ROBIN MEYERS
Today we visited Rumble Racing Simulators, situated at 30 Willem Olckers Road in Despatch, and I have to admit, the experience was eye-opening.
Rumble Racing is essentially a racing simulator company where you can book to use their simulators in-house or hire their rigs for functions and events. But there’s a lot more to this local business than simply playing racing games.
From R3,000 to Rumble Racing
Founded by Ronnie Jonker, Rumble Racing started with a love for cars, motorsport and a desire to make racing more accessible.
After the Covid-19 pandemic left him unemployed, Ronnie found himself freelancing. With approximately R3,000 in savings, he purchased a cheap steering wheel and pedals and built his first racing cockpit using wood and a real car seat.
Armed with a few homemade simulators, a bakkie, a dodgy tent, a homemade sign and a cheap card machine, he started attending every festival and market he could afford.
Today, Rumble Racing has grown into a dedicated sim racing venue, with ambitions that extend well beyond recreational gaming.
My first experience behind the wheel
This was my first experience using a racing simulator, and I have to admit, it was amazing.
From the haptic feedback of the rig (I swear at some point the seat felt as if it was moving) to the realistic driving experience, I was thoroughly impressed.
My practice course was an almost one-to-one mapped simulation of our local race track, Aldo Scribante, with its loops, tight turns and chicanes.
I’ve always thought I knew something about driving, but if a simulated track can make me panic, then I realise just how much of an amateur I actually am.
Unlike your average racing game, these simulators use proper racing cockpits, steering wheels, pedals, force feedback and realistic driving physics.
You actually have to think about your braking, steering and how you’re approaching each corner. Believe me, it’s not nearly as easy as it looks.
Good racing, even better company
I also have to mention Ronnie, who made our visit that much more enjoyable.
He’s genuinely a great guy, and the atmosphere he creates is welcoming and relaxed. My son Aidan isn’t the most social child, but he took an instant liking to Ronnie, which says a lot.
Ronnie took the time to explain everything and made sure we both felt comfortable and enjoyed the experience.
It’s one thing to have impressive equipment and realistic simulators, but having someone who is clearly passionate about what he does makes the experience that much better.
And with Aidan feeling right at home, it wasn’t long before he was ready to challenge his father on the track.
When your 13-year-old son almost beats you
Aidan and I then went on to have a head-to-head race.
I have to admit, he (a 13-year-old with absolutely no driving experience) almost beat me!
That is, until he ran out of fuel on the last lap.
SO, I WIN!
Although I suspect he might have a few things to say about that result.
All jokes aside, it was a fantastic experience to share with my son, and it really demonstrated how accessible sim racing can be, regardless of your actual driving experience.
From Aldo Scribante to the Nürburgring
Rumble Racing uses Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione, giving visitors access to everything from road cars and classics to GT3s, GT4s, touring cars, prototypes and Formula 1 machinery.
You can race on local circuits such as Aldo Scribante, Kyalami, East London and Zwartkops or try internationally recognised tracks, including Spa, Bathurst and the Nürburgring.
And you don’t need any previous racing or gaming experience.
First-time visitors are introduced to the equipment, shown how the controls work and helped onto the track. Ronnie says one of his favourite things is watching people who initially insist they’re not gamers suddenly become completely invested in improving their lap times.
I can certainly relate!
More than just a racing simulator
What really stood out during our conversation was Ronnie’s ambition to make motorsport more accessible.
Rumble Racing hosts community competitions, organised leagues and online races every Thursday, with simulators available to book for the entire evening.
They also have a sim racing team that competes internationally in endurance racing and participates in South African league championships.
The long-term goal is to create opportunities for talented sim racers to develop their skills and potentially progress into real-world motorsport.
For someone who might never have the financial means to own a race car or regularly visit a racing circuit, sim racing offers an opportunity to experience motorsport without the considerable expense.
The venue also caters for families, groups of friends, birthday parties, corporate functions and private events. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult, and age and height considerations apply to ensure younger drivers can operate the simulators safely.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely.
The realism of the simulators, the feedback from the rigs and the opportunity to race on a track you actually recognise made this an experience worth trying.
It’s also encouraging to see a local business that started with R3,000 and a homemade racing cockpit grow into something that could potentially help develop future motorsport talent.
Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast, someone who fancies themselves a bit of a racing driver or simply looking for something different to do with the family, Rumble Racing is worth a visit.
And as for Aidan, I suspect we’ll be back for a rematch.
This time, I’ll make sure he has enough fuel.
WHERE TO FIND THEM
Rumble Racing Simulators 30 Willem Olckers Road, Despatch
Individual racing sessions, group bookings, birthday parties, corporate events and simulator hire are available. So check them out HERE
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