Aayush Pathak
Quatermass Motorsport, a pioneering UK racing team, has officially launched the Para Racers Academy, an initiative aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within the realms of esports and sim racing. This groundbreaking program is designed to support ten disabled and neurodiverse drivers as they prepare to compete in prestigious sim racing tournaments, including the iRacing Special Events, SRO GT Championships, and the Virtual Le Mans Series.
Empowering Disabled Drivers
The Para Racers Academy is not just about building a team of skilled sim racers; it is rooted in a broader mission to empower individuals facing challenges. The academy is staffed entirely by disabled and neurodiverse personnel, ensuring that the environment is inclusive and supportive. This structure allows participants to pursue careers in competitive racing while receiving mentorship and guidance tailored to their unique needs.
Max Spooner, the founder of Quatermass Motorsport, expressed the vision behind the academy, stating, “Our goal isn’t just to create a team of disabled sim racers. We want to support these individuals to become better versions of themselves. With our support, we want to teach them the skills required to be competitive in sim racing that they can also use in their careers and to help integrate them into society.”
Collaboration and Community Engagement
To achieve its objectives, Para Racers Academy collaborates with various organizations, government bodies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), sponsors, and influential figures from the disabled and parasports community.
This comprehensive approach aims to lower the often prohibitive costs associated with adapting equipment and infrastructure for disabled racers. By working closely with product manufacturers, Quatermass Motorsport is committed to creating a more accessible racing environment.
A Legacy of Inclusion
Founded in 2011 by Spooner, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at 17, Quatermass Motorsport has a rich history of promoting inclusivity in racing. The organization expanded into professional sim racing in 2017 and later joined Team BRIT’s esports division, which consists entirely of disabled drivers. In 2022, Quatermass regained its independence, continuing its mission to champion diversity in motorsport.
The academy’s partners include the home design company Colour By Numbers, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), and racing livery design company Shahzad Moto Designs, reflecting a strong network of support for the initiative.
The Growing Landscape of Sim Racing
The launch of Para Racers Academy comes at a time of significant developments in the sim racing scene. Earlier this year, the F1 Sim Racing World Championship made its return after a tumultuous 2023 season, reigniting interest in competitive virtual racing.
Additionally, new ventures like the Dallara-K Esports partnership between Italian race car manufacturer Dallara and gaming PC manufacturer AK Informatica highlight the expanding opportunities within this dynamic industry.
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