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Published on Leave a comment on The End of WMR and the Next Step in VR: My Conversation with PIMAX

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.

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

Published on Leave a comment on F1 1979 Championship – Round 4, Hockenheim

FMG holds his nerve to claim first win as Porcu’s charge falls short

The vast straights of Hockenheim’s forest section promised a slipstream battle, and the race delivered a tactical thriller. FMG, starting from pole, controlled the pace with metronomic precision, fending off a relentless Simone Porcu. At the flag just 1.9 seconds split them, with Florian Masse completing the podium after surviving a bruising start.

Qualifying: FMG lays down a marker

Saturday saw FMG stamp authority on proceedings, taking pole with a 1:53.256, ahead of Porcu (1:53.624) and Eetu Karjunen (1:53.675). Masse, fourth with a 1:53.908, had the pace to be in the fight but needed a clean first lap to capitalize.

The race

Start and first-lap fireworks
When the lights went out, FMG got away cleanly, Porcu slotting into his slipstream. Behind, chaos: Eduardo Beninca, Masse, and Nat Stevenson all tangled in the stadium section within the opening minute, scattering debris and unsettling Masse’s rhythm. Stevenson’s afternoon would unravel further—an off into the barriers at minute 4 left him nursing damage before retiring mid-distance.

Porcu applies pressure
The duel for the win crystallized by lap 5. Porcu, his Lotus-liveried Prc Racing Team car visibly trimmed out for top speed, shadowed FMG at every split. On lap 10, Porcu set the fastest tour of the day: 1:54.447, underlining the Italian’s intent. But FMG never cracked—his lines through the second chicane and Ostkurve exit consistently rebuilt the gap before the stadium.

Masse rebuilds, Karjunen hangs on
Shaken from the early contact, Masse steadied himself. A string of 1:55-lows re-established his podium claim, eventually gapping Karjunen. The Finn briefly threatened in the first stint but couldn’t match Masse’s consistency.

Meisinger impresses
Quietly, Simon Meisinger delivered one of his sharpest drives yet, staying with the leaders’ pace. His best lap, 1:54.807, showed he had the outright speed, and fifth place with over an hour of error-free running was reward for precision.

Late incidents
Drama wasn’t confined to the start. Around the 50-minute mark, Ramen Grosjeant clashed with Karjunen in the stadium, both limping home with battered machinery. Beninca, after his early clash, retired after just 4 laps, while Stevenson and Grosjeant joined the non-finishers’ column later on.

Provisional classification – Top 5 (32 laps)

  1. FMG — 61:47.550 (best lap 1:54.488)
  2. Simone Porcu — 61:49.498 (+1.948s, fastest lap 1:54.447)
  3. Florian Masse — 62:13.674 (+26.124s)
  4. Eetu Karjunen — 62:46.220 (+58.670s)
  5. Simon Meisinger — 62:48.858 (+1:01.308)

Championship picture (drop-score applied)

With the scoring system (P1 40, P2 37, P3 34, P4 31, P5 30, P6 29…), the standings after Hockenheim and the drop-race rule are:

  • Simone Porcu — 117 pts (Monza 40, Long Beach 0 [dropped], Jarama 40, Hockenheim 37).
  • FMG — 108 pts (Monza 0 [dropped], Long Beach 31, Jarama 37, Hockenheim 40).
  • Florian Masse — 108 pts (Monza 37, Long Beach 37, Jarama 34 [dropped], Hockenheim 34).
  • gilvil77 — 89 pts (Monza 31, Long Beach 29, Jarama 29, Hockenheim 0 [dropped]).
  • pitman — 84 pts (Monza 30, Long Beach 25, Jarama 0 [dropped], Hockenheim 29).

Porcu retains the lead thanks to two victories, but FMG’s Hockenheim triumph vaults him level with Masse. The championship narrative is now clear: a three-way fight, with Porcu’s consistency giving him the edge, but FMG and Masse armed with both speed and momentum.

Reporter’s notebook

  • FMG’s metronomy: 20 of his 32 laps were within three-tenths of each other.
  • Porcu’s chicane conundrum: consistently gained on straights but lost vital tenths through the second chicane.
  • Masse’s grit: salvaged a podium after lap-one chaos; those points may prove golden in the title chase.
  • Unsung hero: Meisinger’s 1:54.8 best lap was on par with Porcu; a podium looks within reach if attrition swings his way.

Race Stats

http://simresults.net/remote?result=http%3a%2f%2f5.75.183.156%3a8772/results/download/2025_8_17_21_20_RACE.json

Published on Leave a comment on Official Report: THR 6 Heures du Mans 2025

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:

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"

Published on Leave a comment on AE 86 Tuned – Super Happy Fun SummerTime Cup

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

Published on Leave a comment on F1 1979 Championship – Round 3, Jarama

Porcu converts pole; title picture tightens behind him

Jarama’s short, coiled ribbon often rewards precision over bravado, and on Sunday it produced exactly that kind of race. Pole‑sitter Simone Porcu made it look almost clinical—absorbing pressure in the opening minutes, then edging away to win—while Florian Masse shadowed him to the flag. Behind them, FMG stitched together a measured recovery to complete the podium, with Richard Rossier and Max Solmyr rounding out the top five.

