Second round of the NEC Solidarity e-Race

The locally hosted online e-race that is broadcasted live to social media platforms is back due to popular demand. Not only did the organizers see the need for this local motorsport platform to return but also the event sponsors. Within 24 hours of registrations opening, more than 120 competitors entered for the second iteration of the online racing series which set out to provide interactive entertainment to motorsport enthusiasts and support the Solidarity Fund which was created to support SMME’s during this challenging time.

This event will further bolster the funds raised during the first iteration of this race. The list of competitors is made up from motorsport enthusiast, professional simulation racers and even professional racing drivers and is incentivized by exciting prizes from the event sponsors. One of the main reasons the organizers and sponsors decided to host the second e-Race was just the reactions that came from both the racers and backroom staff as even tears flowed at the conclusion of the first event. It is this combination that could lead to this event becoming a regular occurrence while all national and international motorsport genres are taking a break due to lockdowns implemented across the world.

Furthermore, sponsors are realizing the opportunities available in online sporting platforms and they are reacting to this.  After the success of the first Solidarity e-Race, NEC Global decided to move its sponsorship role into the top tier level which includes naming rights and consequently left a space in the second tier of sponsors but not for long as True Race joined existing sponsors Afrihost, Data Science Corporation and Pure Storage.

The sponsors which were involved with the action-packed and incredibly exciting live race event saw over 350 000 people engaged on social media and over R2.4 million worth of return on investment from a standard media coverage point of view. This just furthermore bolster the effectiveness of live e-racing as people around the world was left without any normal live sport taking place.

“We’ve seen drivers in online gaming championships go onto becoming test drivers for major teams, and unlike other big online games like the FIFA one whereas an example you might be great out in the park with your friends and a real soccer ball, but when you’re trying to make the same cross from the sideline into the centre on the game, it is not as easy to do. Driving games require a similar mindset to when you’re driving a real race car and concentration levels are just as high if not more when racing online as it is to real life,” Andrew Coley, official commentator, FIA WRX World Championship.

Live Stream Channels

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1wVBFD0REAIQYxy3sC_WdQ

FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/Solidarityerace/

Schedule

Tuesday 28 April 19h00 Semi-Final 1-4 

Fans can catch all the action as each race will be broadcasted via Social Media Live Streams.

Wednesday 29 April 19h00 Grand Final 1: Sprint Race

The top seven racers out of each semi-final race qualify to compete in the first Grand Final race, their grid position is determined by their fastest laps set in each respective semi-final race.

Wild Card Last Chance Qualifier Race

This is a quick race whereby invitation some of the drivers will compete for the last two available slots into the Grand Final Enduro Race.

Wednesday 29 April 20h30 Grand Final 2: Enduro Race  

This is a 20 lap race which will determine the podium finishes and the overall prize winners.