Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Canada 2023

The fourth edition of Porsche Canada’s Esports Sprint Challenge series will take place in February and will offer simulation drivers the opportunity to compete and win electronically on the iRacing.com platform. Prizes will include the chance to drive a genuine Porsche on the circuit.

The first eight races will begin in March, following the February 1-15 qualifying period. Drivers will drive a virtual replica of the latest 911 GT3 Cup Car, based on the 992 generation of the classic sports car.

All Porsche Centres in Canada will participate this season, and a two-driver squad will represent each. This year, for the first time, the competitors will compete for the Constructors’ Championship crown in addition to the Drivers’ Championship.

Porsche partners participate again

This season, prominent Porsche partners will again participate in the virtual series. This is to raise awareness of the virtual cars and prize packages.

As Official Timing Partner and on each virtual race car’s front windshield and rear wing, TAG Heuer emblems will be displayed during the race broadcasts. In addition, winners will receive TAG Heuer Connected watches.

All license plates on the sides of racing cars will feature the Bose logo. The pilots placing third or higher in the Constructors’ Championship and fifth or higher in the Drivers’ Championship will each receive a pair of high-end Bose headphones.

John Cappella, president and CEO of Porsche Cars Canada said:

“The Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Canada aptly brings Porsche one-make racing to the digital realm for enthusiasts of all ages to engage in motorsport from the comfort of their homes. We are especially delighted to have the Porsche Centre Teams competing this season, heightening the on-track enthusiasm. I am looking forward to seeing even more fans join the live streams to cheer for their favourite team and driver.”

Event overview

According to the official event blog, the format used will be as follows:

• 21 Porsche Centre Teams with two drivers will compete in the 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup car for both the Constructor’s and Driver’s Championships.
• Eight venues: World-renowned racetracks Sebring International Raceway, Road America, and Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos) are new to the series this year; both Canadian venues (Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) remain and bookend the race schedule once again
• The full eight-race schedule will be live-streamed on the Porsche Twitch channel

Points will be tallied at the end of the eight races to establish the final standings. This determines who will win the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Canada 2023.

The winner of the Drivers’ Championship will have the opportunity to develop their real-world driving skills in a Porsche Track Experience program.

Official schedule

• Qualifying: February 1-15, 2023
• March 9: Race #1: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, 8 PM ET
• March 23: Race #2: Nürburgring Grand Prix – Strecke BES/WEC, 8 PM ET
• March 30: Race #3: Sebring International Raceway, 8 PM ET
• April 13: Race #4: Red Bull Ring Grand Prix, 8 PM ET
• April 20: Race #5: Circuit de Spa Francorchamps, 8 PM ET
• May 4: Race #6: Road America, 8 PM ET
• May 11: Race #7: Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos), 8 PM ET
• May 22: Race #8: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, 8 PM ET

There is no doubt that we are all looking forward to the start of this new season. Many drivers want to lift the crown and, above all, to drive a genuine Porsche on a real track.

Header: Porsche Esports