From simulators to real racing – that’s the ultimate prize on offer at the first ever e-Sports Endurance Race organised by Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in collaboration with RaceRoom. This bold initiative is in conjunction with the upcoming Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS), which enters its final round for its 2017/2018 season this weekend in Sepang.
Winners of the simulator challenge, which will commence with the qualifying round on 3rd February and actual race on Sunday, 4th February will win cash prize up to RM3,000.
Jointly organised with Race Room, the e-Sports Endurance race programme is part of a comprehensive approach to promote and create greater awareness amongst fans for the ALMS and to kick off SIC’s ‘Road to Malaysia Championship Series’ (MCS) talent scout programme.
Apart from the ALMS where SIC has an all-star Malaysian team through Afiq Ikhwan Zaidi, Jazeman Jaafar and Weiron Tan, SIC’s talent development programme also includes riders for participation in the CEV Spanish Championship, Asia Road Racing Championship, the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and drivers for the TCR Asia Series. With an aspiration to put a Malaysian in the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) one day, SIC organized a shoot-out of five top Malaysian drivers from MCS to select one to be put in the racing seat for the TCR Asia Series 2018.
“For the Asian Le Mans, with a total of 8 Malaysian drivers competing, we will be promoting the event in a big way this coming 3rd to 4th February. This is in line with our grand plan to have our very own all-Malaysian drivers’ team to compete in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, which we hope to accomplish next year.
“The plans have been boosted massively by the sensational victory by our Malaysian lads – Jazeman Jaafar, Weiron Tan and Afiq Ikhwan in their debut as a team at the last round in Buriram, Thailand for the LMP2 class. It provides the best launch pad for us to promote the ALMS as well as our MCS national championship,” said SIC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Razlan Razali.
For the Malaysia Championship Series, the e-Sports race will continue throughout the 5 rounds of the race with the ultimate prize; a seat in the MCS race. This is a great opportunity as the winner will be sponsored by SIC to race for a full season.
With a race format that emulates the actual LMP2 race, the e-Sports Endurance Race simulator challenge by RaceRoom provides fans of the simulator games to experience the real racing experience.
Raceroom is one of the world’s leading motorsport simulations providing real race cars and race tracks for an authentic racing experience. RaceRoom has a strong worldwide community of dedicated online users with numbers strongly growing each day here in Malaysia.
“I am excited about this partnership with Sepang International Circuit and the opportunity we offer together, using our RaceRoom concept. My vision comes true and the strong relationship with SIC as well with other real world racing championships will lead to a new way of scouting talents and providing racing experience to many more people who are going to participate in this championship. Real race drivers will meet sim racers and fans of motorsports in general will be able to challenge the Pro’s, will proof their skills and get a chance to start their racing career. I am looking forward to see the results of this new and innovative approach and want to thank all the partners who are committed to support this.” said Mr. Klaus Wohlfarth, Owner of KW automotive, Sector3 Studios and RaceRoom.
Qualifying round will be held on February 3, where the top 30 fastest drivers will form a team of three to compete in the actual race on February 4.
“What’s exciting is the e-Sports Endurance race will be held at the same time as the actual Asian Le Mans race which will start at 1.00pm. Fans can enjoy watching the race on track or the e-race at the paddock. We will see both actions at the pits with the drivers change,”
Apart from having the simulator championship, SIC will also enhance the spectators’ experience at the circuit by having various other activities to enjoy.
“We will put up a giant screen near the podium area at Paddock Building to cater for spectators at North Grandstand. This will allow fans to follow all the races.
“We are also working with car clubs to bring in their members for club gatherings at the event. We are collaborating with all the competing teams to adopt a school; and bring in the students to experience all the behind-the-scene happenings at the team’s pit garage and pit walk,” he said, adding that SIC will be offering exciting prizes to grab through our Facebook contests.
Tickets for the event are priced at RM 11.00 for Sunday and Free Entry for Saturday. SIC is also offering options, with just RM 106.00 for access to the Asian Le Mans paddock and another package of RM 265.00 for paddock hospitality which includes dining.
They can be purchased via on-line at www.sepangcircuit.com or calling TICKET HOTLINE at 03-87782222
Credits : Photos and content courtesy of Dorna WSBK Organization Srl