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Published on Leave a comment on F1 1979 Championship – Round 2, Long Beach

Concrete canyons, razor‑thin margins and a new winner in town

Qualifying: Jayden HW on a mission
The Top-10 grid for Long Beach already hinted at a street-fighter’s race. Jayden HW stuck his Side Heart Motorsports car on pole with a 1:10.981, edging TH Racing’s Florian Masse (1:11.550). Eetu Karjunen and Willphaizer locked out row two, followed by FMG and Eduardo Beninca. Nat Stevenson and Flashor filled row four; gilvil77 and Richard Rossier rounded out the ten. All the quick laps came on soft tyres — exactly what you want when walls are the track limits.

The race

Lights out, and Jayden never looked back
From pole, Jayden HW launched cleanly and immediately settled into low-1:12s, controlling the tempo. His race wasn’t flawless — he had two brushes with the concrete, once around the 6th minute and again near the 47th minute, both logged as minor “contact with environment” — but neither slowed him.

Masse clung to the leader’s wake in the opening phase, but while he matched Jayden’s rhythm, he never truly threatened. At the flag, Jayden completed the full 50 laps in 60:44.053, with the race’s fastest lap (1:11.575). Masse followed 12.9 seconds later (best lap 1:12.235).

Street-fight for the podium
Behind the front two, Willphaizer converted his P4 grid into a hard-earned third. He ran a consistent race, even after brushing the wall at the 28-minute mark, and crossed the line in 61:29.646 (best 1:12.755).

FMG showed resilience after clipping the barriers around 18 minutes, yet kept his lap times in the low-1:13s to secure fourth just 10.6 seconds off Willphaizer. His fastest lap was 1:12.627.

Beninca salvaged fifth, one lap down, after losing ground in the middle stint. His best lap was 1:13.146, enough to hold station when others faltered.

Incidents that shaped the midfield
Long Beach’s walls punished the bold. A couple of flashpoints stood out:

  • Lap 2: MonSpaNur and Richard Rossier collided while fighting through the fountain section. Both continued but lost momentum.
  • Just seconds later, Ramen Grosjeant tangled with Stefano Bucci — they came together twice in quick succession before Bucci smacked the wall at Turn 9.
  • Minute 5: Nat Stevenson clipped the barriers hard but managed to continue with a damaged sidepod.
  • Lap 9: Ali Rıza Tuncel and Eetu Karjunen made contact while dicing for position. Both carried on, though Tuncel later added to the drama with another wall scrape.
  • Minute 13: A spectacular moment saw Syd Drake slam into the wall at over 100 km/h. His race ended there. Moments later Ferd1 suffered a heavy impact of his own and limped back to the pits.
  • Later in the stint, Dale Ballweg and kuanza collided on the back straight (around 15 minutes). Kuanza spun but rejoined.
  • The closing laps saw Porcu and Grosjeant brush together in the hairpin, and post-race tempers flared as Ristic and Grosjeant traded paint even after the checkered flag.

Result — Top 5

  1. Jayden HW — 50 laps, 60:44.053, best lap 1:11.575
  2. Florian Masse — 50 laps, 60:56.961 (+12.9s), best lap 1:12.235
  3. Willphaizer — 50 laps, 61:29.646, best lap 1:12.755
  4. FMG — 50 laps, 61:40.248, best lap 1:12.627
  5. Eduardo Beninca — 49 laps, 60:48.458, best lap 1:13.146

Fastest lap: Jayden HW, 1:11.575.

What it means for the Championship (drop-score applied)

With the drop-race rule (worst result discarded), here’s how the front of the table stacks up after Monza and Long Beach:

  • Simone Porcu – 40 pts (Monza win; DNF Long Beach).
  • Jayden HW – 40 pts (Long Beach win; absent in Monza).
  • Florian Masse – 37 pts (P2 in Monza and again P2 in Long Beach).
  • Eduardo Beninca – 34 pts (Monza P3; Long Beach P5).
  • Willphaizer – 34 pts (Long Beach P3).
  • FMG – 31 pts (Long Beach P4; DNF Monza).
  • gilvil77 – 31 pts (Monza P4; Long Beach outside Top 5).

Two rounds in, the season already has a narrative: Porcu vs. Jayden HW on 40 apiece, Masse lurking three back, and a tightly-bunched pack of Beninca, Willphaizer and FMG waiting to pounce.

