Ford SA tackles the virtual tarmac

With motorsport still on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) is launching the very first motor manufacturer-based sim-racing competition in South Africa. The competition, aptly named the Ford Performance #LockdownLaps, will be taking place from 29 June 2020 until 1 August 2020. The basic entry requirements are a Playstation 4 connected to the internet and Gran Turismo Sport, no driver’s licenses required.

The Gran Turismo Sport platform hosts a variety of racing disciplines, circuits and more importantly a variety of Ford performance vehicles that have taken part in real-world racing events from the Mustang 5.0 GT to the Ford Focus rally car. The competition which will be running over the National Video Game Day taking place on 8 July 2020 aims to crown the fastest simulation racers in the country and reward them with prizes including a state-of-the-art wheel and pedal system and other Ford Performance gear.

With social distancing measures still in place, the Ford Performance #LockdownLaps event is the ideal past-time for even the most novice of simulation racers. Since the international lockdown measures came into effect, esports has been thriving and has even resulted in a virtual 24hr Le Mans race which saw a variety of professional racing drivers and F1 drivers compete for the top of the virtual podium.

“We know many of our customers are missing their car during this time of restricted travel, or simply dream of driving our exciting Ford Performance models like the legendary Ford Mustang. That’s why we are excited to launch a virtual racing championship on Gran Turismo Sport during a time when esports’ growth is eclipsing mainstream sport both in viewership and commercial aspects,” Doreen Mashinini, General Manager Marketing, FMCSA.

“The fact that our competition will run over National Video Game Day on 8 July 2020 is added reason for celebration. Performance and motorsport are integral to Ford’s DNA and we’re always looking to engage with younger audiences and online communities. This is a chance to talk to the next generation of Ford drivers and ambassadors,” Mashinini, concluded.

All contestants, from the occasional weekend racer to the online gaming pros, will take part in a qualifying session to make sure racers of similar skill levels are paired up to make the main events more competitive and fair. The different groups will go on to compete in three points-scoring championship rounds which will be held on each Saturday during the event. The top ten fastest drivers, determined by the points they scored, will go on to a final championship round which will be live-streamed. The event will be managed by an experienced esports sim-team to ensure fair and good sportsmanship and full communication support.

To register, use the link https://discord.gg/MAMsbmm and join the Discord app – available free on Android and iOS devices. Also follow the @FordSouthAfrica social media channels, keeping an eye out for the #LockdownLaps posts.