In an effort to give a boost to female sim racers, the first-ever Screen to Speed iRacing competition will highlight women in esports through a unique online tournament.
Female sim racers from all over the world are invited to participate in a first-of-its kind for women, by women event, with registration beginning on 19th December 2022.
Set up like an online reality-style show created by Init Esports founder Stefy Bau and Kellymoss Inc. co-owner Victoria Thomas, Screen to Speed by Pennzoil aims to “create a multi-year pipeline to discover female talent from esports and gaming, and offer them a direct route to become part of the motorsports industry.”
An industry that has only 3 per cent female representation.
Sim racing, of course, offers plenty of opportunities for gamers to make their dreams of driving in the real world a reality by competing in different esports events around the globe.
50 per cent of gamers are women. And while there is a lack of females in sim racing currently, the tournament encourages participants to get involved through a fun and educational online racing environment which offers plenty of support to drivers of all levels.
“The idea started as a way to meet the young demographic where they are (online) and show them the different doors into the motorsports industry,” said Bau of Screen to Speed.
“As a former professional racer, I have experienced first-hand the difficulties of getting into motorsports as a female.
“We want to change that and inspire everyone to go for their dreams.”
Phase 1, Time Attack via iRacing, consists of an asynchronous digital competition from now until 12th February, 2023, where sim racers will register for the event and spin as many laps as they can within this timeframe.
Players’ overall ranking will be determined by their skills on the track and community engagement.
At the end of Phase 1, the top 20 finalists (15 drivers chosen based on fastest lap time and social reach, plus 5 influencers) will meet in Las Vegas for Phase 2 – an in-person battle which takes place during the Pennzoil 400.
Spectators can watch the event live or via stream on Twitch, YouTube and ESTV on 5th March, 2023.
Drivers will compete in Next Level Racing cockpit simulators while receiving coaching tips from Kellymoss racer, Sabré Cook.
The winner will take home a whopping $15,000, with the following prizes available to racers along the way:
- A trip to the live show in Las Vegas
- Pro-level racing simulator
- Live Porsche track day
- VIP Passes to Kellymoss IMSA Race with full hospitality
- AMA (Ask Me Anything) with professional female racer
- Signed event t-shirt
- Posters
- Stickers
- Gaming Equipment
But that’s not all. As part of Phase 3 on 6th March, 2023, the first female sim racer to win Screen to Speed will hop in the seat of a Kellymoss Porsche race car for a Speed Vegas test drive alongside Cook.
Entry to the iRacing competition is open to all females. Participants will race virtually on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway circuit with the Ford Next Gen NASCAR vehicle.
“This project is a perfect match to our mission of bringing more women, and diversity as a whole, into motorsports: drivers, technicians, engineers, truckers and especially fans,” said Thomas, owner of the 34-time national championship racing team, Kellymoss.
“I’m hopeful that programs like ‘Screen to Speed’ may help to inspire the next generation of female leaders in motorsports and encourage them to dream big,” said VP of Shell Lubricants Marketing, Bree Sandlin.
Registration is now open for Screen to Speed powered by Pennzoil. You can sign up to race or be part of the change as a spectator, too.
Via Init Esports
