From 136 to 45: The Road to V8PRO Begins
The Logitech G V8PRO Invitational Series is set to ignite the virtual racing world with Stage 2 of the Road to Pro, scheduled from January 21st to 23rd. This Pre-Qualifying phase will see 136 registered drivers competing to secure one of 45 coveted spots in the upcoming 4-round Qualifying Series.
Drivers will push their limits at the renowned Zolder and Barber Motorsports Park circuits, with sessions running nightly from 8 PM to 12 AM AEDT. Participants are allowed to set a time in one server per track each night, and their fastest lap times from each track across the three nights will be combined to determine overall standings. The top 45 drivers with the lowest combined times will advance to Stage 3, bringing them closer to a place in the prestigious 2025 V8PRO Invitational Series.
The entry list features a dynamic mix of returning competitors and fresh talent. Notably, several drivers from the 2024 Logitech G V8PRO series are reattempting to qualify in 2025, including Shawn McNamara, Brady Baldwin, Thomas Freeman, Brian Borg, Dylan O’Shea, Jacob O’Reilly, Tyson Broad, Andre Yousiff, Tao Soerono, Jobe Stewart, Matthew Bowler, Hayden Veld, Marcello Rivera, Wayne C Bourke, Damien Johnstone, Tom Freer, Brenton Hobson, Michael Talijancich, and Kurt Stenberg. Their return underscores the importance to reclaim their positions and make a significant impact in the upcoming series which will be the first held with the new Gen 3 Supercars.
Early test sessions indicate that times will be extremely tight during Pre Qualifying
In addition to the returning drivers, several co-drivers from the 2024 season are stepping into primary roles, aiming to secure their spots on the 2025 grid. Notable inclusions are Lachlan Caple (ERT), Damon Woods (Eclipse Simsports), Kody Deith (Eclipse Simsports), Dylan Birse (Eclipse Simsports), Andrew Dyson (DPR), and Emily Jones (TTR). Their previous experience as co-drivers provides them with valuable insights and a competitive edge as they transition to lead roles.
The field is further enriched by the participation of real-life Supercars drivers. Andre Heimgartner, who competed as an enduro cup wildcard in 2024 alongside Brad Jones Racing teammate Macauley Jones, has registered for Pre-Qualifying. Fellow Supercars star Richie Stanaway is also looking to return, adding a layer of real-world racing expertise to the virtual competition. Super2 drivers Jobe Stewart, Bradley Vaughan, and Reuben Goodall also bring additional professional racing pedigree to the field.
So who's who in the zoo?
Eclipse Simsports
Team strategies will play a pivotal role in this Pre-Qualifying stage. Eclipse Simsports boasts a formidable lineup, including top co-drivers from the 2024 field such as Dylan Birse, Kody Deith, and Damon Woods, alongside Kobi Williams and Jackson Barrie. Their collective experience positions them as strong contenders for the 2025 championship.
Evolution Racing Team
Evolution Racing Team has invested heavily in the series, with 14 drivers registered for Qualifying. Led by the Super2 trio of Stewart, Vaughan, and Goodall, the team also aims to reinstate drivers like Bowler, Veld, and Rivera, who narrowly missed the cutoff in 2024. Their combined speed and commitment make them a team to watch.
Trans Tasman Racing
Trans Tasman Racing is eager to see fan favorite Kurt Stenberg back on the grid, while Supercars star Heimgartner also hopes to join the series full-time. A highly anticipated addition from the TTR stable is the popular female racer Emily Jones, who has been a notable absentee from the full time driver roster in previous seasons.
Vermillion Esports
Vermillion Esports is fielding 13 cars in an effort to expand their representation. With drivers like Jacob O'Reilly aiming to return and newly recruited SSR teammates Tom Freer and Wayne Bourke, Vermillion is poised to make a significant impact.
Synergy Sim Racing
Synergy Sim Racing's 2025 roster appears leaner, with Jordan Ross and Adam Briggs already secured for 2025. Veteran Brenton Hobson is expected to qualify, while Baldwin, Johnstone, and Talijancich will also vie for spots. SSR mainstays Damon Mulqueen and Glen Postlethwaite will join new recruits Dylan Perera, and Denis Gataric who aim to make their main game debuts.
9INE5IVE Simsports
9INE5IVE Simsports has six drivers registered, led by O'Shea and team boss Shawn McNamara, both of whom narrowly missed the cut in 2024. They will also be hoping Craig Schulz, Simon Mezzomo, Hayden Sell, and Daniel Benefield have what it takes to make make it through the Pre Qualifying stage.
Fishy Motorsports
Fishy Motorsports will not see Michael Whiting attempt to make the grid again but former series drivers Michael Angus and Jamie Dike will lead the way for their team which includes father/son duo Blake and Tye Delaney.
Blackout OPR
Blackout OPR has assembled a fresh and strong lineup for this year, with Thomas Freeman leading the way and looking to lock back onto the grid. Early indications suggest that his new teammates Reyn Campbell, Stefan McCartain, Ryan Bettess, and Jake R Edwards could be names to watch during the Pre-Qualifying process.
DPR
DPR will have four drivers making an attempt, with many eyes on Andrew Dyson and Ryan Jones to factor in the results. Joshua Fitt and Christopher Ireland will also be hoping to make the cut this year.
Frog Leap JUICD Racing
Frog Leap JUICD Racing aims to debut on the grid in 2025 with six drivers registered. Their driver lineup includes Michael Brennan, Robert Crisdale, Nicholas Garioch, Benjamin Brook, Mark Pointon and Hamish Cleland.
Pacific Esports Racing
Pacific Esports Racing, also have five drivers registered and have a driver lineup that includes names who have been close to breaking through in recent years. Robbie Bradbury, Rhyan Mueller, Petar Pavlovic, Steven Banks and Harry Dodds will be hoping to make the cut and earn a place on the grid for the Qualifying Series in 2025.
Phoenix Racing Team
Phoenix Racing Team will field three cars, including Tim Mulford, William Brown, and Jack Andrews. This team is no stranger to speed with young gun Rehan Liyanage behind the scenes helping to drive the team forwards.
Sideways E-Sports, will have three cars vying for places in the field as will numerous other 2-car teams. Meanwhile several single-car teams and privateers fill out the rest of the lineup. This highly talented driver pool will be fighting for a mere 45 spots in the Qualifying Series, promising intense competition and thrilling action on the timesheets.
Check out the full driver linuep at the button below:
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