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Walkinshaw Andretti United has confirmed plans to field a team in the 2019 Gfinity Supercars Eseries which begins in September.
Backed by naming rights partners Mobil 1 and Mega Fuels, the outfit’s inaugural Esports line-up will feature experienced virtual racers Joshua Rogers and Jarrad Filsell.
Rogers is the current leader of the VRS GT iRacing World Championship Series, as well as the Porsche Esports Supercup.
The 19-year-old from Gladstone, Queensland, began sim racing at the age of eight.
After discovering iRacing in 2014, he made his V8 Supercar Online Premier Series (V8SCOPS) debut in 2015, before finishing third in both 2016 and 2017.
In 2018 he expanded into the iRacing World Championship Series, the VRS GT iRacing World Championship Series, and the Porsche Sim Racing summit, where he finished third.
“It’s difficult to contain my excitement for the upcoming Gfinity Supercars Eseries representing Walkinshaw Andretti United and Mobil 1 Mega Racing,” said Rogers.
“It’s an absolute privilege to have been selected and I am looking forward to working with such a prestigious team this season.
“Hopefully Jarrad and I can bring some solid results this season with the aim of lifting the bar higher each round pushing each other to the limit. I’m sure both of us will be doing everything we can to fly the team’s flag as high as possible.”
Meanwhile, team-mate Filsell is a three time and reigning V8SCOPS champion, with 48 wins from his 101 starts.
The 24-year-old from Adelaide is also currently competing in the Porsche Esports Supercup, sitting fifth after eight rounds, and has competed in the VRS GT World Championship and Blancpain GT World Championship in the past.
“I’m extremely excited and privileged to be involved in the upcoming Gfinity Eseries with Walkinshaw Andretti United, their history speaks for itself really,” said Filsell.
“I’m hoping we can contribute to the Team’s trophy cabinet, albeit virtually come the end of the year.
“Teaming up with Josh is something I’ve done in different categories previously but I can’t wait to see how far we can push one another in the Gfinity Eseries this season, it should be a cracking battle.”
Mobil 1 Mega Racing co-team principal Bruce Stewart sees the Eseries as an important sphere for the team to be operating in.
“With the rapid rise of Esports around the world, and the juggernaut it is becoming, it was critically important for Walkinshaw Andretti United to be involved,” said Stewart.
“It’s a really exciting space to be in and gives us further opportunity to connect with the young fans around Australia, and no doubt the world. Esports is a big part of the future, so it’s great to be involved.”
The Gfinity Supercars Eseries will be held over six rounds comprising 16 races using the iRacing platform.
It will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports with the first round scheduled for September 24.
