Author: pitman

Last Sunday, margar and me (pitman) had the pleasure of attending the SimRacing Expo in Dortmund, and it was nothing short of an exciting day.

Short after we met up with Heusinkveld as well. Linda told us news about their latest developments. For example their Sequential Shifter and their Rest Pedal. Unfortunately Remco wasn´t in Dortmund. Would have been a pleasure to meet him again. So I take a chance to greet him via this article!

The Expo was buzzing with energy, and we got to check out some of the latest hardware releases from Sim Racing giants like Simucube, Thrustmaster, Logitech, and Fanatec.

• Simucube showed of their new Active Pedals, which are stunning but still expensive 😉
• Thrustmaster promoted it´s new T598 - Direct Axial Drive, which felt little weak (might have been the settings) but surprisingly smooth and reactive.
• Logitech showed the whole range of its Sim Racing products on a large booth.
• Fanatec also had a massive presence at the Expo, and while their stand was impressive, it felt like business as usual despite some of the problematic noise surrounding them lately.

As we explored the event, we stumbled upon a few standout innovations from smaller brands that really caught our attention.

A particularly special moment for us was when our former THR driver, Alessandro Bezzi, recognized us and invited us to visit the booth of the company he is working for, Racing Unleashed. Their racing cockpits were simply stunning, and it was great to catch up with him and get so many insights about the factory and the development of the cockpits.
Oh and it was also nice to hear, that he has great memories about the time he was active in THR.

We had the opportunity to test Assetto Corsa Evo, and while our first impressions were positive, there remains uncertainty about the type of modding support – a crucial factor for THR's future use of the sim.

As the day came to an end and we made our way out of the Expo hall, we were struck by how quiet it suddenly was. After spending hours in the noisy and busy hall, the silence was remarkable.

All in all, it was an amazing day at the SimRacing Expo. So amazing that I was to focused on talking, testing and experiencing it that I forgot to make a lot more photos. I promise that I will be better next year.

We can’t wait to dive deeper into the tech and experiences we discovered. Stay tuned for more updates, especially my review of the Crystal Light headset!

Rookies of THR, we have heard you!

The Clio Rookie Trophy is a new format that is focused mainly on Rookie drivers with very low experience in close online racing.

As these cars are relatively low-powered, they're well-suited for practicing close racing, and practicing this means that it will be a learning experience for many. The fundamental community rules apply here as well, but everyone is aware that most drivers in this field are here to learn and practice the basics of fair and fun online racing. We are well-aware that learning means that where wood is chopped, splinters may fall. Don't be too hard on each other if you get into an accident, and learn from it together.

As a support series to the TTM, the Clio Rookie Trophy races in the same weeks and on the same tracks, but on Friday evenings.

Registration
Looping Practice & Friday Race Server for Registered Drivers

Last weekend was truly one for the books as five members of the THR Orga team (pitman, margar, Florian, Valentin, and Kristian) set off for an unforgettable first Real Life Meeting.

Our destination was the legendary Assen circuit, where we had the incredible opportunity to meet up with two icons in the sim racing world: Remco from Heusinkveld and the modding legend Bazza.

We spent the entire weekend with Remco and Bazza, and it was a blast from start to finish. The highlight was undoubtedly visiting the Assen GP Classic, a paradise for any motorsport enthusiast. We were surrounded by an array of stunning racing cars from different eras, and it was a real treat to walk through the paddock, discussing the unique histories and details of each car.

On the track, we witnessed some fantastic racing action, including 60s Legend cars that we regularly race in THR, and some iconic Formula One cars like the Benetton Ford B192 and the Lotus 72, famously driven by Emerson Fittipaldi. The sight, the sounds, and the sheer thrill of seeing these machines in action left us all in awe.

In addition to the races, Remco gave us an exclusive invitation to visit the Heusinkveld factory. For those unfamiliar, Heusinkveld is a manufacturer of top-quality pedal sets for sim racing, used by sim racers worldwide - including former Formula One drivers who trust them in their rigs. The factory visit provided us with a phenomenal insight into the innovation, precision, and customer care that are the hallmarks of Heusinkveld's operation. Seeing the process behind the creation of these pedals was eye-opening, and it deepened our appreciation for the brilliance behind this brand.

