Motorsport news

Aggregated news from official channels of racing series, circuits and the motorsport community: race results, event announcements and coverage.

iRacing·7 August

Porsche Esports Supercup: Regional qualifiers reach halfway point

The Porsche Esports Supercup World Championship Series will commence on 19 September at Spa-Francorchamps, but first, 32 drivers must secure their places through the inaugural Regional Championships. A total of 106 drivers across four regions are competing for those spots, with each region sending its top eight finishers to the world championship. Notably, defending world champion Cooper Webster has not yet locked in a grid position. Each region's drivers have five races to accumulate points, with three races completed so far. The competition format runs for 10 weeks, alternating between region pairs. On race days, drivers compete in practice, a one-lap qualifying session (which awards points to the top five), and a 30-minute race with points distributed through 25th place. A maximum of 60 points is available per race, meaning a perfect season would yield 300 points. Americas Region Xander Reed leads the Americas standings with 173 points after three races, having secured two wins and two pole positions without finishing worse than second. His Coanda teammate Mitchell deJong sits second with 141 points following a victory at Mexico City. Elvis Rankin (also Coanda), Gustavo Ariel (Verstappen Sim Racing), and Sean Campbell (Grid-and-Go Esports) round out the top five and are expected to lock in top-eight spots. The battle for the final qualifying positions remains tight. Miguel Costa holds sixth place with a 13-point buffer above the cutoff, while Agustin Torlaschi and Dino Filippa sit just inside the line with single-digit margins. Gabriel Moretto leads those outside the cutoff by five points. Race Control penalties have influenced standings significantly; Moretto lost 20 penalty points at Mexico City, while Hady-Noah Mimassi and Dalton Zavadil also suffered point deductions for contact incidents. With two races remaining, the gap between earning points and scoring nothing is at least 22 points. Middle East & Africa Region This region features the smallest driver count at 10 competitors but maintains an intense battle for qualification. Patrick Kessel (Ronin Simsport, Cape Town) dominates with 178 points and three wins, though Avesta Ghobadi (Veloce Academy) claimed the season's first pole at Fuji. The top six—Kessel, Ghobadi, Dylan Allen, Werner Schoeman, Ruslan Khamidullin, and Jack Johns—are expected to secure all available spots. Shivesh Bissoon, Oliver Heasley, and Mehdi El Fathy remain within 12 points of each other for the final two qualifying positions. A notable rivalry has developed between Schoeman and Johns, with their first confrontation occurring on the final lap at Suzuka, followed by aggressive midfield racing at Adelaide. The pair will meet again at Okayama in the next round. Europe Region Europe showcases concentrated talent, with many competitors holding iRatings exceeding 10,000. Two former Porsche Esports Supercup World Champions—Sebastian Job (two-time champion) and Diogo Pinto (2022 champion)—are attempting to return to the top level but have not yet reached victory lane. Charlie Collins (Coanda) began the season perfectly with two pole positions and wins but suffered a setback at Barcelona, finishing fifth before being collected in opening-lap chaos and recovering to 15th. This allowed Florian Lebigre (Verstappen Sim Racing, former PESC winner) to claim his first win of the season. Collins and Lebigre are now tied at the top with 60 points above the cutoff line heading into the Hockenheimring. Job and Pinto sit tied for fourth, one point behind Luke McKeown (Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing, former PESC winner), who has maintained a six-point finish or better despite only one top-five result. McKeown received a five-point penalty for contact at Barcelona but retains a 40-point buffer above the cutoff. Three Coanda drivers—Tristan Iglesias, Alejandro Sánchez, and Luis Beilicke—occupy the final top-eight positions. Sánchez holds multiple PESC wins and IMSA Esports series victories, while Beilicke seeks his PESC debut but faces a five-point penalty from Magny-Cours. Asia-Pacific Region The Asia-Pacific region features 32 drivers competing across three completed races. Daichi Yoshida leads with 155 points and two wins, while Yohann Harth (Coanda) sits second with 142 points. The top eight positions remain competitive, with several drivers within striking distance of the cutoff line as the region approaches its final two races.