Reporter’s take

Long Beach rewarded discipline. Jayden’s victory wasn’t flashy, but it was decisive — pole, fastest lap, and no major errors. Masse’s second consecutive P2 underlines his consistency and title credentials. Willphaizer and FMG both showed podium-level pace, while Beninca limited the damage with solid points.

The walls claimed their victims, but the championship fight is now finely poised: two winners, one tie at the top, and a hungry chasing pack. Next stop: Jarama, where rhythm and tyre management could reshuffle the order again.

Race Stats

http://simresults.net/remote?result=http%3a%2f%2f5.75.183.156%3a8772/results/download/2025_6_8_21_15_RACE.json

Published on Leave a comment on The 718 RENNSPORT TROPHY – A New Chapter in THR Vintage Sim Racing

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

Published on Leave a comment on F1 1979 Championship – Round 1, Monza

Porcu converts pole to victory in a slipstream chess match; Masse and Beninca complete the podium

Qualifying
The front row set the tone for an hour of high‑speed brinkmanship. Simone Porcu (BS2P Racing Team) put his Lotus‑liveried Formula RSS 1979 V8 on pole with a 1:35.534 (Softs). Fellow Italian gilvil77 joined him on the front row (1:35.813, S), with Florian Masse (TH Racing) third (1:35.973, S). The top ten was rounded out by FMG (1:36.258), Eduardo Beninca (1:36.284), Ali Rıza Tuncel (1:36.765), Eetu Karjunen (1:36.842), Rolf Biber (1:37.160), pitman (1:37.218) and Nat Stevenson (1:37.227).

Race report

Start & opening laps
Porcu made a clean launch and immediately imposed a steady rhythm, dragging Masse clear of the pack. Behind them the order reshuffled at the end of the opening tour: Biber vaulted from P8 to P4, only for Beninca to reclaim the place by lap 2. From there the lead group settled into a pattern—Porcu, Masse, gilvil77, Beninca—while Biber, pitman and Karjunen queued up in their wake.

Tyre story
Most of the front‑runners chose Softs and chased outright pace; Karjunen, Tuncel, Stevenson, Ristic and kuanza gambled on Hards for consistency over the hour. That split shaped the midfield fight as the stint wore on.

The race turns on two minutes of drama
Lap 16 detonated the calm: gilvil77 clocked a ragged 2:19.710, dropping from a secure third to the tail of the top seven. That single error handed P3 to Beninca and promoted pitman and Biber. Three laps later, the leaders exchanged favours—Porcu logged a 1:49.674 on lap 19, which put Masse into the lead. One tour later the roles reversed as Masse lost time with a 1:49.719 on lap 20 and Porcu took back control for good.

The middle stint also shuffled the second group. Biber suffered a 1:57.392 on lap 19, ceding spots to pitman and Karjunen. Then came their private duel: Karjunen grabbed P4 on lap 23, only for pitman to repass on lap 24 as the Hard‑tyre runner started to feel the pace.

Comeback and close
From lap 30 onward, gilvil77 began an eye‑catching recovery—past Biber for P6 (lap 30), Karjunen for P5 (lap 31), and finally pitman for P4 (lap 33). At the very end Biber stole sixth back from Karjunen on lap 37. Up front, Porcu’s metronomic laps and an outright fastest lap 1:36.743 kept Masse at bay to the flag.

Incidents & attrition
There was no shortage of contact deeper in the field. FMG’s promising qualifying turned into a lap‑4 retirement after tangles in traffic. Syd Drake (2 laps) and Dale Ballweg (3) were early DNFs; Davide Saìu stopped on lap 11 and Ferd1 on lap 19. Stevenson and Bucci both survived brushes with the scenery to bank solid points.

Monza — Provisional classification (Top 10)

  1. Simone Porcu — 37 laps, 60:28.722, fastest lap 1:36.743
  2. Florian Masse — 37 laps, 60:32.651 (+3.929s)
  3. Eduardo Beninca — 37 laps, 61:00.425 (+31.703s)
  4. gilvil77 — 37 laps, 61:52.848
  5. pitman — 37 laps, 61:57.145
  6. Rolf Biber — 37 laps, 61:57.694
  7. Eetu Karjunen — 37 laps, 61:57.886
  8. Nat Stevenson — 36 laps
  9. Richard Rossier — 36 laps
  10. Stefano Bucci — 36 laps

Notable DNFs: Drake (2 laps), Ballweg (3), FMG (4), Saìu (11), Ferd1 (19).

