Announcing the return of the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Canada in 2021
Wednesday, 27 January 2021 12:00.PM
- Virtual one-make series to feature the 911 GT3 Cup Car in addition to the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. -
Porsche Canada announces the return of its Esports Sprint Challenge one-make series in 2021, which offers competitors the opportunity to compete virtually on the iRacing.com platform to win prizes including getting behind the wheel of a Porsche on track. The qualifying phase will start at the end of January with the first of eight races beginning shortly after aboard a digital version of the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport mid-engine racecar or the newly added 911 GT3 Cup Car.
"Based on the success on our inaugural Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Canada in 2020 we are delighted to be able to offer a new enhanced program to reach passionate fans of the brand and Canadian racers in a compelling virtual format," said Marc Ouayoun, President and CEO, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. "Our new partnership with Fanatec and a recognition from the FIA affiliate GDS ASN Canada solidifies how professional this virtual race series is - we can't wait for the digital green flag to wave."
Following the qualifying phase in the 911 GT3 Cup car, the top 40 entrants with the fastest average lap times will be eligible to enter the field that includes two separate classes. The top-performing 20 entrants will be placed in the 911 GT3 Cup Car, and the remaining 20 will be entered in the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport class. Here is an overview of the changes for 2021:
Two classes: The 911 GT3 Cup car joins the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport to create two separate classes in each race; 20 racers each for a total grid of 40 cars
Eight venues: World-renowned racetracks Nürburgring, Interlagos, Suzuka, Le Mans, Laguna Seca, and Hockenheim are added this year; Both Canadian venues (Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) remain and bookend the race schedule
The full eight race schedule to be live streamed on various platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and the Porsche Twitch channel
FIA affiliate GDS ASN Canada recognizes the program as a national sim-racing competition
Officiating will be conducted by the same group as in the Porsche TAG Heuer eSports Supercup
The addition of the 911 GT3 Cup Car to the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport on track brings an entirely new level of competition for all – having to manage traffic and having two separate classes racing simultaneously. Based on the 991.2 generation of the iconic sports car, the 911 GT3 Cup car will push competitors to the limit with car control and race craft. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport has a well-known and proven formula: lightweight and well-balanced performance. Having the two cars competing simultaneously will heighten the on-track excitement and offers all racers a chance to win compelling prizes worth a total value of approximately $20,000.
At the end of the eight-race schedule, points will be added to determine the final position in the standings of both classes and crown winners for the 2021 Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Canada. This will give each champion the opportunity to extend their driving skills in real-life at a Porsche Track Experience program. Podium finishers in both classes will earn new simulator hardware from Porsche Canada's partner Fanatec. Each participant among the 40 sim-racers will earn Porsche prizes and iRacing credits.
Race schedule:
Qualifying – January 29 – February 11, 2021
Race #1 @ Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – February 18, 2021, 8 PM ET
Race #2 @ Nürburgring – March 4, 2021, 8 PM ET
Race #3 @ Interlagos – March 18, 2021, 8 PM ET
Race #4 @ Suzuka – April 1, 2021, 8 PM ET
Race #5 @ Le Mans – April 15, 2021, 8 PM ET
Race #6 @ Laguna Seca – April 29, 2021, 8 PM ET
Race #7 @ Hockenheim – May 13, 2021, 8 PM ET
Race #8 @ Canadian Tire Motorsport Park – May 27, 2021, 8 PM ET
SOURCE: Porsche Cars Canada