Scuderia Corsa has filled its drivers racing schedule with new challenges in iRacing series organized by both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Ferrari Challenge.
Competitors of all levels are learning the ropes of virtual racing. The skillset is similar to building racecraft behind the wheel of their respective Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo and Ferrari GT3 488 Evo. Each driver sets up their rig, connects to iRacing online then joins drivers from across the country and around the globe.
Both the cars and tracks are incredibly lifelike and give drivers realistic feedback while playing the game against familiar names they meet on track in life. Typically, iRacing is used to learn race circuits before arrival, giving drivers turn ques and layout knowledge. Now, competing virtually, drivers are using iRacing to soothe their want for a contest.
IMSA organized the IMSA iRacing Pro Series. The championship consists of six races on tracks regularly seen on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship schedule and is comprised of competitors hand-picked by IMSA. Driver Alessandro Balzan leads Scuderia Corsa into its initial foray into iRacing along with engineer Bruno Finco. Together Balzan and Finco have developed the Ferrari setup and created strategy giving Balzan his best chance for success.
Balzan has shown strength against adversity by finishing in a race-qualifying position in both races. The top 20 of the 50 competitors are automatically selected to advance to the next round while the remaining 30 are hand-picked. Balzan has been in contention for Top 10-finishes each race. He is joined in his quest by Ferrari Factory Driver Toni Vilander and Scuderi Corsa veteran Jeff Segal.
Ferrari Challenge North America organized a special iRacing series specifically for Ferrari Challenge drivers. Ferrari Challenge iRacing sticks to its classic sprint racing but added a fun twist on iRacing can provide. Ferrari Challenge iRacing begins with a Zoom hosted drivers meeting to debrief before the fun starts on two select racetracks. The circuits include the best of the best from North America and abroad, giving drivers a taste of home turf and new excitement.
Scuderia Corsa drivers showcased their ability while enjoying the Ferrari Challenge community. Thomas Tipple took home an overall win in the opening weekend as the iRacing series is a one-class, one-make series. He then pulled off a weekend sweep in Round 2. While nothing can replace the adrenaline of a real Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo, the comradery can be replicated online.
For Team Owner Giacomo Mattioli savoring the social time with his team is important.
“We continue to focus on safety in these times,” Mattioli said. “iRacing allows for our team to come together and enjoy a form of racing while we are at home. I believe our drivers appreciate the time together as much as they like the competition. We all are still driven to be the best, no matter if we are physically or virtually at track.”
Competition continues for Ferrari Challenge weekly in a ‘Friday Night Lights’ format. The IMSA iRacing Pro Series takes place every other Thursday at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. The digital series’ continues as the world awaits reopening. Ferrari Challenge North America and IMSA are working diligently to reset a 2020 race schedule for all to enjoy safely.