BTL·7 August

Fanatec absorbs Trak Racer as sub-brand

Fanatec has integrated Trak Racer, the cockpit and rig manufacturer, as a sub-brand under its corporate structure, according to details disclosed during Corsair's earnings call. The move consolidates Trak Racer's product line—primarily racing cockpits and sim rig components—within the Fanatec portfolio. The integration process is expected to span three to six months, with material business impact anticipated in 2027. No immediate changes to Trak Racer's product availability or pricing have been announced.

Traxion·7 August

Super Woden Rally Edge launches on consoles in September

Super Woden Rally Edge will arrive on PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch on 2 September. Physical editions for PlayStation 5 and Switch are scheduled to follow in October.

Traxion·7 August

Corsair acquires Trak Racer in $50m deal, integrates with Fanatec

Corsair has acquired sim racing hardware manufacturer Trak Racer in a transaction valued at $50 million, establishing a dedicated sim racing division within the company's portfolio. The deal comprises $40 million in upfront cash, with an additional $10 million earn-out contingent on the achievement of specified performance milestones. Trak Racer will operate as a sub-brand under Fanatec, Corsair's sim racing hardware arm, consolidating the company's presence in the competitive sim racing peripherals market. The acquisition marks a significant consolidation move in the sim racing hardware sector, bringing together two established names in racing wheels, pedals, and cockpit systems.

BTL·7 August

Moza R5 Pro Bundle: budget direct-drive wheel reviewed

The Moza R5 Pro bundle has been reviewed as a contender in the budget direct-drive sim racing wheel category. The package combines a 6 Nm direct-drive motor with a 21-bit encoder and includes steel pedals, priced at €419. The bundle's specification sheet positions it as an accessible entry point for sim racers seeking force feedback performance without premium pricing. The review examines whether the R5 Pro represents a competitive option in the growing market for affordable direct-drive wheelbase systems.

MSXL·6 August

Croatia developing new racing circuit

Croatia is working on the construction of a modern racing circuit, according to reports from Motorsport XL. However, details regarding the circuit's location, expected completion date, track layout, or operator remain unclear from available information.

HCF·6 August

66th Mont Dore Hillclimb Preview: French Championship Heats Up

The 66th Côte de Coeur Mont Dore hillclimb will mark the beginning of the decisive phase in the French hillclimb championship, with competitors facing a demanding 5-kilometre course in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The event is expected to draw a strong field across multiple categories, with several drivers capable of challenging for overall honours. In the 3-litre E2-SC class, Maxime Dojat (France) emerges as one of the leading contenders, piloting a Nova NP 01-2 C Honda Turbo after a series of impressive performances. However, he will face stiff opposition from Corentin Starck (Belgium), also driving a Nova NP 01-2 C Honda Turbo, who returns following a brief absence and carries unfinished business after a previous accident. Sebastien Jacqmin (France) in a Nova NP 01-2 Honda Turbo has delivered a strong season to date, while Cedric Lansard (France) will pilot an Osella PA27 Cosworth. In the 3-litre Group DE formula category, Miguel Vidal (France) will campaign a Lola B06/51 Mugen F3000, facing competition from Benoit Bouche (France) in a Reynard 99L Mugen F3000. From the CN class, Etienne Pernot (France) will drive a Norma M20FC 4-litre BMW. Marc Pernot (France), the defending champion, will be among the favourites for overall victory in his Nova NP 01-2 C Hartley Turbo, competing in the 2-litre E2-SC sportprototype category. He will encounter Mylenia Machado (France) in a Revolt 2P0 Hartley Turbo. In the smallest E2-SC class (up to 1.6 litres), Yves Tholy (France) in a Nova NP 03 Suzuki and Julien Bost (France) also in a Nova NP 03 Suzuki are expected to contend for fastest times. The 2-litre CN class features a competitive lineup led by Tom Diebold (France) in a Norma M20F Honda and Guillaume Jean (France) in a Norma M20FC Honda. Other contenders include Yohan Bardin, Freddy Cadot, William Pommery, and Jennifer La Monica (all France), each piloting Norma M20FC Hondas. In the 2-litre Group DE formula category, David Diebold (France) will drive a Tatuus Formula Master S2000 Honda, with Romain Pezot (France) in a Tatuus Formula Master F2 Honda, Pierre Mayeur (France) in a Martini MK69 Evo BMW, Thomas Clausi (France) in a Tatuus Formula Master S2000 Honda, Lionel Ryter (Switzerland) in a Tatuus Renault FR 2.0 Evo, and Sarah Bernard (France) in a Tatuus Formula Master S2000 Honda all expected to feature. The touring car category will see Anthony Dubois (France), the reigning French champion, competing in an Alpine A110 GT4 Evo. Key rivals include Nicolas Werver (France) in a Porsche 997 GT3 R, Jean-Francois Ganevat (France) in a Renault R.S. 01, Ronald Garces (France) in a Porsche 992 GT3 Cup, Oliver Berreur (France) in a Renault R.S. 01, Alexandre Garnier (France) in a Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup, Manuel Brunet (France) in a Lamborghini Huracán ST Evo 2, Philippe Marion (France) in a Porsche 991.1 GT3 Cup, and Thierry Tierce (France) making his hillclimb debut in a Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup.

