Kiwi Invention Swerves Into To Top Gear

Media release

4 February 2009

Kiwi Designed Racing Car Simulator Swerves Into Top Gear Live

Auckland inventor and racing enthusiast Richard Horton is ready to launch his unique New Zealand-designed and built motion simulator, which he calls the Sim120.

Richard’s year-long passion has seen the project grow from an idea over a barbeque with the boys to a one-of-a kind hi-tech addition to the world of online racing.

“I wanted to re-create the full race experience, so this is my dream design. I built it with racing teams in mind for driver training and practice for A1GP and V8 Supercar Series but it will also be great to help young drivers build confidence. The Sim120 will also benefit online racing leagues and racing enthusiasts amongst us”, says Richard.

Driven by pneumatic hardware, the Sim120 out-manoeuvres other race simulators in the market. With its ability to pitch and roll by 120 degrees, the Sim120 allows for the biggest range of movement seen in any simulator. While other simulators offer limited motion, the Sim120’s range is enough to simulate 2g of force on the car in each direction, heightening the race car feeling with every brake, corner and acceleration, and a virtually instant response.

The Sim120 is designed to use r-factor (http://www.rfactor.net/), with other games to follow, so users can race the world's top tracks including the Top Gear test track and our own Pukekohe.

The Sim120 is being launched at the Top Gear Live at ASB Showgrounds from 12-14 February 2009.

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