Qualifying: a low‑1:20s shootout

The top ten in qualifying set the tone: Porcu on pole with a 1:20.377, just ahead of gilvil77 (1:20.530), Ali Rıza Tuncel (1:20.583) and Florian Masse (1:20.598). Solmyr, Rossier, Nat Stevenson, Dale Ballweg, Aitor Montero and FMG completed a grid that promised elbows‑out racing into Turn 1.

Start and first‑lap chaos

Jarama rarely lets an entire field tip‑toe through Lap 1, and this start was no exception. Within the first 0:03–0:05, Dale Ballweg and Max Solmyr clashed twice in the Turn‑1/Turn‑2 sequence, Ballweg also nudging the barriers—classic accordion contact as the pack pinched together.

Seconds later—still on the opening lap—kuanza, Solmyr, and FMG traded paint in a three‑way chain reaction as the field climbed the hill, a brief scare that everyone somehow survived.

The first lap continued to bite: around 0:46–0:47, Florian Masse brushed the outside and Nat Stevenson met the wall one corner later, both incidents minor but momentum‑sapping.

Porcu vs. Masse: pressure without payoff

Once the race exhaled, Porcu settled into a metronomic rhythm in the low‑1:21s. He even stamped in the race’s fastest lap—1:21.305—mid‑distance, just as the tires and fuel burn hit their sweet spot.

Masse never let the elastic snap. For long stretches he hovered a couple of seconds back, close enough to keep the leader honest and far enough to preserve his fronts in the long, loaded right‑handers. The pair’s duel had the shape of a chess endgame rather than a knife fight—Jarama’s narrow lines and matching pace making the difference more about millimetres than moves. (Official timing lists Porcu ahead of Masse in the final classification. )

The podium fight: FMG’s tidy rebuild

Starting outside the front rows, FMG had work to do after that lap‑one squeeze. Once the field spread, his laptimes stabilized in the 1:21–1:22 bracket and he picked off rivals steadily. By the second half he had clear air, managed the tires, and protected third all the way to the chequer. His stint included several tidy laps in the 1:21.8–1:22.4 window (e.g., 1:21.859 around mid‑race), the sort of consistency Jarama rewards.

Richard Rossier (P4) and Max Solmyr (P5) survived that bruising first lap to bank heavy points. Rossier’s day wasn’t spotless—he was in the thick of the opening skirmishes too—but his average pace and traffic management were enough to keep Solmyr behind when it mattered.

Fastest lap and notable retirements

While Porcu owned the win, gilvil77 was frequently the quickest car not named Simone—clocking repeated low‑1:21s (e.g., 1:21.541 and 1:21.710 while chasing in clean air).

A handful of would‑be scorers fell away:

  • Dale Ballweg retired early after 5 laps, his race ending around 7:31.892.
  • Nat Stevenson was out after 19 laps (about 27:11), his Turn‑2 wall strike from the opening minutes foreshadowing a short afternoon.
  • Ali Rıza Tuncel, so sharp in qualifying, lasted 32 laps (roughly 46:55), then parked it—promising pace that never translated.

Provisional top five (Jarama)

  1. Simone Porcu — lights‑to‑flag control (fastest lap 1:21.305).
  2. Florian Masse — pressure without a passing lane.
  3. FMG — calm rebuild after Lap‑1 contact.
  4. Richard Rossier — tidy damage‑limitation drive.
  5. Max Solmyr — recovered from the opening‑lap scuffle.

What it means for the championship (drop‑score applied)

With the series scoring 40‑37‑34‑31‑30‑29… and a drop race rule (worst result discarded), the table after Round 3 shakes out like this for the leading group:

  • Simone Porcu — 80 pts (Monza 40, Long Beach 0 [DNS, dropped], Jarama 40)
  • Florian Masse — 74 pts (Monza 37, Long Beach 37, Jarama 34 [dropped])
  • FMG — 68 pts (Monza 0 [dropped], Long Beach 31, Jarama 37)
  • gilvil77 — 60 pts (Monza 31, Long Beach 29, Jarama 29 [one 29 dropped])
  • Richard Rossier — 57 pts (Monza 26, Long Beach 26 [one 26 dropped], Jarama 31)

In short: Porcu’s second win from three puts him clearly in command once the DNS is dropped; Masse stays within one result; FMG launches himself into the frame with a podium; and steady scoring keeps gilvil77 and Rossier in touch as the tour heads to Hockenheim.

Race Stats

http://simresults.net/remote?result=http%3a%2f%2f5.75.183.156%3a8772/results/download/2025_6_22_21_15_RACE.json

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