My First Race at Monza Ended in DISASTER...

[@geoffreybees]

The fact you had rossi on front of you at monza is a perfect day in itself. Mate. Bravo I'm envious

[@Jaaames]

Wild right

[@Nicolas_Cage_Bees]

The fact that you, as you say, leave margin on the table while still performing so well relative to the top professional drivers should speak volumes about your pace IMO. I keep hoping someone at Mercedes will notice you and be like "Oh wow we have this guy on payroll already, maybe we should stick him in a car!"

[@divinasi0n]

I think many of us are hoping for that. Think of the marketing potential. What are they waiting for? I predict James will make a name for himself on his own and Merc will be forced to bring him into the fold.

[@AaronMartin7193]

😂

[@Jaaames]

Hahah thanks man. Fingers crossed things can build from here🤞

[@dirkschoutenracing]

Impressive drive man! Hope you get a good seat in the future.

[@Jaaames]

Cheers Dirk!

[@guidofoc7057]

Well you did your best given the circumstances. Kudos to you.

[@Jaaames]

🤝

[@niccoloviani5239]

I was at Monza on that day being an italian with some Friends of mine, some of them also being in an esport team on ACC. During the autograph session i was looking for ya after getting the autograph of Kevin Estre, but unfortunately i couldnt find you despite seeing the Garage 59 Hospitality. I also asked to some people in the paddock but we were tight with times and i had to give up. Proud of you in anycase and hopefully u will be back on italian soil soon. Cheers mate

[@Jaaames]

Ah man that’s a shame, hopefully next time🙏

[@niccoloviani5239]

@@Jaaames yeah well im sure i'll be able to meet ya

[@asphelite]

I think you did a mega job mate - Available when needed, no punterinos, did not crash the car, still rapid in class - Thats all you gotta be. Top job mate

[@Jaaames]

All the boxes ticked, thanks man🤝

[@brandogt3racing]

James, you did the world of sim racing proud! You had a faultless stint! They'll be more opportunities coming your way, this opportunity can always lead to better things to come! Hopefully next year will be better with more opportunities like this. There's one more round at Abu Dhabi if Garage_59, comes a call, it will be a year to remember. But you did us sim racers and real life racers proud. Onwards and upwards. Well done Mr James Baldwin Sir (aka: James) well done on an excellent stint. performance.

[@Jaaames]

Cheers Brandon🤝

[@dannyleeracing]

6:23 Bingo cards need a redesign because they never predict the best stuff. I love these recaps as they normalise these experiences and makes it easier to feel like you're there as you watch. Best of luck for whatever's next

[@Jaaames]

Glad you enjoyed it👌

[@TheAkFlash]

mate im really rooting for you to get a full season cockpit next year! i really enjoy these kinds of videos. ive always thought you have so much potential and way more to show on the real tracks so teach them boys you are quick and skilled :)

[@Jaaames]

🫡🤝

[@deyeatdapoopoo7582]

Just 3/10ths off Kevin Estre per lap over an entire stint is massively impressive, dude. Keep your head high, that was an absolutely mega performance.

[@Jaaames]

🫡🤝

[@Man-Of-Sorrows-2056]

Estre is exceptionally good also with much more experience than James. Defiantly impressive.

[@aidanmento]

Having the opportunity to have that experience out of nowhere, despite the result, is really awesome to see. Showed your skills and consistency. Glad you had a good time 🔥🤌

[@Jaaames]

💪

[@JC21x]

I've said it before and il say it again. It's criminal you aren't on the grid full time. You deserve to be on it

[@Jaaames]

Say it as many times as you want dude, I’ll always appreciate it🤝

[@valter_vava74]

I have been following you, not that closely, but close enough, and I always got the feeling that you have the focus and sharpness that makes great drivers. The consistency of that stint is clear proof of that. You were amongst the fastest, whilst driving in true endurance-lets-take-it-to-the finish-line mode (so plenty of lap-time to be had). Ironically, you had a mechanical :-D

[@valter_vava74]

As a comparison, I see you as Piastri type of driver (in whom I trust more than on Lando - who, it must be said, is making strides in maturing and stop being a boy-playing-playstation).

[@Jaaames]

Interesting observation, appreciate it🤝

[@JaF-race]

The consistency of lap times you did in that report, impressive. Nice video, great watch!

[@Jaaames]

🤝

[@dibble7001]

Mate I watched your fastest lap about 5 times your throttle application is crazy good you just commit to it love to see you driving hope they give you a proper go

[@Jaaames]

🤝

[@rickthomas9894]

Thanks for sharing and good on you! So glad you're getting these opportunities and making the best of them. Looking forward to next season. Cheers! Rick

[@Jaaames]

Cheers Rick!

