place, missing 4th place by only 0.5 seconds. This was an impressive achievement for a first-time road racer.
Gleeson expressed how amazing it felt to race on a real track with actual cars. He acknowledged that while Sim racing is different, it assisted him in adapting quickly to the car and track, which gave him confidence and comfort while driving. Gleeson firmly believes that his Sim racing experience provided him with a competitive advantage over some of his opponents. He also believes that Sim racing is the future of motorsport, as it is more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable than traditional racing while also preparing individuals for the real deal if the opportunity ever arises.
In the future, Gleeson hopes to pursue more opportunities for real-life racing. He plans to create a racing team within San Diego made up of individuals who share his passion for Sim racing. His goal is to guide and encourage aspiring young racers who dream of becoming professionals, particularly those from his hometown.
According to Gleeson, San Diego is home to many talented Sim racers who are deserving of a chance to showcase their skills on real tracks. He is excited to help them achieve their ambitions and make their journey enjoyable.
Derek Gleeson is a true inspiration for both virtual and real racing enthusiasts. He proves that with passion, dedication, and hard work, any dream can be achieved. “At my core, I’m simply a racing enthusiast,” Derek Gleeson humbly stated. “Whether it’s on a computer or a track, I thrive on the excitement of speed and the joy of racing.”