How Monza shapes the championship (drop‑score in effect for the season)

Points system: P1 40, P2 37, P3 34, P4 31, P5 30, P6 29, P7 28 … P29 6.

  • Porcu starts on 40 pts, a win from pole plus fastest lap authority.
  • Masse leaves Italy on 37 pts—within striking distance after pushing the leader into a brief mid‑race swap.
  • Beninca banks 34 pts for third, profiting when gilvil77 hit trouble.
  • gilvil77 takes 31 pts after a spirited comeback to fourth.
  • pitman opens with 30 pts in fifth after winning the duel with Karjunen.

With the drop‑race rule (the worst score discarded at season’s end), there’s nothing to drop yet—but the calculus is already clear: FMG’s early DNF is an obvious “drop” candidate later, while Porcu’s Monza haul is a keeper.

Takeaways

  • Lead under pressure: The race hinged on two out‑of‑sequence laps (19–20) that briefly flipped the lead before Porcu asserted control again.
  • Strategy split: Softs were the way to win; the best Hard‑tyre finisher (Karjunen) took P7, with Tuncel and Stevenson leveraging durability for points.
  • Comeback drive: gilvil77’s lap‑16 setback and three overtakes in the final eight laps delivered a hard‑earned P4.
  • Team notes: TH Racing comes away smiling—Masse P2 and pitman P5—while BS2P’s Porcu set the early benchmark.

Monza has delivered a classic: high speed, one razor‑thin momentum swing at the front, and enough midfield incident to keep the stewards busy. Next stop: Long Beach, where bumps and concrete walls will ask very different questions of these ground‑effect cars.

Race Stats

http://simresults.net/remote?result=http%3a%2f%2f5.75.183.156%3a8772/results/download/2025_5_25_21_15_RACE.json

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

👋 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

Published on Leave a comment on Bridgehampton Blasts into History: HappyKojot Clinches GTC Championship in Final-Round Thriller

Beneath a bright autumn sky and the rolling sand dunes of eastern Long Island, the final chapter of the GTC 60s Championship was written in glorious, tire-smoking fashion at the fearsome and undulating Bridgehampton Race Circuit. It was a race that had it all - drama, collisions, wheel-to-wheel duels - and a championship fight that went right down to the final corner of the final lap.

And when the dust finally settled after 36 grueling laps, it was SDH-M ~ HappyKojot, driving a brilliantly prepared Shelby Cobra 289 Hardtop, who emerged not only victorious on the day, but also crowned champion of this unforgettable season.

Qualifying: Inches in the Sand

Tensions were high before a single engine had fired, as the tight championship standings meant every fraction of a second counted. Pole position was snatched by Adam Celárek, his TVR Griffith Series 200 posting a blistering 1:40.690 - a mere 0.086 seconds ahead of HappyKojot. Third on the grid went to championship leader Nat Stevenson, also in a Cobra, with Florian Masse and Hayley Smith rounding out the top five.

With the top trio separated by just over three-tenths of a second, a high-speed showdown seemed inevitable.

Race Start: Thunder in the Dunes

The engines roared to life and the field surged into Turn 1 like a pack of unleashed beasts. Celárek led the charge off the line, but it took only two laps for HappyKojot to strike. The Cobra muscled its way past the TVR, taking the lead with an aggressive yet calculated move on Lap 2.

But this was no easy steal - Celárek retaliated just one lap later. The two drivers traded positions and even traded paint in a breathtaking dogfight that saw contact on Lap 4, both refusing to yield an inch. Another scuffle followed, echoing through the paddock like a flashback to classic duels of yesteryear.

Despite the friction, both machines stayed intact - a testament to old-school toughness - and the duel continued unabated.

Mid-Race Madness: Heat and Heroics

By the race’s halfway mark, the order at the front remained unchanged, but far from settled. Celárek set the fastest lap of the race - an eye-watering 1:40.474 on Lap 29 - as he tried to claw his way past the Cobra once more.

Behind them, Nat Stevenson ran a calm and composed race in third, doing exactly what he needed to keep his championship hopes alive. But while the front three kept it sharp and tidy, chaos reigned in the midfield.

Lap 1 saw multiple tangles, including Ingroover, Mark Johnson, and Falling Falcon, all jostling for space. Ramen Grosjeant had a torrid time, bouncing off the environment like a pinball, while the ever-mischievous Brandon Hawkin and Ryan Pandiscio treated fans to a post-race demolition derby, racking up over 40 collisions after the session officially ended!

