Init Esports launches simracing Series for women

"Our goal is to provide a platform for underrepresented groups to shine and demonstrate their exceptional driving abilities." - After the success of the inaugural Screen to Speed event, Init Esports is set to launch the "Screen to Speed Summer Cup", a sim racing series for women.

Woman-led esports company Init Esports made headlines earlier this year with the launch of the Screen to Speed initiative, aimed at establishing sim racing as a legitimate pathway into the world of motor racing for talented women, in order to reduce the gender gap in both motorsport and esports, where women are still widely underrepresented.

Screen to Speed attracted the attention of racers and fans alike, as sim drivers were selected for the final event from all over the world through a time-attack ranking on iRacing.

A ground-breaking event came to life during the Pennzoil 400 NASCAR race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 4th, when 20 of the fastest sim racers competed in the first IRL sim racing event for women, by women.

By encouraging women in the growing esports scene, the programme partnered with elite Porsche team Kellymoss Racing - also a woman-led organization which is leading the way in supporting female drivers in North America.

Saoirse Fitzpatrick, from Ireland, emerged as the winner of the main race, thus securing a $15,000 prize and a test in a Kellymoss Porsche race car, coached by Porsche Carrera Cup North America driver Sabré Cook.

The event resonated deeply with fans and a short documentary about the journey of the inaugural Screen to Speed event was released on Init Esport's Twitch channel.

Following the event's success, Init Esports is set to launch a follow-up simracing championship for women - the Screen to Speed Summer Cup - planned to keep momentum and provide a further platform to female talents.

"We are incredibly excited to launch the Screen to Speed Summer Cup, a championship that aims to empower women and minorities in the sim racing community," said Stefy Bau, founder of Init Esports and legendary figure in the world of motocross . "Our goal is to provide a platform for underrepresented groups to shine and demonstrate their exceptional driving abilities. By creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, we hope to inspire and encourage a new generation of sim racing enthusiasts."

The Screen to Speed Summer Cup will consist of six time-attack challenges and six races, starting from July 1st to October 7th - all broadcasted live on the Init Esports Twitch channel.

A defining feature will be the diversity of cars and tracks in each segment, therefore awarding drivers versatility. The cars for each segment will be announced the day before the race via a Discord channel - putting drivers' skills and adaptability to the forefront.

Registration for the championship open on June 30th, via the official Screen to Speed website. The series will be divided into groups based on skills and all details will be available through the Discord channel.