Jamaica Simulation Racing Association (JSRA) will host the showcase round for its annual Peak Performance 2023 series on Saturday, April 22. The event will be streamed live on Sportsmax and the association’s social media platforms starting at 7:00 p.m.

Stephen Stewart, president, JSRA, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine: “2023 was the start to our first full year, and I have to thank the Jamaica Esports Initiative (JEI) for having the faith in us developing the fledgling genre that is simulation racing in Jamaica and making us part of their National Esports League. This showcase event and the subsequent Peak Performance 2023 series will go even further to increase interest and bring local talent to the forefront.”

As part of the National Esports League, as organised by the JEI, Saturday’s sim racing event has a cash prize pool of $50,000 up for grabs.

“The race isn’t for just bragging rights, there’s money up for grabs. The $50,000 is just to start. These drivers will then move on to the main series, which will have a larger $100,000 cash prize pool,” explained Stewart.

Drivers who have registered with both the JEI and JSRA, plus have completed the mandatory 50 laps on the practice server maintained by the JSRA will be competing against each other in Toyota GR86s on a virtual recreation of the French Circuit Mas Du Clos in a two-race programme. Using the racing simulation game Assetto Corsa, there will be a 15-minute qualifying session, followed by a 35-minute race, with a mandatory pit stop. A 15-minute sprint race will follow; it having its own 10 minute qualifying. Points will be allotted for both races. The drivers will then move on to the main seven-round Peak Performance series starting on June 3 running through August 19.

“I think sim racing, real-life motorsport and video game fans will be in for a great event as some of our top sim racers will be taking part. So viewers can look out for plenty of action.”