Drive Lounge opens first UK spot in Norwich's Castle Quarter

Drive Lounge will offer gaming and motorsports fans the chance to try out a range of fast-paced simulators.

The firm hopes to spread across the UK but has selected Norwich as its launchpad location.

Drive Lounge will open its doors on Friday (Image: Drive Lounge)

It will open its doors on level two of Castle Quarter on Friday when visitors will be able to book a simulator for a 30 or 60-minute slot.

They can try to set personal best times, compete against other drivers in the room or participate in live-streamed races.

Paul Bolton, CEO of Drive Lounge, said: “Driving simulators and esports are a core part of the motorsports world, with many track drivers starting their careers in the gaming seat as esports drivers.

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Racers can book in for either 30 or 60-minute sessions (Image: Drive Lounge)

"But for those not hoping for a career on the track, sim-racing is also an incredible social occasion. 

"Our initial launch at Castle Quarter will give people a fantastic taste of what Drive Lounge has to offer.”

On Saturday and Sunday, Drive Lounge ambassador and 2019's 'World's Fastest Gamer' James Baldwin will be competing in the SPA 24-hour GT race.

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There will be a special opening weekend tournament for the first attendees to compete in (Image: Drive Lounge)

Drive Lounge will live stream the event while in-house esports racers compete in a special opening weekend tournament.

The winners will receive a one-to-one coaching session with Mr Baldwin.

Rob Bradley, centre manager at Castle Quarter, added: “There isn’t a Drive Lounge anywhere else in the UK so Castle Quarter visitors have the exclusive chance to try it out first. 

"We’re excited to have them here, and look forward to hearing what gaming, esports and motorsport enthusiasts think of this latest opening.”