We motorsport fans know the roaring sound of a Porsche with our eyes closed. In the virtual space of iRacing, there are multiple series that feature the brand in which to immerse ourselves in – but there is one that is pure Porsche. Let’s get to know each version of the iRacing Porsche Cup Series.
The Format
Pure Porsche. You won’t spend any time fretting over car selection in the iRacing Porsche Cup Series. The series matches real world counterparts such as the Porsche Supercup or Porsche Carrera Cup in North America, featuring only the Porsche 992 Cup car.
The Series is the perfect dose of sim racing; from start to finish, including warmup, qualifying, and a race length set by lap count, you’re looking at just past 45-minutes invested in the event. For drivers accustomed only to rolling starts in road racing, be ready at grid-time! Porsche Cup wastes no time: you’ll be launching in a standing start. (If you’re new to iRacing standing starts, remember not to move forward until the green lights to avoid a penalty!). These cars are notoriously difficult to get off the line too, so make sure you get those practice starts under your belt pre-race.
Once the race has started, there’ll be no concern about pit stops or strategy in these sprint races. Focus on driving this unique car. There are many gains to be had in investing time in the Porsche 992 Cup car, and fun is certainly one of them.
The Car
The Porsche Cup car is a pleasure to drive, but it also demands respect. The Porsche 992 Cup Car does not have features such as Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), therefore brake-lock ups can certainly occur if braking too late and aggressively.
While the car may have the element of danger for the overly-aggressive sim racer, it is not to be neglected. With practice and repetitions prior-to and in-race, the car can help developing road racers find a smoothness and consistency around the various courses. One masters the car, and then one’s opponent. When it all comes together, the 992 is an extremely satisfying drive, and we at Coach Dave Academy can help you get to that point.
Aesthetically, the Porsche 992 is sharp both in the cockpit, and while observing in replay mode. It’s perfect for your desktop wallpaper too – why don’t you check out how to take the best screenshots in iRacing? The latest version, having been scanned and produced by iRacing for a bit under a year now, matches the real-world Porsche with the slick brake lighting strip along the entire rear of the car. The car is also easily identifiable with its trademark “X” headlights.
Inside and out, the car sounds like a Porsche ought to – with an enjoyable transition through the gears, the highest pitch hitting you as you reach 6th gear down a long straight.
What’s so special?
The racing in the Porsche Cup Series is often close and competitive. The short length of the races, paired with the fast standing starts, can make each session the adrenaline rush we all love.
If the Porsche 992 grows on you, it has the benefit of having two versions of the series in iRacing official sessions. There is an open setup and fixed setup version, alternating between the two every hour. There’s no stress to be had with either session you find yourself loading into – Coach Dave Academy offers Porsche Cup 992 Setups for the open setup version, and Fixed Setup Data Bundles for the fixed setup version.
The extras
For developing and ambitious sim racers, mastering the Porsche Cup 992 car and series has an added incentive – the Porsche eSports Supercup (PESC). PESC is the top tier of road sim racing in iRacing, and is a destination for professional sim racing teams and drivers. The 992 is the car of choice for iRacing’s professional level.
The Porsche Cup Series lends the opportunity to hone your sim racing skills, engage in close racing, and aim for a serious sim racing career. Let’s load up our Coach Dave Academy Porsche 992 setups and get out there!