It’s been a fast and furious debut for Full Send, a new motor racing themed venue where state-of-the-art, bespoke simulators featuring thrilling experiences are wowing long term lovers of the sport, new fans and gamers. Founded by 19-year-old Felix Baggott, a successful Formula 3 driver, he became a first-time entrepreneur after seeing a gap in the market in his home area of Hampshire for a place with the latest tech where people could race and socialise.
“Enjoy, compete, belong: that’s our appeal to guests,” he declares and it’s one revving up backers too with Baggott securing £270,000 of angel investment to kickstart the venture earlier this year. Well positioned in Portsmouth’s Gunwharf Quays shopping centre with the university nearby, the lounge – whose name in racing means no holds-barred commitment – offers eight simulators. These can run together for groups or individually, with 60 car brands ranging from a balanced Dallara to a lightning speed McLaren. Among 100 track choices is the Azerbaijan street circuit, an ultimate test of precision and focus.
The simulators, made according to Baggott’s wishlist, are produced by cutting edge developer Pro Racing Simulators in Dorset. Underpinned by Baggott’s own motorsport cred, Full Send is delivering a premium, but affordable package with session prices from £15. For 2025/26 the firm, which has a team of seven including students and Baggott’s brother, is forecasting a £300,000 turnover then 50% to 100% growth after that as it expands its services and clientele.
Its Arrive and Drive packages that encourage repeat visits, corporate team-building events and membership programmes with special benefits have all proved really popular. It’s hoped the latest addition of gift cards will solve a few gift headaches.
“The rise in competitive socialising made it a good moment for our launch. First customers were motorsport and gaming enthusiasts but now we are seeing a broader audience of casual groups, families, corporate clients and the nightlife crowd,” explains Baggott. “We’ve increased dwell time with good food and drink and the launch of Track of the Month, our first in-house competition really boosted footfall.Unlike arcades or bars, we’re a destination venue offering realistic, competitive racing for many in a comfortable, stylish environment. We bridge the gap between a home simulator and the real thing.
“Males as expected were our first customers but now this is changing with more female. The age range is wide too – from 10-year-olds to those in their 80s. We can vary the experience, tailoring it to the customer, for example adjusting the steering to make it lighter or reducing braking to intensify the challenge.”
Collaborations with esports (competitive video gaming) league teams and potentially schools are now on the agenda with a further investment raise planned for early 2026.
“Full Send is about memorable moments but I know from my own journey beginning with go-karting and training on simulators how they are terrific at building skills,” says Baggott. “For us it’s about the UK’s next generation of motorsport stars and the engineers who keep them on track. We’re a powerful pathway for that.” www.fullsendracinglounge.co.uk
