Round 1 Race Preview: Circuit Zolder

The 2024 NGK & NTK Esports Cup is gearing up for its first races of the season with a trip to iRacing.com’s virtual Circuit Zolder.

While the field itself is not fully solidified yet – the final driver roster is expected to be finalized sometime on Dec. 13 – several of those who are confirmed for the season opening round are busy preparing.

Some of the drivers expected to compete in the opener on Dec. 15 include Race Clutch’s Peter Zuba, Simufy Esports’ Aday Coba, URANO Esports’ Alexander Thiebe, and many more.

“I have seen the article on the RaceSpot website about the event, and since I enjoyed driving the Toyota GR86 in the past, I said to myself ‘Why don’t I try it?’

Peter Zuba

As drivers get ready for the first round of the season, here is what competitors have in store this week:

Where: Circuit Zolder

Location: Heusden-Zolder, Belgium

Track Length: 4.010 km (2.492 miles)

Turns: 10

While Zuba noted he has not had much time to prepare due to other sim racing commitments, he did admit his biggest challenge for Zolder would be finding time to prepare properly.

“I am yet to do proper practice for Zolder but I really enjoy the track – outside of the off-track penalties,” said Zuba. “I feel like the pole (position) will be decided based on who can drive around those the best.”

The 70-hectarecircuit itself has a mix of tight technical corners for those off-track situations (like Kleine Chicane) and long straightaways to set up slipstream passes.

Esports Brand Ambassador Patricija Stalidzane breaks down the circuit in-depth as part of her track guide here:

When: The Timeline

18:00 CET-19:15 CET: Free Practice (75 mins)

19:15 CET-19:25 CET: Qualifying (10 mins)

19:27 CET-19:52 CET: Race 1 (25 mins)

19:54 CET-20:19 CET: Race 2 (25 mins, reverse grid)

How: The Points Structure

(Table Version of Points for Qualifying and Race based on those in Rulebook Packet)

Why: The Prizes On The Line

For the first six rounds, drivers have the chance to win the following:

First Place – 100 €  Second Place – 50 €  Third Place – 25 €

The winner of the overall NGK & NTK ESPORTS CUP 2024 will receive: One Bavarian Simtech Wheel + 500 €

The second place driver will receive:

One Tailoredrig (NGK Branded) + 250 €

The third place driver will receive:

Alphatec Racing LED Screen + 150 €

Positions 4-10 will receive a NGK & NTK Goodie Bag.

Positions 4-5 will also receive 50 €

Fastest lap:

VRS Subscription

How To Watch