The weekend wasn't just about spectating; it was also about deepening our connections. In the evenings, we met up for dinner and spent hours talking about our shared passion: sim racing. Bazza, for example, shared some exciting insights into the mods and updates he has in mind for the future. It was great to get this behind-the-scenes look into his creative process. We even got the chance to test out Remco's and Bazza's rigs. Let me tell you, they are phenomenal! The rigs offered an immersive and exhilarating experience. And on top of that, we were privileged to take a seat in Remco's self-built Tyrrell P34 chassis. It's crazy how cramped these cars were. And what's even crazier is how fantastically Remco has made and assembled all the parts by hand.

We also used the time together to talk about our future plans for THR. During these three days, we came up with some great ideas to keep you (our drivers) on the track, and we're excited to share more in the upcoming months.

One of the highlights of the trip was going karting together. Racing alongside like-minded guys who share the same passion for motorsport and sim racing was an incredible experience that we won't forget any time soon.

A bit of background for those who might not know: Bazza created the GPL 1967 mod in 2018, and because pitman wanted to race these cars online regularly, he founded THR in December of the same year. Remco was one of our first members, and we share some great memories of racing together - like the time we entered the bankings at Monza three-wide, with only these three cars on track. He still has a pic of this situation on his Desktop.

As written, this trip marked our first real-life meeting of the THR Orga team, and it was beyond special to share it with Remco and Bazza. It was an incredible weekend filled with sim racing, real-life racing action, and unforgettable moments among friends who share a deep passion for simracing.

The only downside? This weekend will be tough to top! Perhaps it was our first and last real-life meeting, but if that's the case, it was certainly one to remember.

A big thank you to our friends in the Netherlands - Remco and Bazza - for making this weekend so amazing. We’re already looking forward to the next adventure, whatever it might be!

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You got an invite from Mr. Chapman. It´s up to you, if you wanna take this opportunity.
https://thracing.de/lotus-25-cup/

RENAULT 5 TURBO CUP: A Season in Review

The RENAULT 5 TURBO CUP, hosted by the THR Simracing community, concluded with a tightly contested battle for the championship. The season comprised four race weekends at iconic French circuits: Ledenon, Mas Du Clos, Dijon-Prenois, and Charade. Each weekend featured two races, with a maximum of 80 points available per event.

Season Start at Ledenon:
The championship kicked off at Ledenon, where FMG made an early statement by securing 68 points. Close behind were Adam Celárek with 67 points and Valentin Knechtel with 65. Pete Bondurant, who would eventually claim the title, had a modest start with 57 points, placing him fifth after the first round.

Mas Du Clos Shakes Up the Standings:
The second race weekend at Mas Du Clos saw a significant shift in the leaderboard. Pete Bondurant surged to the forefront with a near-perfect 74 points, matching FMG's performance. This strong showing catapulted Bondurant into the championship lead. Valentin Knechtel maintained consistency with 58 points, while Adam Celárek's absence (DNS) cost him dearly in the overall standings.

Dijon-Prenois: The Pivotal Round:
The third weekend at Dijon-Prenois proved crucial for the championship. Bondurant continued his strong form, scoring another 74 points to consolidate his lead. Knechtel responded with 71 points, keeping the title race alive. Adam Celárek returned with a vengeance, also scoring 71 points, but the damage from his Mas Du Clos absence was evident. Notably, FMG's championship hopes were dealt a severe blow with a zero-point weekend.

Charade: The Final Showdown:
Entering the final round at Charade, Bondurant held a slim lead over Knechtel. Despite Adam Celárek's best efforts (74 points at Charade), his earlier DNS kept him out of contention for the overall title. Bondurant's 63 points were enough to secure the championship, as Knechtel's 69 points left him just short of overtaking the leader.

Final Standings and Notable Performances:
Pete Bondurant clinched the title with 268 points, showcasing remarkable consistency across all four events. Valentin Knechtel finished a close second with 263 points, maintaining pressure on the leader throughout the season. Al secured third place with 225 points, benefiting from consistent performances in all rounds.

Adam Celárek's championship challenge was marred by his absence at Mas Du Clos. Despite winning the most points in the rounds he competed in, he had to settle for fourth place overall.

The midfield battle was intense, with drivers like Max Solmyr, FMG, and Taffy all finishing within 12 points of each other. FMG's season was particularly dramatic, starting strong but faltering in the latter half.

Participation dropped significantly beyond the top 10, with many drivers only competing in one or two events. This highlights the commitment required to challenge for top positions in the championship.

In conclusion, the RENAULT 5 TURBO CUP provided a platform for intense competition, with the championship lead changing hands and the outcome remaining uncertain until the final round. Pete Bondurant's consistent performance across all events ultimately proved the deciding factor in securing the title.

