🏁IT'S ALL GOOD IN THE WOOD🏁

Thrills and Spills at Goodwood: Gran Turismo Manufacturers League Drivers Battle the Beastly Circuit!

This week, the Gran Turismo Manufacturers League drivers unleashed their Gr.4 machines on the legendary Goodwood Circuit, and it was nothing short of a spectacle! 

The low grip, high-speed, old-school track proved to be a formidable foe, with many drivers struggling to keep their cars from turning the lush green grass into their personal playground.

Steven Berry, GTSA Admin, was interviewed and said "Last season, a handful of drivers had complained that we were racing the same combination of tracks, each and every season. So for the Manufacturers teams, we decided to switch it up slightly and give them drivers a different challenge to close of their season. Sometimes they must becareful what they wish for, because a lot of what was seen what on and off track action"

The grounds staff, usually tasked with maintaining the pristine condition of the circuit, found themselves on an unexpected half-day break, thanks to the impromptu grass-cutting services provided by the drivers. 

But who could complain? The sheer adrenaline and jaw-dropping action on the track more than made up for it. The drivers’ daring maneuvers and heart-stopping near-misses kept everyone on the edge of their seats, making this week’s race one for the history books!

Pool 1

In the Premier Pool, the race win went to GT_RSA from the P9BR team. GT_RSA started in 5th place and managed to keep his car off the grass and out of the walls to cross the line in first for the final Manufacturers League race of the season.

In his final bid to make the Top 5 Manufacturers drivers for the Finale Showdown group, a race win will definitely help his chances.

Rounding off the podium, was RBS_GT_RACING in his Mercedes SLS AMG in P2, and P9BR_PumpkinPatch. 
It did appear that alot of the top spots was dominated by the shortwheel base vehicles as they were able to carry alot more speed through the fast corners as opposed to the Corvettes and Supra's which have been dominating most of the season with their top speed. This was a welcome site to see and shook up the final positions for this round.

As the Pool 1 drivers as the rest of the top 12 in the Manufacturers League await to see their fate for Finale Showdown and Wildcard race selections will be made.

Pool 2

An unlikely site, as our current championship leader was found with his Ferrari 458 GT4 in the Pool of Death this week, alongside KLM_Pace and VSR_Richard, our current Nations League championship leader.

Unfortunately, both KLM_Pace and VSR_Richard had missed their flights to the circuit and were unable to take part in the event. Reports have come in that both VSR and PACE teams are cutting back on unnecesary costs, as they are very close to breaching the cost caps for the current season.

Nonetheless, LEVITIUS seemingly unphased, managed to walk away with the win this week in Pool 2, all but solidifying his place for the Finale in 2-3 weeks time.

MGR_Le'Kwera managed to pip C8s_Hennie across the line with a remarkable overtake in the final sector. Rumor has it, Hennie was not to chuffed having to let his foot off the gas, as he made space for the diving Le'Kwera, nonetheless, the crowd seemed to love the action that was taking place within the mid pack, with the leader so far up the road.

We caught up with Our Championship Leader after the race: 

Levitius said "Never again with that combo, please and thank you. After the sabbatical I had, that was not fun being on edge the whole race, but we got the win, W's in the chat. On to the finale, looking forward to closing this season out

Pool 3

A fairly quiet Pool 3 race this week, as drivers had just turned up to race and head off for a well deserved break, to end their season.
Pool 3 winner saw SAM_jp_lazer on the top step this week with a fairly dominant win this week in his Ferrari, that would have seen him mid pack in the Pool 1 standings, in a surprising second was Ken_Dog1969 in his Front Wheel drive Audi TT who was highly jubilant in the post race pen, and in 3rd we saw P9BR_Fastross50 in his Porsche Cayman, who basically won the Porsche Cup race that seemed to have occurred by divine intervention in Pool 3.

Pool 4

A few bumps and bruises from the drivers in Pool 4 saw alot of drivers pointing fingers post race in Parc Ferme'.
Apart from the action post race, the racing on track was fairly spread out as if drivers were just there to cruise around the Iconic circuit and take in the views in the support race.
Pool 4 saw josh_kwas taking the race win in his Porsche Cayman. In 2nd position, JayDoublO_Pace was seen crossing the in his Genesis G70 and closely followed by Styx011 in his Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Unfortunately a few drivers had to retire from the event, nonetheless an early holiday for the drivers.

Pool 5

In Pool 5, one driver had left the rest of the field questioning whether or not his vehicle was GT4 spec, or if he mistakenly brought his GT3 race car to track this week, having lapped more than half of the field on his way to victory.
GTSA stewards were present were on the ground early, and ensured that the Mercedes SLS AMG of Jenson J, the eventual race winner, was indeed up to spec and cleared for the race before Qualifying.

Jenson, clearly becoming a wildcard in the scene, last seen in the Nations League, is sure to bein the higher pools come next season after some really quick performances.

In 2nd place, FBR_Stingz420 and Marcio7da7mota crossed the line to complete the podium in their Aston Martin and Porsche Cayman respectively.

Drivers were also seen inspecting Marcio's vehicle post race with his VR technology.

Pool 6 & 7

A full roster of drivers attended the Pool 6/7 support race, and some really great camaraderie was experienced was witnessed in the paddocks pre and post race, as drivers geared up to take on the Challenge of Goodwood Curcuit.

The podium was dominated by some familiar drivers who are normally seen in the top ranks. Our race winner was Pung23_P9BR followed by CAV-R_Shawn and Toxicfly_RSA.

Post race, drivers were also seen sharing trade secrets and settling down and sharing a few pints to enjoy the rest of the days races.

Anticipation Peaks as Gran Turismo Manufacturers League Awaits Final Results!

As the season winds down for most of the roster, a palpable sense of excitement fills the air. Drivers and fans alike are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the Admin’s announcement of the final results of the Manufacturers League.

The stakes couldn’t be higher! The top 5 finishers of the season will secure their golden tickets straight to the Showdown Finale. But the drama doesn’t end there. 

The drivers finishing in 6th to 12th place will join forces with the next 7 drivers from the Nations League final, set to take place next week, in an electrifying Wildcard entry final. This epic showdown of 14 drivers will be their last chance to fight for a coveted spot in the Finale.

One thing is certain: we’re in for a heart-pounding climax to this season. Only one driver will emerge victorious, crowned as the ultimate GTSA Champion. Buckle up, because this is going to be a thrilling ride to the finish!

Blogpost by Murray Stalker