The virtual racing world is set to witness an exhilarating addition with the British GT Esports Cup 2024. Organized by Motorsport UK and Simracing.GP, this competition promises to blend the thrill of the Intelligent Money British GT Championship with the accessibility of esports.
The Competition: Accessible to All
For the first time, this unique series welcomes not just ‘Pro’ sim racers but also encourages community drivers, including amateurs, to participate. This inclusivity aligns the virtual competition closely with its real-world counterpart, offering a diverse array of drivers the chance to compete in a highly competitive championship.
The Platform: Assetto Corsa Competizione
The series will be hosted on Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC), renowned for its realistic racing simulation. The championship will mirror the real-world 2024 British GT calendar, featuring British tracks with a special inclusion of Spa in Belgium.
Race Formats and Challenges
Competitors will experience various race formats, from 60-minute sprint events at Oulton Park to a 3-hour endurance challenge at Silverstone. True to British racing, weather conditions are set to play a pivotal role in the races.
The Pro-Am Format
Forty slots are open for two-driver teams, consisting of one ‘Pro’ level and one ‘Am’ level driver. The classification of drivers will be determined using Simracing.GP’s proprietary ranking system. Participants must have completed five races in ACC on SGP to ensure accurate classification.
Prizes and Recognition
Exciting rewards await participants, including a Next Level Racing haptic cushion HF8, to be randomly awarded to a driver who competes in all six championship rounds.
Industry Voices
Adam Eley of SGP expressed enthusiasm about offering the first Motorsport UK race in ACC and highlighted the significance of the Pro-Am format. Paul Crawford from Motorsport UK echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the championship’s accessibility to all Motorsport UK Esports members.
The Evolution of British GT in Esports
British GT has been a trailblazer in esports since hosting its first official esports championship in 2015. Now, after a two-year hiatus, the series returns with a refreshed format on ACC, marking a significant evolution from its 2021 iteration and broader SRO Esports landscape, as noted by Lauren Granville of the Intelligent Money British GT Championship.
A New Chapter in SimRacing
The British GT Esports Cup 2024 heralds a new chapter in the world of sim racing, offering an inclusive, realistic, and competitive platform for racers of all levels. This initiative represents a significant leap in bridging the gap between virtual and real-world racing, setting a benchmark for future esports championships.