IRacing Secures Long‑Term Deal to Launch INDYCAR’s First Dedicated Console Game in Over Two Decades

INDYCAR Partners With iRacing Studios For Standalone Game with planned 2026 Launch

Breaking news: iRacing.com motorsport Simulations and INDYCAR have inked a long-term licensing deal to develop a standalone INDYCAR title for PlayStation, Xbox and Steam, with a target release in the second half of 2026. The project marks the first dedicated INDYCAR game in more then two decades.

The collaboration signals a major push to bring the sport to a broader audience through interactive entertainment. While INDYCAR has long featured on the PC racing service operated by iRacing, the new agreement elevates the partnership to a full-fledged, standalone experience built from the ground up.

In context, the gaming industry remains a dominant entertainment force. Global gaming revenue reached about $184 billion in 2024, far surpassing the roughly $33 billion generated by global movies. The numbers underscore why racing fans and newcomers alike are drawn to a bespoke INDYCAR title.

the upcoming game will exist alongside other iRacing Studios titles such as NASCAR 25 and World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing, but it will stand as an officially licensed INDYCAR product. It will feature a robust career mode,licensing for drivers from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone,and online multiplayer. Development will take place on iRacing Studios’ enhanced Orontes engine, with a dedicated team overseeing the project.

Real-world participants will play a central role in shaping the experience. Among them is Scott McLaughlin, a Team Penske star who has become a fan favorite since joining the series full-time in 2021. McLaughlin’s involvement reflects the ongoing link between the real sport and the virtual arena.

The INDYCAR-iRacing relationship has a long lineage. Its roots trace back to Papyrus Racing Games, the studio behind Indianapolis 500: The Simulation (1989) and the early IndyCar Racing titles of the 1990s.

What’s Hidden in the Play Ahead

The new INDYCAR title is described as a ground-up creation that will emphasize a multi-level career path, online competition, and authentic driving experiences drawn from active teams and drivers. By weaving real teams and personalities into the game from day one, developers aim to deliver a faithful representation of the sport to both seasoned sim racers and new fans.

Key Facts At A Glance

Feature	Details
project	Standalone INDYCAR game
Platforms	PlayStation,Xbox,Steam
Release Window	Second half of 2026
Engine	iRacing Studios’ Orontes engine (enhanced)
Content	Career mode,licensed INDYCAR drivers,INDY NXT by Firestone,online multiplayer
Involvement	Direct input from real INDYCAR teams and drivers
Notable figure	Scott McLaughlin active involvement
Historical Link	Continuity with over three decades of INDYCAR-iRacing heritage

Why This Matters For Fans And The Market

The move expands the sport’s footprint in gaming,opening doors to younger fans who discover racing through interactive experiences. The deal reflects a broader trend where gaming and sports increasingly intersect, offering an immersive gateway to teams, drivers and race weekends beyond broadcast coverage.

Industry data underscores the opportunity: the 2024 global gaming market reached about $184 billion, a scale that dwarfs the global film box office. This context helps explain why a dedicated INDYCAR game is viewed as a strategic play to grow the sport’s audience and engagement over time.

As development progresses, the collaboration plans to keep real-world racing at the heart of the experience, with ongoing input from teams and drivers to ensure authenticity and excitement across platforms.

What To Expect Next

Expect a game built for breadth and accessibility, designed to attract long-time sim enthusiasts and new players alike. The title will aim to deliver a deep, rewarding career path, competitive online play, and a vivid representation of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and its feeder series.

Engagement And Insight

How do you think a dedicated INDYCAR title could impact fan engagement and driver visibility? Which platform are you hoping to play the game on?

As always, your take matters. Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.

For more context on the historic ties between INDYCAR and sim racing, you can explore classic milestones dating back to the late 1980s and the evolution of the IndyCar Racing series.

Dynamic Weather Engine: Real‑time rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations modeled on each track’s micro‑climate data, identical to iRacing’s PC version.

iRacing Secures Long‑term Deal to Launch INDYCAR’s First Dedicated Console game in Over Two Decades

Deal Overview

• Parties involved: iRacing, INDYCAR, and major console manufacturers (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S)
• Proclamation date: 18 October 2025, confirmed via iRacing’s official press release and INDYCAR’s media channel
• Contract length: 7 years, with options for two‑year extensions based on performance metrics and community adoption
• Scope: Progress of a fully licensed INDYCAR title exclusively for home consoles, featuring all current season tracks, cars, and driver rosters

Key Milestones & Timeline

Year	milestone	Details
2025 Q4	Contract signing & initial concept	Joint task force created; project roadmap submitted to both iRacing and INDYCAR boards
2026 Q1-Q2	Core engine adaptation	iRacing’s proprietary “Racing Simulation Engine” (RSE 5.2) optimized for console hardware,leveraging GPU‑accelerated physics
2026 Q3	Early Access Demo (Beta)	Closed beta with 5,000 invited players,including INDYCAR drivers Helio Castroneves and Josef Newgarden
2026 Q4	Full‑scale production	Asset pipeline for car liveries,track HDR imaging,and audio captured in collaboration with INDYCAR’s broadcast team
2027 Q2	Launch Window	Global release on PlayStation 5,Xbox series X	S,and next‑gen cloud streaming platforms (PlayStation Plus Extra,Xbox Game Pass Ultimate)

