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Play

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All the detailed information can be found following this link:

GPL 7 Championship

Some weeks ago Pimax told me that they sent me a Crystal Super for testing.
When the headset arrived, I was surprised to receive two units. The second headset was just a backup in case of issues - a nice touch, though I never needed it. After several weeks of testing, mostly in Assetto Corsa, here’s what I discovered:

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First Impressions & Comfort

Compared to the Crystal Light which I tested some months ago, the first thing I noticed was the build quality. The Crystal Super feels like a premium product: solid construction, excellent materials, and a more balanced weight distribution.

In terms of build quality they even added DMA earphones to the package, which can easily be attached to the Crystal Super and deliver great sound once mounted. (A small screwdriver was included in the box for this purpose 😉 )

Comfort is a huge step forward. The included thicker face foam (15 instead of 11mm) fit my head shape perfectly, allowing me to drive 90-minute stints without pressure points. An alternative head strap was also included, so you can perfectly adjust the Crystal Super’s comfort to your own needs. The automatic IPD adjustment was a welcome upgrade, meaning I could just put the headset on and get going.

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Visual Clarity & Performance

This headset is all about visual immersion. With 3840×3840 per-eye QLED panels (up to 57 PPD) and glass lenses, the Crystal Super delivers razor-sharp detail. The eye-tracking dynamically optimizes rendering - when supported - and keeps the center of vision crystal clear.

In single-player races, I was running 72 Hz with smooth frame times. Cars, track textures, and even distant curbs looked lifelike.

But here’s the reality check: in full-grid races with 20+ cars, performance took a hit. My rig (Ryzen 7 5800X3D + RTX 4070 Ti) couldn’t hold frame pacing at higher refresh rates without dropping settings. Assetto Corsa doesn’t yet support true dynamic foveated rendering, so you can’t fully benefit from eye-tracked performance gains. Fixed foveated rendering (via OpenXR Toolkit) helps, but it’s no magic bullet.

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Crystal Super vs. Crystal Light (Key Specs)

Feature	Crystal Super	Crystal Light
Resolution per eye	3840×3840 (QLED/Mini-LED)	2880×2880
PPD	50–57	~35
FOV (horizontal)	~127° (up to ~135° in Labs mode)	~115°
Eye-tracking	Yes, with DFR support	No
IPD	Motorized / Auto	Manual
Price	~US $1,700+	~US $900

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What Others Are Saying

• MRTV praised its “best-in-class clarity,” strong contrast, and wide FOV, while noting a slightly smaller sweet spot than pancake-lens headsets.
• Boosted Media loved the sharpness and immersion but warned that you need serious GPU power for full grids or high settings.
• Community feedback echoes this: the Super is “future-proof,” but GPU-limited users might be better off with the more affordable Light.

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Tips for Sim Racers

• Match your GPU to your ambitions. For large grids at high refresh rates, think RTX 4080/4090 or equivalent.
• Use upscaling & fixed foveated rendering where possible - they help squeeze more performance from mid-tier GPUs.
• Fine-tune your rig setup. Comfort adjustments (foam, straps, seating position) pay off in long sessions.
• Watch for updates. As more sims support dynamic foveated rendering, the Crystal Super’s performance advantage will grow.

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Final Verdict

For serious sim racers, the Crystal Super is an immersive powerhouse. The visual upgrade over the Light is undeniable - sharper, brighter, and more comfortable. But its full potential shines only if your PC can keep up.

If you have a high-end GPU and want the clearest, widest VR view available today, the Crystal Super is a compelling choice. For racers on tighter budgets (or with mid-tier GPUs), the Crystal Light remains a very strong option.

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For reference > The article about my PIMAX Crystal Light test

Racing in VR is like putting on a helmet – with the PIMAX Crystal Light, it’s crystal-clear

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Sure, there are other competitors in the market, but I only have direct contact to PIMAX.
Therefore I decided to ask them and the above interview highlights the advantages of Pimax headsets.

THR has direct contat to PIMAX, cause months ago PIMAX asked us for a partnership. We show their logos on our Website and in our streams and they offer us support and an Affiliate Link which gives you a 3% discount and THR receives a small provision per order, which we use to run our servers, etc.