[@FelipeSousa21]

You did great man, super proud of the performance for an awesome simracer like you!

[@Jaaames]

Thanks Felipe🤝

[@polar_inertia]

pretty amazing lap time given the circumstances (new track for you, short prep, not driving to the absolute limit to avoid a spin)

[@brentritchie6199]

So hard to be called up with no warning well done for making the most of the opportunity I sure hope we see more of you out there in the real world competition.

[@Jaaames]

🙏

[@SmokeyStoner]

Well done James. You'll get'em next time.

[@TCR_CarmaDGamingN.Worton]

Great video hope you get another drive soon love seeing u out on track!

[@Jaaames]

🤝

[@sarathguttikonda4065]

i watched that race till that incident you guys were doing well and the commentators mentioned you too. Tough race

[@Sean-ps3ec]

I was watching that entire race... Didnt realize you had any time on track during the race... All they ever focus on in the races are the 1-25 like no one else is racing. Glad you at last got to take part in the race. Real shame you all didnt get to finish. 1:46 is blazing

[@Rene_Bo]

Too bad James! You remain a huge inspiration to the sim world! Grind on!

[@Jaaames]

🥲

[@SeanMackYo]

Awesome stuff James!

[@Christian_rose18]

New fan here. You did amazing. Not your fault for the failure. Your pace was great. You made all of sim racers proud. You have a bright and amazing future ahead of you. Keep up the grind, I know all the teams were watching. You, will have more opportunity to come no doubt about it. As they saying in racing time to keep your head low it will all work out. God bless.

[@Jaaames]

Welcome to the channel🤝

[@tintedstud]

noooo unluckly bud.... apart from that gearbox that was awesome mate. great stuff

[@bobskimaxx]

Well done James! 👍

[@Jaaames]

Thank you!

[@georgilazarov1644]

Looks a hella fun, you are living the dream mate! Envious and proud of you haha

[@Jaaames]

I’m a lucky boi, thank you😎

[@imovieeditordab3530]

Mega! So happy for you (and very jealous)

[@studio9guy]

Thanks for the look behind the scenes. Heartbreaking way to end the race.

[@Jaaames]

No worries🤝

[@matheusduarte1728]

Congratulations, thanks man!

[@KemBroVids]

Awesome performance, unfortunate finish. Hopefully you'll get a full time drive soon.🤞

[@rjexe1713]

Love these recaps mate! Great to learn from you man love you james ❤❤

[@Jaaames]

Glad to hear!

[@dustyart580]

Gutted for you Jaaames and the rest of the team better luck for you in future races..

[@lincolnklayvr]

tough break bro but thank you for continuing to share your journey with us

[@Jaaames]

Pleasure🙂

[@KingENDLESS]

Looks like you were having a great drive. Cant help when the car lets out beneath you. Head up, onto the next!

[@alexanderp176]

Well done, James! The curbs at Monza are really rough.

[@Jaaames]

They make a lot of noise don’t they😂

[@wxyz2589]

so excited for what's to come bro

[@Jaaames]

🤞

[@SilasVanHelsing]

I lost a race few weeks ago because I wasn’t able to disable the pit limiter - thanks to Fanatec‘s buttonmodule… Hurts… but next race always comes! So keep your head high, take the great experience and be sure a next time will come!

[@Jaaames]

Oooof that’s rough😅 Exactly that tho, onwards & upwards!

[@atanner886]

Wow, that popcorn sound, that's the gearbox. Great Driving, not your fault, my SimRacing Brother.

[@Jaaames]

🫡

[@Ezpzlmnsqez]

That's awesome James mate. Must be surreal to be on track with Rossi the goat.

[@Jaaames]

Him & Estre, crazy experience😅

[@podio_km4g532]

12:50 i think I'll never forget that legend who had his steering wheel signed

[@Jaaames]

Hahah😅

[@felicee1993]

Your pace is absolutely Crazy You can be proud

[@BW_87]

Someone give this man a full time drive! Hope you can go racing properly again soon.

[@imaner76]

These things happen, well dealt with. Hopefully we can see some more seat time for you going forward.

[@SakibLH44]

Ahh bad luck man, but incredible stuff! Amazing work bruh

[@davidvaughan5624]

Unlucky James. Gifted to have such opportunities due to your talents. Enjoy it all

[@buzzin-hornet]

Going to the bathroom with the trousers ON.... Saving precious tenths in all situations! Noted!

