2022 Esports Racing Calendar: Mark Your Dates!

Welcome to our quick guide to the 2022 esports racing calendar! If you’re wondering what the big esports racing events are looking like this year, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to break down some of the key series, championships, and highlighted races so you can get a good overview. Think of this as your practical rundown, helping you slot your favourite virtual motorsport into your schedule. No fluff, just the stuff that matters.

When we talk about esports racing, some names consistently pop up. These are the established leagues and championships that run throughout the year, offering consistent action and high-stakes competition. Staying on top of these is a great way to keep your finger on the pulse of the sim racing world.

Formula 1 Esports Series: The Pinnacle of Virtual Grand Prix Racing

This is, without a doubt, the official championship of the highest class of motorsport. It’s where real-world Formula 1 teams often get involved, fielding their own esports rosters. The format usually mirrors the real F1 season to some extent, with races taking place on a selection of the celebrated circuits.

What to Expect in 2022

The F1 Esports Series typically kicks off in the latter half of the year, often running through autumn and into early winter. The qualifiers are usually open to the public, giving aspiring sim racers a shot at making it to the professional level. The Pro Championship itself features draft events where teams select their drivers, and then a series of races across different tracks.

• Key Races: While the full schedule is released closer to the event, expect virtual versions of iconic tracks like Silverstone, Monza, and Spa-Francorchamps. The championship finale is always a major event, deciding the ultimate world champion.
• Teams Involved: Many real-world F1 teams, including established powerhouses, participate. This adds a layer of authenticity and provides a direct link to the sport’s biggest stars and rivalries.
• Player Skill: The level of competition here is extremely high. Drivers are not just good at sim racing; many have backgrounds in karting, junior formulas, or even professional esports careers in other titles.

iRacing World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series: Dirt Track Dominance

For those who prefer the raw, visceral action of dirt oval racing, the iRacing World of Outlaws series is a must-watch. iRacing is known for its incredibly realistic simulation, and when combined with the World of Outlaws sanctioning, you get some of the most intense virtual racing you can find.

The Gritty Reality of Dirt Oval

This series focuses on Late Model racing, a popular form of dirt track motorsport. The physics engine in iRacing is particularly praised for its handling of tire wear, track degradation, and the unpredictable nature of dirt. Expect a lot of side-by-side action, slide jobs, and the potential for dramatic crashes.

• Calendar Structure: This series typically runs for a significant portion of the year, often with weekly races that build towards a championship. The schedule usually includes famous dirt tracks that are renowned in the real-world racing scene.
• iRacing Platform: If you’re interested in following or even participating, you’ll need to be on the iRacing platform. It’s a subscription service, but it offers a deep and realistic simulation experience.
• Real-World Influence: While it’s esports, there’s a strong connection to the real World of Outlaws series, with many drivers often having ties to real-world dirt racing.

GT World Challenge Esports: The Resurgence of Sports Car Racing

The GT World Challenge is a prominent real-world sports car racing series, and its esports counterpart has also become a major player in the sim racing calendar. This series is all about the thrilling world of GT3 racing, featuring some of the most popular and recognizable sports cars.

Where Production Cars Go Racing

Expect to see manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, Porsche, and Mercedes-AMG battling it out on virtual tracks. The series often uses popular simulation platforms that accurately represent these machines and the circuits they race on.

• Series Variations: There are often different regional championships within the GT World Challenge Esports framework, such as the GT World Challenge Esports America and Europe. This means a more consistent stream of events throughout the year.
• Endurance and Sprint Formats: The series usually includes a mix of sprint races and longer endurance events, mirroring the real-world GT racing calendar. This adds variety to the racing and tests drivers’ stamina and strategy.
• Assetto Corsa Competizione: Many of these events are powered by Assetto Corsa Competizione, a simulator specifically built for GT3 racing. Its detailed physics and graphics make it a favorite for both drivers and viewers.

Standalone Big-Ticket Races: One-Off Spectacles

Beyond the recurring series, there are a number of major, standalone esports racing events that capture the attention of the sim racing community. These are often the races that generate the most hype and attention, with significant prize pools and prestigious titles on the line.

24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual: The Ultimate Endurance Test

The virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans is more than just a race; it’s an institution in esports racing. This event brings together professional drivers, sim racers, and even celebrities to tackle the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe in a grueling 24-hour endurance battle.

