KARA Esports Cup: Bringing Motorsport to Everyone Through Sim Racing

18.10.24

On September 8, the Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA) hosted the first-ever KARA Esports Cup at PSR in Seoul, marking a milestone in the growth of Esports in Korea. The event, supported by PSR and DCT Racing, attracted a record-breaking 239 participants across three categories—iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and Gran Turismo—with the winners set to represent Korea at the upcoming FIA Motorsport Games.

The competition featured online qualifiers held from August 15 to 25, from which 36 finalists were selected from a diverse pool of competitors: 58 racers in iRacing, 100 in Assetto Corsa Competizione, and 104 in Gran Turismo. The inclusion of Gran Turismo for beginners was a standout feature, offering an entry point for newcomers and promoting broader participation in racing eSports.

During the finals, young talents Kim Gyu-min and Kim Young-chan secured their spots to represent Korea at the FIA Motorsport Games, showcasing the event's role in nurturing future Esports stars.

The tournament was sponsored by Logitech Korea, which provided cutting-edge gaming equipment, including the DD PRO, G923 racing wheel, and PLAYSEAT TROPHY Logitech G Edition. Winners were awarded top-tier Logitech products, while DCT Racing and PSR offered training and venue support for Korea’s FIA Motorsport Games representatives.

KARA has been actively promoting Esports since 2023 through its official Sim Racing Clubs, attracting over 300 participants. The success of the KARA Esports Cup underscores their efforts to make Esports more accessible to the public, especially younger generations. The fifth season of the KARA Sim Racing Club will begin recruitment at the end of October, offering further opportunities for aspiring racers.

KARA Esports Coordinator, Mr. JoonHo Hwang, commented, "Through our Sim Racing Clubs, we've been able to build the foundation for this tournament. Our aim is to make motorsport an accessible and enjoyable experience for all, and we will continue to engage with the younger generation."