Let’s be honest. Even if you’re the best sim racer in the world, nothing will quite live up to driving the real deal. So, ERacing GP South East Asia (ERGP SEA) is out to bridge the gap by putting whoever wins their ‘Global Edition: Asia Pacific Championship’ into a real single-seater.
The 6-round series pits real-world Pro Drivers against the best Sim Racers around the region on the RaceRoom virtual platform. It kicked off on the 28th of March and runs events on consecutive weekends until a champion is crowned. While the GT4 AM Class’ prize pool is ‘only’ limited to Axle Academy racing lessons and merchandise, whoever wins the GT3 Pro Class title gets to live out their dream of becoming a real race car driver for a day.
Now confirmed by series organizer Alex Yoong, he (or she) earns a 1-day test onboard an Asian Formula Renault (AFR) single-seater with top regional team, BlackArts Racing.
This includes several on-track sessions, complete with data logging and professional instructors. Obviously, the test can only happen once the COVID-19 pandemic is over. But when it does, it’ll take place at either the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia or Ningbo International Circuit in China, whichever is available.
As a surprise bonus, ERGP SEA is sending another lucky soul along for the test. They’re picking the best young driver from the championship (aged 16 to 20 years old) who will also get the full package from BlackArts Racing.
“With the success of last year’s championship we always planned to do more online racing and the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to adapt quickly. We have been really pleased with the quality of drivers signing up as they recognize our platform as being a quality one. Let’s also not forget out tagline of #virtualtoreality in that we try to realize the dreams of our competitors in getting them into real race cars one day,” said Axle Motorsport founder Alex Yoong.
But don’t discount the series’ real-world Pro Drivers who are also vying for the same prize. Because to them, the 1-day test is valuable track time that helps these racers prepare for the upcoming season.
Watch ERacing GP SEA’s ‘Global Edition: Asia Pacific Championship’ streamed live on YouTube every Saturday. GT4 Am Class races will get the green light at 3:00 PM (GMT+8), followed by the GT3 Pro Class at 5:00 PM, and the Pro Class Finals at 7:00 PM.
[Photo courtesy of BlackArts Racing]
