Tom Blomqvist has been confirmed as one of several GT and Touring Car icons set to compete in this Friday’s inaugural BRDC Esports Championship race contested on a virtual Silverstone.
Established by BRDC SuperStars Director Andy Meyrick, the championship has already exceeded its initial target of raising £5,000 for the NHS.
The competition brings together some of the BRDC’s most storied comeptitors, as well as younger drivers on its SuperStars and Rising Stars roster.
All 37 drivers this week will compete in a fixed setup Dallara F3 car on the iRacing platform across a five-round championship featuring trips to Monza, Spa, Suzuka and Interlagos.
GT World Challenge racer Blomqvist joins a star-studded lineup of British GT drivers including Aston Martin factory driver Jonny Adam and 2017 champion Seb Morris.
Some of the pro names include multiple IndyCar and Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, former F1 drivers Anthony Davidson and Will Stevens, BTCC race winners Dan Cammish, Jason Plato and Tom Ingram and two-time DTM champion Gary Paffett.
“What started as a light-hearted idea during some of our Instagram live sessions with BRDC SuperStars has quickly turned into a professional championship and I am extremely grateful to everyone who has expressed an interest and donated to the cause,” said Meyrick. “To have already raised over £5,000 for the NHS already is just incredible.
“It will be fantastic to see BRDC Members from different disciplines and generations competing in identical cars around some of the world’s best circuits. It’ll certainly be interesting to see who will come out on top after the first race.
“There have been a number of people who have been instrumental in helping set this up and I want to thank them for what they have done so far. I also want to thank all the drivers who signed up or are patiently sitting on the waiting list! Above all else, I hope those taking part have fun and everyone watching enjoys it. I now regret not taking part myself.”
The race will be streamed live from 6 am NZT Friday May 15 with commentary from BRDC Member David Addison. Streaming details are yet to be finalised and can be found via the British GT website.
Main Image: Tom Blomqvist