During one month, we're offering you the chance to test your speed and resilience with a selection of cars from the 60s, taken from the famous WSC 60 mod by Bazzas Team WSC Legend.

The Targa Florio is one of the oldest and most storied races in motorsports history, renowned for its challenging course and rich heritage. Founded by Vincenzo Florio, a wealthy Sicilian wine producer and automobile enthusiast, the inaugural race took place on May 6, 1906. The race was set in the mountains of Sicily, Italy, with a course that initially spanned approximately 148 kilometers (92 miles) per lap. This course traversed the Madonie Mountains, presenting a mix of narrow, winding roads and rough terrain. The race started and ended in Cerda, incorporating towns like Collesano and Campofelice di Roccella along its route. The Targa Florio was known for its difficulty, with drivers facing treacherous roads, unpredictable weather, and significant elevation changes. The race was suspended during World War I but resumed in 1919. This interwar period saw the Targa Florio gain international fame, with advances in automotive technology and increased participation by major manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, and Maserati. Legendary drivers like Tazio Nuvolari and Achille Varzi became iconic figures during these years, showcasing their skills on the demanding course.

After World War II, the race resumed in 1948, with the course being modified several times. By the 1950s, it had become part of the World Sportscar Championship, extending the course to 72 kilometers (45 miles) per lap, with drivers completing multiple laps totaling around 720 kilometers (447 miles). The post-war era was marked by dramatic races and high-profile accidents. During the 1960s and early 1970s, Porsche achieved significant success, with models like the 907 and 908 securing multiple victories. However, increasing safety concerns due to the high-speed nature of the race on public roads led to its decline. The narrow and winding roads were deemed too dangerous for modern racing cars. The last official Targa Florio as part of the World Sportscar Championship took place in 1973, although the race continued in various forms until 1977.

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You're free to join the server whenever you like, or to organise with other drivers on the THR discord to race together. There's a channel and a Voice Chat dedicated to this. No registration is necessary, and you can set a time with each car if you wish. There are 7 cars, divided into 3 categories:

• S2.0: Lotus 47 / Chevron GT
• S5.0 Front : Iso Grifo A3/C / Corvette Grand Sport / Shelby Cobra Daytona
• S5.0 Rear: GT40 Mk 1 / Ferrari 250LM

To enter the server, you need to download the following mods:
Cars : https://thracing.de/wsc-legends-60s-pack/
Track : https://www.patreon.com/abulzz/posts (paid mod) [v 0.2.04]

>>> If you are using 3D trees, please complete a clean install of the track without them.

IMPORTANT: You also need to apply a hotfix on the track for this time attack, enabling to skip the outlap, and start a hotlap as soon as the starting line is crossed: https://www.mediafire.com/file/i7krpk6bsuihpa8/targa_THR_time-attack_fix.zip/file

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You can check your laptimes on the livetiming page: http://5.75.183.156:8772/live-timing?server=0
Or compare your times on the leaderboard updated daily on the THR discord.

The Grand Prix History Cup within the THR Simracing community witnessed an engaging and competitive season, with several drivers showcasing remarkable performances across various iconic tracks. Here’s an analysis of the progress throughout the Championship.

Overview

The competition featured races at six different tracks, each testing the drivers' skills with a variety of classic cars. The point system awarded 40 points for a win, 37 for second place, 34 for third, and so forth, down to DNS (Did Not Start), which resulted in zero points. The drivers’ consistency and ability to perform under pressure were crucial in determining the final standings.

Usage of Different Cars

One of the season's highlights was the use of different cars from various decades of Formula One racing, aligning with the theme of celebrating the evolution and innovation in the sport. Each RaceWeekend featured a unique, iconic car appropriate for the era it represented, creating a diverse and challenging experience for the drivers.

Initial Stages

• Donington (Auto Union Type C)

The first race saw Florian Masse (MAS) taking an early lead with a perfect score of 40 points.

FMG and pitman (PIT) also had strong starts, scoring 29 and 31 points respectively.

• Bremgarten (Maserati 250 F)

Florian Masse continued to perform well, securing 34 points, but FMG started to close the gap with a second-place finish, earning 37 points.

pitman maintained consistency with 30 points.

Mid-Season Dynamics

• Monaco (Lotus 25)

This race saw a significant change as Florian Masse (MAS) did not start (DNS), allowing FMG to gain ground with another 37 points.

pitman and Flashor (FLA) also capitalized on this, with pitman finishing fourth and Flashor fifth.

• Kyalami (Ferrari 312T)

Florian Masse bounced back with a win, scoring 40 points, reaffirming his contention for the championship.

