The Thrill of Challenge: My Latest Endeavor in the iRacing Advanced Mazda MX-5 Cup Series
Greetings, fellow racing enthusiasts! I recently took to the virtual tracks of Circuit Zandvoort, competing in the iRacing Advanced Mazda MX-5 Cup Series. This race was not just another entry in my racing diary; it was a testament to the unpredictability and sheer excitement that sim racing offers.
With a Strength of Field (SoF) of 2061, I knew I was in for a competitive session. However, the race took an unexpected turn for me. Despite starting in a promising 6th position, a crash in the second lap reminded me of the thin line between triumph and setback in racing. Initially, I thought another driver was at fault, but I quickly realized the mistake was mine—a classic case of miscommunication with the spotter leading me to overlook a car beside me. This incident sent me to the back of the pack, but determination kicked in, and I managed to fight my way back to finish 9th.
Participating in the Mazda Cup is always a highlight for me. The car is not just a machine; it’s a source of joy, an escape that somehow slows down time compared to the adrenaline-pumped Porsche Cup races. However, it’s a bittersweet affair as my Safety Rating often takes a hit, a reminder of the risks that come with the thrill. But, let’s face it, the joy of racing, the immersion, the challenge—it’s all worth it.
Speaking of immersion, racing has never felt more real than with my Full Motion D-Box Simulator. The tactile feedback, the motion—it all adds layers to the experience, making every race unforgettable. Moreover, I’ve upgraded my setup with the new Heusinkfeld Mag Shift. This gear shift is a game-changer, offering the precision and resistance that was somewhat lacking in my previous model. It’s these little upgrades that refine the experience, making every race not just a competition, but a journey.
As I reflect on this race, I’m reminded of why I race. It’s not just about the positions or the ratings; it’s about the experience, the growth, and the community. It’s about pushing the limits, learning from every turn, and coming back stronger.
Join me on this journey. Whether it’s by following my races, sharing your thoughts, or even contributing to my racing endeavors, your support means the world.
Until our paths cross on the virtual track, keep racing, keep dreaming, and remember—the race is never over; it’s just the beginning of the next challenge.
| Fin Pos | Name | Start Pos | Interval | Average Lap Time | Fastest Lap Time | Inc | Club | New iRating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josevi Ferrer | 1 | -00.000 | 1:20.512 | 1:19.270 | 2 | Iberia | 3118 |
| 2 | Luis Iglesias Fernandez | 3 | -01.145 | 1:20.562 | 1:19.795 | 0 | Iberia | 2128 |
| 3 | Alessandro Bongiovanni | 2 | -01.334 | 1:20.570 | 1:19.596 | 1 | Italy | 2406 |
| 4 | Herkus Paketuris | 9 | -11.921 | 1:21.030 | 1:20.055 | 0 | Central-Eastern Europe | 2422 |
| 5 | Mark Sebestyen | 8 | -11.945 | 1:21.031 | 1:19.485 | 2 | Central-Eastern Europe | 2847 |
| 6 | Peter-Harald Bauer | 10 | -12.452 | 1:21.053 | 1:19.691 | 4 | DE-AT-CH | 1859 |
| 7 | Neil Sutherland | 16 | -16.243 | 1:21.218 | 1:19.539 | 1 | Northwest | 1854 |
| 8 | Javier De Haro | 14 | -26.842 | 1:21.679 | 1:19.472 | 1 | Iberia | 2190 |
| 9 | Philipp Geppl | 6 | -29.039 | 1:21.775 | 1:20.269 | 6 | DE-AT-CH | 2468 |
| 10 | Alejandro Sabido Pedrosa | 7 | -29.720 | 1:21.804 | 1:20.153 | 6 | Iberia | 2044 |
| 11 | John Liam | 17 | -31.101 | 1:21.864 | 1:20.106 | 3 | Hispanoamérica | 1690 |
| 12 | Alejandro Ruiz | 4 | -39.977 | 1:22.250 | 1:20.141 | 6 | Iberia | 1573 |
| 13 | Jake Steinbrink | 12 | -42.896 | 1:22.377 | 1:20.211 | 2 | Ohio | 1893 |
| 14 | Carl Robson | 13 | -2 L | 1:22.730 | 1:20.403 | 0 | UK and I | 1516 |
| 15 | Robert Outwater | 15 | -7 L | 1:58.391 | 1:20.324 | 4 | Florida | 2064 |
| 16 | Gabriel Holguin | 11 | -18 L | 1:37.168 | 1:20.346 | 9 | Florida | 1596 |
| 17 | Alexandre Longeau | 5 | -21 L | 1:33.593 | 11 | France | 2581 | |
| 18 | Ferdy Clemer | 18 | -23 L | 00.000 | 0 | DE-AT-CH | 1570 |
