Video games have evolved to the point that participating in an organized tournament or session requires much more than skill. In today’s day and age, gamers can, sometimes, be considered genuine sports people.
Maybe some will deem the statement a little stretched, but this weekend, Audi of America will host the first 24-hour online endurance race on Forza MotorSport 6, using the social platform Twitch.
Yup, that means 12 teams of professional gamers and Audi fans will compete in a virtual 24-hour race, while the real Audi Sport team battle for a 14th overall victory at the 24-hour endurance race in France. We’re talking about the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race – one the world’s most prestigious, oldest active endurance racing events, held annually since 1923 at Circuit de la Sarthe.
The gamers will race LMP1 vehicles that are near-replicas of the real racecars, and to further pay tribute to the real endurance race as it unfolds on the iconic French road course, the participants will wear full racing suits and helmets, drive the same demanding shifts and experience similar in-game weather as the real-life conditions.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the first 24-hour online endurance race on Forza MotorSport 6. Le Mans is the pinnacle event on Audi’s endurance racing calendar this year, and if I can’t be on the racetrack this weekend, this is the next best thing”, said Dion von Moltke, Audi Sportscar Brand Ambassador.
You will be able to watch the challenge unfold by accessing this link, but it will be hard to concentrate on the real deal and the gaming tribute at the same time.
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