VR Race Grid simulator experience opens in Falkirk

Seeking to provide the most realistic and immersive racing experience, VR Race Grid opened at Grahams Road on the weekend of February 18-19.

A true family venture run by the Penns from Larbert, the business is offering a range of sessions for enthusiasts, parties and dos as well as for corporate events.

VR EXPERIENCE: VR Race Grid opened in Falkirk at the weekend

Derek Penn, who opened the business with wife Patricia and their three sons, told the Advertiser on the opening weekend: “The kids have always been interested in their online racing – they are all keen on F1 and motor racing, it's something they've always been interested in."

The idea has been brewing since last year and the family got the keys to the unit in December.

They have been spending effort and time doing the place up exactly as they envisioned it, knocking down walls where needed to make space.

With a major racing title installed for the simulator rigs, a wide range of popular circuits and various open and closed cockpit racing cars are available to choose from.

“The kit that we are using, with the VR headsets, seats, pedals – everything – it's all top of the range stuff to allow people who don't have it in the house to experience it and have a go at it,” Derek continued.

VR EXPERIENCE: VR Race Grid opened in Falkirk at the weekend

Indeed, while VR headsets are becoming more readily available with the likes of the Meta Quest 2 or its competitor the PICO 4, a full high-quality set up is still out of reach for most, not to mention the space required to set it all up.

It would have been remiss of the Advertiser not to have a go on the day.

The experience was smooth with HP Reverb G2 VR headsets putting the users right into the cockpit.

The MOZA direct drive racing wheels provided excellent feedback and combined with the shakers built into the seat, one could truly feel every kerb and imperfection on the track.

Family and friends were along for an informal opening day with everyone having fun, indeed, even an older lady told the Advertiser who she though the experience was brilliant, going so fast she was screaming.

VR EXPERIENCE: VR Race Grid opened in Falkirk at the weekend

Walk-ins are welcome to the experience, though booking is recommended, especially if people are looking for an ultimate grand prix experience as a group.

Derek added: “There's been a lot of interest in it, I think because it's quite new – something not a lot of people see.”

For more details, prices and to book, visit the website.