26th July 2025
We’re always excited to shine a spotlight on the independents turning bold ideas into thriving realities, and VR Racer is just that. In Ely Court in Tunbridge Wells, this unique business is redefining what it means to play, compete and dream big.
We recently sat down with founder Will to hear the story behind this thrilling independent business - how a lifelong love of motorsport, a leap of faith, and a passion for cutting-edge tech collided to bring virtual racing to our town. From first-time drivers grinning with disbelief to the launch of an academy nurturing the next generation of racing talent, VR Racer is about more than just entertainment. It’s about creating unforgettable experiences and real opportunities right here in our community.
Here’s what Will had to say about the road so far, the future of sim-to-track racing, and how we can all help fuel this incredible journey.
"Will, tell me about the journey that led to opening VR Racer in Tunbridge Wells. What inspired you to bring virtual racing to our town?
I was at a bit of a crossroads figuring out what to do next. Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved racing and Formula 1, and I saw a clear gap – no one was really combining VR with racing sims in a meaningful way. And honestly, VR racing is the most immersive experience you can get outside of being on an actual track. I live in Heathfield, so Tunbridge Wells felt like the most logical place – close enough to home, with a great population and energy. The town and its people have been amazing. Since opening, it’s been a brilliant few months. The response has been better than I could’ve imagined, and it really feels like we’re building something exciting here.
What makes VR Racer different from other entertainment experiences, and what kind of reaction do you get from first-time visitors?
What sets VR Racer apart is how real it feels. You're not just playing a game – you're in the car, on the track, feeling every bump and battling for every tenth of a second. The level of immersion with VR and high-end racing sims is unlike anything most people have experienced before. We’re not a typical arcade – we’re bringing people as close as possible to real motorsport, whether they’re total beginners or future pros.
The reaction from first-time visitors is always the best part. You see it in their faces – shock, excitement, sometimes even disbelief. People come off the rig with huge smiles, saying things like, “I felt like I was really there.” That never gets old.
Running an independent business has its highs and challenges. What’s been your proudest moment since opening the doors?
There’ve been loads of great moments, but the proudest so far has to be finding our market fit. While VR Racer is for everyone – our oldest regular is 72! – we’ve really connected with that 12–18 age group who live and breathe racing. That passion has fuelled something bigger.
Off the back of that, we’ve just launched the FGEN Academy – a monthly subscription program to train young racers, build an esports team, and create a real sim-to-track pathway. It’s about giving them a chance to chase their dream in a way that’s more affordable and sustainable than karting. The talent we’re seeing is incredible – give it a few years and I genuinely believe we’ll see racers from Tunbridge Wells out on the grid at Brands Hatch. That’s the goal.
How do you see VR Racer fitting into our community and what does being an independent business mean to you?
For me, VR Racer isn’t just about racing – it’s about bringing something unique to the local community. Whether it’s families coming in for birthdays, mates doing head-to-head battles, or young drivers building serious skills, it’s become a space where people connect, compete, and grow.
Being an independent business in Tunbridge Wells means a lot. It’s a town with real energy and pride, and the support we’ve had from the community has been amazing, and we’ve loved being part of the TN card family too. I want VR Racer to be more than just a venue – I want it to be part of the town’s identity, especially for the next generation.
We're not a chain or a pop-up – we're local, we’re passionate, and we’re building something that can give back to the community in a big way.
VR Racer is truly one of a kind, and the opportunities feel endless. Where would you love to see the business go next?
Yes! Right now, we’re focused on growing the FGEN Academy and building a true sim-to-track pathway – but long term, I’d love to take this to the national stage. Touring schools, shopping centres, and even airports with pop-up VR Racer experiences to inspire more young people to get into motorsport. Eventually, I’d love to open more venues across the UK, each with their own academy, league, and local stars. The dream is to discover and support real racing talent – and prove that you don’t need to come from money or have a kart in the garage to make it in motorsport. VR Racer started in Tunbridge Wells, but the vision is so much bigger – and we’re only just getting started.
And finally, how can we, as as locals, best support you and help VR Racer thrive?
Honestly, the biggest support is just spreading the word. Tell your friends, bring your kids, book a session, or even just share what we’re doing – that local buzz makes a massive difference. For the business community, partnerships are key. Whether it’s sponsoring the FGEN Academy, collaborating on events, or helping us reach more young racers, every connection helps us grow and create opportunities.
At the end of the day, VR Racer is built for Tunbridge Wells. The more the community gets behind it, the more we can keep pushing boundaries – and who knows, maybe help produce the next big name in British motorsport."
Member reward: Members receive 15% off bookings as a big thank you from WIll for supporting local. For more details visit our directory page here.