Sport Auto Cup 2011 - The Champion is found

With a sensational finale race on Saturday, December 3rd, the Sport Auto Cup 2011 ended at the Essen Motor Show.  Throughout the Cup's duration in 2011, RaceRoom Roadshow and Sport Auto sought out the best virtual racers Germany has to offer.  At a total of eight RoadShow events, the RaceRoom visitors were able to qualify for the grand finale in Essen.

As a prelude to the finale at the 2011 Essen Motor Show, RaceRoom and Sport Auto expanded their search for talented racers by hosting a 12 day online time-attack competition at RaceRoom Online.  In addition to the twenty individuals who secured a place in the finale race at Essen in the online competition, the finale events were host to numerous so called "lucky-losers" who were also invited to the finals in Essen.

The combination of finalists brought a multitude of personalities to the starting grid.  In addition to virtual racing hobbyists, many real racing drivers were among the participants. The 16 online time-attack qualifiers which secured their spot in the final via RaceRoom Online consisted mostly of professional simulation-drivers. A total of 42 participants, with Ingrun Rother as the only woman were divided into two starting groups. Following a six minute qualifying period, the first qualification run covering 15 laps on the Hockenheimring circuit took place.  The better half of each of the two groups were automatically qualified for the finale upon crossing the finish line.  The second half of both groups were then given another chance to secure a place in the final event.  After another six minutes of qualifying and a 16 lap race at Hockenheimring, the starting grid for the finale was set. Only eight qualifiers of the RoadShow events made it into the finale race event.  The 16 qualifiers of the online time-attack dominated the field of participants.


Driving the WTCC Extreme car class on the Hockenheim GP course, participants in the Sport Auto Cup 2011 finale raced 20 hot laps. The extreme amount of concentration required to compete was evident on each driver's face. Many competitors elected to wear a headset to shield themselves from disturbing ambient noises which allowed them to focus on the sound of their own engines. Some of the drivers even removed their shoes in order to have a better feel of the pedals. Tough fights for positions caused the qualifiers to sweat as many spectators gathered around the RaceRoom to watch the race live over the broadcast monitors. In comparison to the qualification runs, the competition during the finale was quite close.  With a grid comprised of professional race drivers and experienced simulation racers, many of the "lucky-loser" participants were eliminated quickly. For these participants, it was mainly about the honor.

After nearly 31 minutes of racing, André Böttcher's BMW 320w screamed across the finish line and into first place, earning André the title of "Sport Auto Champion 2011". A seemingly short 3.39 seconds later, Alexander Rambow and his Alfa Romeo 156 secured a second place standing. Finishing less than a second ahead of Heiko Stritzke to secure the last spot on the podium lineup in third place was Felix Viererbl and his Seat Leon.

Felix Viererbl traveled all the way from Munich with his father, to participate in the Sport Auto Cup finale.  He had qualified in the online time-attack, just as André Böttcher, and Alexander Rambow.  The 19-year-old who drivers Go-Karts in his spare time and also regularly takes part in championships, was very surprised by his result: "I'm barely playing at the computer and I'm really surprised by my placement. There were many good drivers and it was a hard race.  But that's what it is about in motor sport and I had a lot of fun", he reported after the race.

Alexander Rambow also had a long journey behind him and was very happy about his finishing position: "It can't go any better. In my opinion André was unbeatable, and also the other drivers made it pretty difficult. I am absolutely satisfied, even if it was really hard to finish in the top 20", the 22-year-old Seat Leon Supercopa driver said.

The Sport Auto 2011 Champion, André Böttcher can be called a professional simulation racer.  Sim racing is an addition to his motor sport hobby for five years now. The 19-year-old is part of the team MY3ID Gaming and this victory was not easy for him: "The second place was my toughest competitor and I was not allowed to make any mistakes. Now I'm really happy and I am glad that it worked out", the student from Herne commented on his victory.

The RaceRoom team would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the finale participants. Many have traveled a long distance to participate. Ultimately, there could be only one champion, and his name is André Böttcher.  RaceRoom would also like to extend their gratitude to Sport Auto and all of the partners involved for their generous support.

The top finishers in the Sport Auto Cup 2011 were rewarded with valuable and exciting prizes including:

1. First Prize: Racing course at the Hockenheim-Ring in an Opel Lotus. In this course the driver will learn the track and car with all details! 200-240 km mileage including free driving in the Formula Opel-Lotus.
2. Second Prize: RaceRoom home simulator including all accessories with a value of 1.200, - €
3. Third Prize: RaceRoom simulator frame without accessories with a value of 599, - €