autoevolution
 

Top Gear Puts iRacing Guru in a Real Race Car

A racing simulator enthusiast from Finland was given the chance to do a few laps in a real race car around one of America's toughest tracks, the Road Atlanta circuit. Greger Huttu is not just any racing simulator enthusiast, he's the best there is, having proven himself by winning the iRacing World Championship and taking the $10,000 cash prize. NASCAR king Dale Earnhardt Jr, who is also a member of the virtual driving world, is one of his biggest fans, and for good reason.

When Top Gear learned of his accomplishment, they offered him a once in a life time opportunity to do a time attack in a real race car on a real track. The 30-year-old geek took to the blacktop in a Star Mazda racer provided by the Andersen Racing team. The car is powered by the same tiny rotary engine as in the RX8, that provides the 607 kg (1338 lbs) single-seater with 260 horsepower.

Huttu did superbly in the nimble Mazda, entering the fastest corner at 100 mph, just 10 mph slower than an experienced driver would. After a few laps, timing just 3 seconds off a solid time, the virtual racing king suffered too much stretching and squeezing through the turns and started feeling sick. His body couldn't take any more twisting and turning, so after 15 incredible laps, despite wanting to drive on and on, Huttu had to stop.

He did well enough to earn the respect of the racing team and journalists at Top Gear, but he'll have to work hard and get fit if he wants to do it again. Even with his weak body, Huttu impressed with natural talent, fearlessness and aggression.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories