In this weekly overview we will cover the World of Outlaws series, F1 2020 release and W Series.
Photo credit: Koch Media/Codemasters
F1 celebrates anniversary release
The world of videogames celebrates its newest yearly Formula 1 iteration. Developer Codemasters presented F1 2020 earlier this year and has not held back on follow-up announcements since. On July 7, F1 2020 is officially going to be released and the hype speaks for itself. Fans all over the world are stoked for the new features that are promised.
SPLIT/SCREEN
— Codemasters (@Codemasters) June 12, 2020
Changing it up from the usual Hot Lap videos, we’re sharing split-screen footage on Circuit de Gilles-Villeneuve with @MercedesAMGF1 and @RacingPointF1 going head to head in a 3-lap Grand Prix race 🤜🤛
Full video | https://t.co/pCUPOq0Lu1#F12020game pic.twitter.com/TJMfvNNjLC
Besides the long-awaited split screen mode, a new format called “My Team” was announced. The concept very much resembles ideas we have seen in other titles. Like my team in NBA 2K, or Ultimate team from FIFA. However, due to the unique nature of F1, the “My Team” mode could be especially intriguing.
Additionally, Codemasters announced the Michael Schumacher edition. The slightly different version features some of Schumacher’s most iconic cars and launches three days early.
Changes in the real-world Formula 1 calendar make for changes in the game as well. Two new tracks have been added with the street circuit of Vietnam and the Dutch circuit of Zandvoort. This unfortunately leaves the historical Hockenheimring out of the game.
Whether or not the hype is justified will be revealed on July 10 for the regular edition and July 7 for the Schumacher edition, when F1 2020 is up for grabs on PC, PS4 and Xbox.
Visser vs. Sidorkova sets W Series ablaze
One thing that has been prevalent over the last weeks have been the consistently exciting races by the women of the W Series. Next week will surely not be different. Up until now the battle for first place has been nothing short of breath-taking. Beitske Visser and Irina Sidorkova have been in a cat-and-mouse game throughout the past rounds. Visser has turned out as the faster woman for now.
The last round of W Series brought us to Brazil’s Interlagos.
The first race was an absolute showcase of skill. Point leader Visser dismantled her opponents with a start-to-finish victory in Race 1. Her closest competitor, Sidorkova, fumbled and ended 17th.
Race 2 was a different story, as the reversed grid inhibited Visser’s march through the field for a bit. With that Irina Sidorkova was able to score first place and bounce back from the first abysmal race. Going into the last race of Round 4 Visser stood tall again, edging out pole over fellow championship contender Marta. The race then saw the top three of Visser, Marta and Sidrokova staying in order from start to finish.
With this past result, Beistke Visser has solidified her position on top for now. But her Russian pursuer Sidorvoka only showed glimpses of what she is capable of at Interlagos. We can expect a fierce fight in coming the rounds.
Maybe Round 5 will present a turning point. With the circuit of Spa-Francorchamps we have a very skill-based track coming up. Its unforgiving corners and tricky high-speed passages guarantee a nailbiter for any fans of the series. If you’re interested, you can tune in to the W Series YouTube channel on July 9 to watch the championship saga continue.
Dirt Oval turns into Melting Pot
The 2020 World of Outlaws Morton Building Late Models Championship Series is going into its third round next week. The stage is going to be set to create another mad go-around, this time at Limaland.
Dirt racing is filling a niche for fans of spectacular motorsports. Stock cars that slide around on dry or wet mud is not for everyone. But one thing is for sure, it’s a safe call for excitement and unpredictable action. So far, one driver has really stood out. Victory Lane’s own Hayden Cardwell blasted through his competitors. He secured a first and a second place in the featured races of the first two rounds, leaving him 23 point ahead of his rivals.
The winner of iRacing‘s other dirt series, Alex Bergeron, is surprisingly far down in the championship standings. The Canadian dominated the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Sprint Car World Championship, but places 8th with 103 points. Yet, due to the point structure of the Late Models Championship a single fumble from the front runners could turn the whole series on its head.
The next stop takes us to the Ohio-based Limaland Motorsports Park on July 6. To watch the action, visit the iRacing YouTube channel.