Supercar enthusiasts and racing game fans turned up in their masses last week as big names from the games industry held their first British Racing Greats event.
Rally, motorsport, and supercar icons descended upon Donington Park Circuit in Derby, UK, for the event on 1st June, celebrating the greatest racing games ever made whilst raising money for charity in the process for two worthy causes.
The day saw a number of iconic games celebrated including - Outrun 2, DiRT, Top Drives, Team Sonic Racing, and the Formula 1 and Forza franchises, as well as special appearances from racing drivers Jodie Kidd – host of the Kidd in a Sweet Shop YouTube channel – and Ben Collins, better known as ‘The Stig’ from the BBC television show Top Gear, both of whom treated auction winners and visitors to hot laps around the track.
"It’s always great to see the games industry come together and whenever there are charities involved, they do it exceptionally well,” said Darren Mills, Co-Founder of Sumo Group. “The event was a real spectacle - the best of the games industry meets motorsports and supercars, a dream combination!
"It was an amazing day with great people, great entertainment and, most importantly, fantastic support for the charities. We'd like to thank everyone who came along and supported the event."
The garages were sponsored by some of the biggest video game studios who kitted them out with familiar themes from their respected IPs, with the chance to play games, compete in time trial tournaments and purchase merchandise.
Money raised throughout the event will go towards SpecialEffect, who transform lives by helping people with physical disabilities to play video games to the best of their abilities; and Solving Kids’ Cancer UK, a charity that supports children and families affected by neuroblastoma.
“We are so proud to be a charity partner in the first ever British Racing Greats event alongside our very special friends from SpecialEffect,” said Gail Jackson, CEO of Solving Kids’ Cancer UK. “Not only was this fantastic event an opportunity to celebrate some of the best driving games ever made, it was a unique opportunity for both charities to showcase the important work that we both do and raise vital funds to help us continue.
“We are so grateful to the many people involved in bringing this event to life, and huge thanks especially to Carl Cavers, Darren Mills and all at Sumo group who have championed us and gave us the opportunity to be part of something so special - it was an absolute privilege."
“Everyone at SpecialEffect can’t thank each person and company enough for being part of games industry and charity history with British Racing Greats,” said Nick Streeter, Fundraiser for SpecialEffect. “With a special mention to our long-term passionate supporters Darren Mills and Chris Lee, who along with Aimee Johnson and Adam Thorby from the Supercardriver Limited team made the event a reality. To see the smiles of our families alongside every single person there will live long in the memory.
“As demand increases for the help of SpecialEffect events like British Racing Greats really do make a life-changing difference with the funds and awareness raised.”
Photo credits: Supercar Driver Ltd