The Weird, Wild World of Motorsports

Did you know… that some race car drivers use diaper cream to prevent blisters on their feet? We're not sure if it works for sim racing, but we're here to bring you all the weird and wonderful facts from the world of motorsports.

NEWS FLASH

Engine regulations continue to red line: Formula 1 is still in a debate about potentially scrapping the 2026 engine plans and making a pit stop back to the roaring V10 engines, as some teams believe the 2026 engine regulations are overly ambitious, leading to safety concerns and a potential drag on the on-track excitement, while the teams are split on this decision, with some favoring the V10 comeback and others pushing to stay the course with the 2026 engines.

Polyphony Digital shakes up Gran Turismo World Series 2025: The outline schedule for the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series live events. Get ready for a wild ride with four fresh locations, including a new spot for the World Finals. London, Berlin, Los Angeles, and Fukuoka are all set to host the in-person events. The competition will be fierce, with online qualifiers leading up to the live events and the grand finale.

The drama continues: Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin have criticized NASCAR for getting "personal" in its legal battle against their 23XI Racing team. The dispute began when 23XI and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign the new charter agreement and instead sued NASCAR, accusing them of unlawful monopolization. NASCAR countersued, targeting Jordan's business partner, Curtis Polk, which drew strong responses from Jordan and Hamlin in support of Polk.

SIM RACING SNIPPETS

• Wreckfest 2: Early Access Available The highly anticipated Wreckfest 2 is available in Steam Early Access. Get ready for some epic demolition derby action, but hold tight—the Early Access version will have limited game modes, cars, and tracks. The initial price will be around $29.99, but don't wait too long, because it's going up by 20% on April 3rd.

• MOZA Racing is dropping some seriously cool gear that's about to redefine sim racing and flight simulation. They're unleashing a wave of next-gen products designed to crank up the realism and innovation. We're talking top-tier pedals, shifters, and yokes that'll make you feel like you're actually on the track or in the cockpit

• Switching gears to the other end of the spectrum. The PXN V99. What is it? Well.. it’s an ultra budget-friendly direct drive wheel. 3nm of torque means that it can deliver some decent feedback. But those pedals? Not exactly top-tier, and the wheel design is basic. At around $300cdn with pedals and a shifter it’s at a great price point. It could be that perfect gift on a budget, or for your kids or nephew to get them into sim racing without breaking the bank.

MOTORSPORTS REPORT

• F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali met with Thailand's Prime Minister to discuss the possibility of adding a Bangkok race to the Formula 1 calendar. This potential street race would be the latest addition to the F1 schedule, which has seen a surge in popularity.

• Toyota’s next-generation GT3 car, likely to be branded a Lexus and named ‘LFR’, is set to launch later this year, with an anticipated race debut in 2026. Development is nearly complete, and the car has been spied testing in race and road car form. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Masaya Kaji confirmed that the development is on schedule.

• Robert Wickens, a racer with paraplegia, successfully test drove a Corvette using hand controls. Bosch's new electronic braking system is paving the way for Wickens' return to racing at the top level. Wickens aims to compete in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship, proving that innovation and determination can overcome incredible obstacles.

THE SPOTLIGHT

How Sim Racing and Esports are Fueling the Future of Motorsports Fandom

Motorsports is undergoing a serious transformation, driven by tech that's not just about speed – it's about how fans experience the race. Sim racing and esports are key players here, shifting fans from spectators to active participants.

We're talking tech like AI personalizing your viewing, VR/AR putting you in the driver's seat, and real-time data via platforms like F1's Live Timing giving you unprecedented access. We’ve even seen attempts for immerision thathave been snuffed out due to legality issues like F1’s AR experience. Sim racing, once a niche hobby, is now mainstream entertainment and a pro training ground, democratizing access to motorsports. Esports viewership is surging, especially with those younger fans, and pro teams are investing big in this space.

• Key takeaway: Motorsports is leveling up. It's not just about speed anymore; fan experience is key.

Sim racing's immersive tech, like haptic feedback and motion simulators, delivers authentic racing experiences. Digital platforms are crucial for connecting fans and building vibrant communities. Experts see sim racing and esports becoming even more integrated into motorsports, blurring the lines between the virtual world reality.

• Why this matters: Sim racing and esports are changing the game. They're turning fans into active participants, not just viewers.

The future? Expect even more immersive experiences powered by tech like VR and AI, and a strong influence from younger, digitally-native audiences. Ultimately, sim racing and esports aren't replacing traditional motorsports; they're evolving and expanding the whole experience, creating new ways for fans to connect with the sport they love.

• The tech factor: It’s all about AI-powered personalization and VR/AR immersion.

• Looking ahead: The future is a hybrid. Expect virtual and real-world motorsports to keep merging.

AROUND THE WEB

During this month: Motorsports lost a big name. Eddie Jordan, the man behind the Jordan F1 team and the one who gave Michael Schumacher his start, passed away at 76.

That’s neat: The Grand Tour is back(ish) with a "Not Very Grand Tour" clip show hosted by Hammond and May, promising a nostalgic look back at their combustion-fueled adventures.

Wow: The iRacing weekly planner is a tool that helps you navigate through the iRacing schedule more easily to determine which cars and tracks you own week to week.

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