Forza Motorsport 6 developer Turn 10 Studios announced the Forza Racing Championship at the beginning of June. The esports racing program is a first for the Forza franchise, aiming to attract players from across the world from every racing skill level.
The championship will be divided into two series, the Open and the Elite. They offer slightly different paths into the tournament but ultimately deliver the same competitive online racing. Any Forza player can enter the open. The elite will be restricted to higher ability players, ensuring less experienced drivers have a space in which they can succeed.
To enter the championship and participate in the Open Series, competitors only need to register. To win prizes, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for the Open Series and accept the terms and conditions of the Forza Racing Championship.
With three million players racing in Forza every month, Microsoft has high hopes for the championship. Recent online tournaments such as the Michelin 24 Hour Forza Challenge, in the spirit of the Le Mans 24 hours, and the Audi 24 Hours of Le Forza Contest have attracted over 700,000 online viewers.
“Whether you’re racing royalty or just getting started, we’ve got a place for you in ForzaRC,” said Microsoft. “The first season of ForzaRC will include both an Elite Series and an Open Series available to all players. Each series will follow a slightly different path, utilize different modes in the game, and have different prizes available to winners. The common link between them? Everyone is invited to compete!”
To attract the top Forza players to the Racing Championship, Microsoft has prepared “the ultimate prize” for the winning driver. The most successful player will leave the event with a brand new 2017 Ford Focus RS, available to drive in real life and in Forza Motorsport 6.
The 350-horsepower hot-hatch will provide Forza players with motivation to participate in the tournament. The car could go to any player participating in the Elite Series of the Racing Championship. Microsoft will also be offering Xbox One S consoles, Xbox Elite controllers and Logitech gaming wheels to drivers in the Elite series.
People who choose to enter the Open Series won’t be able to win the Focus RS but will have access to a different set of prizes. Everybody who submits a lap time to the weekly Rivals qualifying event will receive a special Forza car for free, the 1973 Ford Escort 1600. Adorned with a unique Championship-themed livery, these cars will only be obtainable by competing in the event.
The Racing Championship is the largest competition in Forza’s history. It also offers the most valuable prize, with the 2017 Focus RS representing the commitment of Microsoft and Turn 10 to the event. If you’re interested in participating, competitor registration is open now. The first racing sessions will begin on August 8.
