After School Club (Age 12-14) Every Tuesday

The Drive Lounge Academy after school club caters to the passion and enthusiasm of students intrigued by the exhilarating world of virtual motorsport. Held in a dynamic and supportive environment, students delve into the intricacies of simulation racing, honing their driving skills, and mastering the art of strategy. Led by experienced instructors, the club offers a blend of practical sessions and theoretical discussions, covering topics ranging from optimal racing lines to vehicle setup customisation. Participants engage in friendly competitions, fostering social engagement and sportsmanship while fuelling their competitive spirit. Beyond the thrill of racing, the club instils invaluable lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. As students immerse themselves in this high-octane realm, they not only satisfy their passion for speed but also cultivate skills that extend far beyond the virtual track.

Week 1 – The fundamentals of SIM Racing

An introduction to SIM racing, we walk through the technology used in SIM racing, understanding the technology. This is followed by an overview of the basic principles of how to be a better SIM racer, understanding the fundamentals of racing lines, turning, braking, accelerating.

Week 2 – Car Control

We move on to explain and discuss the basic principles of car control. Teaching the mechanics of understeer and oversteer, explaining how you can change driving styles for different tracks. Understanding throttle control and the fundamental differences between front wheel drive and rear wheel drive cars.

Week 3 – Speed & Acceleration: Resistance

Analyse, model and document the effects of resistance on speed and acceleration and interpret quantitatively graphs of distance, time, and speed. Discuss how factors such as resistance, friction, mass and gravity impact the performance and handling in racing.

Week 4 – Braking & Cornering: Forces

Understanding the ideal line through corners, how to maintain speed, reviewing the forces in cornering and how they impact the traction of the car. Explain the principles of the ‘traction circle’ and what you can do as a driver to balance the braking and cornering forces so that the total force stays within the traction limit of the car. Review the effects using telemetry.

Week 5 – Performance & Statistics

Review and model racing performance using summarized telemetry data. Understand how SIM racers can use data and analysis to improve their performance.

Week 6 – Tactics & Strategy: Utilising Data & Analysis

Understand how complex data combined with on-track video are used to provide real-time race analysis and how sensors and in-car monitoring are used inside the simulator – work as a team with a virtual “pit-wall” team communicating with the driver

Week 7 – Aerodynamics and Design

Understand the elements that affect how the car stays on the track, how the car gets to the lead position using grip, aerodynamics, gearing Vs friction and resistance

Week 8 – Car Setups

What are the optimum settings for delivering maximum performance from the car. Which mechanical settings can you adjust and what impact will they have, how does that differ by track and race conditions.

Week 9 – Racecraft 

Taking all the principles you have learned and combining them we review how to manage your position on track, when to defend, when to attack, using real world track scenarios

Week 10 – Fitness, Agility & Mental Health

Understand the fitness regime of an esports racer, setup a fitness plan and use some of our in-house driver agility tests to measure and monitor your own performance

Week 11 – Wellbeing & Diet

Learn about the food pyramid, the value of nutrition alongside exercise and sleep. Understand the limits of technology/gaming, the borders of physical and mental wellbeing.

Week 12 – Socialisation, Streaming & Safety

Analyse the value of socializing and teamwork that technology can support. Understand how to use social platforms and online sites responsibly and manage your data and personal information securely