The Racing League Romania series quietly rests as one of Europe’s most popular sim-racing championships. Now supported by the BMW Group, Racing League Romania is looking to virtually resurrect on of the most successful touring cars ever produced: the BMW M3 E30.
Homologated for Group A touring car racing in 1986, the BMW M3 model has since became a household name in the world of motorsport. The car dominated the European touring car circuit in the 1980s and ’90s and has since become arguably one of the world’s most iconic and recognisable cars.
Even today in New Zealand we are fortunate enough to still be able to watch these incredible machines in our own backyard across many of the country’s classic race events.
Now in a world where more and more passionate racers are turning to the online world, BMW is following suit and has teamed up with Racing League Romania to revive the glorious days of yesteryear with its BMW M3 E30 DTM virtual series.
“We don’t see ourselves as a sponsor in this project, but as a real partner with the goal of growing together and giving the championship a platform with high visibility and interaction,” said Andreea Ciglenean, Marketing Manager, BMW Group Romania.
“When we entered into discussions with Racing League Romania, we had no idea that this season would be taking place at a time in which no real-life racing is possible. Now our project is a perfect example of how you can act safely and stay at home without having to miss out on racing altogether. That is an important aspect at the moment, and the BMW M3 E30 DTM is the perfect car for our race series.”
The platform for the league is the popular racing simulation Assetto Corsa and races feature grids upwards of 30 cars. Series organisers even admitted that more than 150 sim racers take part in a pre-event qualifying session for these events.
And it is also not just the historic cars hitting the track either. Races take part on classic circuit configurations reminiscent of 1980s Touring Car races. The last two race weekends took place on the virtual versions of the Norisring and the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.
Future circuits include Virginia International Raceway, Spa-Francorchamps, Zandvoort and Brands Hatch. All events encompass two 30-minute races and all are livestreamed via the BMW Group Facebook page or on the official Racing League Romania platforms.
“The Racing League Romania has been organising events for the sim racing community for over a decade now, but as real-life racing is no longer possible, virtual races are a hot topic in Romania,” said Alexandru Siclovan, promoter of Racing League Romania.
“We are proud that we are able to provide a suitable media product that with its emotive commentary and interaction brings the best of both worlds together, a professional storyline like in real-life racing, and the breath of fresh air of a younger target audience into the mix.”