If you are interested in purchasing a new headset, you can use the following affiliate links to receive the 3% discount.

Crystal Light:
https://pimax.com/discount/THRACING?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fpimax-crystal-light/?ref=THRacing
Crystal Super:
https://pimax.com/discount/THRACING?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fpimax-crystal-super/?ref=THRacing

Porcu’s complete campaign, Masse’s relentless consistency, and FMG’s fightback define a vintage year

Six weekends, two continents, and one of the most enjoyable seasons the THR paddock has staged. From Monza’s old‑school draft battles to the concrete canyons of Long Beach and the high‑commitment sweepers of Watkins Glen, the 1979 calendar asked everything of the drivers: precision, race‑craft, patience and pace. With the drop‑score rule in effect (each driver’s worst finish discarded) and the 40‑37‑34‑31‑30‑29… points system, the title picture swung back and forth until the American finale.

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The big picture

Champion: Simone Porcu — 194 pts
Porcu’s season had the ring of inevitability about it: wins at Monza, Jarama, and a title‑sealing masterclass at Watkins Glen, backed by second places at Hockenheim and Monaco. His Long Beach DNS became the perfect drop. The clincher came in the U.S., where he led from the front and signed off with the poise of a champion.

Runner‑up: Florian Masse — 176 pts
No wins, but competitive everywhere. Back‑to‑back seconds to open the year (Monza, Long Beach), a podium at Hockenheim, and resilient scoring across the calendar—only Monaco (DNF) interrupted the rhythm. The hallmark of his year was pressure without waste: he was almost always the first car in the leader’s mirrors.

Third overall: FMG — 166 pts
A season of momentum. After a zero in Italy, FMG rebuilt with a podium at Jarama, a statement win at Hockenheim, and solid points in Monaco and Watkins Glen. On raw pace he often matched the title protagonists; the difference was the early stumble he ultimately had to drop.

Fourth & fifth: gilvil77 (160 pts) and Richard Rossier (142 pts)
gilvil77 was the story-maker—front‑row pace and a door‑to‑door edge, capped by a Monaco podium and a superb run to second at the Glen. Rossier, meanwhile, was the quiet constant: smart race management and clean execution kept the Swiss Buddy Racing driver in the top five at year’s end.

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Round‑by‑round: how the title was won

• Monza – Porcu draws first blood
  Calm from pole, fastest lap for emphasis, and a decisive response when the elastic stretched mid‑race. It set the tone: if you wanted this title, you had to beat the No. 1 on merit.
• Long Beach – Jayden HW arrives with a bang
  A street‑racing clinic from pole to flag. Masse kept him honest, and the first hints of the year’s patterns emerged: Porcu’s DNS became his drop, Masse banked big points, and FMG’s P4 steadied the ship.
• Jarama – Porcu’s precision
  A race that rewarded rhythm. Porcu executed it perfectly under shadow from Masse, while FMG pieced together the tidy podium that put him into the title conversation.
• Hockenheim – FMG’s day
  Pole, control, and the nerve to resist Porcu’s fastest‑lap charge over the final tours. The victory knotted the chase behind the leader and confirmed FMG’s late‑season form.
• Monaco – Jayden again; gilvil77 stars
  Clean air wins in Monte Carlo; Jayden made no mistakes and set the tempo. Behind, gilvil77 fought through the chaos for the podium while Porcu banked second‑place championship points.
• Watkins Glen – The coronation
  Porcu’s wire‑to‑wire authority settled the math and the mood. gilvil77 and Masse finished line‑astern behind, but the No. 1’s control was never in question.

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By the numbers

• Winners: Porcu (3), Jayden HW (2), FMG (1).
• Most podiums: Porcu & Masse.
• Comeback drive of the year: gilvil77’s recovery runs at Monza and his robust podium in Monaco.
• Title margin (after drop‑score): Porcu by 18 over Masse; 10 from Masse to FMG.

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Congratulations & thanks from THR Orga

On behalf of THR Orga, congratulations to our championship podium:
🥇 Simone Porcu — 1979 THR F1 Champion
🥈 Florian Masse — Runner‑up
🥉 FMG — Third overall

A heartfelt thank you to every driver who turned laps with us this season—whether you contested every round or dropped in for a few, you made the grid deeper and the racing better. Your racecraft, patience with traffic, and good humour in the voice channels are what make this series special.

From Monza to Watkins Glen, you gave us six weekends of exactly why we race: close fights, clean respect, and just enough chaos to keep the stories coming. We can’t wait to see you back on the grid for the next chapter. Until then - keep it pinned, keep it tidy, and see you in the warm‑up!

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You want to dig in deeper?

Find all the Championship Information, Livestreams, RaceReports and Stats following this link:

F1 1979 Championship – Race Weekends

Hey THR, as many of you know, I’ve been using the HP Reverb G2 for a long time. Since Microsoft discontinued support for Windows Mixed Reality, I’ve been asking myself what this means for the future - especially because I haven’t yet upgraded to Windows 11 in order to keep my G2 fully functional.
To get clearer answers and share them with you, I decided to take these questions directly to Rica, one of my contacts at Pimax. Rica is the Community Representative from the Overseas Marketing & Sales Department.
Here’s the interview we had for you.

[THR] pitman: Hey Rica, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions.
Rica (PIMAX): No problem. It´s a pleasure to have this direct contact to you and your THR community.

pitman: Hey Rica, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I’ve been using the HP Reverb G2 myself for quite some time, and I know many other sim racers still rely on it as well. It was a huge step when I bought it and replaced my Lenovo Explorer Headset. The sharp visuals and the easy setup gave me a wow-effect from the first moment on.
But Microsoft officially ended development of Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) in 2023. As a G2 user, I’m really wondering how to deal with this change. So far, I haven’t upgraded to Windows 11 because keeping my Reverb G2 fully functional was more important to me. What does this situation mean for users like me?
Rica: That’s a crucial concern. While it’s still possible to run the G2 using SteamVR bridges and manual runtime installations, WMR is no longer being developed. This means future Windows updates - particularly after 2026 - could break compatibility. So G2 owners are facing uncertainty.

pitman: Yes, that´s the reason why I think of replacing my G2. Pimax kindly provided me with a Crystal Light for testing, and I’ve already shared my impressions in this article: https://thracing.de/racing-in-vr-is-like-putting-on-a-helmet-with-the-pimax-crystal-light-its-crystal-clear/. But to get your perspective, what do you see as the main reasons why the PIMAX Crystal Light is a good alternative now?
Rica: There are several major advantages:

• First, it runs on our actively developed Pimax Play platform, which has native OpenXR support and ongoing updates.
• Second, it’s a big leap in visual quality: the G2 offered 2160×2160 pixels per eye, while the Crystal Light delivers 2880×2880 - a 72% increase. Plus, it uses QLED panels with MiniLED local dimming, which means richer colors, deeper blacks, and much higher contrast.
• And third, it integrates smart rendering features like Fixed Foveated Rendering and Quad-View Rendering, which help maintain performance without overloading the GPU.

pitman: Speaking of visuals, during my own test I was especially amazed by the clarity of the graphics on the Crystal Light compared to the G2. One common complaint about the G2 is the limited sweet spot and lens artifacts like god rays. How does the Crystal Light improve on this?
Rica: Exactly. The Reverb G2 used Fresnel lenses, which produce glare and have a narrow sweet spot. The Crystal Light uses aspheric glass lenses instead. These deliver a much larger clear viewing area, with minimal glare and distortion. This makes the experience more natural and comfortable, especially during long races.

pitman: Comfort and audio are also important for sim racers. To be honest, my own experience was mixed at first: while I always found the G2 very comfortable, the Crystal Light initially pressed uncomfortably on the bridge of my nose - probably due to my head shape. Only after Pimax sent me a thicker 15 mm foam insert did the comfort improve significantly. How would you compare the two headsets in terms of comfort and audio?
Rica: Ah, that’s interesting. Comfort can definitely vary depending on head shape and fit, and that’s why we provide different face foams to adjust the experience. As you noticed, the thicker foam can make a big difference. The G2’s off-ear speakers were very well regarded, and we wanted to provide flexibility. With the Crystal Light, you can either use your own headphones through the 3.5mm jack, or opt for our DMAS off-ear speaker modules, which deliver immersive spatial audio comparable to — and in some cases better than - the G2. In terms of overall balance, the Crystal Light is slightly heavier, but its improved weight distribution reduces facial pressure for many users, making longer sessions more comfortable once the right fit is achieved.

