The first qualifiers for the Goblin Grand Prix were swept by online racing-simulator enthusiasts, whose lap times beat those of traditional racers by margins no one has yet explained to the racers' satisfaction.
The result has raised questions about the selection process. The official simulated course was accidentally modeled 10 percent smaller than the real track, and the virtual cars were given engines up to 35 percent more powerful than their real counterparts.
"This is a travesty," said a Formula One driver who was beaten by a 12-year-old goblin gamer known as "xX_Mushroom_King_Xx." "These sim racers have no idea what the G-forces feel like, or the smell of burning rubber. They're playing a video game."
The Goblin Gaming Group, which runs the event, defended the format. "Sim racing is a sport that takes skill, precision and fast reflexes," said Grungle, who describes himself as a sim racing enthusiast. "They might surprise us on the real track. Or they might crash spectacularly. Either way it's entertainment."
The Grand Prix begins next week.
