Step aside, NASCAR. Move over, F1. There’s a new competitive racing phenomenon on the horizon, potentially at least, and it’s set to focus on a far more attainable mode of transportation: sperm.
What is sperm racing?
Depending on the rate at which you consume news of the sperm-focused variety, you may or may not have seen multiple recent reports pointing to an imminent “sperm racing” showdown pitting USC against UCLA. A regional piece from KTLA, for one, cited a then-recent announcement of Sperm Racing—founded by Eric Zhu, Nick Small, Shane Fan, and Garrett Niconienko—having raised a reported $1 million for “the development of the world’s first sperm race.”
The race is expected to see competing sperm squaring off on a “microscopic racetrack,” complete with realtime commentary and, yes, betting.
What's the point of sperm racing?
Naturally, the team behind this endeavor has assembled a “manifesto” laying out their intentions, with the decline of male fertility cited as paramount in the larger inspiration behind the project.
“Sperm racing isn't just about racing sperm (although, let's be honest, that's hilarious),” Zhu, who made headlines last year as the teen founder of Aviato, said. “It’s about turning health into a competition. it's about making male fertility something people actually want to talk about, track, and improve. We're taking a topic no one wants to touch and making it interesting, measurable, and weirdly changing this paradigm.”
What happens in a sperm race?
According to the manifesto, this type of race will utilize a microscopic track designed to “mimic” the reproductive system. Each move is followed by high-resolution cameras and livestreamed to prospective fans of the burgeoning sport, with the distinction of winner, simply enough, going to the sperm that manages to be the first to get over the finish line. The folks at Sperm Racing are also promising instant replays, weigh-ins, press conferences, and more as part of an effort to ensure this feels very much like any other top-tier sporting event.
Ahead of the inaugural event at the Hollywood Palladium on April 25, Zhu and the team spoke with TMZ about their preparation process. See that here.
Complex has reached out to the Sperm Racing team for comment. This story may be updated.