South Africa’s leading sim racers are preparing to take on the world as the Tri Nations Esports Cup returns for another thrilling international showdown.
The concept began with a bold question: what would happen if the ten best Esport drivers representing each country’s motorsport governing body competed against one another?
Developed by Motorsport UK, the Tri Nations Esports Cup originally brought together drivers from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In 2025, however, the competition entered an exciting new chapter when Motorsport South Africa was invited to become the fourth participating motorsport governing body.
The invitation followed the success of the Africa Sim Racing Festival and marked a significant milestone for MSA Esports. For the first time, South Africa joined its fellow ASNs in an international Esport competition of this nature.
South African sim racers responded enthusiastically, taking part in time trials to determine the ten drivers who would represent the country. The selected team competed in the McLaren 720S GT3 at Silverstone and Bathurst, taking on some of the finest Esport drivers from across the four nations.
In an exceptional debut performance, South Africa secured third place, claiming the bronze medal ahead of Australia and firmly establishing the country as a serious contender on the international sim racing stage.
THE CHALLENGE RETURNS
One year later, South Africa is back and ready to fight for the top step of the podium.
The 2026 competition follows two successful MSA National Esport Championships, which have helped fuel growing interest and participation within the South African sim racing community.
MSA Esport remains committed to identifying the country’s leading talent while providing a fair and accessible opportunity for drivers to qualify. The excitement surrounding the competition has already seen drivers dedicating countless hours to preparation, with some even stepping away from their regular racing commitments to focus on securing a place in the national team.
TIME TRIALS OPEN FROM 21 TO 23 AUGUST 2026
The South African qualifying time trials will take place on iRacing from 21 to 23 August 2026.
Drivers will be required to take control of the formidable Ford Mustang GT3, using a fixed setup, and record their fastest possible lap around the iconic Spa Francorchamps Circuit.
At approximately seven kilometres in length, Spa will demand the perfect combination of raw speed, technical ability, precision and commitment. Every corner will count as drivers compete for one of only ten places on the South African team.
No competition licence is required to enter the time trials, giving sim racers from across the country an equal opportunity to test their ability and compete for the honour of representing South Africa.
The ten fastest qualifying drivers will progress to the main event, where they will face the legendary Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit and the demanding Mount Panorama Circuit at Bathurst.
RACING FOR NATIONAL PRIDE
The Tri Nations Esport Cup represents an important collaboration between the participating ASNs, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas, develop Esport and strengthen international cooperation within motorsport.
For the drivers, it is an opportunity to make history, represent their country and carry the South African flag with pride.
The main event will take place on 6 September 2026 and will be broadcast internationally by RaceSpot, allowing motorsport and Esport supporters around the world to follow every moment of the action.
Those who do not qualify can still be part of the occasion by supporting Team South Africa from the virtual grandstands.
The stage is set. The Ford Mustang GT3 is ready. Spa awaits.
It is time for South Africa’s fastest sim racers to take up the challenge and race for their place in the national team.
