The famous not-so-serious department at EPiServer AB in Stockholm today reached a new milestone with the release of the new racetrack for mini RC cars (Kyosho MiniZ), named EPiRing.
"It all started with some rubber carpets on the floor but it soon got out of hands" says Per Rask, the racetrack manager. "It felt a bit silly to simply drive on the floor, so we blackmailed the CEO into approving some "minor expenses" for building a real racetrack ". After we built the first stage, we realized it was too small, so we rapidly added some more area for the racetrack. Also, we did not settle for just the rubber-carpet-that-looks-like-asphalt; we wanted the full version with artificial grass, curbs and a transponder system for measuring the lap times!"
Being a company with a very long tradition of "why-grow-up-stuff", like the famous Segway and the Sony Aibo, the bar was set for a major project. Since the dev team managers did not approve to take valuable programmers out of the production of the next release of EPiServer, we were forced to used staff from management and support... (With some bloodshed, strange angles and bumps in the track (that might actually be the missing screwdrivers). Even worse, we had to do it off hours... :-)
However, the track is now ready! The first laps was driven by Lotta Jarleryd, our new CFO (you have to involve the management if you like to get the funding for version 2.0 :-)
We plan to have a series of after work races! Already, we have challenged our friends at Microsoft and Adobe, who are located nearby our office.
Also, we have a sponsor package: 5000SEK (+VAT) will get you
All sponsor money will be used to improve EPiRing and the planned move to new locations. Also food and beverages at the races and some prizes will hopefully be covered .
My old Porsche is still going strong! More than 4 years old, generation 1 chassis, it still gives the MR02s a match.
(Yeah, we have special EPiServer stickers that fits a MiniZ).
Ford GTs are common at the track. MR02, second generation with a lower center of weight and an improved electronic speed regulator.(Use sponge tires!)
One of our two "company cars", reserved for guests. Talk about demolition derbys...
We will have special evenings targeted towards beginners. At these evenings, no experienced drivers are allowed to drive. However, if you plan to start, a good idea is to drive around in your own living room first. Driving on the track will get your adrenaline up to levels, but that might also happen if your girlfriend/boyfriend finds your furniture ruined by your driving exercises...
Whanna race?
Send me an email at m at episerver.com !
rgds,
Mike Runhome :-)
PS: Table dancing is not officially allowed at our office. DS