Brabham wins on BT62’S virtual debut

David Brabham guided the Brabham BT62 to its first ever virtual victory during the Britcar Endurance E-series at Spa last week.

With the real-life Britcar championship on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers held the series’ first Esports event with 2009 Le Mans 24 Hour winner Brabham, 2019 Renault Clio Cup UK runner-up Max Coates and W Series driver – and 2018 Britcar champion – Sarah Moore among the drivers taking part.

Using Assetto Corsa software, the

Brabham BT62 appeared for the first time in the virtual world, having made its real-life racing debut last November at the Into the Night race at Brands Hatch in the hands of Brabham and Will Powell.

And just like five months ago, when it took the top spot, it was the case again in the E-series event as Brabham finished ahead of Powell to make it a Brabham 1-2.

A repeat result appeared likely for the second race, but poleman Brabham disconnected prior to the start and was out of contention. There was further drama heading into Les Combes on the opening lap, as Powell dropped from first to third behind the BMW Z4 GT3S of Morgan

Short and Steve Burke.

Short, son of British GT stalwart Martin, continued to extend his lead to four seconds approaching the halfway point of the 30-minute race, but he too had connection problems, which promoted Powell into a lead he was not to lose.

Behind Powell, Britcar race winner Sam Neary finished second aboard a Mercedesamg GT3 to add to his third place in the opening race, while Team BRIT driver Bobby Trundley finished sixth overall and took the Class 3 spoils aboard a Cupra TCR.

Arguably the most thrilling battle from the event took place between Dave Farrow (Ginetta G55 GT4) and James Rainford (Cupra TCR) for Class 3 honours in the opening contest, with the duo trading places a number of times. Their battle came to an end when Farrow pitted at the midway point and Rainford came home a comfortable Class 3 winner.