Two selected for 2022 Simracing World Cup

Kayle-Vaden Roper and Tommi Gore will represent Jamaica at the second stage of the 2022 Simracing World Cup, scheduled to begin online on July 27. The news came from Stephen Stewart, president of the Jamaica Simulator Racing Association (JSRA) on July 16 as the organisation held its National Qualifiers Awards Ceremony at the Porsche Centre Kingston in New Kingston.

“The purpose of the national qualifiers was to find the best two drivers to put forward for the continental qualifiers of the Simracing World Cup. It was not an easy decision by our three judges, given the quality of the entrants, but the JSRA believes Roper and Gore can show what Jamaica is able to do on the world eSports stage,” said Stewart.

The two drivers are no stranger to the sim racing community, with Gore an experienced racing driver behind a real wheel.

“I’m very excited, honoured to be able to represent my country at this level, and to bring a spotlight on Jamaica in something other than track and field,” said Roper.

Gore’s statement was similar.

“This is a huge step for local sim racing and eSports in Jamaica.”

On July 9, the JSRA held the national qualifiers for the Simracing World Cup, where Gore and Roper showed their world-class pace. The two Jamaicans will now go up against drivers from 34 other countries for the 10 spots available in the finals. Should either driver make it, they will head to Monaco in October to compete in person.

The JSRA took the opportunity to introduce Roper and Gore to what they will face in the upcoming stage of the competition on the racing simulator system, in the Porsche showroom.

“When it comes to motorsports, real or otherwise, Porsche always has a connection,” commented David Henriques, head of Business for Porsche Jamaica, as both drivers were allowed to experience the virtual circuit they will be racing on.

“Like event sponsor Amsoil, we were happy to have the assistance of Porsche Jamaica. They graciously allowed us use of their showroom and their sim rig to give the two racers a taste of stage two of the Simracing World Championship. They will be racing on the Zandvoort circuit using the car from the national qualifiers, the Tatuus FA01,” explained Stewart.

The JSRA also used the awards ceremony to acknowledge the top six drivers who participated in the national qualifiers.