If you’re looking for something to entertain and bring cheer to you in January, when the days are short and the skies are not always so blue, then the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual is the event for you!

Echoing its real-world big brother, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s biggest esports event of its kind will be held online on 15/16th January. The star-filled grid of 50 cars, split between LMP prototypes and GTE cars, will be piloted by 200 elite drivers from both real world and sim racing competing together, but on different simulators situated on all four points of the globe.

FIA World Endurance Championship Race Director Eduardo Freitas will be keeping his experienced eye and steady (virtual) hand on the competitors to ensure that all runs smoothly on track for the 24 hours of racing. Race Control – together with the award-winning technical and organisation team from Le Mans Virtual Series – will be on site at Studio Gabriel in Paris for the event.

Bringing the whole event to you from Paris will be the topflight WEC TV production team who were involved in the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual in June 2020.  A special broadcast TV programme will be aired on linear channels around the world, featuring all the action, VIP guests in the studio and many more being interviewed from their homes around the world, and social media interaction from fans everywhere.

So, don’t miss a minute and make a note in your diary…2pm CET on Saturday, 15th January for the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual.

 

For further media information contact Fiona Miller, Miller Media & Communications, on +44 7770 371332 or miller.media10@btinternet.com

About Le Mans Virtual Series

Le Mans Virtual Series is a global, elite esports series made up of 5 rounds which bring together endurance racing and sim racing’s top teams to compete on some of the world’s most famous racetracks. International FIA-licensed real-world drivers are teamed up with leading esports protagonists to take on endurance classics for a total prize fund of US$250,000, culminating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual which will take place live and televised at the Autosport Show International in Birmingham, UK. The Le Mans Virtual Series is a joint venture between leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, Motorsport Games, and ACO-the creator and organizer of the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and promoter of the FIA WEC. www.lemansvirtual.com

Round 1   4 Hours of Monza, Italy                              September 25, 2021                                   Online only

Round 2   6 Hours of Spa, Belgium                             October 16, 2021                                        Online only

Round 3   8 Hours of Nürburgring, Germany           November 13, 2021                                    Online only

Round 4   4 Hours of Sebring, USA                             December 18, 2021                                    Online only

Round 5   24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual                     January 15/16, 2022                                   Online only

About Motorsport Games

Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com

Save the date and get ready to follow the grand finale of the 2021/22 Le Mans Virtual Series, the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual.  The biggest esports event in endurance racing will take place online on 15/16th January 2022, and the official poster has today been revealed.  More info to come so stay tuned!

For further media information contact Fiona Miller, Miller Media & Communications, on +44 7770 371332 or miller.media10@btinternet.com

www.lemansvirtual.com

 

About Le Mans Virtual Series

Le Mans Virtual Series is a global, elite esports series made up of 5 rounds which bring together endurance racing and sim racing’s top teams to compete on some of the world’s most famous racetracks. International FIA-licensed real-world drivers are teamed up with leading esports protagonists to take on endurance classics for a total prize fund of US$250,000, culminating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual which will take place live and televised at the Autosport Show International in Birmingham, UK. The Le Mans Virtual Series is a joint venture between leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, Motorsport Games, and ACO-the creator and organizer of the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and promoter of the FIA WEC. www.lemansvirtual.com

Round 1   4 Hours of Monza, Italy                              September 25, 2021                                   Online only

Round 2   6 Hours of Spa, Belgium                             October 16, 2021                                        Online only

Round 3   8 Hours of Nürburgring, Germany           November 13, 2021                                    Online only

Round 4   4 Hours of Sebring, USA                             December 18, 2021                                    Online only

Round 5   24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual                     January 15/16, 2022                                   Online only

About Motorsport Games  

Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com

The 500 Miles of Sebring, the fourth and penultimate round in the 2021-2022 Le Mans Virtual Series, came to a pulse-racing conclusion as #1 Rebellion GPX Esports and Augustin Canapino, Nikodem Wisniewski and Kuba Brzeszinski topped the podium at the legendary Sebring International Raceway in Florida, United States. In second and third places were #8 R8G ESPORTS and #70 Realteam Hydrogen Redline.

Rudy van Buren, Kevin Siggy and Enzo Bonito from #71 BMW Team Redline took first place in the LMGTE category after an intriguing strategic battle with #91 Porsche Esports Team over the 6km / 3.7 mile long track.

The results mean an incredible finale awaits at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual on January 15/16. In the LMP2 Classification, the #4 Floyd ByKolles-Burst now leads the #123 Team Redline by just half a point, while Sebring winners #1 Rebellion GPX Esports now sit a mere four points off top. With so little between the top teams, the stage is set for a three-way winner-takes-all battle for championship honours at Le Mans.

Over in the LMGTE, the #28 BMW Team Redline has extended its championship lead to 77 points, with the #91 Porsche Esports Team further behind in second place with 65.5 points.