A True Test of Will and Skill

This race demands incredible focus, strategic tire and fuel management, and the ability to navigate traffic flawlessly for a full day and night. It’s a true test of driver endurance and team coordination.

• Event Timing: Typically held around the same time as the real-world 24 Hours of Le Mans, often in the summer months.
• Realistic Conditions: The race aims to replicate real-world conditions as closely as possible, including dynamic weather systems and day-night cycles.
• Team Formations: Teams are often comprised of a mix of pro racing drivers and dedicated sim racers, leading to fascinating dynamics and strategies. Expect elaborate pit stop strategies and driver rotations.

VCO Great 8: A Multi-Discipline Showdown

The VCO (Virtual Racing) organization is known for putting on high-quality esports events, and the VCO Great 8 is one of their flagship races. This event often brings together a diverse grid of drivers from various sim racing disciplines, making for unpredictable and exciting racing.

Variety is the Spice of Esports Racing

What makes the Great 8 stand out is its tendency to feature different cars and classes on a single track, or to cycle through different tracks and car types. This ensures a fresh experience for viewers and a significant challenge for drivers who need to adapt quickly.

• Focus on Quality: VCO events are generally characterized by excellent production values, making them a pleasure to watch.
• Driver Lineups: Expect a mix of familiar esports stars, real-world drivers who dabble in sim racing, and even some surprise guests.
• Competitive Atmosphere: While often less frequent than a full series, these standalone events tend to draw top talent eager to prove themselves on a bigger stage.

Other Notable One-Off Races and Events

Throughout the year, numerous other one-off races and special events pop up that are worth keeping an eye on. These can range from charity events to manufacturer-specific showcases.

Manufacturer Showcases and Community-Driven Events

Keep an eye out for events organized by specific car manufacturers or third-party sim racing communities. These can often offer unique racing challenges and a glimpse into niche areas of esports motorsport. For example, a virtual Porsche Carrera Cup event or a special rallycross championship might appear.

• Community Input: Many of these events are driven by the passion of sim racing communities, leading to creative formats and engaging content.
• Emerging Talent: These events can sometimes be platforms for new talent to shine and for existing stars to try out different racing disciplines.

Niche Series and Emerging Formats: Exploring Beyond the Mainstream

While the big names get a lot of attention, the esports racing scene is incredibly diverse. There are many excellent niche series and emerging formats that cater to specific interests and offer unique competitive environments. Exploring these can lead you to some of the most passionate and dedicated corners of the sim racing world.

Rallycross Esports: The Dirt and the Drama

If the controlled chaos of circuit racing isn’t your cup of tea, then virtual rallycross might be. This discipline combines elements of rally and circuit racing, with short, intense races on mixed-surface tracks.

Combining the Best of Both Worlds

Expect quick sprints, aggressive overtaking, and the signature “joker lap” that adds an extra strategic layer to each race. The physics required for realistic dirt and tarmac simulation are crucial here, making it a challenging yet rewarding spectacle.

• Platforms: Games like DiRT Rally 2.0 are often the go-to for authentic rallycross simulation, and competitive leagues have sprung up around them.
• Short, Sharp Action: Rallycross races are typically much shorter than traditional circuit races, making them easy to digest for viewers. This format often results in a lot of action packed into a small timeframe.
• Driver Skill: Success in rallycross requires incredible car control, adaptability to changing surfaces, and precise timing.

Truck Racing Esports: Roaring Giants on Track

For something a bit different, virtual truck racing offers a unique brand of motorsport. These massive machines, while slower than their car counterparts, are incredibly powerful and require a completely different driving style.

The Art of Taming the Beast

Watching these behemoths lumber around a circuit, with their drivers employing incredible precision to navigate tight corners and manage their weight, is surprisingly captivating. The close-quarters racing and the sheer spectacle of it all can be addictive.

• Specific Simulators: Certain simulators are better equipped to handle the physics of heavy vehicles. Look for events held on platforms that excel in this area.
• Demanding Technique: Truck racing requires a delicate balance of power and finesse. Drivers need to master braking points, throttle control, and understanding how momentum affects these large vehicles.
• Dedicated Communities: The truck racing esports community is often very passionate and dedicated, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and competition within its ranks.

