The 2024 NGK & NTK Esports Cup is gearing up for its first races of the season with a trip to iRacing.com’s virtual Circuit Zolder.
While the field itself is not fully solidified yet - the final driver roster is expected to be finalized sometime on Dec. 13 - several of those who are confirmed for the season opening round are busy preparing.
Some of the drivers expected to compete in the opener on Dec. 15 include Race Clutch’s Peter Zuba, Simufy Esports’ Aday Coba, URANO Esports’ Alexander Thiebe, and many more.
“I have seen the article on the RaceSpot website about the event, and since I enjoyed driving the Toyota GR86 in the past, I said to myself ‘Why don't I try it?,” said Zuba.
As drivers get ready for the first round of the season, here is what competitors have in store this week:
Where: Circuit Zolder
Location: Heusden-Zolder, Belgium
Track Length: 4.010 km (2.492 miles)
Turns: 10
While Zuba noted he has not had much time to prepare due to other sim racing commitments, he did admit his biggest challenge for Zolder would be finding time to prepare properly.
“I am yet to do proper practice for Zolder but I really enjoy the track - outside of the off-track penalties,” said Zuba. “I feel like the pole (position) will be decided based on who can drive around those the best.”
The 70-hectare circuit itself has a mix of tight technical corners for those off-track situations (like Kleine Chicane) and long straightaways to set up slipstream passes.
Esports Brand Ambassador Patricija Stalidzane breaks down the circuit in-depth as part of her track guide here:
When: The Timeline
18:00 CET-19:15 CET: Free Practice (75 mins)
19:15 CET-19:25 CET: Qualifying (10 mins)
19:27 CET-19:52 CET: Race 1 (25 mins)
19:54 CET-20:19 CET: Race 2 (25 mins, reverse grid)
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