IMSA Esports Global Championship 2023 Revs Up for Virtual Sebring Showdown
IMSA Esports Global Championship 2023 heads to virtual Sebring for its thrilling third race this Sunday. Catch live action on IMSA and iRacing channels, showcasing top esports racing teams in an intense virtual showdown.
The world of esports racing is set for another thrilling event as the 2023 IMSA Esports Global Championship gears up for its third race at the virtual Sebring International Raceway this Sunday, Dec. 3. Fans of virtual racing can catch the action live on IMSA’s and iRacing’s YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch channels, with the pre-race "Countdown to Green" show starting at 1:45 p.m. ET. This marks the series' inaugural visit to the iconic track, adding a historic twist to the event.
At the halfway point of its second season, the IMSA Esports Global Championship is a stellar showcase of virtual motorsports. This collaboration between IMSA, iRacing, the Virtual Competition Organisation (VCO), and Michelin features 45 teams in a fierce battle across two classes – the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) and GT Daytona (GTD). Each team comprises two drivers, mirroring the format of the real-world IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Recapping the last race at Watkins Glen International, Team Redline emerged victorious in both GTP and GTD classes. The dynamic duo of Diogo Pinto and Chris Lulham in the No. 71 BMW M Team Redline car clinched the GTP class win, while their teammates Gianni Vecchio and Ole Steinbraten dominated the GTD class in the No. 170 Ferrari. These victories have propelled both Team Redline entries to the top of their class points standings.
The virtual Sebring event will see a full grid of 45 teams, with 20 in the GTP class and 25 in the GTD class, including the first GTD wildcard team, Lys Esports. This follows the inclusion of GTP wildcards Nitro Circus at Road Atlanta and Texaco Racing by TK at Watkins Glen.
As the 2023 IMSA Esports Global Championship heads towards its climax, only two races remain, including the season finale on Dec. 16 at the virtual Daytona International Speedway. Each event promises two hours and 40 minutes of intense racing, starting at 19:00 GMT (2 p.m. ET).
Reflecting on its inaugural season in 2022, the IMSA Esports Global Championship drew some of the world's top sim racers and teams. Last season's GTD championship was won by the No. 98 Apex Racing Team Porsche, while the TCR championship went to the No. 176 SimRC Hyundai.
As for Sebring International Raceway, this 3.74-mile, 17-turn track in Sebring, Fla., is known for its challenging bumps and has been a racing staple since 1950. It's also home to the WeatherTech Championship’s Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
With the IMSA Esports Global Championship 2023 heading to virtual Sebring, fans and participants alike are eagerly anticipating another round of electrifying virtual races. This event is not just a celebration of esports racing but also a testament to the evolving landscape of motorsports in the digital age.