There’s racing - and then there’s Bridgehampton.

The Final Showdown: Decided by a Tenth

As the race drew to a close, every pair of eyes was locked on the dueling leaders. Celárek attacked again and again, but HappyKojot defended like a lion. As the two thundered down the final straight, the checkered flag was in sight - and HappyKojot crossed the line a mere 0.107 seconds ahead of the TVR.

An astonishing drive from both - the kind of wheel-to-wheel spectacle that will be replayed in paddock folklore for decades to come.

Championship Finale: A Swing of Two Points

The championship battle had been tight all season, and it was only fitting that it should be decided by the smallest of margins.

DriverPoints BeforeBridgehamptonFinal Total
HappyKojot (HAP)14140181
Nat Stevenson (STE)14534179
Adam Celárek (CEL)13337170

By finishing first, HappyKojot leapfrogged Stevenson in the final standings by just two points, snatching the crown in a dramatic, last-race reversal. Celárek’s late-season charge - pole, fastest lap, and second place - earned him a well-deserved third overall in the final championship tally.

Podium, Legacy, and Legends

This season was more than just numbers. It was raw power, sand-kissed curves, and open-top beasts thundering through circuits steeped in history. The car selection - Cobras, Ferraris, TVRs - all brought their own flavor. And the teams? Well, Side Heart Motorsports, boasting both HappyKojot and Celárek, will forever be remembered for delivering a 1–2 finish at the finale and a 1–3 in the championship.

As the sun set over Bridgehampton’s old guardrails and windswept straights, the crowd knew they had witnessed something special.

Because on that day, HappyKojot didn’t just win a race - he etched his name into THRs Wall of Champions ;-).

Detailed Race Results:
https://simresults.net/remote?result=http%3a%2f%2f5.75.183.156%3a8772/results/download/2025_5_18_21_16_RACE.json

Published on Leave a comment on F1 1979 Championship – The Ground Effect Revolution starts this weekend – Prologue at Brands Hatch

Get ready, THR.
This isn’t just another Championship. This is a time machine back to one of the most thrilling, dangerous, and innovative seasons in Formula One history – and you’re invited to live it.

There are seasons in Formula One history that stand apart — moments where everything changed. One of those seasons was 1979. It was a year where genius, bravery, and innovation collided at full throttle. Now, through the magic of simracing, we’re bringing that raw, untamed energy back to life.

And this time, you’re in the driver’s seat.

In our upcoming F1 79 championship, we dive deep into the age of ground effect - a time when cars didn’t just cut through the air; they clung to the track, almost as if pulled downward by invisible hands. Thanks to revolutionary underbody designs, sliding skirts, and clever venturi tunnels, these machines could corner with a ferocity previously thought impossible. Drivers had to learn to trust the grip - and fear the moment they lost it.

This is the world of 1979 - where racing changed forever.

This was no era of driver aids or stability control. It was physics at the bleeding edge. And the consequences of getting it wrong? Immediate.

This isn’t modern F1. This is mechanical grip, driver bravery, and aerodynamic wizardry from a time when Formula One was still wild.

But we’re not just recreating a season - we’re creating a community experience. Drivers will have a choice of historically-inspired or custom liveries. We’ll run authentic race formats, visit classic circuits, and pay tribute to the legends who once dared to tame these monsters. Every race will be more than just competition; it will be a page in a story we write together.

Are you ready to step into the cockpit?

F1 1979 Championship

Published on Leave a comment on Thrilling Zandvoort Showdown Crowns Masse as Champion

F1 1975 Championship (Final Race Weekend 6/6)

Close Qualifying Sets Stage for Epic Finale

Under bright skies and ideal racing conditions, the 1975 season concluded with a gripping finale at the historic Zandvoort circuit. With championship honors still hanging in the balance, spectators were treated to an electrifying race that tested drivers’ skill, resolve, and machinery.

The qualifying session itself promised high drama, as Simone Porcu of the BS2P Racing Team narrowly secured pole position in his Williams, edging out TH Racing’s Florian Masse by just 0.033 seconds. Ali Riza Tuncel in his independent Lotus completed a tightly contested top three, setting the stage for an intense battle.

