Launch of Racing Zone Canarias at Santa Cruz Casino

José Marrón, the CEO of Public Companies and Casinos of Tenerife, is thrilled to have inaugurated the new Racing Zone Canarias at the Santa Cruz Casino. This facility is the first professional rally and Formula 1 simulator in the islands. It not only enhances the recreational offering on the island but also positions the institution within the exclusive realm of eSports, featuring high-level technological simulators for rally experiences. Marrón emphasises that this achievement is made possible through institutional support, particularly from the Vice-Presidency of the Cabildo of Tenerife, which was instrumental in approving the initiative.

A Unique Experience for Motor Enthusiasts

This venture aims to engage motor enthusiasts in the Canaries by providing an immersive experience that goes beyond conventional entertainment. From the simulator software to the courses tailored for the Tenerife stages, the goal is for users to experience something authentic—beyond mere replication—of what it feels like to compete or drive under real conditions. Moreover, the social and cultural dimension is noteworthy. This is not merely a toy for enthusiasts; it is designed to create a meeting point that complements the art, culture, and leisure offerings of the Casinos of Tenerife. In this interview with José Marrón, we uncover the details of these simulators and some exclusive insights.

Insights from José Marrón

**Question: What is Zona Racing Canarias, and how did the idea originate?**
**Answer:** The idea arose during a professional trip to Madrid, where I had the opportunity to try flight simulators for an F-18. I discussed with one of my directors the possibility of creating a racing simulator instead, as the flight simulator niche is smaller. Initially, we considered a Formula 1 car, but observing the rallying passion in the islands, particularly in Tenerife, we opted for a vehicle of that kind. The machine is also adaptable for Formula 1 settings. The software specifically features courses from Tenerife and the Canary Islands. When we contacted the Interinsular Federation, they found it to be a fantastic concept, and we viewed it as an ideal complement to the recreational offerings of the Santa Cruz Casino, alongside the art space known as ‘El túnel del arte’.

Question: Who do you expect will visit Zona Racing Canarias?
Answer: We invite anyone to participate. If they are one of our clients, that’s fantastic, but we believe it will attract the wider Tenerife community connected to motorsport. Additionally, our goal is to broaden the leisure offerings promoted by Casinos of Tenerife. We already have art, sculpture, and performing arts. What we have now is a corner dedicated to the world of racing that coexists with the casino’s diverse gaming options.

Access and Pricing

**Question: How will access to the racing zone be organised? Pricing, reservations, timings…?**
**Answer:** It will operate like another attraction of the Casino, open from 11:00 to 14:00. The fee is £15 for 15 minutes. Participants can book two consecutive sessions before taking a break to allow others to play. We are also planning a tournament in collaboration with the Interinsular Automobile Federation, which has provided immediate support.

Question: Has a timeframe been established for its availability in Tenerife?
Answer: No, we view this as a significant investment because we have high hopes for it. If successful, we will implement it in the Puerto de la Cruz casino, where renovations will also begin soon to transform it into a performing arts space, featuring performances, cocktails, and a large café. Work starts next week.

Collaboration with Digalix

**Question: How does the exclusive agreement with Digalix work?**
**Answer:** When I inquired about this in Madrid, we were connected with the CEO of Digalix. I explained our vision, and we agreed on both our requirements and what they offer. The machines are manufactured in Portugal and assembled and distributed from Barcelona. The casino there has eight machines that started as a temporary measure but eventually became permanent due to their popularity. They operate a booking system.

The Realism of the Simulators

**Question: What level of realism do these simulators provide?**
**Answer:** Our simulators are professional-grade, akin to those at the Montmeló circuit. The seat moves, simulating driving on asphalt, and if you go off track, you feel it as though driving across rough terrain. It’s an incredibly immersive experience, akin to real driving. Even the king tried it in Barcelona. The pilot who demonstrated it said the realism is such that the curves are precisely mapped. Everything is drone-mapped and thoroughly tested. The software improves annually and includes speakers built into the chair for an enhanced experience. The curved screen eliminates reflections, providing an unparalleled experience.

Future Aspirations

We aim to bring in a notable driver to promote it—someone well-known with a son of a similar name. We would be delighted if this could happen. Beyond this project, Casinos of Tenerife is making significant investments in art and culture as well. It wasn’t always the case, but I believe art and culture have their place, which is evident in successful initiatives in other casinos across Spain. In Puerto de la Cruz, we hope that the racing machines will act as an attraction, and should they be successful, we intend to introduce two additional simulators for performing arts.

Question: What artistic exhibitions do you plan?
Answer: Next month, we will host a weekly exhibition in Santa Cruz celebrating Armenian art and culture. This will include lectures, gastronomy, folklore, and film. Some Armenian lyrical singers have expressed interest, and we are in communication through the president of the Armenian Association in the Canaries. It seemed intriguing to explore cultures that previously felt distant but are now accessible with modern technology.

Question: Will there be exhibitions from other cultures as well?
Answer: Absolutely. There will be cycles where local authors’ exhibitions coexist alongside international ones. After Armenia, we’ll likely showcase a collection of Canarian watercolourists, followed possibly by a focus on a country in the Americas. The aim is to revitalise the space so it is not solely dedicated to one type of activity.

Casinos of Tenerife is fully supported by public funding, and we believe it is our responsibility to reinvest benefits back into society. Importantly, this initiative is exclusively for adults due to its location inside a casino.

Question: What feedback have you received from attendees at these exhibitions?
Answer: Visitors have told us, “You have a room that may not be huge, but is very inviting and charming.” Currently, we have an exhibition linked to culture rather than traditional art, focusing on sport with a display full of rally photography from national and international events. The Copy Sport team has generously provided numerous photos from the Championship of the Canaries. We’ve complemented this with a variety of racing elements: overalls, note pads, gloves, annotations, and stopwatches.