DANVILLE, Virginia (February 11, 2022) – Alongside the growth and development of the on-track IMSA teams, Hardpoint has formally launched an eSports effort focusing on both competition and fan engagement both at, and away from, the race track.

The eSports program, like many drivers in IMSA competition, is both a benefit to full-time driver Rob Ferriol and Katherine Legge to learn tracks and gain simulator time, as well as an opportunity to engage fans who want to race with the Hardpoint brand.

Chris Walsh is leading the eSports program for Hardpoint. Focusing mostly on the popular iRacing platform, the team has been hosting popular “Hardpoint Happy Hour” sessions open to all each week. The format traditionally involves three separate races with three different iRacing cars, open to all fans and iRacing participants, including a qualifying and race session.

Through a partnership with Advanced SimRacing, Hardpoint utilizes the company’s ASR 3 and ASR 6 sim racing chassis for their on-line setup. The ASR 3 chassis is a mid-level, more affordable option for home use while still providing a strong, reliable platform for stability in the virtual world. The ASR 6 is the most robust, compatible and adjustable SimRacing chassis available in the market today, offering a six-inch aluminum base and seat mounting configuration for seat adjustment, a fully adjustable pedal plate, and a highly adjustable wheel plate for maximum comfort and a realistic configuration.

Hardpoint’s eSports and real-world racing programs will come together in 2022, with at-track opportunities currently in the works to allow fans to try out the Advanced Sim Racing chassis on site while watching the No. 99 GridRival Porsche 911 GT3 R competing for wins in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

“Hardpoint’s Happy Hour program have proven popular, and we have more eSports opportunities already in the works,” Ferriol, Hardpoint owner and driver of the No. 99 Porsche 911 GT3 R said. “Our goal is to bring motorsports, in all its forms, to those who want to participate. We recognize the value that iRacing and eSports bring as an affordable opportunity to get involved, and are grateful for Advanced Sim Racing coming on board. Like us, they recognize the value of the eSport world to race fans and bring strong products at appropriate price points to race fans.”

Walsh has also recently been named Hardpoint’s Reserve Driver for the 2022 season, assisting the team on and off the track while continuing to look for opportunities to pilot a Hardpoint Porsche at select events during the season. As Reserve Driver, Walsh actively participates in the team’s virtual happy hour program and other eSports opportunities to be announced soon.

Hardpoint’s Happy Hour sessions are available and open each week to all fans on iRacing, as scheduled on Hardpoint's Instagram and Facebook pages. No advanced registration is required. Walsh will stream his run and the entire race on Twitch through Hardpoint’s account, HardpointMotorsports.