Battle at the Front: Porcu vs. Masse

As the lights went out, Porcu made a solid start, leading the pack into the challenging opening corners. Masse, however, was relentless, immediately pressuring the Williams driver. Behind them, Tuncel initially kept pace but soon found himself battling handling issues after multiple brushes with the barriers, eventually tumbling down the order.

From the start, Masse aggressively pursued Porcu, repeatedly challenging into the Tarzanbocht. Porcu defended well until lap 13, when a slight error allowed Masse to slip through. Masse then dictated the pace, with Porcu remaining close and persistent.

Pitman Secures Crucial Podium Finish

Pitman, Masse’s teammate, displayed commendable skill and consistency, rising through the ranks from sixth on the grid to secure a podium finish in third place, crucially bolstering TH Racing's points haul.

Midfield Heroes Shine Amidst Chaos

The midfield battles were equally enthralling. Notably, Eetu Karjunen produced a stunning drive from twelfth on the grid to finish fourth, a performance mirrored by Stefan Roess, who surged from seventeenth to eighth. These impressive gains underlined their tenacity and skill, avoiding the numerous incidents and collisions that plagued others.

Carnage at Zandvoort Claims Victims

The circuit's unforgiving nature took its toll. FMG had a particularly disastrous sequence of incidents around lap 10, resulting in an early retirement. Similarly, Ali Riza Tuncel’s promising weekend ended prematurely after multiple encounters with Zandvoort’s punishing barriers.

Late in the race, Porcu endured a critical setback after a collision with Ingroover, severely damaging his chances of reclaiming the lead. Despite setting the fastest lap of the race at 1:19.070, Porcu was forced to settle for second place.

Final Laps Drama and Masse’s Triumph

As the laps wound down, Masse expertly navigated through traffic and minor track incidents, maintaining his lead over a determined Porcu. Behind them, battles continued fiercely with positions frequently changing, particularly in the lower half of the points-scoring places.

When the checkered flag fell, Florian Masse celebrated not just his race victory but also secured the 1975 Championship crown, extending his final points lead over Porcu to 9 points. Pitman’s strong third-place finish solidified his spot on the championship podium. Remarkably, the top three finishers at Zandvoort perfectly mirrored the final standings in the championship, underscoring the consistent excellence of the season's leading drivers.

Masse Triumphs in Thrilling 1975 Championship Showdown

The 1975 racing season erupted with excitement, driven by relentless battles and strategic twists, notably influenced by the dramatic "drop worst result" rule. Florian Masse clinched the championship crown with an impressive blend of sheer dominance and tactical brilliance. Despite facing adversity with a dramatic DNF at Silverstone, Masse masterfully discarded this setback, storming to victory in four of the six decisive races.

Simone Porcu provided relentless pressure, delivering consistent podium finishes race after race. Utilizing the discard rule to drop a less competitive score at Interlagos, Porcu kept the championship fight alive until the very end, falling just 9 points short after a thrilling season-long duel.

Pitman grabbed third place in style, showcasing unwavering determination highlighted by a pivotal victory at Silverstone. The discard rule strategically boosted his final standings, allowing him to eliminate a fourth-place finish.

Kasperi Sirén secured fourth overall, brilliantly gathering crucial points early in the season and effectively neutralizing his absence in the finale with strategic use of the discard rule.

Nat charged into the top five by turning early-season disappointment into fierce determination, skillfully leveraging the discard rule to steadily climb the rankings.

Ultimately, Florian Masse’s calculated strategy, combined with consistent high-performance racing, secured him a thrilling and deserved 1975 championship victory.

Detailed Race Results:
https://simresults.net/remote?result=http%3a%2f%2f5.75.183.156%3a8772/results/download/2025_4_27_21_14_RACE.json

Published on Leave a comment on Fire and Fury at Watkins Glen – Masse Holds Off Stevenson in a GTC Classic

GTC US Tour (Race Weekend 5/6 at Watkins Glen)

On a crisp racing afternoon in upstate New York, the hills of Watkins Glen trembled under the fury of roaring engines and the clash of championship titans. What unfolded during the fifth round of the GTC Championship was not merely a motor race - it was a symphony of courage, calamity, and high-speed craftsmanship.

Opening Salvo: Collision Course Among the Front-Runners

The grid was electric. Adam Celárek, perched on pole in his thunderous TVR Griffith with a blistering 1:13.431 in qualifying, led the charge down into Turn 1. Beside him, Nat Stevenson was ready to pounce, with Florian Masse poised in P3, eyes fixed on the apex.