pitman: Ok. What about compatibility? Do G2 users like me need to change their setup or accessories?
Rica: Not at all. If you’re used to the G2, you’ll feel right at home. The Crystal Light offers a native DisplayPort connection, full SteamVR compatibility, and supports both inside-out and Lighthouse tracking. You can continue using the same accessories, games, and sim profiles. The workflow stays familiar - but the overall experience is significantly upgraded.

pitman: Final question, how have other G2 users responded after making the switch?
Rica: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many say the Crystal Light feels like the most natural upgrade - offering sharper visuals, better comfort, and peace of mind knowing they’re no longer tied to WMR. For a lot of sim racers, it’s the logical next step in their VR journey.

[THR] pitman: Rica, thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions today.
Rica (PIMAX): You’re very welcome, it was a pleasure.

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Sure, there are other competitors in the market, but I only have direct contact to PIMAX.
Therefore I decided to ask them and the above interview highlights the advantages of Pimax headsets.

THR has direct contat to PIMAX, cause months ago PIMAX asked us for a partnership. We show their logos on our Website and in our streams and they offer us support and an Affiliate Link which gives you a 3% discount and THR receives a small provision per order, which we use to run our servers, etc.

If you are interested in purchasing a new headset, you can use the following affiliate links to receive the 3% discount.

Crystal Light:
https://pimax.com/discount/THRACING?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fpimax-crystal-light/?ref=THRacing
Crystal Super:
https://pimax.com/discount/THRACING?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fpimax-crystal-super/?ref=THRacing

We could not have wished for a more sensational start to the 2025 season of historic simracing at THR. Once again, we embarked on a grueling 6 hour race - this time with three classes - around a period-correct representation of the world's most famous endurance race track. Using a quadruple time progression multiplier, our participants got a compressed taste of what it could have felt like to participate in the world's most famous 24 hour race in the 1960s.

With a record crowd of 135 drivers from 10 communities sharing 52 historic Prototype & GT race cars from the mid-1960s, the THR 6 Heures du Mans 2025 has surpassed last year's edition as the biggest endurance race in THR history. Unbelievably, the entry list had run out of vacant slots within just 3:40h of opening the registrations, rapidly necessitating the addition of a waiting list.

Welcome to the official report of a race for the history books.

Expression of Gratitude

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of drivers, teams, and countless supporters. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took part in this event. Whether you were behind the wheel, supporting a team, or simply watching and cheering from the sidelines, you played a vital role in making this event a success.

A special thank you also goes out to our incredible commentators (PirateLaserBeam, Akashic, Guido, Thomas, and Jascha), who brought the race to life with their expert analysis and engaging coverage. Their efforts made both the English and German live broadcasts highly enjoyable for our audience. Additionally, we are especially grateful to GPLaps, who not only participated in the race but also streamed the event from his Matra's cockpit, bringing the excitement of historic endurance simracing to an even wider audience. Syndicate Motorsport's team Hawk additionally provided a front-row seat into their early hour-long fight for 2nd place, livestreaming from the cockpit of their #98 Chaparral 2F.

These streams combined had amassed an incredible 26,000 views within just a week and eclipsed more than 30,000 views at the time of this report's publishing, highlighting the strong appeal of vintage sim racing and the growing interest in this genre.

Seeing such enthusiasm and engagement is truly fantastic!

We also want to thank our generous sponsors for their amazing prizes that were raffled after the victory lane interviews with the podium finishing teams:

• 3DRAP: Three €50 vouchers and a vintage racing rim (McLaren MP4-4 replica steering wheel)
• PIMAX: Ten $80 vouchers
• F3 Classic Tracks by Sergio Loro: Five $10 vouchers

ALL OF YOU made this evening special for us!

Yours,
THR Orga Team

Here comes the full report to tell the story of this amazing event, featuring plenty of screenshots & videos provided by the participants. Sit back, grab your favourite beverage of choice, and enjoy the read!

...continue reading "Official Report: THR 6 Heures du Mans 2025"

For the last several years we have run time trials during the Summer Break to keep our drivers entertained.
This year we have decided to do something different and have created a fun championship.

Building on the interest in the Clio Rookie Trophy that Valentin ran as a support series to the TTM last autumn, we have created the 'Toyota AE86 THR Academy'.
This will be used after the summer break on Friday evenings for a fun support series, aimed primarily at any new, inexperienced or improving drivers - although normal members will also be welcome.

For the Summer Cup however the focus is on FUN here over outright racing - as a result we will use the 1980's road compound for the tires. They don't have much grip but you can rescue yourself from some pretty daft angles with much more ease. Going fast also requires a great deal of care and balance, drifting is fun - but it's also not very fast!
As the server will be automated to save on admin both the saturday practice race and the Sunday main event will feature 2x 30 minute races with the second race having a top 10 reversed grid.
Due to the way that server manager works this means qualifying will have to be performed immediately before the races 'on the night'.

I want to thank @fmg.122 for bringing up this idea and his research!
We hope you join us for some summer fun!

All the needed details can be found in our Discord:
https://discord.com/channels/520541726851727361/543155836957229096/1390262903478943754

The sound of revving engines from a bygone era is about to echo through the virtual paddocks once again. With the launch of the 718 Rennsport Trophy, THR invites drivers to take a seat in one of the most iconic race cars of the early 1960s – the Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder. Built for agility, balance, and precision, this car is not just a machine; it’s a living piece of motorsport history. And it’s ready to be unleashed on some of the most thrilling and characterful tracks ever raced.

From Battenbergring to Longford – The Ultimate Road Trip

The championship begins with a prologue race at the legendary Battenbergring – a bumpy, fast, and narrow road course that sets the perfect stage for what’s to come. Following that, the season takes drivers on a journey through six distinct venues, each offering its own flavor of vintage racing. From the high-speed drama of the Deutschlandring to the tight village roads of Cadours, from the majestic flow of the Südschleife to the unpredictable seaside layout of Southport, every circuit is a chapter in this motorsport adventure. Rounding out the calendar are the uniquely challenging Prinzenpark and the ultra-fast, unforgiving roads of Longford – a fitting finale for a championship that honors courage, control, and consistency.

The Art of Driving, Rediscovered

This isn’t just another season. It’s an invitation to experience racing in its purest form. No traction control, no modern comforts – just you, the machine, and the limits of your skill. The 718 RS 60 Spyder rewards patience, punishes mistakes, and offers an unmatched sense of connection between driver and car. Every corner matters. Every overtake must be earned.

More Than a Race – It’s a Community

What makes the 718 Rennsport Trophy special isn’t just the car or the tracks – it’s the atmosphere. The shared passion of THRs community members, the thrill of wheel-to-wheel battles, the respect among drivers who know what it means to keep a vintage car on the edge. It’s racing as it was meant to be – raw, real, and absolutely unforgettable.

The 718 Rennsport Trophy Is Calling

Get ready for a season that doesn’t just challenge you – it transports you. The 718 Rennsport Trophy is here. Will you rise to the occasion?

THE THR 718 RENNSPORT TROPHY

👋 Greetings, fellow THR-Racers!

As the founder and head admin of THR, I'd like to share some insights and experiences from my recent exploration of virtual reality.

A few months ago, I was approached by PIMAX with an exciting opportunity for collaboration. As a result, we've been featuring PIMAX on our website and stream, while our community members benefit from exclusive discounts on PIMAX VR headsets through an affiliate link.

Then I had the pleasure of meeting Ying, the COO of PIMAX, at the SimRacingExpo in Dortmund, and, surprisingly, I was given a PIMAX Crystal Light headset on loan to experience its features firsthand.

Having spent some time with the PIMAX Crystal Light, I wanted to share my impressions and how it stacks up against my long-time companion, the HP Reverb G2.

Read the article first and in case the Crystal Light is interesting for you have a look at the Flash Sale (-10%) Pimax offers to THR this Saturday. (details at the bottom of the linked article)

Racing in VR is like putting on a helmet – with the PIMAX Crystal Light, it’s crystal-clear