We have something a bit different to talk about. Alongside everything we do day to day — the support, the security, the infrastructure — we have also been having a fair amount of fun in the office with a brand new, high-spec racing simulator. And we want our clients to come and have a go.
If you have ever visited our offices at Newton Court, you will know we take our setup seriously. The simulator is no exception. We are running a proper sim rig — full force feedback wheel, pedals, and a seat that puts you right in the driving position. The graphics are sharp, the physics are convincing, and once you are in the seat it is genuinely hard to put down.
The Blackwood IT livery — number 23, PRO class
The rig at Newton Court
The competition
We are running a client leaderboard — anyone who comes in for a visit can take a lap and put their time on the board. We will keep track of the fastest times and crown a winner at the end of the competition. The prize is still being kept under wraps, but it will be worth coming in for.
You do not need to be a sim racing enthusiast or a petrolhead to take part. Some of our quickest times so far have come from people who have never sat in a sim rig before. The setup is intuitive enough to get going quickly, and our team will make sure you are comfortable before you set off.
"The harder you push, the more you get out of yourself."
— Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula One World ChampionIt is a sentiment we agree with — both on the track and in how we approach our work. We have always believed in pushing to do things properly, and that applies whether we are designing a network infrastructure or setting a fast lap.
Why a racing simulator?
We will be honest — it started as a bit of a team project. Sim racing has grown enormously over the last few years, and several members of our team are serious about it. When the opportunity came up to build a proper rig and run it as a client experience, it was an easy decision.
It also gives us a genuine reason to invite clients and contacts in to see what we are up to, have a coffee, and spend a bit of time together outside of the usual support call or review meeting. We work closely with a lot of the businesses we support, and this is a good excuse to make that relationship a bit more human.
The simulator in action at our Wolverhampton office
Come and take a lap
If you are a Blackwood IT client, or you are thinking about becoming one, come in and see us. We will show you around the office, talk through anything you want to cover on the IT side, and get you in the seat for a lap or two.
We are based at Unit 5, Newton Court, Pendeford Business Park, Wolverhampton — easy to find, free parking, and the kettle is always on.
See you on the track.