Canadian karter Patrick Woods-Toth is the first Champion of the Rotax Sim Racing Challenge

Patrick Woods-Toth has secured the champion’s title at the first-ever running of the Rotax SIM RACING Challenge. Taking P2 in the opening Pre-Final, Patrick matched the pace of fastest qualifier and race winner Johnny Guindi - with nothing between them.

A brilliant last-lap move to snatch the lead from pole-sitter and Pre-Final B winner Diago Francisco in the closing stages of the 25-minute Final, saw the young driver from Montreal take victory in an exciting race to the chequered flag.

The 16-year-old has been racing go-karts 8 years, (3 years longer than his Sim) making his Rotax Grand Finals debut in Micro MAX in New Orleans where he finished 3rd in his second season racing. He has qualified twice since to represent Team Canada, last year winning the Canadian Open.

“I had a great time racing in the Rotax Sim Racing Challenge. Racing with and against so many incredible racers and sim racers was an amazing experience.”

“In qualifying, each position was separated by less than 1-tenth which is super close; because in real races it’s very hard to have such a tight field. I think the matchup was pretty fair. Diogo [Francisco], Johnny [Guindi], ... all of these guys were super fast and are accomplished sim racers across many different games, yet I managed to hold my own and stay right up there with them to race for the win.

“This was definitely one of the most competitive [eSports events] I’ve ever raced in, even compared to in ‘real-life’ races. I really enjoyed the event and I am so happy to be on the top step of the virtual podium! Big thanks to PrimePowerTeam and Rotax!”

Patrick’s race mechanic Kenneth O’Keefe was also competing and finished third, after qualifying P5. 1st place now gives the Senior MAX driver the chance to race at the Rotax Grand Finals 2020 in Bahrain in the Project E20 eKart. Cash prizes are awarded to the other drivers finishing up to 5th.