FMG maintained his lead with a solid performance, earning 31 points, while pitman did not participate, significantly impacting his championship bid.

Final Rounds

• Hockenheim (Lotus 98T)

Both FMG and Florian Masse faced setbacks with no points (DNS), while pitman and Flashor scored 31/30 points, closing in on the leaders.

• Suzuka (McLaren MP4/6)

In the crucial final race, FMG secured the championship with a victory, earning 40 points.

pitman managed a fourth-place finish, adding 31 points to his tally, but it wasn't enough to overtake FMG.

Florian Masse, despite finishing on P2 in the final race, ended the season with a respectable 151 points, thanks to his strong performances earlier in the season.

Final Standings

• FMG (Champion)

Total Points: 174

FMG demonstrated consistent performance and resilience, particularly capitalizing on his rivals’ absences to clinch the championship.

• pitman (Second Place)

Total Points: 154

Despite a solid start and consistent finishes, missing a crucial race and finishes right outside the podium cost pitman the championship.

• Florian Masse (Third Place)

Total Points: 151

Florian Masse’s strong performances in the early and mid-season were overshadowed by his absence in critical races, affecting his final standing.

• Flashor (Fourth Place)

Total Points: 148

Flashor displayed competitive spirit throughout the season, finishing close behind the top contenders.

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The Grand Prix History Cup was a thrilling season, marked by strategic races and fluctuating fortunes. FMG’s ability to remain consistent and capitalize on opportunities ultimately earned him the championship title, with pitman and Florian Masse also showing impressive performances throughout. The usage of different iconic cars from various decades added a unique and historical touch to the competition, making it a memorable journey through the golden eras of Formula One racing.

Casual Cup

Besides of the Top Cup we had a Casual Cup which had a (little) more casual focus.
Ingroover and Eetu Karjunen showed a hard battle for the championship win, but Ingroover claimed it with a number of 5 impressive wins.

Final Words

We are pleased that we were able to host this championship.

We had races with many participants, but also some with a smaller starting field.

We (THR Orga) have learned that it is not easy to adapt to a new car every two weeks.
It takes time to understand the car, learn the track, find a setup and ultimately master the car/track combination.

We will take this into account in future championships.

Nevertheless, we are delighted for everyone who took part in the championship and would like to thank everyone for doing so!

Your THR Orga

WSCP2 is over, GP History Cup is over and Summer break is coming.

But we wann race 😉

https://thracing.de/renault-5-turbo-cup/

The WSCP2 Championship has come to a thrilling conclusion within the THR Simracing community, showcasing intense competition, strategic masterstrokes, and dramatic shifts in the leaderboard. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the championship journey, detailing who led the standings, who surged forward, and how the final standings were determined.

Brands Hatch: The Kickoff

The championship kicked off at Brands Hatch, where Felix789 and FMG started strong, securing 30 and 34 points respectively. However, it was Valentin Knechtel who set the early pace with 31 points, closely following FMG. Nathaniel Stevenson also showed promise with a solid 29 points.

Sebring: Knechtel Takes Charge

At Sebring, Valentin Knechtel delivered a dominant performance, winning the race and securing the maximum 40 points, propelling him to the forefront of the standings. FMG, despite a less stellar performance at Sebring with 29 points, managed to stay in contention. Felix789 faced a setback with a score of 0, which allowed others to gain ground.

Thomson Road: FMG's Comeback

Thomson Road saw FMG making a significant comeback, earning 37 points, which allowed him to challenge Knechtel’s lead. Valentin Knechtel, with 29 points, managed to stay ahead but the gap was narrowing. Felix789 secured 34 points, keeping him in the race for the championship.

Feldbergring: Maintaining Momentum

Feldbergring was another solid race for Valentin Knechtel, earning 31 points. FMG continued to perform well with 37 points, keeping the pressure on Knechtel. Felix789 struggled slightly with 27 points, which began to dampen his championship aspirations.

Mont-Tremblant: Key Performances

At Mont-Tremblant, Knechtel's consistent performance continued with a third-place finish, adding 34 points to his tally. FMG scored 28 points, which helped him stay in the hunt. Felix789 had a strong showing with 37 points, showcasing his resilience and keeping his hopes alive.

Suzuka: The Final Showdown

Suzuka was the stage where the championship momentum swung dramatically. Valentin Knechtel finished in second place with 37 points, maintaining his consistency and adding crucial points to his tally. FMG, finishing third with 34 points, stayed close on his heels. Felix789, however, surged with a remarkable victory at Suzuka, earning the maximum 40 points and putting immense pressure on the top contenders.

