The Blue Oval entered the esports realm of simulation racing with Team Fordzilla in 2019, opening the door for relationships with major game studios and esports leagues. Ford has since leveraged its esports league – and a custom Ford Transit filled to the brim with top-of-the-line gaming tech – to provide mobile entertainment for disabled children across Europe. Now, Team Fordzilla has become involved with providing adaptive simulators for virtual racing events in Spain.
In Madrid, Team Fordzilla set up a special exhibition at Balaídos Stadium during the La Liga Clash, a top-tier football match. This exhibition included cutting-edge racing simulators that mirror the feel of a real race car cockpit complete with pedals and a steering wheel, but what made these sims special was the incorporation of reduced mobility mode software and a virtual reality mode.
In fact, the simulator’s steering wheel was modified to allow the brake and accelerator to be governed by hand controls, allowing fans to experience racing simulation in a realistic, inclusive environment. The modified simulator was built in a collaborative effort between Team Fordzilla, Ford Adapta, Spain-based Fundación ONCE and Hi-Speed.
“This was a very special experience for people with reduced mobility, enabling them to enjoy the exhilaration of sim racing – thanks to the expertise of Team Fordzilla and Ford Adapta,” said Cristina del Rey, director of communications for Ford Spain.
Team Fordzilla drivers José Iglesias, Rubén Rodríguez and Abel Torres were invited to the event to take the special simulator for a spin.
Interestingly enough, The Blue Oval is the most-talked about automaker among gamers, thanks to its notable lineup of licensed vehicles in racing simulation games such as the Forza series, and, of course, the success of Team Fordzilla. The automaker has wholly embraced its status among gamers, and has even turned to video games to aid in vehicle development and customer relations.
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