It was the first time TSRC had run an MX-5 Championship on iRacing, so there were plenty of unknowns going into the season. The format was designed to produce intense, wheel-to-wheel action, with two short races per round. Drivers faced a challenging calendar, visiting circuits such as Silverstone, Navarra and Watkins Glen. As the colder autumn months approached, weather forecasts became a growing concern, with increased chances of rain, and indeed, it played a major role later in the championship.

Am Class

Let’s begin with the closest of the championship battles, the Am class. Four drivers were in contention for the title: Martin Foster, Daniel Moffat, Mav Gardner and János Wenzl. Moffat and Foster started the season strongly, collecting multiple wins and podiums. However, as the season progressed, Gardner and Wenzl found their rhythm, tightening the championship fight. Ultimately, consistency and staying out of trouble proved decisive, as Martin Foster claimed the title after a tense final round where mixed weather conditions and safety cars came into play.

Further down the field, several drivers showed flashes of potential. Paul Simms impressed with a double podium at Okayama, while Lenny Hanson demonstrated skill in the wet at Watkins Glen, handling the slick tyres in the rain. Martin Rendell also stood out with a win at the Red Bull Ring.

It is worth noting the efforts of newer competitors such as FD Racing teammates Luke Smith and Micky Ford, both relatively new to sim racing. Despite a steep learning curve, they persevered and achieved several respectable finishes within their class. The Am class once again proved that you do not need to be the fastest to enjoy a fiercely competitive championship, and at The Sim Racing Collective, drivers of all abilities are always welcome on the grid.

Pro Class

The Pro class delivered a season full of highs and lows, featuring a strong field where many had the pace to challenge for wins and the overall title. Among the familiar faces were TSRC veterans Jamie Nuttall, Tom Davidson, Kieran Sharp, Nick Clibbens and Andrew Pike.

The early rounds were closely contested, with eight different drivers claiming podiums within the first three events. One of the standout performers was Craig Twardoch, who transitioned from console racing on Assetto Corsa Competizione to iRacing on PC and quickly found strong form as the season unfolded.

However, one driver ultimately emerged as the clear front-runner: Jamie Nuttall. With podium finishes in every round he entered and five race victories, he secured the championship with one round to spare. His ability to avoid chaos and carve through the field in the reverse-grid races was a defining strength, no small feat in such competitive conditions.

As in the Am class, several Pro drivers produced standout performances. Bart Raven impressed at the Red Bull Ring with his pace in the wet, while Jack Southfield made a memorable one-off appearance at the Nürburgring, taking a race win.

Looking Ahead

The inaugural MX-5 Championship was a welcome addition to the TSRC calendar and arguably produced some of the best racing seen in any of the club’s series to date. Do not be surprised if a second season is announced in the future.