In the past weeks, there's been a flurry of activity with the registrations pouring in for the THR's 4th Endurance Race. We're absolutely thrilled to see such a fantastic turnout of teams and drivers - it's beyond our expectations! We achieved some incredible numbers:
THR-Endurance-Infoboard
We have created an Info Board from the registration data the drivers gave us.
The infoboard contains information about the track, the cars, the teams and their drivers. Also the lap times of the Qualifying, a Spotterguide and some more useful information to be the best companion during the race.
After completing registration, we transferred the data of the drivers and teams to the official entry list and then started qualifying on Monday, January 15, 2024.
As the chill of winter settles in, the racing community at THR has been ablaze with the competitive spirit, courtesy of the "Winter of Speed: A Duel of Legends" Time Attack series. This thrilling event featured two iconic cars: the Chaparral 2F at the Spa 1967 circuit and the Cooper T81B at Feldbergring, both embodying chapters of motorsport's storied past.
Marcus Jäger, a name synonymous with skill and speed in THR's racing circles, has emerged victorious in both challenges. In the WING Challenge, Jäger maneuvered the Chaparral 2F, a beacon of aerodynamic revolution, to a stunning 3:35.135 at Spa. Following this, he showcased his versatility at the Feldbergring, piloting the Cooper T81B, a relic of Formula One's glorious past, to a time of 3:41.478 in the PURE Challenge.
These Time Attacks were held concurrently with the testing for the upcoming endurance race, creating a unique scenario. The majority of drivers focused on acquainting themselves with the endurance cars, clocking an impressive 60,000 km in test runs. This scenario presented a challenge, dividing the drivers' focus and time. However, a few, including Jäger, managed to excel in the Time Attacks while also preparing for the endurance event.
Jäger's achievement is particularly noteworthy, as he has consistently delivered top-tier performances in previous Time Attacks. This dual victory in the "Winter of Speed" series further cements his reputation as a formidable competitor in THR's racing events.
As we extend our heartiest congratulations to Marcus Jäger for this exceptional accomplishment, it's also a moment to reflect on the essence of these Time Attacks. They are not just races against the clock; they are tributes to the cars and circuits that have shaped the history of motorsport. Participants in these events are not just racers; they are custodians of racing history, honoring the legacy of legends with every lap.
In conclusion, THR's "Winter of Speed" has been more than a showcase of speed and skill. It has been a celebration of motorsport's rich history, and Marcus Jäger's victories stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of competition and reverence for racing's past.
At the official events, 109 different drivers raced with us. The drivers drove 70,000 laps in 27 different cars on 25 different tracks.
In total, more than 333,000 km were driven, which means more than 8 circumnavigations of the globe.
On Top of that we had some exciting special events: For example the marvelous 4 hour Endurance race at the Deutschlandring in which 7 communities fought for the win. Microlin and Alfoyb did an amazing job as our commentators for the English Broadcast and Dennis and Thomas delivered an awesome German Stream. Or the celebration race of THRs 5th Anniversary in which we drove a Full Length GP in the GPL cars at Fuji.
We have exceeded the number of 2.100 members in Discord. Our Youtube Channel has 550 followers. More than 400 users have subsribed to our website, and 396 people follow our Facebook News.
It was also a great pleasure to met the guys from 3DRAP at the Simracing Expo in Dortmund and it is also great that the offered some nice prices which we raffled througout the year.
2023 was a good year for THR. We have found a good framework for our championships that allows us to reduce the administrative workload.
Overall, it was a lot of fun running THR, even if I didn't really feel like sitting in the car myself 😉
Currently we host two Time Attacks to fill the Christmas Break and our next Endurance Race is scheduled for the 21st of January.
I suspect that we will have a lot of fun together again in 2024.
As the year draws to a close, I seize this moment to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you. Our community continues to expand, with our starting grids almost always bustling. It's inspiring to see how members support each other through technical challenges or by answering questions for help in Discord.
A remarkable aspect of our journey is the familiarity we've developed with each other. It's like knowing every driver's unique racing style, strengths, and weaknesses, akin to a real-life racing league.
A heartfelt thank you for being an integral part of THR.
"THR's Winter of Speed: A Duel of Legends - Chaparral 2F at Spa 1967 and Cooper T81B at Feldbergring"
As the winter season blankets the world in snow and serenity, THR enters the Winter Break, but gears up for an exhilarating showcase of historical prowess and competitive spirit. We proudly announce not one, but two Time Attack challenges, each an ode to a legendary chapter in motorsport history.
Chaparral 2F at Spa 1967: A Journey Through Aerodynamic Revolution- SERVER THR7
First up is the Chaparral 2F at the Spa circuit, precisely as it was in 1967. The Chaparral 2F, crafted by Jim Hall and Hap Sharp, is a symbol of innovative racing design. In its only season, it left an indelible mark on motorsport history, especially with its victory at the BOAC 500. The Chaparral 2F is renowned for its aerodynamic innovations, most notably its groundbreaking rear wing. This feature was a significant step forward in racing car design, influencing even Formula One teams.
Jim Hall's genius in aerodynamics began with the Chaparral 2 and evolved through successive models, culminating in the 2F's advanced design. It boasted a powerful Chevrolet "Porcupine" 427 big-block V8 engine and a pioneering fiberglass semi-monocoque chassis. Despite challenges in its racing journey, the 2F's legacy in motorsport is unassailable.
