Citroën Ami debuted its oval racing event in France, according to Jalopnik. On May 27, 2026, the 100-lap race took place at the Stade Isidore Thivrier velodrome in Commentry. The event drew over one million viewers and featured electric quadricycles racing in a humorous yet competitive atmosphere.
What happened
The race, known as La Course, involved nine internet personalities competing in Citroën Ami cars, each equipped with 8 horsepower. Sylvain Levy organized the event, which was streamed on his Twitch channel. “Cars don’t need V10 engines to put on a thrilling race,” Levy stated. He noted that the vehicles raced side-by-side, creating an exhilarating spectacle reminiscent of NASCAR.
Despite the playful nature of the event, the competition was fierce. Drivers engaged in light-hearted banter, avoiding any personal insults as it coincided with Mother’s Day in France. Advanced production elements, including drone footage and professional graphics, enhanced the viewing experience, making it feel like a serious event.
Why it matters
The popularity of La Course highlights a growing trend toward unconventional racing events featuring internet personalities. This shift taps into a younger audience, with streaming platforms allowing for broader engagement. Traditional motorsport formats are facing pressure to evolve, and events like La Course demonstrate an innovative approach to racing entertainment.
Background
On September 9, 2022, the inaugural GP Explorer race, featuring influencers racing in Formula 4 cars, showcased the emerging fusion of motorsport and online culture. This event gathered significant attention, with last year’s edition attracting 80,000 spectators and reaching a total online and TV audience of over 2 million viewers.
