Skip Barber Formula iRacing Series Race Preview: Circuit of the Americas
February 16th, 2023 by Chris Leone
The midway point of the 2023 Skip Barber Formula iRacing Series takes top open-wheel sim racers to Circuit of the Americas. Coverage kicks off tonight at 8PM ET across iRacing social media channels.
About the Series: The Skip Barber Formula iRacing Series is where future stars of real-world motorsport prove themselves in the virtual one. Using the iRacing Formula iR-04, drivers take part in an open qualifier each week, and the top racers are selected to compete on Thursday nights. Drivers can earn Skip Barber Racing School credits and courses each week, and the top three drivers earn a five-day Competition Licensing Race School at SBRS to compete in the real-world Skip Barber Formula Race Series—with a full season at stake for the champion.
Last Race: Showing just how desirable the prizes in the Skip Barber Formula iRacing Series are, defending Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup champion Diogo Pinto is balancing his bid for two titles in a row over there with a run at open-wheel glory. His hopes for the latter got a huge boost last week at Road Atlanta, when he swept both races to take an 11-point lead over Lime Rock 1 race winner Harley Haughton into tonight’s action. In both races, Pinto got the best of top qualifier Matt Caruana on the final lap to take the victories.
Track Facts: Located in Austin, Texas, Circuit of the Americas was built to bring global grand prix championship racing back to the United States. Announced in 2010 and built over the next two years, it did just that in October 2012 when it hosted its first United States Grand Prix. COTA’s 3.426-mile Grand Prix circuit features 20 corners, many of which take inspiration from other classic grand prix circuits, but most notably featuring a steep uphill frontstretch that leads into a sharp lefthand Turn 1. Aside from open-wheel racing, COTA has also hosted multiple NASCAR events and was home to X Games for three years.
Next Up: The Skip Barber Formula iRacing Series season continues next Thursday at Virginia International Raceway. Registration is available to take part in next week’s event through today, and qualifying takes place from Friday through Sunday. To sign up to compete, click here.
For more information on the Skip Barber Racing School, visit www.skipbarber.com. For more information on iRacing and for special offers, visit www.iracing.com.