One of VRS Coanda Simsport’s latest recruits, Mack Bakkum, is competing in the 2016-17 iRacing Road Pro Series. The Dutchman started with DNF at Interlagos, but reclaimed momentum with a dominant win at Montreal, hoping to qualify for the 2017 iRacing World Championship Grand Prix Series, to build on the team’s succes in the top echelon of single seater simulator racing.
What’s your goal for this season?
“Obviously my first goal is to get the iWCGPS license, but I also want to win the championship. I know it’s going to be tough, but I think there’s a chance, and I’m aiming for that.”
Who are your biggest competitors?
“Like the iWCGPS, Team Redline seems to be our biggest rival, especially Bono Huis, maybe Freek Schothorst too. Also Apex is a big factor, Marcus Jensen is fast, and we can’t count out Sebastian Job. I think he has more potential than he has showed so far. Then there’s Cem Bolukbasi from Radicals Online.”
Why was the opening round at Interlagos so… difficult? And why did Gilles Villeneuve go better?
“I wasn’t planning to race that day. When I arrived home earlier, just a few hours before the race, I started my practise. I thought a few points would be better than nothing, but preparing on such a short notice is really difficult, and the race didn’t go so well. For round two, I could finally prepare as I wanted to, and it paid off.”
Is the team helping you?
“The team’s very helpful, and especially Martin (Krönke) helped me a lot. We’ve done practise sessions on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. He gave me tips on how to use the push to pass, the MGU-K system and with the setup.”
Are you using Virtual Racing School?
“Yes, I especially like how I can compare my laptimes to previous sessions. In Montreal, I had a problem with sector two, I just couldn’t match my earlier times, but with VRS I found out what I was doing wrong.”
How couple this with your Endurance Series, if you get to the WCGPS?
“It looks like the races won’t clash, so I think it be fine, and even if it clashes Jorn and Jeremy are there. Also, a week for each race should be enough for preparations.”
If you had to choose, GT3 or F1?
“After seeing races yesterday, I’d go for F1, but it’s difficult to say as both cars are so different to drive.”
Last question… why the pink rims?
“Well, I’ve been using them for a long time now, and I guess they’re kind of my trademark now. Oh, and I also think they look good.”