Yet with double points up for grabs at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in January – across both classifications – there is so much still to drive for going into the biggest virtual endurance racing event on January 15/16 for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

A gripping contest throughout on the infamously bump-filled layout, the event at Sebring featured:

  • A thrilling action-packed battle for the podium in LMP, with #1 Rebellion GPX Esports, #8 R8G Esports, #70 Realteam Hydrogen Redline and the #4 Floyd ByKolles-Burst clashing throughout the race.
  • Intense drama atop the championship rankings as the #123 Team Redline received a drive-through penalty and dropped down the standings for causing a collision with the #888 TESLA R8G Esports GTE, before mounting an impressive comeback.
  • A strategic masterclass in LMGTE, which saw #91 Porsche Esports Team slip through into an early lead above the championship-leading #71 BMW Team Redline M8, but an incredible pit stop strategy and a brilliant drive from Porsche’s Enzo Bonito created a tense battle that saw them top the podium.
  • Isaac Gillissen in the #49 YAS Heat recorded the fastest lap time at 1:45.341

After the race, Augustin Canapino from GPX Rebellion Williams said: “It was a great job from everyone on the team and I enjoyed every lap of the race. It was a great drive from Niko [Wisniewski] to finish so strongly and now  the car is in a really good position to fight for the championship in the final round.

Sebring presented the final challenge to teams and drivers before the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual race, which will be held entirely online on January 15/16, 2022.

Miami, FL – December 17, 2021 – The final Le Mans Virtual Series round of 2021, the 500 Miles of Sebring, takes place tomorrow (Saturday, December 18) on the legendary and historic Sebring International Raceway (FL) track layout. The approximately four hours of racing will provide a last opportunity for teams to pit their strategic wits and for drivers to display their skill, experience, and knowledge prior to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual final that will be held entirely online in January. This race may yet prove to be one of the most challenging to date for the competitors.

The fourth of five rounds for the 2021-22 season will see 114 pro and sim race drivers pilot the 38 prototype and GTE entries (entry list HERE) on the former airfield, one of the oldest continuously-operated tracks in the United States. Its 17 corners are punctuated by long straights and a mix of high-speed and very technical slower corners. The bumps are the one thing that stands out at Sebring, being the feature which is mentioned by every single driver who has competed there. The aging asphalt and concrete sections of the circuit make for a highly challenging and entertaining lap and every driver should heed Sebring Raceway’s own catch phrase, “Respect the bumps.”

The live broadcast will feature lead commentary by the voice of the FIA World Endurance Championship, Martin Haven, together with Chris McCarthy and Lewis McGlade. Coverage will begin at 7:30 am EDT (12:30 pm GMT / 13:30 CET) with the race beginning 30 minutes later. Full details of how to follow and when to tune into the broadcast for all the action is detailed in the visual above and information below.

Leading the battle among the 21 prototype entries will be LMP championship points leaders, the No. 123 Team Redline, with Spa and Nürburgring winners Felix Rosenqvist (former F1 driver and current INDYCAR star) and Bono Huis (2021 rFactor2 Formula Pro Series champion ) being re-joined for this round by the extremely competent Atze Kerkhof. Just 3.5 points behind them in second is the No. 4 Floyd ByKolles Burst entry of Tom Dillmann, Jesper Pedersen and Jernej Simončič, one of the most consistent lineups all season. All entrants will be aiming for a strong result in the Sebring event to consolidate their positions ahead of the double points-paying, and potential prize-fund-winning, final round in January.

Of the five manufacturers (Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Corvette and Aston Martin) entered in the GTE category, it was the No. 888 BMW M8 GTE of the TESLA R8G Esports team which scooped the winner’s points for the last round, their first of the season. The battle for championship honors is as tight in this class as it is in the LMP category. The No. 71 BMW Team Redline BMW M8 GTE entry leads the way with a 4.5 point lead over the No. 91 Porsche Esports Team 911 RSR GTE, with both teams fielding an unchanged driver line up.

The Le Mans Virtual Series brings together top-level, real-life drivers, such as Alex Palou, Stoffel Vandoorne, Sake Karam and Louis Deletraz, and some of the world’s best sim racers to compete together in five endurance races of between 4 and 24 hours in duration and concludes with the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual which will take place in January 2022. This event will now be held online only in response to the ongoing Covid-19 variants and the Government’s recent directives related to the Omicron variant, as well as tightened international travel restrictions throughout Europe related to the Omicron variant, which has led to the cancellation of most teams’ and partners’ plans to attend the event in person.

Here’s when you can follow the races, live and uninterrupted:

 

Friday, Dec 17: (all times EDT)

1:00 PM              Qualifying show live (not available on WEC or 24 Heures du Mans channels)

1:10 – 1:30 PM  Qualifying GTE

1:40 – 2:00 PM  Qualifying LMP

 

Saturday, Dec 18:

4:00 – 6:00 AM Warm up

7:30 AM              Le Mans Virtual Series show live

8:00 AM             500 Miles of Sebring – RACE

 

About Le Mans Virtual Series

Le Mans Virtual Series is a global, elite esports series made up of five rounds which bring together endurance racing and sim racing’ top teams to compete on some of the world’s most famous racetracks. International FIA-licensed real-world drivers are teamed up with leading esports protagonists to take on endurance classics for a total prize fund of US $250,000, culminating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual which will take place entirely online. The Le Mans Virtual Series is a joint venture between leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, Motorsport Games, and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) – the creator and organizer of the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). www.lemansvirtual.com