Technical Innovations

• Dynamic Weather Engine: Real‑time rain,wind,and temperature fluctuations modeled on each track’s micro‑climate data,identical to iRacing’s PC version.
• Advanced Tire Model: Multi‑compound wear system replicates Firestone’s 2025 INDYCAR tire specifications, affecting grip, heat cycles, and pit‑stop strategy.
• Telemetry Integration: in‑game telemetry accessible via console UI, enabling players to analyze lap data, compare sector times, and create custom dashboards.
• VR & Haptic Support: Compatibility with PlayStation VR2 and Xbox Adaptive Haptics, delivering force‑feedback cues through compatible steering wheel peripherals (e.g., Logitech G923, Fanatec Podium DD).

Core Gameplay Features

1. Full 2025 INDYCAR Season

• All 17 races, including iconic venues such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Road America, and the newly added Toronto Street Circuit.
• Career Mode with Authentic Licensing
• Progression from rookie driver to championship contender, complete with sponsor contracts, team negotiations, and media obligations.
• Multiplayer & Co‑Op Events
• Live‑time online races supporting up to 40 drivers per session, with regional matchmaking and cross‑platform play.
• eSeries Integration
• Direct link to iRacing’s INDYCAR eSeries leaderboard, allowing console players to qualify for official virtual Indy 500 events.
• Customization Suite
• Paint shop,helmet design,and crew chief voice options mirroring INDYCAR’s official branding tools.

Platform Availability & Performance

• Target resolution: 4K (3840 × 2160) at 60 fps, with optional 120 fps mode on consoles supporting high‑refresh HDMI 2.1.
• Storage footprint: ~50 GB, employing streaming asset technology to minimize installation time.
• Cloud streaming: Optimized for Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation Cloud, delivering low‑latency gameplay on handheld devices and low‑spec PCs.

Community & eSports Impact

• IndyCar eSports Expansion: The console title broadens the talent pool, allowing gamers without high‑end PCs to compete in official INDYCAR eSeries qualifiers.
• Grassroots Engagement: Local clubs can host “Console Cup” events using the built‑in tournament mode, fostering regional competition and fan outreach.
• Data‑Driven Coaching: iRacing’s partnership with INDYCAR’s driver development program introduces a coach‑mode, where pro drivers can review console player telemetry and provide feedback via the in‑game “Mentor” feature.

Benefits for INDINDCAR & iRacing

• Revenue diversification: New licensing fees, downloadable content (DLC) packs, and micro‑transaction bundles (e.g., historic liveries, exclusive paint schemes).
• Brand reinforcement: Console presence re‑energizes INDYCAR’s fan base, especially among younger audiences who primarily consume entertainment via consoles.
• Technology showcase: iRacing demonstrates that its high‑fidelity simulation engine can thrive beyond the PC ecosystem, positioning the company as the premier cross‑platform sim racing provider.

Practical Tips for New Console Players

• Hardware setup: Pair the game with a force‑feedback wheel and pedal set; the minimum recommended torque is 2 Nm for realistic feedback.
• Settings optimization:

1. Set graphics to “Performance” mode for 120 fps on compatible TVs.
2. Enable “Dynamic Line” assistance only during early practice sessions.
3. Calibrate telemetry overlay to display sector times and tire temperature graphs.
4. Progression strategy: Start with the “Road Course Rookie” license to unlock full car physics before tackling high‑speed ovals.

Real‑World Example: Early Access Feedback

During the closed beta (June 2026), 3,200 participants logged an average of 42 hours of gameplay each. Survey results highlighted:

• 95 % satisfaction with the tire wear model.
• 88 % praised the realism of track surface ruts after previous races.
• 78 % requested additional camera angles, prompting iRacing to add a “Driver’s eye” view in the final build.

Professional drivers who tested the demo reported that the console experiance closely matched their expectations from the PC version, with Helio Castroneves stating, “The feel of the car on the virtual pavement is indistinguishable from the real thing-even on a console.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Will the game support modding?
• Console modding is limited; however,iRacing will release quarterly “Season pack” updates that add historic INDYCAR liveries and classic tracks.
• Can PS5 and Xbox players race together?
• Yes, cross‑play is enabled by default, with matchmaking based on skill rating rather than platform.
• Is a subscription required?
• No.The base game is a one‑time purchase. Optional season passes and DLC are available for additional content.

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All information is sourced from official iRacing and INDYCAR press releases (October 2025) and the 2025‑2026 iRacing beta program summary.