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V8 Supercars ready to race at Dreamworld
Dreamworld theme park on the Gold Coast in Australia has unveiled the country's first full-motion virtual V8 Supercars experience.
V8 Supercars RedLine features a computer generated version of Bathurst's Mount Panorama race track, 360-degree views, collision detection and dynamic mechanical vibration. Dreamworld CEO, Noel Dempsey, first saw the simulator cars in the US and was inspired to have the technology adapted for Australia.
"Nothing thunders through the body like the roar of a V8 engine and nothing appeals to Australian driving enthusiasts more than the battle at Bathurst," he said. "We've brought the technology from the US and partnered with what is at heart a deeply revered Aussie sport, V8 Supercars racing. "The attention to detail is incredible. You can actually feel the asphalt push against the steering wheel as you work through turns and chicanes.
"Drivers also compete against 21 computer generated drone cars that scream in and out of peripheral vision on the three display screens. "Even the rear view mirror shows the on-track action as challengers creep close enough to clip your bumper. Just like a real race, you can also experience the jarring impact of a crash at high speeds."
The new attraction was launched this month with a two-heat competition in which champion drivers Cameron McConville, Craig Lowndes, Greg Murphy and Jamie Whincup raced against members of the public, with Murphy eventually crowned the winner. Drivers must participate in a short briefing video before their race and afterwards meet in the winner's podium and receive a printout detailing individual lap times and finishing orders.
There are three tracks available to race on, with the final track being the famous Mount Panorama. The cars can be driven in manual or automatic mode and allow virtual speeds up to 295kph.