McLaren Shadow Project to host live Asia-Pacific event

McLaren Shadow Project has partnered with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to host the competition’s first Asia-Pacific live qualifying event, ‘Race to Singapore.’

Throughout August, players will have the chance to take part in online qualifiers to secure a spot in the Race to Singapore. The top eight racers will then be flown to Singapore for the live qualifying event, which takes place on September 19th.

Ben Payne, Head of Esports at McLaren commented on the venture: “This is a hugely exciting partnership for the McLaren Shadow Project season 2. The Singapore Tourism Board gives us a unique opportunity to engage with online gamers across the Asia Pacific market before welcoming the top eight to a race-off at the live Singapore event during Grand Prix week, including against our McLaren Racing F1 driver and passionate gamer Lando Norris.”

The winner of the ‘Race to Singapore’ will then be invited to the McLaren Technology Centre in December to compete in the grand finals of the McLaren Shadow Project. The second season of McLaren’s esports initiative was announced at the end of May and will commence in July.

Jean Ng, Executive Director, Sports at Singapore Tourism Board, also commented: “STB is always looking out for innovative new elements that can enhance the value proposition of the Singapore F1 race, and improve visitor experience throughout the race season. Adding an esports dimension to the Grand Prix Singapore Season (GPSS) line-up will broaden the race’s appeal to visitors and locals who enjoy both gaming and motorsports. Given that esports attracts mostly younger audiences, we also hope that the virtual race will attract the attention of younger, millennial visitors and draw them to our unique race.”

Esports Insider says: Singapore has become an infamous stop within the F1 racing calendar, making it a perfect location for a qualifying event in the Shadow Project. Holding the event side-by-side with the F1 race will give players an invaluable experience of a high-paced racing environment. 

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