But the opening laps were anything but orderly. The first few corners bore witness to a flurry of contact: Celárek and Stevenson rubbed panels more than once; Masse found himself muscling past both in the early exchanges. The rear of the field fared no better - Felix789 and Kent LeFredge tangled, FMG and CoVid_Man skirmished, and the Watkins Glen asphalt quickly became a battlefield.

The Lead Duel: Masse vs. Stevenson

Through the chaos, Florian Masse emerged with the bit between his teeth. In a dazzling display of resolve, he climbed from third to the front and then braced himself for a relentless 60-minute pursuit by Stevenson. Their duel became the centerpiece of the afternoon.

Lap after lap, the two titans traded fastest times, wheel-to-wheel action, and the occasional nudge. Stevenson’s best lap - a scintillating 1:13.598 - matched the pole time set by Celárek, underscoring his raw pace. Masse, however, responded not with outright speed but with supreme consistency and nerves of steel.

As the race wore on, the duo became inseparable. The gap hovered under a second for most of the final stint. Post-race logs showed both had picked up a minor collision after the chequered flag - testament to just how hard they raced, even as they rolled into parc fermé.

Podium Powerhouses and Strategic Survivors

While the spotlight remained fixed on the front two, Hayley Smith delivered a masterclass in composure. From P4 on the grid, she climbed to third, driving a clean, well-judged race to secure a much-deserved podium amidst the mayhem.

Behind her, Celárek, the pole-sitter, couldn’t keep pace after the opening lap skirmishes. Though fast, the damage - physical and tactical - was done. He would ultimately settle for fourth, his title hopes dented but not dashed.

Valentin Knechtel piloted his Ferrari 250 GTO with precision to rise from 10th to 5th, while FMG, who started an anonymous 14th, stunned observers by slicing his way to 6th - eight places gained, and a drive to be proud of.

And then there was Falling Falcon - from a lowly 21st to a storming 10th. In a race marked by attrition and elbows-out aggression, his 11-place climb was nothing short of heroic.

Heartbreak and Havoc in the Midfield

The Glen showed little mercy to others. Max Solmyr, a frontrunner in qualifying, was caught in a shunt with MonSpaNur early on and tumbled down the order. He finished a disconsolate 17th. Mark Johnson had multiple brushes with rivals, most notably FMG, and Rolf Biber, starting P9, was out after just 27 laps in the Swiss Buddy Racing Ferrari.

Eduardo Beninca, a promising P5 in qualifying, never turned a racing lap - either sidelined before the green or struck down by early misfortune.

Across the field, no fewer than 17 collisions were recorded for Marko Ristic alone - a telling indicator of just how physical this race was, even by GTC standards.

Final Lap: Pressure to the End

As the final minutes ticked down, Stevenson was glued to Masse’s rear bumper, looking for any opening. But Masse, unyielding and unshakable, held firm. When the flag fell, the margin was just 0.781 seconds—a sliver of daylight after an hour of door-to-door action.

Florian Masse took the win, the fastest lap, and the acclaim of the crowd. Stevenson banked critical points. And somewhere, HappyKojot watched from afar, ruing his DNS.

Championship Implications: Three Men, One Crown

With five of six rounds now in the ledger, the championship picture is coming into sharp relief—but it’s far from settled.

  • Nat Stevenson leads with 145 points. With his dropped DNS already accounted for, any score at Bridgehampton will add to his tally. A win could crown him on 185.
  • HappyKojot, despite his absence at Watkins Glen, sits just four points back on 141. If he bounces back with a win, and Stevenson falters, the title could still be his.
  • Adam Celárek stands on 133 points. His path to the crown is narrow but not impossible. He needs to win, and hope his rivals stumble.

The GTC Championship now thunders toward its finale at Bridgehampton, where tension will hang as thick as exhaust fumes. For Stevenson, the title is within reach. For Kojot, redemption calls. For Celárek, only perfection will do.

Whatever happens, one thing is certain - this fight isn’t over.

Detailed Race Results:
https://simresults.net/remote?result=http%3a%2f%2f5.75.183.156%3a8772/results/download/2025_5_4_21_13_RACE.json

Published on Leave a comment on Hawkin Conquers Paramount Ranch

GTC US Tour (Race Weekend 4/6)

The picturesque yet perilous Paramount Ranch played host to Round 4 of the GTC Legends Championship, where American muscle clashed with European flair on the historic, undulating tarmac of Southern California. With the championship hunt tightening and the track’s reputation for punishing even the smallest mistake, drivers were in for a demanding 60-minute showdown.

