Photo: F3 Americas
Formula Regional Americas has set up an iRacing-based Esports series for its drivers to compete in while no on-track racing takes place due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The seven-round series will be open to F3R Americas drivers and series alumni as well as drivers of the club-based F3R Western championhip.
F3R Americas iRacing Invitational Championship will start at Road Atlanta on March 24, and broadcast on the championship’s Twitch and YouTube channels with commentary.
“Race drivers always want to be behind the wheel of a race car,” said series race director Scott Goodyear.
“With the current situation around the world with the coronavirus we know drivers will not be on the race track for quite some time, so drivers will do the next best thing and keep themselves tuned up by racing on a virtual race track.
“What a great way to have fun during the pause in our racing season, race for some great prizes and bragging rights leading into the race season.”
The prize fund for the series includes a set of Hanook tyres for the champion, and a free training programme for the runner-up. Each round will start with a 20-minute practice session, followed by a 15-minute qualifying session that sets the grid for the 35-minute race. The points system will be the same as used in F3R Americas, and will include one dropped score.
After Road Atlanta, the remaining six virtual race locations are Circuit of the Americas (March 31), Virginia International Raceway (April 7), Barber Motorsports Park (April 14), Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (April 21), Sebring (April 28) and a circuit of series fans’ choice that will be voted for on F3R Americas’ Instagram account (May 5).