Co-run by the now-defunct Cowana GmBH, the future of the Expo was in a state of flux, after the marketing agency was reported to be insolvent by Games Wirtschaft and German bankruptcy notices back in May.
Traxion.GG understands that several potential exhibitors were awaiting a resolution before committing to the event set for running between 13th-15th October 2023.
It also follows allegations by sim racing teams of unpaid winnings related to competitions at last year’s event.
However, now a newly-formed company, South West Vision, will take ownership of these debts and has said it will pay out the prizes. It will now also organise and run the SimRacing Expo with the ADAC.
“After Cowana GmbH filed for bankruptcy, South West Vision GmbH took over the organisation of the SimRacing Expo,” reads the statement issued today, 4th July 2023.
“In addition to the organisation, the Essen-based company has also taken over the payment of the prize money for the competitions in 2022 retrospectively.”
“The demand for the exhibition space is enormous and numerous new exhibitors have already noted the fair in their calendars,” said Marc Hennerii, Managing Director of ADAC Travel and Event Mittelrhein GmbH.
Announced so far, among others, to be involved a the event are D-BOX, PXN, Asetek SimSports, Moza Racing, VRS and P1 Sim. It was also discussed in March that it could feature a dedicated ‘content creator’ zone. In February, it was stated that the aim was to attract over 30,000 visitors.
Tickets are on sale now and Traxion.GG plans to visit the event to report on the latest sim racing equipment.
