Motorsport UK launches the Four Nations Esports Cup

Motorsport UK has renamed its Tri-Nations Esports Cup like Four Nations Esports Cupwith the addition of South Africa to the list of participants for 2025. The third edition of this simulation racing event, organized by the national motorsport body, will see participation from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

In the first phase of the competition, drivers will take part in time trial qualifiers on the iRacing platform on July 19 and 20, ahead of the main event on August 4. Qualifiers will be contested with the McLaren 720S GT3 EVO and a fixed configuration to ensure a level playing field. The main event of the competition will take place on August 4, with two 30-minute races that will determine the final champion.

Each race will feature ten representatives from each nation, creating a grid of 40 cars competing in virtual versions of Silverstone and Bathurst. The nation with the most points from the two races will be declared the winner.

The Four Nations Esports Cup builds on the established sporting rivalry between the four nations, and is a very fun and competitive event. With pilots from four different ASNs and different time zones, this event really demonstrates the accessibility of eSports – may the best nation win.

Paul Crawford, Head of Esports at Motorsport UK

After its initial explosion in 2020, the sim racing sector has continued to show signs of steady growth over the last 12 months. In the case of iRacing, the sim racing platform continues to offer aspiring racing drivers a service and competitions that can give them opportunities in the real world of motorsport. In June, it partnered with the Skip Barber Racing School, where drivers compete for the chance to earn a spot in the real-world Skip Barber Race Series.

Elsewhere, automotive brands continue to find value in e-sports, and Porsche has opened a dedicated simulation racing facility for its own e-sports team at its Cologne headquarters.