Another successful edition of the PRI SIM Racing Arena powered by SRO has come to a close, delivering a stellar showcase of esports talents, and giving everyone a closer look at the high level of innovation taking place in motorsports. Held in the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the PRI Show brought together thousands of attendees to witness the future of the industry first hand, uniting the worlds of real-life racing and esports under one roof.
Thursday’s program featured a thrilling full day of competitive sim racing action. The Sim Pro Playoffs included drivers from across the globe going head-to-head on Assetto Corsa Competizione, navigating the 2.439-mile, 14-turn Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course layout.
The day kicked off with two intense practice sessions—an hour-long Practice 1 and a 45-minute Practice 2—allowing competitors to familiarize themselves with the circuit and dial in their setups. Qualifying, a brief but high-stakes ten-minute session, saw Luke Whitehead deliver a stellar lap to secure pole position, with ST Racing teammates Michael Moening and Jyeed Hutchinson claiming second and third.
This all led to the one-hour Feature Race, which started during low-light sunset conditions and concluded under the dramatic glow of nightfall. Fans both in the arena and online were treated to tense battles throughout the grid, with drivers showcasing incredible skill and sim racing prowess. At the front, it was a commanding performance from Luke Whitehead, who led from start to finish with precision and poise, equipped with his No. 55 Veloce PRI Acura NSX GT3 Evo22. He was accompanied on the podium by the No. 18 and No. 26 ST Racing Ford Mustang GT3s.
A major highlight was also the North American premiere of the Assetto Corsa EVO platform, delivering cutting-edge realism and a next-level immersive experience. It was an exclusive opportunity to witness the latest version of the Assetto Corsa series a full month before its scheduled release, providing a glimpse at the substantial enhancements present in the new installment.
Friday was all about the AK x Dallara Invitational, which put the spotlight on the next generation of racers through an innovative collaboration that highlighted sim racing professionals, real-life drivers, and industry leaders. The morning was occupied by a 1h15min Free Practice session, followed by a booked and busy afternoon. A ten minute Qualifying session ensued, immediately followed by the first of two 30-minute races, giving participants a significant amount of time behind the wheel to add to their repertoire.
The excitement didn’t stop there! Saturday included open rig sessions, giving attendees an immersive opportunity to get behind the wheel and put their own skills to the test before the event came to a close. No matter the skill level or amount of previous experience, anyone could try their hand and test their abilities behind the wheel, thereby gaining a new appreciation for the level of control required to master a virtual race.
The PRI SIM Racing Arena powered by SRO highlighted the ever-evolving connection between motorsport and technology, making the space even more accessible in the process for current and future generations. As the industry continues to evolve, the event was a testament to the ever-strengthening bond between both the virtual and physical worlds.
