Assetto Corsa’s Hyundai N Virtual Cup launches with $20,000 grand prize

Hyundai had a strong presence at the ADAC SimRacing Expo 2024, where it had a dedicated stand showcasing its latest models, including the IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai’s first electric hot hatch.

At the expo, Hyundai’s N performance division announced a new partnership with Kunos Simulazioni to launch the Hyundai N Virtual Cup, a new sim racing tournament for Assetto Corsa with a $20,000 grand prize up for grabs.   

The original Assetto Corsa will host the tournament with official mods, with drivers from the USA, Korea, China, and Europe racing a variety of Hyundai models, including the IONIQ 5 N, i20 N, i30 N, and Elantra N TCR, for a place in the grand final next year.

Pre-qualifiers for the Hyundai N Virtual Cup begin today, 21 October, until 11 November, with Assetto Corsa players battling it out to set the fastest lap.

The top 40 players from each region will then enter regional qualification rounds held from 20 November to 1 December.

From here, the top 20 players will be selected for the regional semi-finals from 7th to 15th December, with the top five players from each region competing in the offline World Final on 11th January 2025.

In total, a $100,000 prize pool is at stake.

The Grand Final takes place just a few days before Assetto Corsa EVO’s early access launch on 16th January, 2025. Future tournaments will presumably be held in Assetto Corsa EVO, but it remains to be seen if the Hyundai N Virtual Cup returns for a second year.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in bringing together Hyundai N brand fans and esports enthusiasts,” Hyundai’s Vice President and Head of N Brand Management Group, Joon Park, explained.

“With the Hyundai N Virtual Cup, we aim to enhance the Hyundai N brand’s recognition and spotlight our high-performance models while providing our customers and fans with a unique opportunity to digitally experience our high-performance models through sim racing.”

Hyundai also confirmed that the ELANTRA N TCR touring car will feature in Assetto Corsa EVO’s car list, one of seven Hyundai models appearing in the racing simulation. It will be joined by the i20N, i30N, IONIQ-5 N, and N Vision, with two Hyundai models still yet to be confirmed.

You can sign up for the tournament on the Hyundai Virtual N Cup website.

Will you be entering Assetto Corsa’s Hyundai N Virtual Cup tournament? Let us know in the comments below.