I analyze my replays with the intensity of a forensics expert. I have concluded, after careful review, that every incident I was involved in was the result of a complex conspiracy of physics, net code, and the other driver's blatant disregard for my genius.
NEWS FLASH
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A legendary track debut: Just weeks after securing his Nordschleife permit, Max Verstappen made his racing debut at the Nürburgring behind the wheel of an Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3. The Formula 1 champion shared the cockpit with Chris Lulham, one of the top drivers from Verstappen's own sim racing team, Team Redline. This adventure was widely seen as a precursor to a potential entry in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, an endeavor that Red Bull's Helmut Marko had already approved. [Watch Here] (No spoilers)
A booming virtual industry: The global sim racing market is projected to more than double, growing from $0.5 billion in 2025 to $1.1 billion by 2035 at an 8.7% compound annual growth rate. This expansion is fueled by the surging popularity of motorsports and esports, with both casual gamers and professional drivers demanding more realistic experiences through advanced force feedback steering wheels, pedals, and VR integration. Steering wheels currently dominate the market with a 30.3% share, while North America leads in regional demand thanks to its massive esports culture and high consumer purchasing power.
An expensive goodbye: Christian Horner and Red Bull have officially parted ways after reaching a settlement agreement, said to be around (£75 million) $100 million USD, for the termination of his contract. Following his dismissal in July after a 20-year tenure, Horner will serve a reportedly nine-month gardening leave before being free of any contractual obligations. This leaves the door open for a return to Formula 1 as soon as the summer of 2026, with Aston Martin being floated as a possible destination. Does a Newey, Horner partnership make sense again though? It’s still too early to tell…
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SIM RACING SNIPPETS
A classic returns: Advanced SimRacing is bringing back its renowned ASR 6 chassis as a new Legacy Edition (limited run), blending beloved features with a modern, motorsport-inspired look. The Canadian-made chassis features the triumphant return of the solid steel pedal tray (best in class) and the flexible "Open Face" aluminum profile, all wrapped in a sharp Alloy Silver powder coat and backed by a lifetime warranty.
A powerful debut: After several prototype appearances, cockpit manufacturer Sim-Lab has officially named its debut direct drive wheel base the DDX TorqueSync and set a full reveal for October 17th. The new lineup is entering the high-end market with two powerful models, offering 26Nm and an industry-leading 39Nm of torque, alongside a unique quick-release system. Check out [Sim-Lab Here]
First Expo appearance: Moza Racing is set to make its debut at the Sim Racing Expo, co-exhibiting with GT Omega at the Messe Dortmund from October 17th-19th. The debut follows a huge year for the company, which saw new high-torque wheelbases and partnerships with brands like Mercedes-AMG, setting up high expectations for its first-ever showcase at the event.
A first look at AI: Racing simulator Rennsport will publicly debut its previously unseen single-player AI racing for the first time at the upcoming SimRacing Expo in Dortmund. Visitors to the event from October 17th-19th will get a chance to test the latest build against computer-controlled opponents ahead of the game's full Version 1.0 launch on November 13th, 2025.
🏆Join The Roster: Ready to move from the public lobbies to the broadcast stage? SRN Esports is recruiting competitive drivers with a B-Class license and a minimum 2000 iRating to join our official roster. As a team member, you'll get access to free high-tier coaching, priority for sponsored events, and a clear path to grow within a supportive group of racers. Click the link below.
MOTORSPORTS REPORT
A bigger budget: Formula 1's cost cap is getting a major bump for the 2026 season, rising from the current $135 million to $215 million to align with the sport's sweeping new technical regulations. The FIA explains this isn't a true spending increase but rather a recalculation that now includes costs previously outside the limit, calling it a necessary "concession" to achieve consensus among the teams.
An internal battle: Alpine has narrowed its 2026 driver search to a straight fight between two of its own, Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron, to see who will partner with the recently re-signed Pierre Gasly. Executive advisor Flavio Briatore has ruled out grabbing talent from other teams or Formula 2, stating no one available sufficiently stands out, leaving the decision to an internal head-to-head battle.
