The V8 SCOPS Premier Series kicked off for 2020 at the traditional opener, Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. In split 1, Sam Blacklock led the way in the #215 Mustang, shooting out of his grid box and slicing his way through the field in the opening laps, performing a great pass at the hairpin for 5th place before a hit on the rear entering the final chicane pushed him off line, and flying Tony Hawk style into the car that had hit him and into the wall of champions. There was significant damage for Sam, however he was thankfully able to continue but it would have a big impact for the remaining 55 laps. Sam continued to have a very strong drive despite the damage and was running in P10 entering the final lap, before again being rear-ended. Unfortunately Sam could only cross the line in 18th place, and despite a great drive, was a case of what could have been.

Zachary Hanlin would also join Sam in the top split however would have a difficult race, also being caught out in other people’s incidents and unfortunately making a few of his own. He would cross the line in a lowly 32nd place, and plenty of work to go on. Beau Albert was running in Split 2, and was perhaps a little bit too optimistic into Turn 1 and despite being involved in an incident early, however an incident further in front and a blocked track gave Beau and early finish.

Bring on the next round we say – where we expect to go better.

The iRacing Bathurst 12 Hour is always a gruelling affair, and like in previous years we had hopes of a strong result leading into the race. Josh Anderson did an excellent job of knabbing P3 in qualifying in the Logitech G Audi, and would settle into a pretty good rhythm behind the former Williams Esports BMW pairing running in as Team #33, and the Coanda Simsport Audi. However after a difficult time with traffic in the opening hour, we would end up with significant damage to the steering and aero, resulting in a significant loss of straight line speed and bent steering, leaving us right hand down for the remaining 11 hours.

True grit and determination from the trio of Anderson, Dayne Warren and Andrew Kahl would see them come back despite a slow and ill handling Audi, and a disconnect just after the mid way point of the race, to push on and achieve as best a result as possible. They were rewarded with a 5th place finish, and it was a true testament of what sheer determination can sometimes bring.

For the ASTRO Gaming BMW, Jackson Souslin Harlow would start the race around mid-pack having missed out in qualifying on getting the most out of the tyre, however would have a fantastic opening stint to move up to 8th place by the first pitstop.

Opting to take tyres in the opening stop, a charge through the double stinting train would continue to great success however disaster struck just prior to the second stop side to side contact with another GT3 would occur resulting in a massive crash for both cars, and dropping out of contention. They would take on all repairs to the car, however a further crash just prior to the mid-race point would give irreparable damage and the car had to be retired. A disappointing end for what was an exciting run to watch to that point.

Congratulations to Coanda Simsport on taking victory in the race, with Evolution Simsport and The ineX Racing Team rounding out the GT3 podium. We also congratulate all other finishers in the lower ranked splits, as a finish in the Bathurst 12 hour is often a victory in itself.

The 12 Hour may be over, however the action continues, with Sports Car Open kicking off at Barcelona in less than 12 hours time, with Tuomas Tähtelä and Yannick Lapchin behind the wheel. Stay tuned for that!

We’re excited to name our first trio to take on the Bathurst 12 Hour. This trio however needs little introduction, especially when Bathurst is concerned. Andrew Kahl has taken P2 in on the Bathurst 12 Hour grid in 2018 and 2019. Josh Anderson has always been one of the fastest around Bathurst in any car he drives, and Dayne Warren is an absolute beast around Mount Panorama, having taken Pole Position in the Supercars Eseries last year and topping qualifying in the V8SCOPS Bathurst 1000.

This trio will be one to watch, and their weapon of choice is the Logitech G Audi R8 LMS.

Logitech G Altus Esports #43 – Audi R8 LMS GT3

Andrew Kahl

Josh Anderson

Dayne Warren

Our BMW Z4 GT3 has been sitting in the garage parked up since we took delivery of it from ILiveries, however the plucky little BMW will break cover for the first time in a competition. Driving the car will be our second trio taking part in the Bathurst 12 Hour, another young trio from Down Under with a background predominantly in the Supercars. With local track knowledge they could certainly spring a surprise after 12 long hours of racing.

ASTRO Gaming Altus Esports #83 – BMW Z4 GT3

Jackson Souslin Harlow (AUS)

Brady Meyers (AUS)

Sam Blacklock (NZL)

The 2020 edition of the iRacing 24 Hours of Daytona has concluded for another year, and whilst this time last year we were basking in glory, this year we are left licking our wounds.

Early issues would rule out our #143 GTE entry and #83 GT3 entry, with all attention moving to the #43 Logitech G BMW. Performance was strong, however our challenge was brought undone in the 14th hour, where running in 3rd place contact was made with a slightly out of control car. Whilst the contact itself didn’t seem too bad, unfortunately our steering was completely destroyed and required 15 minutes of repair.

We continued on, and spread the #Race4Relief message to all who watched the race, however in the end we would come up in 14th place, several laps down.

Whilst the end result was not what we had hoped for, the positives are the work behind the scenes within the team and the preparation that went into the event. A fantastic effort!

Perhaps the biggest positive of all, was the community support, and stories that we had heard of people donating to their chosen charity, and hearing other stories of aid being provided by those who had seen our message. We were also very humbled by all teams participating in this charity drive, and the support given by RaceSpot, iRacing and the Sim Racing community across the globe.

On behalf of all Australians, we say thank you. 🤗

#Race4Relief #DonateForAustralia #THANKYOU

Logitech G Altus Esports #43 – GTE

Andrew Kahl (AUS)

Simon Feigl (AUS)

Yannick Lapchin (FRA)

Tuomas Tähtelä (FIN)

ASTRO Gaming Altus Esports #83 – GT3

Zachary Hanlin (AUS)

Jackson Souslin Harlow (AUS)

Ethan Warren (AUS)

Sam Blacklock (NZL)

Motum Altus Esports #143 – GTE

Alexander Lauritzen (DEN)

Beau Albert (AUS)

Brady Meyers (AUS)

Ross Balfour (UK) Guest Driver