Gamers are getting a clearer picture of the path they’ll need to take if they want to become a Formula One simulator driver.
McLaren on Friday released information on the “Forza Motorsport 6”-based CJ Wilson Racing 570 Challenge. The event is the second of four qualifying rounds for the World’s Fastest Gamer competition, the winner of which will be awarded a one-year contract as a reserve driver for McLaren-Honda.
Hosted in conjunction with former-MLB-pitcher-turned-racer C.J. Wilson, the challenge will consist of five rounds of two races, which will be roughly 15 minutes long. Qualifying times will determine the grid for the first race in each round, with the results of that race determining the grid order for the subsequent race.
All participants will drive a 2015 McLaren 570S Coupe built to GT4 specifications — as the actual GT4 race car isn’t in “Forza” — and can register here starting June 19. Qualifying for the 570 Challenge opens July 3, and here is the information for the five rounds that comprise it:
June 11: Daytona International Speedway — Sports Car Circuit (10 laps)
July 25: Sebring International Raceway — Full Circuit (8 laps)
Aug. 8: Road America — Full Circuit (8 laps)
Aug. 22: Sonoma Raceway — Full Circuit (10 laps)
Aug. 29: Road Atlanta — Full Circuit (12 laps)
McLaren previously released information on the Silverstone esports Championship, the first qualifying round for WFG. Unlike the CJ Wilson Challenge, the Silverstone Championship will run on rFactor 2, a PC-based racing simulation service.
The winners of the CJ Wilson Challenge, Silverstone Championship and two yet-to-be-announced qualifying events will move on to the final at the McLaren Technology Centre. They’ll be joined by six other sim racers that will be selected by a panel of F1 and esports experts.
Thumbnail photo via McLaren