 

Round 1     4 Hours of Monza, Italy                         September 25, 2021                     Online only

Round 2     6 Hours of Spa, Belgium                       October 16, 2021                           Online only

Round 3     8 Hours of Nürburgring, Germany      November 13, 2021                      Online only

Round 4     6 Hours of Sebring, USA                        December 18, 2021                       Online only

Round 5     24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual               January 15/16, 2022              Online only

 

About Motorsport Games  

Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com

 

Forward-Looking Statements:    

Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the expected future impact of new or planned products, features, offerings or events, including, without limitation the Le Mans Virtual Series events, and the timing of launching such products, features, offerings or events. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to difficulties, delays in or unanticipated events that may impact the timing and scope of new product launches, such as due to delays and higher than anticipated expenses related to the ongoing and prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the SEC, which may be found at www.sec.gov and at ir.motorsportgames.com, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2021, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

 

Website and Social Media Disclosure:

Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on these websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):

 

Websites Social Media
motorsportgames.com Twitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
traxion.gg Instagram: msportgames & traxiongg
motorsport.com Facebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
Twitch: traxiongg
Reddit: traxiongg

 

The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

 

Investors:

Ashley DeSimone

Ashley.Desimone@icrinc.com

 

US Press:

ASTRSK PR

motorsportgames@astrskpr.com

 

EU / UK Press:

Swipe Right PR

motorsport@swipterightpr.com

The fourth round of the Le Mans Virtual Series is right around the corner, and it is not only the final endurance race of 2021 but also the last opportunity for teams to compete together before the season finale in January, the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual.  With that in mind, the 38-strong entry list revealed today for the 500 Miles of Sebring (approximately 4 hours) on Saturday, December 18 features fearsomely strong line ups and star names up and down the grid.

Sebring International Raceway in central Florida, is one of the oldest continuously-operating tracks in the United States. It has a flavour and history all its own and this former airfield is a real physical and mental challenge for any driver. The track is 3.74 miles (6.02 km) long, and its 17 corners are punctuated by long straights, several high-speed corners, and very technical slower corners. However,  the one thing that stands out at Sebring, and the feature which is mentioned more by every single driver who has competed there, is the bumps!  The aging asphalt and concrete sections of the circuit make for a highly challenging and entertaining lap and every driver should heed Sebring Raceway’s own phrase, “Respect the bumps”.

Leading the battle among the 21 prototype entries will be LMP championship points leaders, the No.123 Team Redline, with Spa and Nürburgring winners Felix Rosenqvist and Bono Huis being re-joined for this round by Atze Kerkhof.  All cars in this category are ORECA 07 LMP2 models. Just 3.5 points behind them in second is the No.4 Floyd ByKolles Burst entry of Tom Dillmann, Jesper Pedersen and Jernej Simončič, one of the most consistent line ups all season.  Amongst the new, pro Prototype drivers for the North American round is Agustin Canapino, replacing Louis Deletraz in the No.1 Rebellion GPX Esports, and GT World Challenge racer Arthur Rougier (No.18 R8G Sports).  All entrants will be aiming for a strong result here to consolidate their positions ahead of the double points-paying final round in January.

Of the five manufacturers (Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Corvette and Aston Martin) entered in the GTE category, it was the No.888 BMW M8 GTE of the TESLA R8G Esports team which scooped the winner’s points for the last round, their first of the season.  Australian Scott Andrews, who had an incredibly busy 2021 season racing  on both sides of the Atlantic, replaces Alex Smolyar for this round.

The battle for championship honours is as tight in this class as it is in the LMP category.  The No.71 BMW Team Redline BMW M8 GTE entry leads the way with a 4.5 point lead over the No. 91 Porsche Esports Team 911 RSR GTE, both teams fielding an unchanged driver line up.

After a frustrating Nürburgring round, with technical issues forcing organizers to call a premature halt to the race, extensive tests have been carried out and the server problem identified and resolved.  The hours spent racing this coming Saturday will serve as valuable training for the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual.

The Le Mans Virtual Series brings together top level real life drivers and some of the world’s best sim racers to compete together in five endurance races of between four and 24 hours in duration and concludes with the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual in January 2022.

For more details on the championship, the teams and events go to www.lemansvirtual.com.

For further media information contact Fiona Miller, Miller Media & Communications, on +44 7770 371332 or miller.media10@btinternet.com

About Le Mans Virtual Series

Le Mans Virtual Series is a global, elite esports series made up of five rounds which bring together endurance racing and sim racing’ top teams to compete on some of the world’s most famous racetracks. International FIA-licensed real-world drivers are teamed up with leading esports protagonists to take on endurance classics for a total prize fund of US$250,000, culminating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual which will take place live and televised at the Autosport Show International at the Birmingham NEC (UK). The Le Mans Virtual Series is a joint venture between leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, Motorsport Games, and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) – the creator and organizer of the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). www.lemansvirtual.com

About Motorsport Games

Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com

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