Participants will race this historical gem on the 1967 layout of the Spa circuit, known for its fast corners and dramatic elevation changes. This Time Attack is more than a race; it's a tribute to a car and a circuit that have both played pivotal roles in the evolution of motorsport.
Cooper T81B at Feldbergring: Reliving the Glory of Formula One's Past- SERVER THR8
The second challenge features the Cooper T81B at the legendary Feldbergring. The T81B, a lighter variant of the Cooper T81, debuted in the 1967 Formula One season. With a Maserati V12 engine and a Hewland 5-speed gearbox, it was a force to be reckoned with. Piloted by drivers like Jochen Rindt, Richard Attwood, and Jacky Ickx, the T81B made its mark with several notable finishes.
The Cooper T81 series represents the end of an era, as it was the last Cooper car to clinch a World Championship Grand Prix before the team's closure. Racing the T81B at the Feldbergring is not just about testing speed and skill; it's about connecting with a storied past, where every turn and straightaway brought new challenges and triumphs.
The Feldbergring, with its rich history in both automobile and motorcycle racing, presents a unique backdrop for our Time Attack. Once the host of massive crowds and legendary racers, the circuit is a fitting venue to relive the excitement and competition of motorsport's golden age.
Join the Duel of Legends
This winter, THR invites you to be a part of these historic Time Attacks. Whether you're guiding the aerodynamically advanced Chaparral 2F through the twists and turns of Spa 1967, or pushing the limits of the Cooper T81B on the challenging Feldbergring, you're not just racing against time. You're racing through history, paying homage to the legends who shaped motorsport into what it is today.
So, rev up your engines, and prepare for a winter filled with speed, history, and the spirit of racing. THR's Winter of Speed is not just a celebration of racing; it's a journey back in time to the glorious days of motorsport. Let's race into history!
The Test Server on THR1 is starting now. Find teammates ( via the #endurance-codriver-wanted channel in our Discord), test the cars, choose your favourite, and see you on track!
Fuji Speedway, nestled in the scenic Oyama, Shizuoka, Japan, played host to a thrilling display of motorsport prowess during the THR 5-Year Anniversary Grand Prix. The historic 1968 GP layout, stretching 5.884 kilometers, challenged drivers with 65 grueling laps. The event was graced with a diverse lineup of classic 1967 race cars, including the lone Honda RA300, six Ferrari 312s, four Eagle T1Gs, thirteen Lotus 49s, and a Cooper T81B.
The Starting Lineup
The grid was a showcase of talent and machinery. Florian Masse, in his Lotus 49, secured pole position, setting the stage for an epic battle. Close behind were meisterJäger in an Eagle T1G and Tim Muttram in a Ferrari 312, ready to pounce at any opportunity.
The Battle on the Track
As the race unfolded, it became a test of skill and endurance. Despite no rain, the wind speed of 7.0 kph added an extra layer of challenge. Each lap told a story of intense rivalry and strategic maneuvering.
Florian Masse, starting at the front, faced a rollercoaster of positions, dropping to 18th on the first lap but clawing back to 2nd by the end, showcasing remarkable resilience and skill. MeisterJäger, initially holding a strong 4th position, experienced a dramatic shift in fortunes, eventually retiring prematurely from the race.
Tim Muttram's performance was a spectacle of consistency and speed, maintaining a top 3 position throughout and ultimately seizing the lead. Other notable performances included Davide Saiu, who battled from the back of the pack to a commendable 9th place, and Pete Bondurant, who remained in the top 5 for the majority of the race.
Pit stops, though unplanned and due to technical issues or repairs, added a twist to the race's strategic dimension. Notably, meisterJäger's pit stop on lap 60 and Nik Likar's crucial stop just a lap earlier were moments of high drama.
The Fastest Lap
Amidst the intense competition, Florian Masse clocked the fastest lap of the race, a blistering 1:40.246, underscoring his exceptional talent and the Lotus 49's capabilities.
Conclusion
The THR 5-Year Anniversary Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway was more than just a race; it was a celebration of motorsport history, a testament to driver skill, and a demonstration of the enduring allure of classic race cars. This event will be etched in the memories of participants and spectators alike, as a reminder of the passion and excitement that defines the world of sim racing.
3DRap was so kind to offer THR a Mod 312 Wheel, which we raffled short after we finished our long (nearly 2 hours) and exhausting 5th Anniversary Race at Fuji.
(Eligible to participate in the raffle were all drivers who finished the 5th Anniversary Race and had already raced in at least 4 THR Main Events [Sunday-Races].)
Look who has won!
Many thanks to all drivers which participated in the anniversary race today. Also many thanks to all community members. You make THR as good as it is. A deep thank you goes also out to the THR Orga members, which help running THR in a stunning way! And last but not least, many thanks to 3DRAP for the opportunity to raffle this awesome wheel.
It's unbelievably great that we've been able to do an anniversary race for the fifth time. Many thanks to everyone!
P.S.: We have to work on recording these raffle videos in an adequate way 😉 Better sound would be desirable. And I also need to prepare myself better. But it's not so easy to be completely in shape after an almost two-hour Grand Prix 😉
