Porsche launches global online race series

When your parents scolded you for sitting around playing video games like Ridge Racer, Grand Prix Legends or Gran Turismo, point them in the direction of the Porsche Esport Supercup.

Launched globally today, the new online motorsport championship, uses the iRacing game engine and is offering a total prize pool of $US100,000, or around $A140,000.

The idea of serious online motor racing championships are not new. The Gran Turismo Sport video game already has an FIA-sanctioned global series and the Nissan GT Academy takes it one step further, with video game champions previously being awarded a factory drive with Nissan.

While Porsche can lay claim to some of the world's most successful one-make race series, such as the Porsche Carrera Cup and Porsche GT3 Cup, the iconic German sports car brand is now getting into the ever-growing video gaming scene, with the 2019 Porsche Esports Supercup.

Not just any old cup, this series is a Supercup and is claimed to be world's first virtual one-make cup, which will see racers from around the globe duke it out across 10 races to see who comes out with the most championship points.

Thousands of erstwhile gamers will be whittled down to just 40 racers who successfully complete the global qualifying process, 20 of which have already been named.

The first official race of the Porsche Esport Supercup takes place on April 13 at a virtual version of the Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama, USA, and the final race will be held on September 28.

The race schedule includes famous international racetracks such as Spa-Francorchamps, the Silverstone GP circuit, Nurburgring, Monza and Laguna Seca Raceway.

Porsche Motorsport boss Fritz Enzinger said the ‘e-sports’ category will help expand the brand's reach to a wider cross-section of enthusiasts.

"By adding an esports racing competition to our established series of one-make cups, we are extending our footprint in the world of motorsport and allowing sim racers to join the global Porsche Motorsport family."

Based on the iRacing simulation game, which is known for its challenging, real-world physics engine, Porsche reckons the racing will be intense. All 10 final races will feature qualifying, sprint races and main races, and spectators can watch live on Twitch or YouTube. 

"Only sim racers with a very high skill level have made it through the qualifying process. We are going to witness some very tight races," said Marco Ujhasi, Manager Esports at Porsche Motorsport.