Jakob (15) is the best in the world in the e-sport rallycross – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio

– We have brought the whole rig on a camping trip. At Sjøsanden in Mandal, we sat in the tent to drive the WC round in 2021, says Jakob Rafoss. The 15-year-old from Kvinesdal does simulator rallycross and readily admits that a lot of training is behind his success. – The first time I saw rallycross was in Finland in 2009. I was two years old then, says Jakob. The interest has followed him ever since. Three weeks ago he became Norwegian champion. In addition, he is ranked as the best in the world in his class on iRacing – in competition with around 90,000 players. – It feels tough to say that I am one of the best in the world in my field, says Jakob. iRacing takes place in a simulator. The game is designed to be as close to reality as possible. As a six-year-old, he started driving simulator racing with controls, but now a full set-up with steering wheel and pedals applies. He “builds” the cars himself, but the layout and settings are top secret. In 2020, Jakob joined a Finnish e-sports team. Now he and the team are training for the official WC title. – This is something I am really passionate about. There is a lot of training behind this. And it’s fun to perform at the level I do. In the garage attic at home, all the equipment is placed. Jakob spends a lot of time here. Photo: Vetle Hjortland / news Inspired by father Jakob got his interest in rallycross from his father, Jan Kåre Rafoss. He works as a rallycross photographer. – I think it’s incredibly fun and very well deserved. He has worked extremely hard. There have been ups and downs, says Jan Kåre. Jan Kåre explains that it is not always easy to prioritize homework and school, especially when the championships are held in the USA and Jakob has to stay up at night to be able to participate. But all the practice has paid off. – He won all four rounds in the NM. It was amazing. I’m very proud, no doubt about it. Father Jan Kåre Rafoss introduced his son to the sport. Photo: Vetle Hjortland / news Wants to drive for real Also e-sports teacher at the University of Agder Mark Heckford is impressed by Jakob’s achievements. – Racing mirrors the real world, so it takes a lot of time to acquire those skills. Normally, you develop such skills over time, but Jakob does it at a phenomenal pace, says Heckford. Jakob says he has been interested in cars for as long as he can remember. Growing up, it was Andreas Bakkerud and Petter Solberg who were the great role models. Jakob is no stranger to once getting behind the wheel of a real rally car and competing. – It would have been fun to drive for real. The dream is to drive a real rally car, says Jakob. Jakob has been interested in cars and rallycross since he was very small. Photo: Vetle Hjortland / news



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