Women In Sim Racing Yvonne Houffelaar Anniversary Blog #52

A great day for Women In Sim Racing and Yvonne Houffelaar as we celebrate a 1 year anniversary with her here at simrace247.

It is with great pleasure to announce and applaud the success of women in sim racing and Yvonne Houffelaar, she has been with us now for a year at simrace247 and never let us down. She has been a great voice and personality within our community that has embraced many and welcomed all. One year ago I (Darren) thought it was very important to highlight women in sim racing here on our platform at simrace247. With a notable mention to Thea Musante, she introduced Yvonne to us and we have never looked back! Yvonne, a huge congratulations to you!

Welcome to my weekly blog fifty second, one year anniversary !!

One year anniversary
Today it’s a very special day, my SimRace247.com weekly blog is 1 year old!! Thanks to Darren and Alethea Boucq, I had the opportunity to write a weekly blog!! When I heard I could make it, I was so happy! I love writing and racing, which means this weekly blog fits perfectly! When I started writing the blog, I needed to learn a lot about writing in English. Now a year later, it is going a lot better, and it’s easier. Simrace247 brought me a lot, thank you very much, and hopefully a lot of years to come!!

Theamusante Community Rush Hour
On Friday 18-02-2022, Theamusante Community Rush Hour was planned. This got postponed due to the bad weather, and internet problems. The race at Misano is now on 25-02-2022, I’m looking forward to it!

Daytona 500
On Sunday 20-02-2022, I drove the Daytona 500, with the Nascar Next Gen Chevrolet. I started in the midfield, I just hoped to stay out of trouble, especially because it’s 200 laps, 3 hours. Unfortunately, in the first couple of laps, there was an incident, which I couldn’t avoid. This gave me a minute repair, which I did, otherwise, my car was too slow. I was a lap behind, the race was still long, and more cautions were coming, then I was the “lucky dog”, which means I’m back in the lead lap!! This gave me all the chance of a good result. With around 50 laps to go, I got hit from behind in a corner, the Chevy got loose, and I lost the car. After more than 10 minutes of repair, I still finished P16.

Nascar Xfinity
On Sunday 20-02-2022, I also drove the Nascar Xfinity, at Daytona. I started from the back, but I managed to get to the front of the field quite quickly and easily. After 15 laps in the race, I was in the top 4. After some crashes behind, we had an overtime finish. With an overtime finish, everything can happen, and it did! I started the restart, on the outside, where I lost positions (the inside line was quicker), but the accidents always happen in the last corner, which I could avoid, and I finished spectacularly at P3!

GGG Formula-G
On Monday 21-02-2022, was the GGG Formula-G, 40 minutes at Tokyo Expressway South Outer loop. I only knew the inner loop and didn’t have the energy to practice much. The race is all about fuel-saving, and not about speed. That’s why I like to drive this series, I don’t have the same speed as some of the drivers in there (also Sophie), because I don’t have much experience in GT Sport. I was very surprised with my pace! I ended up in the super pole and qualified at P4. My start was ok and careful, my pace was good, but I made one mistake and lost the cars for slipstream when I was in P3. Eventually, I caught them back up, and I could save fuel again. Luckily, I saved a bit extra, we needed to do one more lap. I finished P3! After P5 in the first race and P3 in the second race, I’m now at P2 in the championship!!

RCI Diamond Drive Cup
On Wednesday 23-02-2022, it was time for the third round of the RCI Diamond Drive Cup. 1 hour at a very wet Monza. I did not have much practice, loads of back and leg problems. I just hoped to stay on track and get points for the championship. In the qualifying, I had some trouble and crashed. I decided to drive with more rear wing, to keep it safe. It was a little bit slower, but I just needed to go for points. I qualified at P4 in class, P9 overall. For the race, I decided to drive also with more wing. After a good start, I was P2 in class, behind Sophie Aeronwen, who drove very well. I stayed in P2 in class, I wanted to bring the points in, and I just kept it very safe. Maybe a bit too safe, but no need to push, I had enough of a gap behind me. Then on the last lap, at the last corner, Sophie let me by, to give me the points for the championship. After the disaster from last week, I’m now back in the championship and have the lead. The next round is Misano, hopefully, no curse, and I can go for the win! I’m really looking forward to the race!

Announcement
I’m happy to announce that I will be streaming on a schedule on Init Esports Twitch channel. Init Esports promotes diversity and inclusion in sim racing and I’m happy that they reach out. Please visit twitch.tv/initesports and connect with Stefy on my server so she can set you up to be a guest on Twitch! #WomenSupportingWomen I’m joining this project, because of my passion for (sim)racing, and I want to help other women into it. It would be great to inspire them, and help them on track. Diversity is also part of my life, I want that everyone feels welcome, and can be themself!

Upcoming Races: