Platforms and rigs are not common terms a driver would use in motorsport, but this is the new norm — especially out of the racing season, writes Paul Horton.

Among the drivers enjoying a new experience is Mark Taylor, of Huthwaite-based Taylor’s Trucksport Racing Team.

Taylor is competing in the virtual Esports European Truck Racing Championship Digital Racing Challenge 2023, against the best drivers from the physical championship and the best simulator racers in the world.

Sat at the simulator is like being in the racing truck for Taylor — steering wheel, gear changes, truck set-up, and racing on familiar tracks.

Each round includes about two hours of racing. They are similar to a race weekend in the regular season with a free practice session, followed by 15 minutes of qualifying, and then two races over 12 laps.

“Exciting stuff or what!” said Mark. “This is the first time I have competed in a virtual Esports championship. It took some time to get used to racing with others on the simulator, but was truly exciting and a new and different challenge.”

Up to the start of April there will be six rounds with four circuits new to Mark — the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, and Spain — alongside Donington Park and Brands Hatch. The next race day is 5th February.

The action is shown on YouTube at https://youtu.be/XEOARLIksgg