Championship Conclusion

Valentin Knechtel emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional consistency and skill throughout the championship. Despite FMG’s relentless pursuit and Felix789’s late surges, Knechtel’s ability to secure points consistently across all tracks made the difference.

Final Standings:

1. Valentin Knechtel - 173 points
2. FMG - 171 points
3. Felix789 - 168 points
4. Nathaniel Stevenson - 150 points
5. Stefano Bucci - 128 points

Notable Performances

• Valentin Knechtel: Demonstrated unparalleled consistency and strategic racing, securing crucial points in every race.
• FMG: Showed resilience and tactical brilliance, keeping the pressure on Knechtel till the very end.
• Felix789: Despite a few setbacks, Felix789’s ability to win key races kept him in contention for the championship.
• Sean D Campbell: Won all races he participated in, but missed 3 out of the 6 race weekends.

Conclusion

The WSCP2 Championship was a spectacle of high-octane racing, strategic depth, and dramatic turns. Each driver brought their unique strengths to the table, making every race a thrilling experience for the THR Simracing community. Congratulations to Valentin Knechtel on a well-deserved championship win and to all participants for an incredible season of racing.

The community eagerly awaits the next season, hoping for more excitement, rivalries, and unforgettable moments on the virtual tracks.

Team Championship

Team Championship Report: WSCP2 Highlights

The WSCP2 Team Championship concluded with Orgallied Racing clinching the title with 283 points, thanks to the exceptional performances of Valentin Knechtel and Flashor. Ecurie Blue Arrows followed closely with 261 points, showcasing strong teamwork from Nathaniel Stevenson and Florian Masse. Sauna Speedsters Racing Team secured third place with 229 points, driven by Kari Uotila and Mika Hakala. Notable mentions include Aggressive Snails and GPLRACER, who rounded out the top five with 210 and 180 points, respectively. Each team's dedication and skill made this season a thrilling experience for all.

Casual Cup

Besides the Top Cup THR also offered a Casual Cup which had a different focus, a more casual one.
But the participants also battled hard on track and had a lot of fun and a great experience.

In the End Axel won the Cup with 157 points over Emil Magnusson with 136.
Steve Hayward claimed the last Podium Position with 94 points.

Many Thanks

THR Orga sends out a huge Thank You to every participant and congratulates every Podium Finisher!

The WSCP2 race at Mont Tremblant was an electrifying event, showcasing the skill and determination of the drivers. With perfect weather and a challenging track, the stage was set for an unforgettable race.

Qualifying Recap

The qualifying sessions saw some intense competition, with the top three qualifiers emerging as follows:

1. Sean D Campbell in the Nissan R380
2. Stijn Scheffers in the Nissan R380
3. Felix789 in the Porsche 906

These drivers set the pace and excitement for what was to be a thrilling race.

Race Highlights

As the race began, the roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber filled the air. Sean D Campbell, starting from pole position, took an early lead, but the competition was fierce right from the start.

Lap 1: Sean D Campbell maintained his lead, with Felix789 and Valentin Knechtel close on his heels. The drivers navigated the twists and turns of Mont Tremblant with precision, each vying for the top spot.

Mid-Race: The race saw several notable incidents. Among them were two high-impact crashes that stood out:

• phichu experienced a high-impact crash at 65 km/h.
• DriK had a significant collision with the environment at 52 km/h.

Despite these dramatic incidents, the race continued with intense battles for position.

Final Laps: As the race approached its climax, the battle for the top positions intensified. Sean D Campbell managed to hold onto his lead, but Felix789 and Valentin Knechtel were relentless in their pursuit. The final laps were a display of skill and strategy, with drivers pushing their cars to the limit.

Top 5 Finishers

The race concluded with the following top five finishers, each displaying remarkable endurance and skill:

Position	Driver	Car	Total Time
1	Sean D Campbell	Nissan R380	1h 00m 20.247s
2	Felix789	Porsche 906	1h 00m 21.108s
3	Valentin Knechtel	Chevron B8 FVA	1h 00m 35.443s
4	Nathaniel Stevenson	Nissan R380	1h 00m 52.497s
5	Florian Masse	Nissan R380	1h 00m 53.803s

Conclusion

The WSCP2 race at Mont Tremblant was a spectacular event filled with high-speed action, strategic maneuvers, and dramatic crashes. Congratulations to Sean D Campbell for a well-deserved victory and to all the drivers for their incredible performances. The fans will undoubtedly remember this race for a long time to come.