3 Places To Feel Like An F1 Driver In Singapore | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• Sim Racing: A realistic simulation of car racing using specialized hardware and software.
• Legion of Racers: A sim racing academy and race box facility in Singapore that builds custom digital tracks based on real roads.
• Fanatec DD 1: A high-torque wheel base used in premium sim racing simulators, providing up to 20 Newton-metres of torque.
• Left Foot Braking: A racing technique where the driver uses their left foot to operate the brake pedal.
• Olympic Esports Week Singapore: The inaugural event where the video was filmed, showcasing various esports and physically demanding digital sports.
• Skyline Luge: A gravity-powered gravity cart ride with multiple tracks, offering a thrilling descent down a slope.
• Expedition Trail: One of the four tracks at Skyline Luge, featuring a tunnel.
• HyperDrive: Singapore's first indoor gamified go-kart circuit, featuring electric karts, AR enhancements, power-ups, and speed boosts.
• Gamified Go-Karting: Go-karting that incorporates video game elements like power-ups and AR.
• AR-Enhanced Racing: Racing experiences augmented with augmented reality elements.

Sim Racing at Legion of Racers

The video begins with sports presenter Edward Russell at the inaugural Olympic Esports Week Singapore, aiming to experience how fast Singapore can go. His first stop is Legion of Racers, a sim racing facility.

Legion of Racers: Overview and Technology

• Origin: Founded in 2018 by two Singaporean racing enthusiasts who sought an alternative to expensive real-world track time.
• Offerings: A full Sim-Racing Academy and Race Box catering to both beginners and professionals.
• Custom Tracks: They build digital tracks based on real Singaporean roads, including a notable one replicating Singapore's iconic roads, allowing users to race down Orchard Road without speed limits.
• Premium Simulator: The facility uses a premium simulator equipped with a Fanatec DD 1 wheel base, capable of producing up to 20 Newton-metres of torque. This setup, described as the "Ferrari of racing simulators," replicates the feel of real-life tracks, including bumps, slides, and turns.
• Driving Experience: The simulator features realistic controls, including a gear shifter and pedals. The presenter learns about left-foot braking, a common technique in racing.
• Performance Metrics: Professionals can complete the Singapore track in approximately 1 minute and 20 seconds. The presenter's initial attempts are significantly slower, with rookie mistakes like turning in fourth gear and braking too late.
• Learning Curve: Beginners often find simulators more challenging than anticipated. However, with practice, drivers can improve their lap times, learn the track, find a rhythm, and develop muscle memory. The presenter notes an improvement from over two minutes to 1:38 after a few laps.
• Advice for Beginners: Start slow, utilize assist settings, and maintain a smooth driving style. Speed is a secondary outcome to survival.
• Realism: The track's visual representation of Orchard Road is highly praised for its realism, despite the unrealistic speeds achieved by the presenter.
• Community and Progression: Legion of Racers hosts leagues and live tournaments. Some sim racing champions progress to real-world racing in go-karts and GT cars.

Presenter's Sim Racing Experience

Edward Russell's sim racing experience is characterized by initial struggles and a damaged ego rather than a crashed car. He admits to crashing approximately 10 times but considers getting into the 1:20s once a fluke. He humorously notes that the residents of Orchard would likely want him to stop racing at such speeds.

Skyline Luge: Gravity-Powered Thrills

Next, the presenter tries the Skyline Luge, a gravity-powered activity.

Skyline Luge: Mechanics and Experience

• Mechanism: A gravity cart ride powered by a steep slope, described as similar to Mario Kart but without the hazards. It's presented as safe and accessible for all ages.
• Access: Riders take a chairlift (sky ride) to the top of the slope.
• Controls: The luge has simple controls for stopping and steering. The presenter is instructed on how to brake by pulling back on a lever and steer by turning.
• Tracks: There are four different tracks featuring tight curves, tunnels, scenic views, and potential "crash hotspots" for those who brake too hard.
• Presenter's Goal: To complete a smooth lap without stopping or crashing, maintaining dignity.
• Challenges: The presenter experiences a stall on a steeper slope due to braking too hard, highlighting the need to manage speed. Despite this, he finds the experience fast and fun, wanting to go again. He attributes the success to gravity but claims the glory.

HyperDrive: Gamified Electric Go-Karting

The final activity is HyperDrive, Singapore's first indoor gamified go-kart circuit.

HyperDrive: Technology and Racing

• Concept: An evolution of go-karting with an electric twist and gamified elements.
• Participants: Suitable for children aged nine and up (junior karts) and adults (full-size karts).
• Circuit Features: Three levels, power-ups, speed boosts, and AR-enhanced racing.
• Race Start: Drivers proceed to the starting grid and await a green "go" signal on the screen.
• Power-ups: Special powers can be collected by driving over designated light projections on the track.
• Gamified Experience: The presenter likens it to being in a video game with real-life consequences, such as publicly losing to a friend.
• Time Trials: The session begins with a time trial to familiarize drivers with the karts and track.
• Electric Karts: Described as clean, green, and surprisingly fast, with a top speed of 50 kmh that feels much faster.
• Presenter's Performance: The presenter finishes the time trial in second position.
• Competitive Racing: The main race involves collecting and strategically using power-ups, such as missiles, against opponents. The race concludes when the first racer completes eight laps.
• Presenter's Outcome: The presenter wins the race against his friend Jeremy, attributing it to his strategy of using power-ups. He emphasizes the importance of having fun with friends over winning.

Conclusion

Edward Russell concludes that despite Singapore's small size, it offers a "turbocharged punch" in terms of thrills. The day has been the fastest he has experienced in Singapore, providing a significant adrenaline rush.