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FEATURE STORY 36 Spiel – September 2021 Story by Dan Pilling and Ed Eijsenring and Images by PCA Sim Racing I n the last few years Sim Racing has experienced accelerated growth in active participants and time on-track. This phenomenon has not gone unnoticed by Porsche and the Porsche communities worldwide. So, what is Sim Racing all about? In essence Sim Racing is about accurately simulating auto racing through personal computer software. Sim Racing has been around for quite a while and is sophisticated and comprehensive today, with real- world (car dependent) variables such as fuel usage, damage, tire wear and grip, brake pad compound, aero settings, suspension settings, differential specs, energy recovery systems, motor generator units, and (laser scanned) real- world racetracks. Sim Racing has a variety of exciting use scenarios such as: individual drivers getting educated on car control and setup; drivers participating in race leagues and championships; drivers competing in team endurance races, leagues, and championships; team managers who setup, develop, and manage race teams; creators who design amazing car liveries; and content creators/entertainers streaming on media outlets such as Twitch and YouTube. To help sim racers to be the best sim racer that they What is Sim Racing? What to expect? can be, there is an eco-system available offering a variety of solutions ranging from steering wheels, cockpits, pedals to advanced data analysis tools, car setup packs, coaching, and driver universities. There are many racing applications and games available on several platforms such as Formula 1 (F1), Forza Motorsport, Assetto Corsa, Project Cars, NASCAR Racing, and Gran Turismo. Among members of the international Porsche community, iRacing is often the favorite Sim Racing platform because of its advanced multi-player capabilities available worldwide. The Porsche Club of America (PCA) has embraced iRacing as the platform for PCA Sim Racing, led by Doug Atkinson. The program is sponsored by Porsche, next to HAGERTY Motorsports, Pirelli, Michelin, and Z1 dashboard & Analyzer. Currently, there are six Porsche cars available in iRacing: the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, 911 GT3 Cup (based on the 991 + 992), 911 GT3 R, 911 RSR, and the 919 Hybrid the Le Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1) racing car. All these cars can be experienced at the most thrilling tracks such as the legendary Nürburgring, Spa-Francorchamps, Road Atlanta, Le Mans, Circuit de America, Laguna, Sebring, Watkins Glenn, and many others. PCA Sim Racing provides a platform and community for sim racers to learn and develop their knowledge, insights, and experiences regarding car control, setup, and racing through driver education sessions and nationwide and zone group-driven race leagues and championships, of which many are being live broadcasted on YouTube and streamed by members on their respective Twitch channels. In addition, PCA Sim Racing hosts team endurance races, leagues, and championships for sim racers to join and compete. Sim racers can learn more about team management by setting up, developing, and managing their own race teams. This includes recruiting and preparation for the endurance races through race strategy planning including car choices, car setup support, stint scheduling, fuel, and tire strategies. For creators, Sim Racing has some fantastic aspects. You can design amazing car liveries, and some folks even make a business out of that. For content creators/entertainers active in streaming on media outlets such as Twitch and YouTube, Sim Racing has been of great value. Each of these aspects of Sim Racing are sensational and offer learning experiences supported by a passionate PCA Sim Racing community. ENJOY the THRILL of