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British Racing Greats with the Specialeffect and Solving Kids’ Cancer charities – “My experiences” by Neil Soane

The British Racing Greats event at Goodwood, held on September 20, 2024, was a spectacular celebration of motorsport and gaming, all for a noble cause. This unique event brought together enthusiasts from the racing and gaming communities to support SpecialEffect and Solving Kids’ Cancer UK, truly making it a day to remember.

Setting the Scene

Goodwood Motor Circuit in the West Sussex countryside, with its rich history and picturesque surroundings, provided the perfect backdrop for this event. This circuit, in the grounds of the world-famous Goodwood House (home to the current 11th Duke of Richmond), known for its classic charm and association with motorsport legends and events, added a layer of authenticity and nostalgia. The atmosphere was electric, with the roar of engines and the excitement of the attendees creating a palpable buzz.

The Cars

The event featured an impressive lineup of iconic racing cars, classics and modern-day super and hypercars from real-life motorsport history and famous racing video game franchises. Attendees had the chance to see these legendary machines up close and in action on the track. The variety of vehicles was astounding. Each car had its own story, and seeing them race around the historic Goodwood circuit was a treat for any motorsport fan.

One of the highlights was the parade of cars from famous racing games. It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many, as they saw their favourite virtual cars brought to life. The sight of these cars, meticulously restored and maintained, racing on the track was a testament to the passion and dedication of their owners. There must have been many thousands of pounds worth of high-powered racing cars around the track at this point!

 SpecialEffect and Solving Kids’ Cancer UK

At the heart of the event was the mission to raise awareness and funds for SpecialEffect and Solving Kids’ Cancer UK charities. SpecialEffect is a charity that helps people with differing disabilities enjoy video games while Solving Kids’ Cancer UK focuses on finding cures for childhood cancers. The event successfully highlighted the important work these charities do and the positive impact they have on people’s lives.

Throughout the day, there were various fundraising activities, including auctions, raffles, and donation drives. The generosity of the attendees was evident, with significant amounts raised for both charities. Seeing the community come together for such a worthy cause was heartwarming and a true reflection of the amazing industry we work in.

Interactive Experiences

In addition to the races, there were numerous interactive experiences for attendees. Simulators allowed fans to experience the thrill of racing firsthand, while gaming stations featured popular racing games. These activities provided a fun and immersive experience, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world racing.

Conclusion

The British Racing Greats event at Goodwood was a resounding success (again). It brought together the best of motorsport and gaming, all while supporting two incredible charities. The combination of iconic cars, interactive experiences, and a beautiful setting made it a day to remember. Most importantly, it showcased the power of community and the positive impact that can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.

This event not only celebrated the past and present of racing but also looked to the future, inspiring a new generation of fans and supporters. It was a fitting tribute to the spirit of motorsport and gaming, and a testament to the enduring appeal of both. Here’s to many more such events in the future, continuing to bring joy and support to those in need.

We at Quantic Lab will continue to support the amazing work that Specialeffect does and will be back again next year to help them in any way we can.

Neil Soane – Managing Director at Quantic Lab UK –  brings over 30 years of diverse experience in the computer entertainment industry, excelling in development, publishing, quality assurance, and first-party relations. As a senior producer and project manager, Neil has led teams at both executive and technical levels, ensuring top-tier quality and performance across the gaming landscape.

 Develop:North 2024

Unfortunately, the Liverpool weather wasn’t playing ball (bad soccer joke there) but that didn’t matter as I was heading to a Develop:North for the first time in many years!
The Spine, a sleek, futuristic building, echoed with the chatter of game developers, artists, business people and industry veterans (like me). I was eager to soak in the latest trends, network with like-minded individuals, and gain insights from industry leaders, technologists and decision-makers.
The opening keynote was ‘Come Together: Building a Positive and People-first Future for Game Development in the North West’. It was inspiring to hear about the boundless possibilities that lay ahead in this part of the UK. The rest of the day was a blur of insightful talks, workshops, and networking events.
The conference also provided ample networking opportunities. I met with friends and contacts from all over the UK and Europe, discussed potential collaborations, and exchanged contact information. The event was completely sold out this year so I hope that is a good indicator for its return next year. It was refreshing to connect with people who shared our passion here at Quantic Lab for game development, to learn about their projects and to see if we could help them achieve their goals.
As the day drew to a close, I couldn’t help but feel energised and inspired as the market seems to be picking up, slowly but surely. It was so nice to have an event based in the North of the UK where so much talent operates from and has influenced our industry for many years. Develop:North had exceeded my expectations, offering a wealth of knowledge, connections, and motivation. Here’s to Develop: North ’25 wherever that may end up being held.
 
 Neil Soane – Managing Director at Quantic Lab UK –  brings over 30 years of diverse experience in the computer entertainment industry, excelling in development, publishing, quality assurance, and first-party relations. As a senior producer and project manager, Neil has led teams at both executive and technical levels, ensuring top-tier quality and performance across the gaming landscape.