[@Jaaames]

😅

[@rpcorp]

Great drive! Thanks for sharing the fast lap too🏁💫🌟‼️

[@andyphillips3]

Well done. What an awesome day, obviously high up in 59's thoughts, driving at Monza, GT3 , Rossi and you're fast.....gotta say there's probably more than 1 team / brand watching James..103k subscribers are behind you mate..

[@Jaaames]

104k now! The support from you all is unreal❤️

[@robinthebobin6537]

"Following Valentino Rossi at Monza". It's a huge cliche to say this, but imagine what 10 year old James would have said if he was told that he'd be doing this later in his life. You'd have been insane beyond belief to say that this was gonna happen back then😅. Anyway, it's a shame to see stuff go wrong for you and the team again - first the pit stop issue, then the gearbox. It feels frustrating to watch, so I can't imagine how gutting it is for you. But keep your head up, you show time and time again how good your pace is every time you've stepped into a GT3, I'm sure the teams are taking note of how quick you are! Fingers crossed for a bit more luck in your racing next year. Credit to the legends at Garage 59 and your teammates too!

[@Jaaames]

100%, even me a few years ago & I wouldn’t have believed you, life has well & truly thrown a curveball.

[@Hardcaslte]

The fact you're running faster on average than so many pro drivers, that says everything. You did awesome out there!

[@bernardoberner4]

It didnt end the way we all wanted BUT there are some huge positives, you got to drive and show your talent to the world again AND most importantly, Garage 59 called you for a reason, they know how good you are. Hopefully the other teams in the paddock have taken notice too. But unfortunately being good just isnt enough, in racing in general, unless youre a factory driver you have to bring some budget to get a seat. If racing was free, you wouldnt have stopped racing, Im sure loads of teams would love to have you. Anyway, wishing you all the best and hoping youll get a ndxt opportunity very soon

[@Jaaames]

You’re not wrong, thanks tho! Kind words🙂

[@racer14glr91]

Such an awesome surprise to have you in the Monza round. Was gutted to see you DNF. I noticed there were so few trees on the edges of the track. What happened?

[@Achingfanatic5]

You living the dream son, keep at it!

[@mike605]

I think you have done very well cars do brake down and these teams need good drivers like yourself. I'm sure you will get a lot more chances to go racing. I hand it to ya 👍

[@ItsMarkWeller]

Incredible stuff mate and cruising with Rossi, some story eh! Lets make '25 a big one.

[@Jaaames]

Cheers Mark❤

[@MikeSwannick]

Glad to see the IRL drivers keeping it true to public lobby sim life in Monza Lap 1 T1.

[@joejoe2301]

Full season next year racing gods🙏.

[@robertbrown1778]

Nice tidy lap there, sir. Give that man a job!

[@lowfastracing]

I watched the video with auto subtitles, and when your transmission broke, it wrote: "(Music)". I think at that moment you could only hear this "music" as death metal song... :)

[@Jaaames]

😂

[@azzazz4549]

Damn, I didn't know you had to be more careful with the steering on low downforce. It makes sense 100 percent though!

[@Pod-e4m]

good luck in your next race.

[@divinasi0n]

Hard luck mate. I noticed you were not stomping on the brake like you would in ACC but easing it on as if the car's weight needed to be progressively transferred towards the front tires.. but GT3s have typically very stiff suspension. I would love to know the reason behind this. Fingers crossed for another drive soon! 🤞

[@Jaaames]

I’d say the initial hit of the brake is still pretty instantaneous, maybe not quite as sudden as in ACC. In my head I’m certainly trying to hit the brake as quickly as I can, maybe with all the g-forces etc. I’m just slower to get to the pedal🤔

[@divinasi0n]

@@Jaaames Wow thats interesting. Now that I watch your flying lap back, it's not every corner. The first corner for example looks like it took a few tenths to get to peak pressure but maybe thats because you were not quite experienced with the car. 🙂

[@capzor]

bad luck man, you were rapid!

[@billcranston3882]

I was afraid you had binned it. Glad it was "only" mechanical.

[@sandwich1506]

Anyone noticed he’s so much happier racing in real life? That’s the best feeling I believe

[@miguiaus9993]

T1 at Monza being a shitshow irl too makes me chuckle

[@RandyMagruder]

I really pray you get a full time drive in GT3, James.

[@Jaaames]

🙏

[@craigyirush3492]

If racing was fair, that is if talent counted more than money, you’d be doing this full time!

[@Jim_AC]

Very wise from you for leaving margins. Real race real consequences. I think your pace and decision making point to a bright future. Soon™ to be The World Fastest Racer?

[@rcghalohell]

Hello from the USA, Europe has many lovely tracks. Learned alot in acc

[@W204_Muj]

You're always so unfortunate. You'll have your day one day. Livery looked so good.

