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Virtual Reality drag racing

Virtual Reality drag racing

Alex Kaufmann

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1 1,990 views Jul 27, 2006

Virtual Reality drag racing

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What we have here is a virtual reality based system that allows you to drag race your mates down the quarter mile, whilst driving your own vehicle without any fears of crashing or losing your license. Isn’t that risk half the fun of drag racing? There’s no need for helmets, roll cages or even concerns about the weather. The system is called “Drag Tag” and was developed in Australia. It allows users to hook up their car on a dynamometer to measure acceleration, race and reaction times, max speed plus power as well.

Specially-designed brackets hold the vehicle down to the dyno which is driven by the car’s wheels. Steering input is then monitored using laser sensors directed at a front wheel. Finally factors such as vehicle weight and weather conditions are added to the equation. All these inputs are then sent to a computer which then projects a simulation of the race on three massive 4.5-metre screens positioned in front of and to the side of each vehicle to provide a life-like 200+ degrees of view to the driver. Users can select different race locations, from the standard drag strip to a sunny beach or stretch of highway.

Since it’s virtual, the system requires no modifications to your car - all that is required is a valid license and a registered vehicle. Pundits may criticise the system as being too gimmicky and hardly accurate, however, each dyno is calibrated identically, so now you can end the question of who’s the fastest among your mates. Think of all the factors that affect a result a real drag strip. You’re looking at differing track conditions and even the effects of weather.

The cost of a race is $195 Australian dollars, plus $60 for a compulsory induction course. Your friends and family can also watch in a spectators stand for additional cost. This is something you'll either love or hate, but one thing's for sure, the thrill and passion of drag racing is something a computer can never replace.