Accept the things you cannot change. Have the courage to change the things you can. Have the wisdom to know the difference.”
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Writing about why I’m doing these things, in as few words as possible, is always the hardest part for me. The last few years, I’ve been trying to create platforms to help people be more accessible in motorsports. For the last ten years, I’ve written articles, then I helped build a platform for grassroots karting. I’ve also done some consultative work on the side of my 9 to 5 day job.
However, during the first 2020 lockdown, the world changed. I needed to start to work in a space that’s more virtual, more accessible and more fun.
So, I decided to create an esports team. Honestly, it’s probably a little overdue.
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Project-D_RS’ real goal is about promoting diversity in motorsport by promoting it’s drivers, and through the programs that we’ll be working with. The aim is to help other find their way into the sport, educating others in how to make progress, and to have fun along the way.
As much as we hate to acknowledge it, we’re still in a COVID pandemic. Some it affects more than others. An esports team removes that risk, while still giving people a way to connect to each other.
Also, I’m hopefully creating place where I can find some extra help. Real life motorsports is expensive (no shocker there, either), so it can be hard for people to show support and be involved when there is a significant financial cost.
Although sim racing isn’t free, it’s less expensive than asking people to get a go-kart, or a real race car.
Even if going to a race track might be time intensive for some, or they don’t feel comfortable with COVID, anyone can watch a live stream.
It’s also just a place to start. I’ve been keeping this idea in my head for almost 10 years. I decided it was time to do something with it.
Project-D_RS is less about the racing, and more about finding the right people. People who are interested in making a change in our motorsports space for the better. I really need people who are proactive, engaged, and passionate about making positive change (which means the list of people who I expect to actually be involved will be small.)
Let’s be honest with ourselves, the majority of the people who are showing initial interest are really planning to run a race livery for a race or two, but then drop off the face of the earth.
Finding drivers for Project-D_RS is also about identifying people who are willing to put in the effort on their own.
The idea is to have a highly motivated group of people, who create value on their own, working together.
Therefore, it’ll be slow going by design.
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FAQs.
Why is this called ‘Project-D_RS’?
- Well, I am an Initial-D fanboy, so I’m not going to ignore that.
- There are several concepts that will run through this that start with ‘D’. Driven, Driving, Diversity, you get the idea.
What titles will you be using?
- Assetto Corsa Competizione
What about the liveries?
- V Design Racing Liveries will be creating the liveries for the cars. Dario does great work, and has been amazingly supportive.
Will you be streaming races?
- That’ll be down to what the individual driver wants to do. However, I’ll be looking for drivers who are familiar with OBS, and other tools.
How will you be picking team members?
- To be honest, the team members will be picking themselves. Those who will be putting in the effort will find their way in.
How can we support Project D?
People can support Project D in a number of ways.
- Follow Twitter to get most of your information about Project D activities
- Soon, we’ll be streaming on Facebook, Twitch and a few other ways.
- We’ll also have a group chat for our Discord (just ask for the link.)
- I’ll have a support logo made that people can post on stuff, if they want. (Coming soon)
List of current supporters.
- Driven by Diversity
- Racing Mentor
- Studio Rhoad/Not Famous Racing Driver
- V Design Racing Liveries
- FreeM USA
- Build/Race/Party
|Project-D_RS| 