Two fanbases merge
MOTORSPORTS: PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS CLASH WITH GAMERS ONLINE
More than 0.75 million spectators enjoyed the latest in Solidarity e-Race series.
Online gaming, although not a new concept, has powered its way to popularity, thanks to the lockdowns in many countries. South African motorsports fans haven’t been left behind, with the likes of the Seagate Gaming Solidarity e-Race Series giving expert gamers, professional drivers, amateur club aces and even spectators a competitive fix.
Sure, there is no substitute for the sight, sound, smell, speed and adrenalin associated with the real thing, but simulators have shown these are not alternatives, but offer a symbiotic relationship with real racing.
Entries for the third version of the Solidarity e-Race round, which took place at the fabled Nürburgring Nordschleife, pitted novices against professionals of both the digital and real-life world, with enough entries to make for a full week of qualifiers, quarter and semifinals, as well as a plate and grand final.
Pulling drivers from both facets meant there was also a diverse mix of spectators – some have never been to a physical circuit and others had to get their kids to help them log in.
General public motorsports awareness grew in leaps and bounds throughout May with more than a million impressions logged by organisers on social media, with a reach of 787 172 people. Some 154 644 people watched the video material and 75 078 engaged online.
As a result, simulation racing drivers are now being talked about by the traditional race fans and vice versa, and this increased interaction between the disciplines could result in more fans at future live events. Sponsors have seen the upsweep in motorsports interest and indicated that when the tracks reopen, they’ll keep supporting both disciplines in this cross-pollination.
The relatively low cost of entry to the simulation racing world is exciting for motorsports and will open the doors of opportunity. The next South African racing superstar might not have to set foot on a track. Ever.
The Seagate Solidarity e-Race series, which raises money for the Solidarity Fund to help South Africans in the current difficult times, is more than just a bit of lockdown relief.
With the support from Seagate Gaming, Afrihost, Data Sciences, Pure Storage, NEC and True Race, well over R70 000 worth of prizes were handed out during Version 3.
The recent event also saw the introduction of a motorsports commentator search, where Kyle Lawrence and George Smith rose to the top of the list.
Furthermore, Volkswagen Motorsport Academy got involved by rewarding youngster Arno Visagie (the best-placed sim racer) with a spot on its 2021 programme, where all aspects of competition driving are taught and fine-tuned.
As the saying goes, one hand washes the other and the tie-up between virtual and real racing looks to be no different.
More than R70 000 worth of prizes handed out
For more information visit or follow Solidarity e-Race Facebook and YouTube pages