Qualifying Recap: Tight Margins at the Top

Qualifying set the tone for what would become one of the season’s most dramatic races. SDH-M ~ HappyKojot (Side Heart Motorsports) snatched pole in his Shelby Cobra 289 Hardtop with a blistering 1:28.302. Adam Celárek followed just 0.054s behind in the nimble TVR Griffith, while meisterJaeger lined up third in his Cobra Hardtop, only half a second off the pole. The session showcased the remarkable parity across the grid, with five drivers within a second of the lead.

The Race: Hawkin Takes Command in Chaos-Filled Classic

From the green flag, it was clear that Paramount Ranch would live up to its reputation. The narrow confines and technical layout saw drama unfold across the field.

Brandon Hawkin emerged victorious with a commanding drive from P3, capitalizing on pace and racecraft to outlast the chaos. He completed all 41 laps in 1:01:06.051, set the fastest race lap (1:28.663), and showed that he would have been a championship contender if he would have participated in all races.

HappyKojot, despite starting from pole, had a turbulent race involving no fewer than 14 collisions. Still, the Shelby driver held on for second, finishing 4.17 seconds behind Hawkin and preserving his championship lead.

Adam Celárek rounded out the podium. Though he matched the frontrunners on pace - even posting the fastest individual lap of the race at 1:28.018 - the Czech driver was caught up in 13 separate incidents. He crossed the line 5.468 seconds adrift of the lead.

Behind them, Nat Stevenson delivered the cleanest race of the frontrunners. Holding his 4th position from start to finish, Stevenson recorded just one collision all race - a key detail that may prove decisive as the season progresses.

One of the most thrilling moments of the race came during the middle stages, where Felix789, Kasperi Sirén, Rolf Biber, DriK, and FMG engaged in a ferocious five-car battle that lasted over 25 minutes. The group swapped positions numerous times, often running side-by-side through the tight and twisting sections of the circuit, showcasing both aggression and remarkable car control. Ultimately, Felix789 and Sirén emerged ahead, while the intense fight contributed to DriK’s eventual retirement.

Standout Performances: Movers, Survivors, and the Unlucky

Felix789 (Big Fat Racing) was undoubtedly the day’s most impressive mover. Starting 14th, he charged through the field to finish 6th, a net gain of 8 positions. His aggressive but controlled style saw him tangled in six incidents - yet it was enough to make a serious mark.

Valentin Knechtel finished a solid 5th, while Kasperi Sirén clawed up to 7th from 11th, despite a bruising 14-collision race. Rolf Biber, CoVid_Man, and FMG (who slipped from P7 to P10) rounded out the top 10.

Max Solmyr, Falling Falcon and Stefan Roess managed to finish 11th, 12th and 13th respectively, the last of the classified drivers to complete the full distance.

Meanwhile, six drivers failed to finish. Among them, DriK endured a nightmare race - dropping 9 positions before an early retirement. Others like Ryan Pandiscio, and Marko Ristic succumbed to Paramount’s punishing conditions, many suffering high-speed impacts with the environment.

Lap Pace: Consistency Wins the Day

Brandon Hawkin didn’t just win with raw pace — he won with consistency. His average clean lap was a class-leading 1:29.159, just ahead of HappyKojot (1:29.299) and Celárek (1:29.343). The top four — including Stevenson — were separated by less than three-tenths on average, showing just how competitive this grid has become.

Championship Standings: Three-Way Battle Intensifies

With just two rounds to go, the standings have tightened dramatically:

  1. HappyKojot – 114 pts
  2. Nat Stevenson – 108 pts
  3. Adam Celárek – 102 pts
  4. Kasperi Sirén – 92 pts
  5. FMG – 89 pts
  6. Valentin Knechtel – 86 pts

Hawkin’s win catapults him into the top ten, while the battle for the podium is now a matter of a single result swinging the tide. The title fight remains wide open.

Looking Ahead: Round 5 – Watkins Glen

Next up is Watkins Glen, where the sweeping esses, the notorious bus stop chicane, and long straights will challenge both driver skill and setup discipline. The championship's top three are separated by just 12 points, with Sirén, FMG, and Knechtel still within striking range.

