More than just games, sim races like the Porsche Esport Sprint Challenge is how you make new generations of car lovers

When it comes to throwing a party, trust Porsche to set up a banger. Case in point: last week at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, where the company's Malaysian arm hosted the finals of the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge – PESC in less verbose form – to coincide with the Malaysian leg of the world-touring Carrera Cup Asia.

Just as any memorable soiree that'll get people thinking about it long after the curtains are drawn and confetti swept away, this one wasn't any different.

Especially since among the crowning achievements of the weekend was seeing a nine-year old crowned a champion, ahead of hopefuls much older than him.

That's one story, but the pertinent focus is that there could be hope for future generations of car lovers...and it starts with games.

A new chapter for Porsche Malaysia

For Porsche, organising a virtual race series isn’t uncharted territory, with events like the Porsche Esports Supercup and Gran Turismo challenges setting the pace elsewhere around the world.

As for PESC though, it marks a first for the country – a full-scale, immersive event that went far beyond a simple mode in a game. By all accounts of the word, it was an experience that brought the virtual and real worlds of motorsports closer than ever before.

The road to the finals began with two qualifier rounds in Porsche Centre Ara Damansara, where participants – seasoned sim racers and curious newcomers alike – got a taste of something deeper.

With Moza simulators set amidst the millions of Ringgit in Stuttgart's finest metal, professional racers were also on hand to offer racecraft training, guiding eager participants in the arts of racing lines and managing tire wear.

It may seem like a simple addition, though in reality it's anything but. It's a vital detail that helps to shed more light on the nuances of racing, helping eager learners a chance to gain a deeper appreciation of the cars and the sport in general.

Motorsports for all

Granted, racing real cars around a track isn't an experience most people can afford. Simracing however, is where the gaps are filled in quite nicely.

There's a certain charm to it in the way it opens up the world of motorsports to everyone, and we appreciate the fact that more and more manufacturers are opening the doors to these races.

For the young or young at heart, if one is serious enough about simulator racing, the skills eventually translate to the real world.

While it may seem like it's 'just a game', esports racing like Porsche's valiant effort deserves to be celebrated. It's a gateway to a world of racing beyond just what's happening on track; it brings people together, it teaches vital lessons, and cultivates an appreciation for these well-engineered machines.

And just like the real thing – opportunities are abound. Lots of simulator racers are eventually scouted and put through talent development programs that see them gain real track time.

If this event was anything to go by, the future looks bright. The finals saw several categories, with participants across various age groups.

But the highlight is definitely seeing the mix of racers from all age groups; a reminder that passion and talents don't come with an age limit, and every step counts.