CMS have launched a retro virtual racing league for rFactor 2 using a special edition version of the 1971 sportscars of that era at the legendary, incredibly quick Le Mans 24-Hours circuit of that era.
That year Dutchman Gijs van Lennep and Austrian Dr. Helmut Marko (of Red Bull fame) powered to victory, covering a remarkable 397 laps, and remained the fastest 24-Hour race in history for over 40 years.
This is what CMS say of the virtual version of the series they are to host:
After 50 years, it’s time to go back! 1971 was the year that saw major changes in the World Sportscar Championship – the precursor to today’s WEC. Porsche’s rise to dominance was being challenged by both Alfa Romeo and Ferrari, all with cutting edge cars.
It was an era of new transmission technologies and saw other enhancements such as the Porsche 917K using a hollow, extruded frame that was filled with nitrogen to lighten the car. Chevrolet teamed up with British motorsport to enter the Lola which Jackie Stewart ran for some monumental victories in the class.
The 11 FIA races spanned the globe and were filled with excitement, fierce competition and incredible finishes. It also saw 7 fatalities before the final race. These cars were able to produce top race speeds unrivalled until the following century. These were truly amazing machines, brilliant engineers and fearless drivers.
Now, thanks to the passionate rFactor 2 modding work by Apex Modding, Chief Wiggum, CrossPly, George Angelidis, Jon Uyan, and the CMS Beta testers, the cars from this time have been brought together in a single mod and series to relive the legend that was the 1971 WSC season.
Racers can choose between the Ferrari 512M, Porsche 917K, Alfa Romeo 33/TT/12 and the Lola T70 Mk3B. All with unique car characteristics and all balanced to be competitive. The work on these cars is nothing short of brilliant. You will feel the thrill, excitement and subtle terror that the real drivers felt piloting these monsters.
Champion Motorsports will be holding the 1971 series exclusively starting in January 2021. Visit https://www.cmsracing.com or our Discord (https://discord.gg/4ckmjPX) for more information on how to join one of the best sim racing communities in the world for one of the most legendary mods in the world.