Jimmy Broadbent: 24 Hours of Le Mans Digital “places sim racing within the store window”

In amongst creating movies concerning the newest BeamNG.drive updates and testing the BMW M4 GT4 in Spain, YouTube sensation Jimmy Broadbent has discovered the time to compete within the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans Digital. 

This coming weekend, he’ll take to the simulated Circuit de la Sarthe alongside Beitske Visser, Michele D’Alessandro and Muhammed Patel in a BMW M8 GTE for the MAHLE Racing Group. 

After I say he’s discovered the time to race, that’s true, however apply then again… 

“I’ve finished a stint a few weeks in the past,” stated Broadbent to Traxion.GG. 

“The issue is, although, attempting to steadiness it round the entire YouTube-life factor. 

“24 Hours of Le Mans Digital apply for me is sitting down and cracking out 5 – 6 stints in a row. 

“It’s very onerous to place apart what are not less than three hours to do this.” 

The occasion will mark Broadbent’s third entry into the favored digital motorsport occasion, however thus far, a podium has eluded the plucky Hastonian. 

 “They will’t appear to do away with me, can they? I feel I’m the comedian aid,” jested Broadbent. 

“It was wonderful the primary time, I used to be stunned concerning the second time and now I’m honoured to be again once more. 

“To participate in all of them might be fairly particular. That is the time for sim racing to place itself within the store window and present how folks take it severely. 

“We’ve bought the present Method 1 world champion collaborating, that’s insane.” 

There additionally occurs to be the reigning Praga Cup champion too, Jimmy, who this time is on the grid as a PRO driver. It’s the primary time a 24 Hours of Le Mans Digital competitor has progressed from being a sim entrant in earlier years to now turning into an FIA-Graded participant. 

“It was a little bit bit surreal studying that when the entry record got here out,” defined Broadbent. 

“I knew that it was taking place, however whenever you see it printed, it’s very cool and I feel a testomony to simply how shut these simulation platforms are [to the real-world] that somebody can obtain that.” 

 

The #10 MAHLE GTE has had a blended marketing campaign within the Le Mans Digital Collection thus far and is not in competition for the general championship. Nonetheless, a part of the prize pool is devoted to the 24-hour race’s outcomes alone, and seventh and fifth locations at Sebring and Spa-Francorchamps respectively present that the group is able to combating for a podium. 

“Our essential downside this season has been qualifying,” highlighted colleague D’Alessandro. 

“We principally by no means certified inside the highest 10, apart from Spa, and at Spa, you noticed we have been in a greater beginning place to intention for end result. 

“Handily, I feel that qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans Digital is the least vital session of the season as a result of lengthy race. 

“In some way, as a group, we are going to discover a approach to overtake folks.” 

The BMW M8 GTE that Jimmy Broadbent will drive within the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans Digital

The squad has been engaged on particular person apply first, with D’Alessandro and Patel refining a race set-up that might be compliant for all 4 drivers. They then plan to apply collectively forward of the massive race. 

“I’d love a prime 10 end, I feel my finest end result thus far is a 14^th,” stated Broadbent. 

“Final yr we needed to begin with a six-minute penalty resulting from a non-compliant driver line-up, so now we have a good shot right now. 

“I’ll intention to do nicely for the group, but additionally create a present and convey folks alongside for the journey.” 

Broadbent might be reside streaming his participation on his YouTube channel for his many loyal followers, whereas concurrently competing, as will team-mate Visser on Twitch.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans Digital begins with qualifying on Friday thirteenth January at 7 pm CET, adopted by the race on Saturday 14th January at 2 pm CET and will be watched reside on Traxion.GG and Motorsport.television.