Bridgestone Malaysia Creates Virtual Racing Experience for University Students
· Bridgestone recently collaborated with Forza Motorsport to host the "Bridgestone Rivals: Race to the Top" virtual gaming competition.
· Bridgestone Malaysia introduces the excitement of virtual motorsport to university students.
· Bridgestone aims to deliver unforgettable experiences for gamers and motorsports enthusiasts through the excitement of virtual racing.
Subang Jaya, Selangor (26 July, 2024) — Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.(BSTM) recently introduced the excitement of virtual motorsport to university students through a series of events at Segi University Kota Damansara, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long, and Asia Pacific University (APU), TPM Bukit Jalil. Held from 26 June to 5 July 2024, these events attracted over 2000 visitors, with 530 students and adults participating in the "Bridgestone Rivals: Race to the Top" simulation racing game.
In partnership with Forza Motorsport, Bridgestone Asia Pacific Ptd. Ltd., a group company of Bridgestone Corporation, hosted the first-ever "Bridgestone Rivals: Race to the Top" virtual gaming competition. Bridgestone was the first tyre manufacturer to partner with Forza Motorsport, one of the top simulation racing video games globally, in this latest instalment of the racing sim series, featuring participants racing the iconic Lamborghini Huracán STO on the Hakone Grand Prix within the game. The partnership aligns with Bridgestone E8 Commitment*1, which the company aims to fulfil its corporate promise for "Emotion: Committed to inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility."
The university events culminated in a Grand Final Championship on 5 July 2024 at APU, where the 45 best lap time students competed. The event also included a Media Challenge and an Open Group Championship for the top 20 public participants.
Michael Chung, Managing Director of Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., highlighted the significance of this partnership in his opening speech at the Grand Final event. “We are thrilled to bring the excitement of virtual racing to university students and motorsports enthusiasts. This competition not only bridges the gap between the physical and digital realms but also inspires and connects people through the shared passion for motorsports.”
Further highlighted by Michael, “Bridgestone's passion for motorsports runs deep in our DNA, with a legacy spanning 60 years. From iconic races like the Japan Grand Prix and the INDY500 to MotoGP, Super GT, and Formula 1, our podium finishes and the legendary names behind the wheel speak volumes about our dedication and excellence. Looking ahead, our vision is to continue spearheading sustainable premium motorsports initiatives. With key title sponsorships already committed—from electric to solar (Bridgestone World Solar Challenge) and now to virtual (Forza Motorsport)—we are expanding our reach and advancing a dynamic and vibrant global motorsports culture.”
The Top 3 students who emerged victorious were Brandon Ho, Chuo Chung Zhi and Bryan Wong. They walked away with cash prizes of MYR1,000, MYR800, and MYR500 respectively, along with Bridgestone trophies and merchandise.
The Grand Final was live-streamed via Bridgestone Malaysia's official Facebook and YouTube channels, allowing those who could not attend in person to join the excitement of the e-motorsport racing championship.
*1 The Bridgestone Group established its corporate commitment, the "Bridgestone E8 Commitment," to help it realize its vision: "Toward 2050, Bridgestone continues to provide social value and customer value as a sustainable solutions company." This commitment will serve as the Group's axis to drive management while earning the trust of future generations. The "Bridgestone E8 Commitment" consists of eight Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter "E" (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, and Empowerment) that the Group will commit to creating through Bridgestone-like purposes and processes, together with employees, society, partners, and customers to help realize a sustainable society.
About Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.:
Bridgestone is a global leader in tyres and rubber, and is building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. In Malaysia, Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. offers a wide range of tyres for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, as well as industrial and agricultural vehicles. The company aims to provide exceptional customer service and quality products that deliver social value and customer value. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tyres and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.