[@Jaaames]

Cheers Muj

[@razghost2]

James: It was quite a new experience for me to be honest I've not really retired with a mechanical issue in a race before Jimmy: First time?

[@Jaaames]

😂

[@neilbasuracing]

So I'm super curious, how does a last minute callup work for a driver like you? Do you still have to pay for the race or is the cost covered by the driver who had to drop out? (or was it the team that ate the cost)

[@masterrenderer4338]

You raced Rossi, I'd say a life accomplishment

[@atticushexcel9567]

You drove at Monza!!!

[@OldManOnTrak]

I was watching the race and had no idea you were even racing until the gearbox broke. Damn, that was a horrible noise! Better luck next time, James.

[@colddeath9797]

So mess at the first turn on Monza is real. ACC provides truly real life experience :-D

[@joshua_dragongame]

It's so sad that this 720s Evo has so many gearbox issues 😶‍🌫️ especially for a McLaren GT3 fan

[@Falce92]

I was there! It will be better next time 🩵💪

[@Jaaames]

Niceeee🇮🇹

[@dtrain-uwu]

Good job breaking the car James! JK well done!

[@Luis-fh8cv]

Mate you are speed

[@razghost2]

Sort of off topic but my mind can't comprehend that start, first off what was that Merc doing??? Looking at the shadow it doesn't look like he was pushed and should have known there would be someone there even if he couldn't see them. Then looking behind them it looks like the M25!?! How are so many going 3 wide?

[@Jaaames]

Absolute carnage wasn’t it😂

[@millsy3221]

Sim racer standard deviation btw 👏🏻

[@Jaaames]

Very true

[@JALJRRACING]

Wish you would get a chance in a full season tbh.

[@dc-vw4qm]

It was just an INCHCIDENT

[@AdamFunke94]

feels badman, just unlucky

[@chuckwagon7354]

Valentino Rossi overdriving the beamer just to stay ahead of you 😉 Did you get any feedback from the team? If you're their go-to guy in an emergency that must be a positive? Like, they must trust your ability to get up to speed (pun free zone) on a short notice call-up?

[@Jaaames]

The team were very happy, definitely my best weekend behind the wheel from an individual performance pov.

[@gpmotorsport]

Hi James, do you have any tips for those of us looking to transition from sim racing into real racing? What do we need to do?

[@Tipsdips04]

Good video 🤝

[@Akash-mq6ov]

Hey mate! Love your content been following you since early on! Looking to put some proper money into a rig finally but wanted to get your take on if it’s worth it long term putting aside your success and making money from it and more so like does sim racing satisfy most desires of real racing? I feel like most, real Racing is to expensive and you want to get as close to that! Also can we get a sim rig setup update please! Love your work keep it up! Also any chance you’re coming to Melbourne, Australia?

[@Jaaames]

Sim racing brings you very close to reality, in terms of how it feels to drive a race car. My rig is very much the same as the last rig tour video from earlier this year! Would love to go to Aus one day🙂

[@Akash-mq6ov]

@@Jaaames thanks for the response mate! Yes please come down! Would be happy to show you around the city in Melbourne! Keep up the grind mate!

[@fiegt]

How were your times compared to your teammates? But nice timing comparison with the other drivers!

[@unwoundsteak17]

Ngl it’s much better that it was a mechanical issue than if it were to be a skill issue.

[@Jaaames]

True

[@ettorebugatti6846]

Samiiiir!!!

[@Markus0202]

I know the guy, that had broken his clutch in pcup in iracing. So yea, it could happen in simulator

[@cameroncotham5475]

So rosi is quixk in a car too never new that

[@samuelgarrod8327]

Biggest GT race in the world?!?!?! Really?????

[@Jaaames]

Spa is yeah

[@Speedway-fun35h]

at turn 1 and 2 i always lose the back end can you tell me how to stop that

[@THIS---GUY]

can yoy share a video on your channel? by 1/2 you mean first chicane or first 2 chicanes ? what point are you loosing it? likely not trail braking and letting off brakes too fast which unsettled the balance mid corner as you attack the second part

[@Speedway-fun35h]

@@THIS---GUY ok thank you I will do that and I mean the first chicane

[@THIS---GUY]

@@Speedway-fun35h let me know if you do upload and I'll comment there but that sounds like the problem to me if losing it in between 1 & 2 unless it's an issue of steering input or throttle control

[@Speedway-fun35h]

@@THIS---GUY 1 coming out tomorrow

[@Speedway-fun35h]

@@THIS---GUY i uploaded it