A generational divide: Data reveals a massive age gap in motorsport fandom, with NASCAR's median viewer at 58 years old, compared to IndyCar's at 44 and Formula 1's much younger global average of 32. This aging fan base has forced NASCAR to aggressively modernize, partnering with influencer agencies and staging experimental events to capture a new, younger generation of fans.
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COACHES CORNER FT MARIAN @GITGUD RACING
When Driving on Instinct is Superior to Racing Theory
Sim racing is filled with theory. Theory gives structure and direction, but here’s the truth: the fastest laps often don’t come from the drivers who think the most. They come from the ones who trust their instincts.
As a sim racing coach, I’ve seen drivers transform the moment they stop analyzing every corner and start listening to the car. Instinct takes over where theory leaves off, and suddenly the lap flows together. But instinct isn’t always the answer—it has advantages and disadvantages.
Overthinking breaks rhythm. When your head is full of “brake here, trail there, apex now,” inputs become mechanical and stiff. Thinking also burns energy. In long races, drivers who constantly calculate end up exhausted.
That doesn’t mean theory is bad—it’s the foundation. You need it to know what to practice, to understand why mistakes happen, and to build repeatable skills. But once it’s in place, instinct has to take over.
Of course, instinct alone has weaknesses:
You can plateau without theory guiding you to the next step.
Bad habits stick if you always do what “feels” right instead of what’s fastest.
Hard to self-diagnose since you lack a framework to explain mistakes.
This is why the best drivers don’t abandon theory—they absorb it until it becomes instinct.
I’m Marian Barbieru, founder of GITGUD Racing Academy, and I work every week with drivers of all levels—from beginners just learning the basics to racers looking for that last tenth. What I’ve seen time and time again is that the real breakthroughs happen when theory and instinct meet.
That’s exactly what we focus on inside the academy:
Building a solid foundation of racing theory so you know what to do.
Practicing the right drills to turn that knowledge into instinct.
Developing the confidence to trust your feel while still improving with structure.
If you’ve been grinding laps but feel like progress has slowed, that’s usually a sign you’re stuck in one mode—too much theory, or too much instinct. With the right balance, improvement accelerates.
So the next time you’re out on track, ask yourself: “Am I trapped in my head, or am I letting the car speak to me?” Finding that balance could be the key to unlocking your next big leap forward.
Because in the end—it’s not just about going faster. It’s about learning smarter, racing with confidence, and enjoying the process every step of the way.
MEMBER FEATURE
From Code to Podium: Meet Daniel Oliver from Baltimore, MD! Growing up, real-world motorsports felt out of reach, so Daniel channeled his passion into track days and a successful career as a software engineer. When he discovered sim racing, however, he found the ultimate tool to bridge the gap and launch his transition to the real track.
"I went from sim racing to FIA licensed and on the podium abroad in under 6 months!"
With a foundation built in the virtual world, Daniel's success has been meteoric. His goal is now to race and win in top-tier GT3 and Prototype series like IMSA and WEC. Blending his two passions, he’s also developing a new app aimed at sim racers, hobbyists, and professional race teams alike.
DRIVER STATS
Current Goal: To race and WIN in GT3 & Prototype cars.
Current Project: Building a revolutionary app for the racing community.
Off the Track: Enjoys technology, exercise, and gaming.
Follow Daniel's journey:
Instagram: @daniel.oliver25
Website: danieloliverracing.com
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SRN RECAP AND UNFILTERED THOUGHTS
Petit LeMans teams have been formed for the community.
We have a group of talented guys now running our Esports side. If you saw the ad in this newsletter, go and apply if you’re interested.
We have some exciting news about a sponsor for SCEL kicking off. League spots are filling up fast! We have GR86 and BMW M2 spots left to fill still.
I have been continuing to test out the Pimax Crystal Super against the Big Screen Beyond 2. I had some issues with the Beyond 2 that are currently being rectified.
Where is Carey?
SRN member, Carey with Race to Approval could be near you this week if you live in Ontario and you’re attending Oktoberfest in the London area! Stop by, say hi and get some laps in on his race sim this weekend. Event info [Here]
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