At first considered a short-term fix, the Supercars Eseries may be here to stay.
Supercars turned their attention to virtual racing after postponing the on-track season until at least June following the completion of just one round due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But what was seen as a stop-gap measure looks set to remain after impressive global viewing figures for the first two rounds of the 10-week competition featuring every Supercars driver.
After performing well in the opener, on-line streaming views for the second round jumped thanks to the presence of wildcard entry, Formula One star Max Verstappen.
Officials said views hit a top of more than 450,000 across the Supercars’ Facebook and teams’ streams for round two last week, an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to the opening round.
Verstappen is keen to return to the Eseries after a stunning run of three second placings in round two’s four races held at UK’s Silverstone and Barcelona’s Catalunya tracks.
More international wildcards are expected to feature throughout the Eseries which will tackle Bathurst’s legendary Mount Panorama track in round three on Wednesday night.
Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said signs were good the Eseries would stay on the calendar and complement on-track racing in the future.
“Our intention is to find a home for this format going forward so we can maximise racing when we are not racing in the real world,” Seamer said.
“The feedback I have had from the teams has been extremely positive (and) it has also brought new sponsors into the sport as well.
“The primary focus is making sure the next eight rounds that we have in front of us are executed brilliantly and we continue to improve week on week.
“If we can continue to keep it fresh and interesting then absolutely it is something we will continue to look at.”
Popular former Nissan driver Simona de Silvestro has been unveiled as round three’s wildcard entry.
De Silvestro will race on a simulator in her Swiss home after relocating to Europe with Porsche on a factory contract following a three-season full-time Supercars gig.
Seamer has also confirmed former Bathurst 1000 champion David Reynolds will return to Eseries racing after making way for Enduro Cup teammate, young gun Will Brown, for round two.
Seamer said he had no problem with Reynolds stepping aside for Brown to have a crack at Eseries racing last round.
“Will did a great job. This is an opportunity to give different people a shot,” he said.
“We had a conversation with the (Reynolds’ Penrite Racing) team about their plans. Let’s not forget Will Brown is an up and coming star, it’s not like he is a nobody.
“(But) David will be back for his favourite track, Bathurst.”