TA UK·6 August

Dorward Dominates Snetterton; Barker Ends Fan's Club Streak

Round 5 of the 2026 Time Attack Championship visited Snetterton 300 as part of Modified Live, where competitors faced a demanding layout combining long straights, high-speed corners and a technical infield section. The event produced contrasting narratives across the field: Colin Dorward maintained control of the Pro category throughout the day, while the Club class saw a significant upset as Ryan Barker claimed his breakthrough victory, ending Vincent Fan's run of four consecutive wins. In the Pro category, Dorward piloted the G-R Performance Track Formula Evo to a commanding performance, topping every timed session. His early advantage came under pressure when Bradley John brought his Riverside Racing Mitsubishi Evo IX within 0.016 seconds in Attack 1, but Dorward extended his lead through Attack 2 and sealed victory in Super Attack with a 1:53.838. Josh Barrett finished second in the Caterham 620R, 1.206 seconds adrift, with Andrew Gallacher rounding out the Pro podium. In Club Pro, Aleksandr Volkov continued his strong campaign in the Nissan GT-R, setting a new Club Pro lap record of 1:56.413 during Attack 2. The Club class delivered the day's most dramatic storyline. Championship leader Vincent Fan appeared poised to extend his winning streak, topping both Attack sessions in the Toyota GR Supra and establishing a new Club 2WD lap record of 2:02.452 in Attack 1. However, Fan completed only one lap in Super Attack and failed to register a timed result, leaving the door open. Ryan Barker capitalised decisively, posting a 2:03.119 in his K24-powered Renault Megane to secure the class win by 0.631 seconds from Luke Capehorn, with Andrew Kime third in the Citroën Saxo. Across the lower classes, Dean Riley dominated Classic & Retro in the Mickeytoones Racing Vauxhall VX220, setting a new class lap record of 2:03.820 in Super Attack. David Dyson took the Clubman victory ahead of Clive Hopwell by 0.090 seconds. In Pocket Rocket Naturally Aspirated, Luke Krassismenou overcame a gearbox change between warm-up and Attack 1 on his Honda Civic EP3 to claim his first class victory and establish a new NA lap record of 2:10.870. Gary Papworth continued his strong form in Pocket Rocket Forced Induction, recording a 2:07.331 in the Norfolk Mini Racing Cooper S to lower the FI class record. The 2026 Time Attack Championship returns to Brands Hatch on 31 August for Round 6 as part of GoJapan, with the season entering its decisive stages.

BTL·5 August

Direct Drive Torque: The 20-Year Sim Racing Hardware Arms Race

Sim racing direct drive wheel torque specifications have increased roughly twentyfold over the past twelve years, far outpacing any corresponding evolution in real motorsport machinery. This escalation has created an ongoing competitive dynamic within the hardware sector, as manufacturers pursue ever-higher force feedback figures to differentiate their products. The divergence between simulated and actual racing hardware raises questions about whether peak torque output remains the primary metric that matters for immersive and competitive sim racing. As the technology matures, the focus on raw numbers may obscure other factors that contribute to driver feel and performance at the virtual wheel.

