Motorsport news

SCS Software has announced a new expansion for American Truck Simulator launching on 29 September. The update introduces a travel mode that expands gameplay beyond trucks, allowing players to drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs across the game world. The new mode features courier missions and its own map exploration system. Players will earn rewards for discovering tourist attractions, landmarks, viewpoints, and photo opportunities as they travel. The initial vehicle roster includes four Ford models: the 1967 Mustang Fastback, 2023 F-150, 2023 Bronco, and 1998–2012 Crown Victoria. SCS Software has indicated plans to release similar vehicle packs featuring RAM and Dodge models in the future.

Heusinkveld and Simucube have jointly developed the One SC steering wheel, purpose-built for Simucube 3 direct-drive bases. The wheel was unveiled at Sim Gaming Expo 2026 and features direct connection to Simucube 3 hardware without intermediate adapters, eliminating compatibility concerns for users of the latest base generation. The One SC incorporates a 4.3-inch touchscreen display integrated into the wheel rim, alongside 12 programmable buttons with RGB illumination and 11 RGB indicators for engine RPM display. Despite the addition of the screen, the manufacturers kept weight gain minimal—the wheel tips the scales at 1,060 grams compared to 1,040 grams for the standard One model. Pricing and exact availability have not yet been confirmed, though both companies indicated the One SC will launch in the near term.

Organisers of the Polish Rally Legend have announced the date for the fourth edition of the event. The rally will take place on 26–28 August 2027, with Polanica-Zdrój serving as the base once again. Following the conclusion of this year's third edition, the organising team has already begun preparations for the next instalment. The August 2027 dates mark the final weekend of the month and represent a continuation of the event's established schedule. The most recent edition attracted a substantial field of crews and vehicles, featuring both competitive time-trial participants and display entries. Historic rally cars and drivers with extensive international motorsport experience featured prominently on the stages. Organisers stated they are now moving into the planning and development phase for the fourth edition, with further details regarding the route and programme to be announced at a later date.

AC Racing Technology claimed two class victories at the 42nd edition of the Pedavena hillclimb on 19–20 September, reinforcing the team's competitive form in the Italian Mountain Velocity Championship North Zone 2026. The event marked the thirteenth of fourteen scheduled rounds in the series. Francesco and Maurizio Abate's outfit topped their respective categories, while Stefano Gheza and Paolo Venturi also secured podium finishes at the Veneto venue.

The 42nd edition of the Pedavena–Croce d'Aune hillclimb concluded with a second run that delivered both competitive drama and strong participation numbers. The event, held in Italy's Veneto region, saw Diego Degasperi capitalise on circumstances to establish a new course record. Franco Caruso, the defending leader from Sicily, was forced to retire during the second run, mirroring a retirement in the opening manche. This withdrawal handed the advantage to Degasperi, who seized the opportunity to set a benchmark time that is expected to stand as the new hillclimb record.

The 45th Buzetski Dani hillclimb in Buzet has concluded the 2026 FIA European Hillclimb Championship season with decisive results across multiple categories. Kevin Petit claimed the overall FIA classification victory on the 5.001-kilometre course, ahead of Petr Trnka, Joseba Iraola Lanzagorta, and Igor Stefanovski. Reto Meisel dominated the Group 1 category, while O'Play secured the P3 class win. Jurišić completed the podium sweep in his respective class. The event delivered the final championship verdicts of a season contested across Europe's hillclimb venues.

Piotr Wira secured his second consecutive victory of the day in the Polish Motorsport Racing Championships (WSMP) at Poznań Circuit, leading from start to finish in the final and longest race of the season-closing round. Driving an Aston Martin Vantage GT3, Wira controlled the race throughout despite an early incident behind him. Wira started from pole position following his earlier win and maintained the lead into the first corner. Behind him, Przemysław Bieńkowski in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 and Artur Paziewski in a Porsche 911 collided; Paziewski damaged his front wheel and retired to the trackside, while Bieńkowski limped to the pits. The safety car was deployed, and racing resumed on lap six with Maciej Bernacik in second place, allowing Wira to manage the pace to the chequered flag. Bieńkowski returned to the track in 14th place and recovered steadily, climbing to third by the finish. Tomasz Dyszkiewicz, piloting a Ligier LMP3, made up ground from the back after missing the previous race but received a stop-and-go penalty for an illegal overtake following the safety car restart, ultimately finishing fourth among Polish competitors. Class winners included Paweł Kiepura (Porsche Cayman GT4), Paweł Gwidon Wydrzyński (Honda Civic, 3.5-litre class), Przemysław Wrona (Honda Civic, two-litre class), Antoni Makuch (class 6, by 0.3 seconds), and Jakub Święch (by 0.018 seconds).

