Sue Stockdale speaks with Mark Fletcher, the owner of Altitude Esports, about what led him to forming and leading an esports racing team. Mark shares his deep-rooted passion for racing, influenced by his father's racing background and their combined foray into model car racing. He explains how the team was founded from personal loss and a desire to create a community. The conversation also touches on Mark's engagement with Sports 2000 racing, integrating his virtual racing skills into real-world mechanics, and the supportive family-like environment within the racing community.

About Mark Fletcher
Mark Fletcher is 36 years old and lives in Worcestershire, England. He is the owner of Altitude Esports, an iRacing esports team and SimFly Driver Development. Mark has a passion for most sports, and in his spare time runs, plays golf, and mechanic for a Sports 2000 race team. He enjoys travelling and exploring new places. 

Altitude eSports is a media partner of Access to Inspiration podcast.

Connect with Mark and Altitude Esports via Facebook and Twitch.

Key Quotes

• There are paid professionals who earn more than I do in my day job and they are racing on a simulator
• It's not just a day out for lads and dads
• We have exactly the same infrastructure as you would for a real race
• We can simulate in the SIM everything that the real world will throw at you
• Find your way to remember these people who have passed and make them still part of your life every day
• Every time that the car touches the track, its like I remember mum

Time Stamps
02:28 What is eSports Racing?
03:19 The Competitiveness of eSports
04:20 Formation of Altitude eSports
07:47 Challenges and Personal Motivations
10:47 Team Dynamics and Recruitment
21:08 Balancing Real and Virtual Racing
28:19 Getting Started with Sim Racing

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Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra
Producer: Sue Stockdale