Weekend Lowdown 16th – 19th Feb 2024
Hey, guess what? It’s our Birthday weekend!
Not only that, this weekend we turn 10 years old. That’s 10 years of broadcasts, live events, bloopers and occasionally getting into trouble (Most of which has been caused by me). This weekend we’ve got a load of racing action for you, including a special broadcast replicating our first ever race broadcast that took place on the 17th February 2014.
Don’t forget that you can check out our upcoming events list at the following URL (Or by visiting the Upcoming Events link from the main menu). If you would like your event added to the list, then now you can! Community submitted events are now a thing, and you can submit events at the following link. Please remember to follow the rules, as after all, what is life without a little regulation… Eh? You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter by dropping your email below.
Thursday 15th February.
We start this bumper weekend with Bohlin’s Svenska Eracingligan on iRacing. Translated, that means Bohlin’s Sweedish iRacing Eracing League, or something similar. Here, some of Sweeden’s best Sim Racers compete, this time on the tricky triangle of Pocono.
Depending on where you are in the world, this will either be Thursday Night or Friday Morning. Regardless, we have the first of our Precision Racing League action for the weekend, as the PRL Formula D series heads to Okayama for Round 7 of the championship. If nothing else, it’s a chance for commentators to talk about Japanese track grip levels whilst also talking about awesome open wheel action.
Friday 16th February
The NGK & NTK Esports cup is back for another round, this time taking on the Hockenheimring. Although the old layout is sadly now just a forest and some disused bits of tarmac, the new track is still a challenge, especially in this series where drafting and momentum are key factors.
The championship lead changed hands after a miserable event for Vince Peeters, meaning that Alexander Thiebe now rules the roost, albeit by only 6 points. Plenty can happen as drivers battle for a place in the final and a litany of prizes.
Next up, we have the IMSA iRacing Series, entering Round 10 at Motorland Aragon. This 18 corner racetrack is generally fast and flowing, but there are a couple of sections could bring headaches in a multi-class race; The section around Turns 8 – 10 and the final couple of corners stand out in particular, and can prove a massive headache for those battling for divisional & class iRacing championships this season.
Saturday 17th February
It’s our birthday! But before we can get to eating cake and general merriment, we have the IVRA Endurance Series, running 1000KM at Interlagos. With three car classes and a stacked field, this will be something to keep on all Saturday afternoon as we bring you wall to wall coverage on RaceSpot TV.
You can view the entry list for the series at this link, and then view the current standings heading into the event.
Next up, did someone mention the fact that it’s our Birthday? We’re heading to Iowa Speedway, and pitting 26(ish) IndyCar drivers in a 230 lap event, to replicate our first ever broadcast, which took place at the same track as part of the then 16th Street Racing League. We will use the broadcast to reminisce about some memories, and of course bring you racing action from a car that is almost synonymous with RaceSpot by this point. The Dallara IndyCar.
To get you prepared, here’s a look at a portion of our first broadcast. Yes, due to various reasons, it really was that bad.
Sunday 18th February
Sunday = Porsche. Or at least it has been pretty much every weekend this year!
This time out, it’s the Porsche Esports Carrera Cup Deutschland, as we head over to Rennsport and Orchard Road.
Orchard Road is the first community-featured street circuit in the game, and it’s sure to provide an exciting and challenging racing experience for those participating in the series. This iconic Singaport streetscape is known for its luxury boutiques, towering skyscrapers, and bustling crowds. But now, it plays host to one of the most exciting series in competitive Esports at the moment, and will be sure to be a high octane event.
The traditional Sunday Nightcap is the PRL NASCAR Cup Series, and oh, what a surprise, they are at the World Center of Racing at Daytona, just hours after the Daytona 500 (Great American Race) airs on FOX. Any race at Daytona is action packed, but with the PRL NASCAR Cup Series expect pack racing, side drafting, and a last lap photo finish, to just name a few possible points to note.
Monday 19th February
The World GT Championship is back for another round at Mugello, brought to you by WSR and sponsored by FreeM & Simutec. World Sim Racing is an approved Company and Community of Motorsport UK. Their Motorsport UK Esports hub gives great advice on how to get started in Sim Racing as well as directing you to established communities and companies.
And finally, we wrap up the weekend (Which now seems to be 5 days!) with the IndyCar Open Series, as they take to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, in Montreal, Canada. This track is simple to remember: Mind the wall of champions, be careful through the chicanes, and don’t overshoot at the hairpin. The rest is just elementary if you know your racing. Right?
Expect some close racing through Sector 3 as different downforce packages and P2P come into play, then a game of chicken, waiting to pounce if the driver in front (Or in front of them) makes a mistake through Sector 1. Turn 5 in particular can be notorious for those looking to end their race as there’s nothing between the edge of the track and a hard concrete wall, and even worse, there’s nowhere for the car to safely pull over and get out of the way. If you want a point of chaos, this is it.
Once again, don’t forget that you can check out our upcoming events list at the following URL (Or by visiting the Upcoming Events link from the main menu), and you can submit events at the following link. If you would like to be included in upcoming Weekend Lowdown articles, please email me at vt.topsecar@liW.
Until next time. Enjoy the racing!
[Cover Image H/T Overtake.GG]