Cooper now a virtual motorsport tyre supplier

The season start of many motorsport events has been delayed due to the coronavirus. Unable to get cars out on the track, US-based racecar driver development programme the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires has gone virtual with a new five-race e-series. This e-series allows drivers from Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship to compete against one another using race simulators.

Cooper Tires is the exclusive tyre supplier to the Road to Indy, and drivers will continue to compete on Cooper tyres in the virtual competition. Cooper provided racing simulation company iRacing with performance data to allow the virtual handling and tyre performance of the race car to mirror what drivers would experience on the track, enhancing the realistic racing experience.

“This virtual racing series gives fans the opportunity to continue to be engaged in the sport and drivers the ability to compete. It is exciting to see those involved in Road to Indy pull together to make this innovative solution possible,” said Chris Pantani, director of Motorsports for Cooper Tire. “Fans will not only get to enjoy the racing they have come to expect each spring, but they will see Cooper tyres in action on the virtual course. Special thanks goes to the Europe Technical Center team for providing the performance data and detailed drawings of our race tyre sidewalls to make this a realistic experience for both racers and fans.”

The five-competition series began on 28 March, with additional races being held each subsequent Saturday through the end of April. Streaming coverage and commentary of the virtual series mirrors traditional race weekends with pre- and post-race ceremonies and more. Races can be viewed via live stream on a number of platforms, including the Cooper Tire Facebook page at facebook.com/coopertire.