Being Intimidated

A few days ago, I was asked by someone I didn’t know to join a dedicated video game racing league (Gran Turismo 7, if you’re wondering) with people from all over the United States. It’s very smoothly run, extremely detailed, and my fellow drivers take it seriously. We had some time trials tonight to get used to our cars. And you know what?

I was intimidated.

More on that in a second.

I have no doubt that by now you’ve picked up how big of a passion racing is for me. I watch Formula 1, NASCAR, European Le Mans Series, IMSA, IndyCar…the list somehow goes on.

But I also like to race in video games - it exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s only picking up steam. Games like iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and Gran Turismo 7 are fantastic options for everyone to learn more about motorsport. 

I’m not new to racing against other people online. I know the etiquette, I know the rules. I’m also pretty quick. So why was I intimidated?

Well, we were all on voice chat, I didn’t know anyone but they seemed like they did, and it takes me a while to open up in the best of times. So I said a few things and then went back to being quiet.

And that’s okay.

It made me think about how we need to navigate our spaces - even the spaces where we feel the most passionate - in our way. On our timeline. 

And the thing I adore about racing is that when the throttle goes wide open and your tires start squealing, everything fades away. But the community is right there waiting and I speak for all of us, especially at Vision Corsa, when I say we’d love to have you.

Onward.Together.Always.