Karting Esports: The Foundation of Racing

Before cars, there were karts. Esports karting leagues offer a pure racing experience, focusing on fundamental driving skills without the complexities of larger vehicles. Many professional racing drivers credit karting as the bedrock of their careers.

From Go-Karts to Grand Prix

Virtual karting provides a fantastic entry point into sim racing and is a great way to hone your skills. Races are usually short, fast, and intensely competitive, with a premium placed on clean racing and perfect apexes.

• Accessibility: Karting simulations are often less demanding on hardware than full-blown GT or F1 sims, making them accessible to a wider audience.
• Skill Development: Mastering a kart in a simulator translates directly to improved driving techniques in other racing disciplines. It’s all about finding the racing line, managing momentum, and executing overtakes efficiently.
• Community Focus: Many karting esports events are organized by communities, fostering a welcoming environment for new and experienced racers alike.

How to Stay Up-to-Date: Your Practical Guide

Knowing when and where to watch is half the battle. In the fast-paced world of esports, things can change, and new events can pop up. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss any of the action.

Official Series Websites and Social Media

The most reliable information will always come directly from the organizers of the major series.

• Formula 1 Esports: Keep an eye on the official F1 website and their dedicated esports sections. They’ll announce dates, drivers, and broadcast details.
• iRacing: The iRacing website is your central hub for all things related to their official series, including the World of Outlaws. Schedules, results, and news are all posted there.
• GT World Challenge Esports: The SRO Motorsports Group website and their esports-specific channels are essential for tracking the GT WC Esports calendar.

Follow Your Favorite Teams and Drivers

Many professional esports racing teams and individual drivers have their own social media presences. Following them is a great way to get behind-the-scenes insights and immediate updates on upcoming races they are participating in.

Dedicated Esports News Outlets and Platforms

There are several websites and streaming platforms that specialize in esports and sim racing content.

• Major Streaming Platforms: Twitch and YouTube are the primary destinations for watching live esports racing. Many series and individual races are broadcast here. You can often find official channels or streams from dedicated sim racing content creators.
• Sim Racing News Websites: Websites like Traxion.gg, Motorsport Games, and others often cover the esports racing scene extensively. They will break down upcoming events, preview major races, and provide in-depth analysis.
• Community Forums and Discord Servers: The sim racing community is very active online. Joining forums or Discord servers dedicated to iRacing, Assetto Corsa, F1 Esports, or specific racing series can give you real-time updates and discussions about upcoming events.

Set Reminders and Calendar Alerts

Once you find out about an event, don’t just rely on remembering it. Use your phone’s calendar or set specific reminders. Many event organizers also offer options to add events directly to your digital calendar.

Conclusion: Get Ready for a Thrilling Year of Virtual Motorsport

The 2022 esports racing calendar is packed with opportunities to get your fix of competitive virtual motorsport. Whether you’re drawn to the high-octane drama of Formula 1, the gritty intensity of dirt oval racing, the sleek lines of GT sports cars, or the unique challenges of rallycross and endurance events, there’s something for everyone. By staying connected with the official channels, following your favorite teams and drivers, and utilizing dedicated esports news sources, you can ensure you don’t miss a single moment of what promises to be an incredibly exciting year on track. So, dive in, explore, and get ready to cheer on your favorite virtual racers!

FAQs

What is an esports racing calendar?

An esports racing calendar is a schedule of virtual racing events that are organized and hosted by various esports organizations and racing leagues. These events typically feature professional esports racers competing in simulated racing games.

What types of racing events are included in an esports racing calendar?

An esports racing calendar may include a variety of racing events, such as Formula 1, NASCAR, GT racing, rallycross, and other popular racing series. These events are simulated using racing video games and are broadcasted for viewers to watch online.

How can I access an esports racing calendar?

Esports racing calendars are often available on the official websites of esports organizations, racing leagues, and gaming platforms. Additionally, many esports racing events are streamed live on popular streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, allowing viewers to follow the schedule and watch the races.

Are there specific seasons or championships in esports racing calendars?

Yes, many esports racing calendars include specific seasons or championships that consist of multiple races held over a period of time. These seasons often culminate in a championship event where the top racers compete for the title.

What are some popular esports racing events included in the calendar?

Popular esports racing events included in the calendar may include the Formula 1 Esports Series, NASCAR iRacing Series, GT World Challenge Esports Championship, and various other virtual racing competitions organized by professional racing leagues and esports organizations.