Given the high incident count at Paramount Ranch, drivers who can balance aggression with survival — as Nat Stevenson proved — may find themselves on the better end of the result sheet. With GTC cars, unpredictable dynamics, and a high-stakes title chase, Round 5 promises fireworks.

Detailed Race Results:
https://simresults.net/remote?result=http%3a%2f%2f5.75.183.156%3a8772/results/download/2025_4_20_21_15_RACE.json

Published on Leave a comment on Masse Dominates Österreichring Chaos, Title Fight Intensifies Ahead of Zandvoort Finale

Sunday’s race at the legendary Österreichring circuit, renowned for its daunting high-speed corners and absence of the chicane, proved decisive in reshaping this year’s championship battle. Amidst spectacular crashes and relentless wheel-to-wheel action, Florian Masse secured a commanding victory that could prove critical in his quest for the title.

Qualifying: Masse Takes Command Early

In a fiercely contested qualifying session, Florian Masse (McLaren) stormed to pole position with a blistering 1:34.640, outpacing the Williams duo of Elia Porcu and Simone Porcu, who lined up second and third respectively. Ali Riza Tuncel completed the second row in his Lotus, promising an intense race from the start.

Early Mayhem Sets the Tone

The green flag dropped, and while Masse maintained control, early drama unfolded as pitman’s McLaren slid into the barrier at the start of lap two, though he quickly rejoined the race. Moments later, gilvil77’s Tyrrell collided with the barriers, initiating a chain reaction involving Richard Rossier, Max Solmyr, and Stefan Roess. Disaster struck further into the same lap for Elia Porcu, whose Williams suffered a technical failure, sending him off track and ending his race prematurely.

Further heartbreak came when Dale Ballweg’s Ferrari ended its race abruptly after only three laps due to severe damage. MonSpaNur (Penske) and Rolf Biber (Ferrari) also succumbed to the circuit’s punishing nature, their races ending prematurely amidst scattered debris and damaged cars.


Masse Unchallenged, Simone Porcu Battles Back

At the front, Masse never looked back. His McLaren set the fastest lap of the race (1:36.001), effortlessly building a gap lap after lap with a remarkable consistency that rivals found impossible to match.

Behind Masse, Simone Porcu (Williams) showed exceptional resilience. After surviving an intense mid-race collision with Max Solmyr, Porcu regained composure and secured a solid second place, crucially keeping his championship hopes alive.

Podium Thriller: Sirén vs. pitman

The battle for third provided the most thrilling spectacle of the day, as Kasperi Sirén (Surtees) narrowly edged out pitman’s McLaren by just two-tenths of a second in a breathtaking last-lap showdown. Mika Hakala secured a commendable fifth for Ferrari, holding off a late charge by Nat Stevenson (Shadow).

Race Results (Top 6):

  1. Florian Masse (McLaren) – 38 laps, 1:01:19.907
  2. Simone Porcu (Williams) – +20.937
  3. Kasperi Sirén (Surtees) – +1:08.832
  4. pitman (McLaren) – +1:09.032
  5. Mika Hakala (Ferrari) – +1:22.065
  6. Nat Stevenson (Shadow) – +1:26.408

Championship Outlook: Duel in the Dutch Dunes

Heading into the championship finale at Zandvoort, Florian Masse leads Simone Porcu by just six points. Masse, after dropping his worst score from Silverstone, sits at 157 points, while Porcu, dropping his Montjuic score, trails closely at 151 points. pitman, despite a strong performance today, is now mathematically out of the title race, sitting third overall.

Midfield Madness

The battle behind the leaders is astonishingly tight: Kasperi Sirén holds fourth place but is closely chased by FMG, Stevenson, Hakala, gilvil77, Elia Porcu, Solmyr, and Karjunen—each separated by mere single-digit margins. Zandvoort promises high drama, with positions likely shifting dramatically based on every overtaking maneuver.

Final Thoughts: Anticipation Builds for Zandvoort

The stage is set perfectly for a dramatic championship decider. Masse holds the advantage, but with Simone Porcu’s relentless pursuit and a midfield hungry to prove their worth, fans can expect an electrifying conclusion on the historic dunes of Zandvoort. The 1975 championship is still very much alive, promising a spectacular showdown.

Detailed Race Results
https://simresults.net/remote?result=http%3a%2f%2f5.75.183.156%3a8772/results/download/2025_4_13_21_16_RACE.json