Toronto, ON (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Porsche Canada announces the fourth edition of its Esports Sprint Challenge one-make series in 2023, which offers sim racers the opportunity to compete virtually on the iRacing.com platform to win prizes including getting behind the wheel of a real-life Porsche on track. The qualifying phase will occur February 1-15 with the first of eight races beginning in March. The racers will take the wheel of a digital version of the newest 911 GT3 Cup Car, based on the 992 generation of the iconic sports car.
This season will see the involvement of all Porsche Centres across Canada, each represented by a team of two drivers. For the first time this year, entrants will not only compete for the Driver’s Championship, but also vie for the Constructor’s Championship title.
Notable Porsche partners will join the virtual series with awareness on the virtual cars and prize inclusions again this year. TAG Heuer logos will be visible during the race broadcasts as the Official Timing Partner, as well as on the front windscreen and rear spoiler of each virtual racecar. The champions will be outfitted with TAG Heuer Connected watches. Bose branding will be visible on the side number plates of all virtual racecars, and competitors that finish fifth or better in the Driver’s Championship and third or better in the Constructor’s Championship will receive premium Bose headphones.
“The Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Canada aptly brings Porsche one-make racing to the digital realm for enthusiasts of all ages to engage in motorsport from the comfort of their homes,” said John Cappella, President and CEO, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. “We are especially delighted to have the Porsche Centre Teams competing this season, heightening the on-track enthusiasm. I am looking forward to seeing even more fans join the live streams to cheer for their favourite team and driver.”
Following the qualifying phase in the 911 GT3 Cup car, 42 entrants will be eligible to enter the field.
Here is an overview of the 2023 series:
- 21 Porsche Centre Teams with 2 drivers each will compete in the 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup car for both the Constructor’s and Driver’s Championships
- Eight venues: World-renowned racetracks Sebring International Raceway, Road America and Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos) are new to the series this year; both Canadian venues (Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) remain and bookend the race schedule once again
- The full eight-race schedule will be live-streamed on the Porsche Twitch channel
At the end of the eight-race schedule, points will be added to determine the final position in the standings and crown the winners for the 2023 Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Canada. The Driver’s Championship winner will receive the opportunity to extend their driving skills in real life at a Porsche Track Experience program.
Race schedule:
Qualifying: February 1-15, 2023
March 9: Race #1: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, 8 PM ET
March 23: Race #2: Nürburgring Grand Prix – Strecke BES/WEC, 8 PM ET
March 30: Race #3: Sebring International Raceway, 8 PM ET
April 13: Race #4: Red Bull Ring Grand Prix, 8 PM ET
April 20: Race #5: Circuit de Spa Francorchamps, 8 PM ET
May 4: Race #6: Road America, 8 PM ET
May 11: Race #7: Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos), 8 PM ET
May 22: Race #8: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, 8 PM ET
Visit https://www.iracing.com/pescc for full series details as well as to learn how to qualify.