WSC and ACI Sport have announced a strengthened partnership for the TCR Italy Championship beginning in 2027. The Italian series will continue to operate within the ACI Racing Weekend framework, but with a revised structure featuring a five-round calendar—a decision informed by feedback from the majority of competing teams. The new format aims to consolidate the national championship while creating space for competitors to participate in other TCR events across Europe. WSC will maintain a direct presence at all championship rounds through a dedicated Championship Coordinator, a role designed to strengthen operational and sporting links between the TCR concept promoter and the Italian series. TCR Italy remains one of the longest-running championships under the TCR regulations, having adopted the format since its inception in 2015, and continues to serve as a key platform for drivers, teams and manufacturers competing with production-based vehicles. International pathway opportunities begin in 2026. WSC will award prizes to top performers in the 2026 TCR Italy season, creating a direct connection to the 2027 international landscape. The 2026 Italian champion will receive entry and tyre supply to compete in the Italian round of the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour 2027. Additionally, the driver who best embodies the TCR spirit during 2026 and the Under 25 class winner will receive entry and tyres for the Italian round of the TCR Europe Championship 2027. WSC president Marcello Lotti described TCR Italy as "one of the most precious jewels in the TCR crown" and thanked ACI Sport general director Mario Isola and the new management for their collaborative effort. Isola emphasised the importance of building a stronger structure while listening to teams and drivers, and highlighted the series' identity through its connection to production-based vehicles available in dealerships. The 2027 calendar comprises five rounds across Italian circuits: Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli (7–9 May and 6–8 August), Autodromo Vallelunga Piero Taruffi (25–27 June), Mugello Circuit (23–25 July), and Autodromo Nazionale Monza (15–17 October). The compact schedule is intended to improve sustainability for teams and drivers while maintaining opportunities for participation in other European TCR competitions.

Piotr Wira secured victory in the opening race of the final day of the 2026 Polish Automobile Racing Championship season at Poznań circuit, finishing ahead of Przemysław Bieńkowski. The result marked Wira's first outing of the year at the venue and his debut behind the wheel of an Aston Martin Vantage GT3. Wira claimed pole position after championship leader Tomasz Dyszkiewicz was unable to start, his prototype having been damaged in a Saturday endurance championship race. Bieńkowski, piloting a Mercedes-AMG GT3, applied consistent pressure throughout the opening laps, maintaining a gap of less than one car length. However, Wira managed the lead effectively, and the margin gradually increased over the second half of the race, eventually crossing the line with a winning margin of just over 3.5 seconds after 12 laps. In the 992 Cup class, Maciej Bernacik recovered from a pit-lane incident that dropped him to the rear of the field to claim victory, regaining the lead within four laps and finishing more than half a minute clear of Amuno Pelette and Artur Pazewski. Jacek Zielonka secured his second consecutive prototype victory in a Radical SR3, while Paweł Kiepura won the GT4 category in a Porsche Cayman and Paweł Gwidon Wydrzyński topped the 3.5-litre class in a Honda Civic. The two-litre category race took place on a wet track and was largely run behind the safety car following an incident involving Katarzyna Balawejder and Sven Karuse. Przemysław Wrona claimed the win ahead of Krzysztof Bogusz and Zbigniew Łazar, with Maciej Zawadzki victorious in the 1.6-litre division. In the National 6 class, Filip Nowicki won decisively, while Jakub Święch edged Alan Pytlak by just over half a second in the RN2 category. One race remains on the 2026 calendar.

Up2Race has claimed overall victory at the 27th edition of the 24H Barcelona. The team piloted a Porsche 911 GT3 R to the finish line after 24 hours of racing, completing 741 laps. The winning driver lineup comprised Tim Heinemann, Ivan Kikireshko, Jannes Grosse, and Alfred Renauer.

The 53rd Cronoscalata della Castellana Orvieto will take place on 25–27 September, counting towards both the Italian National Hillclimb Championship north and south divisions. Entry closes on Monday 21 September, with over 150 drivers already registered. The event, celebrating 60 years of competition, will feature a 6.19 km course on the SR 79bis Orvietana between San Giorgio and Colonnetta di Prodo, with 308 metres of elevation gain and an average gradient of 4.69%. Reconnaissance runs are scheduled for Saturday 26 September, followed by two timed runs on Sunday 27 September. Both races will be streamed live via ACI Sport Official, with full coverage on ACI Sport TV (Sky channel 228 and Tivùsat channel 52). A public presentation of competing drivers will take place in Piazza del Popolo on Friday at 18:00, following technical scrutineering. On Wednesday 23 September at 17:30, local authorities and event organisers will present the 2026 edition at Orvieto's municipal council chamber. The 2024 edition was won by Simone Faggioli, with Stefano Di Fulvio and Samuele Cassibba completing an all-Nova Proto podium.

Practice sessions have concluded at the Pedavena-Croce d'Aune hillclimb in Italy, with drivers using the morning to familiarise themselves with the 4.4-kilometre course. Competitors focused on studying lines, braking points and overall track characteristics during the test runs, which began at 09:00. With 218 entries confirmed for the main event, the hillclimb is set to take place the following day. Drivers appeared satisfied with their preparation, having gathered sufficient data to refine their approaches for the competitive runs.