ilT·5 August

64th Svolte di Popoli hillclimb attracts 123 entries

The 64th edition of the Svolte di Popoli hillclimb will take place from 7–9 August in the Abruzzo region of Italy, serving as a double-counting round for both the northern and southern zones of the Italian Mountain Velocity Championship (CIVM). The event, organised by the Associazione Svolte di Popoli, has attracted 123 entries across the competitive field. Details of the weekend's programme and participating drivers will be unveiled at a press conference on Thursday 6 August at 18:00 at the Auditorium Guizza in Popoli Terme. Among the announced competitors are several championship contenders: Stefano Di Fulvio, the 2025 series winner, will pilot a Nova Proto NP 01 turbo, while Achille Lombardi from Basilicata returns on an Osella PA 30 following recent victories. Giancarlo Maroni Jr. will drive a Nova Proto turbo, and Sergio Farris from Sardinia will contest in a Wolf GB 08 Mistral. Vincenzo Ottaviani, a local favourite, will race the Thunder Aprilia 1150cc variant after recent competition at Sarnano. The GT category will feature a strong grid including Giuseppe D'Angelo on a Ferrari 488 Evo, Giovanni Del Prete in a Lamborghini Huracán, and Kadija Moutaji, a young driver from Marche, making her debut in a Ferrari 296. Piero Nappi will bring an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 to the field. Several Abruzzo-based drivers, including Claudio Pio and Silvano Stipani, will also compete. The 2024 winner was Achille Lombardi, with Daniele Filippetti from Umbria finishing second, both on Osella PA 30s. Vincenzo Ottaviani was the leading local finisher in a Wolf.

BTL·5 August

Sim-Lab DDS26 vs Simucube 3 Pro vs Asetek Invicta compared

A detailed comparison of three high-end direct-drive steering wheel bases has been published, examining the Sim-Lab DDS26, Simucube 3 Pro, and Asetek Invicta across key performance and practical considerations. The analysis covers torque output, encoder specifications, warranty terms, and total cost of ownership for each unit. The review aims to help sim racers determine which base offers the best value and performance characteristics for their specific setup and budget requirements.

iRacing·31 July

From iRacing to NASCAR: How sim racing fuels real-world careers

The connection between virtual racing and professional motorsport has become increasingly tangible in NASCAR, with numerous drivers crediting simulation experience as a crucial stepping stone to real-world success. The trajectory from iRacing to the NASCAR Cup Series has evolved from novelty to established pathway, with multiple documented cases of competitors using online competition to develop skills that translate directly to track performance. Denny Hamlin's career provides an early example of this crossover. In 2006, the then-rookie arrived at Pocono Raceway for his first-ever visit to the track—in any form of motorsport—and won the race. Hamlin had prepared by extensively practicing the circuit in NASCAR Racing 2003 Season, competing in Dale Earnhardt Jr's Dirty Mo Posse League on the simulation while simultaneously climbing the short-track ranks. Twenty years later, Hamlin returned to Pocono to secure his 64th career win, breaking a tie with Kyle Busch for ninth on the all-time wins list. The 2020 pandemic accelerated the visibility of sim-to-reality narratives when NASCAR's eNASCAR Pro Invitational Series brought Cup drivers into virtual competition from their homes. The series showcased established connections: William Byron, who grew up with an iRacing subscription alongside his real-world racing, has since become a two-time Daytona 500 champion and consistent Cup Series contender. Ty Majeski, who held the highest iRating in oval racing for an extended period, went on to win the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship. Josh Berry transitioned from the Coca-Cola iRacing Series to Late Model racing before securing a Cup Series ride with The Wood Brothers. Younger drivers continue to follow this pattern. Rajah Caruth participated in the eNASCAR IGNITE Series—designed for 13-to-16 year old competitors—before his real-world debut, and has since won races in the Truck Series in 2024 and 2025. Corey Heim and Jesse Love both appeared in private iRacing leagues before becoming NASCAR National Series champions. Vicente Salas, competing in the 2026 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Championship Series, has made starts in both the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series over the past two seasons at just 23 years old, crediting simulation as essential preparation given his late entry into real-world racing at age 16. The eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series, which began in 2010 with $500,000 in prize money, has established itself as a legitimate competitive pipeline. Anthony Alfredo used success in the Pro Invitational and private iRacing leagues to secure a full-time Cup Series ride with Front Row Motorsports, while continuing partnerships with simulation hardware manufacturers. Ryan Vargas created eTruck Night in America during the pandemic and has since competed across multiple NASCAR series and motorsport disciplines. These developments reflect a fundamental shift in how professional racing organizations view simulation training—no longer as supplementary entertainment, but as a measurable indicator of competitive potential.