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Will Power 'Living Childhood Dream' Ahead Of INDYCAR Freedom 250 In Washington, D.C.

Will Power 'Living Childhood Dream' Ahead Of INDYCAR Freedom 250 In Washington, D.C. Will Power is living his childhood dream. A kid from Toowoomba, Australia — "a small town" with a population less than 200,000 people — Power would envision the life he's currently experiencing. The Formula 2 car stored in his family's garage from his father, Bob's racing days, was a token of what it meant to breakthrough in the racing world. Power's done more than breakthrough. He's competed in INDYCAR for 19 seasons, winning 43 races and two championships. Yet he's still awestruck at the chance to drive in the first-ever INDYCAR race in Washington, D.C. "When I look back at it, I tell people, ‘I’m living my childhood dream' because when I was a kid my brother and myself used to play racing," Power said, speaking with Will Buxton during Friday's episode of SPEED on FOX. "Getting to go to the White House, or meeting the President — for a boy from Toowoomba, a small town in Australia — that is incredible." Power and his competitors tested out the course for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. during Saturday morning's practice. The roadcourse begins across from The Capitol on 3rd Street. Drivers take a left on Pennsylvania Avenue, where pit road sits. The race continues on Constitution Avenue, then the Washington Monument enters the backdrop. Before the practice, Power had only experienced the race via sim. "The track is cool, just based on the sim," Power said on SPEED on FOX. "Seven's proper tight," Buxton said, chuckling. "It's going to be fun." Power's feel for the Freedom 250 will certainly improve ahead of Sunday's race, with coverage on FOX set to begin at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday with the green flag scheduled for 1:13

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Season 7 adds six new cars in September

Launching on 2nd September, Season 7 will primarily feature a Japanese car theme, a region that was previously underrepresented, with six new cars joining the roster. Among the new cars coming to Season 6 are the previously confirmed Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV, marking the manufacturer’s Solar Crown debut. The Skyline R34 will be earned by reaching Level 15 of the Solar Pass, while the Lancer Evolution will be a Level 50 reward. These are joined by the newly announced Mazda RX-7 FD3S, which will be available to buy from the dealership, and the Nissan 370Z Nismo, unlockable as a Level 1 Solar Pass Reward. Like Mitusbishi, this will mark Mazda’s first appearance in Solar Crown. Rounding out the new cars in Season 6 are the BMW M3 GT3 EVO and the custom Volkswagen Bettle Buggy Holiday Edition. Both are exclusive to the online store. Alongside the new cars, Season 7 will introduce several quality-of-life improvements, including a new tab for live events, making it easier to access the daily and season challenges and claim rewards. Additionally, spoilers will be removable from select cars, including the Lotus Exige, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline R34, Nissan Skyline R35, Mitsubishi Evo IV and Audi TT RS. Tyre grip will also be improved for hypercars to make the physics “more consistent”, as demonstrated in the presentation with a drive in the Koenigsegg Agera RS. A pit lane will also be added to Hong Kong Island’s racetrack alongside 3D modelled speed cameras and checkpoints. After its September launch, a mid-season update will add the ability to change rim sizes and new third-person chase cameras. A “big partnership” is also teased, with more to be revealed in October’s Solar Club letter. Season 7 was originally set to introduce the Official Racing Centre,

Kirkwood leads first practice for IndyCar Washington Grand Prix

Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood set the fastest time during Saturday morning’s first practice session for the NTT IndyCar Series Washington Grand Prix—the Freedom 250. Operating on a damp track that dried rapidly, the street-course specialist posted a best lap of 57.374s in Group 1 to lead overall. The first session on the new 1.7-mile circuit around the National Mall was delayed by 15 minutes as damp track conditions required initial installation laps on wet tyres. As the driving line cleared, teams quickly switched to primary slick compounds before fitting soft tyres during the split-group segments. Following discussions on the event’s political backdrop, drivers encountered a technical layout where mistakes carried immediate penalties. Will Power clipped the exit wall at Turn 2, damaging his Andretti entry, while McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard spun into the Turn 6 barrier but avoided terminal damage. Álex Palou topped the Group 2 segment with a 57.612s lap, ending up 2nd overall behind Kirkwood. Dennis Hauger, David Malukas, and Marcus Ericsson rounded out the top five positions. IndyCar track action continues on Saturday afternoon with Practice 2, followed by Qualifying later in the day. Broadcast guide: Where to watch in the United States - United States (Eastern Time / ET) - Broadcaster: FOX / Peacock - Practice 2: Saturday, August 22 – 13:00 ET - Qualifying: Saturday, August 22 – 17:00 ET - Race: Sunday, August 23 – 13:00 ET Frequently asked questions (FAQ) 1. Who set the fastest lap in Practice 1 for the Washington GP? Kyle Kirkwood topped the session with a lap time of 57.374s driving for Andretti Global. 2. What caused the delay at the start of Practice 1? Damp track conditions following morning rainfall delayed the green flag by 15 minutes. 3. What is the layout of the Washington street circuit? The track

Fanatec Investigating GT7 1.71 Wheelbase Freezes After FullForce Update

Fanatec has acknowledged wheelbase freezes affecting some Gran Turismo 7 users following Update 1.71, which also enabled FullForce support on the GT DD Pro. Fanatec is investigating a new issue affecting some wheelbases after Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.71, released on August 20. The update introduced several force feedback changes and officially enabled FullForce effects on the Gran Turismo DD Pro, but users began reporting freezes, shutdowns and abnormal steering behaviour shortly after installing it. Reports on Fanatec’s official forum describe bases suddenly losing force feedback, shutting down during a race or, in some cases, pulling sharply to one side before requiring a restart. The problem does not appear to affect every user, but Fanatec has confirmed that the freezes are being investigated following the latest GT7 update. Fanatec and Polyphony Digital Are Investigating Fanatec representative Maurice Böschen confirmed that the company is in contact with the Gran Turismo 7 development team to determine where the fix will need to be made. Fanatec is currently assessing whether the issue can be addressed through its own software or firmware, or whether Polyphony Digital will need to release a new GT7 patch. Update 1.71 made several changes specifically affecting steering hardware. According to the official Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.71 patch notes, Polyphony Digital adjusted force feedback torque strength and friction, understeer vibration, throttle and brake input characteristics, and introduced revised Auto Setup parameters for the GT DD Pro, GT DD Extreme and Podium wheelbases. The update also enabled FullForce feedback effects on the GT DD Pro. Fanatec describes FullForce as an additional high-frequency feedback layer designed to communicate finer details from the car and track through compatible Direct Drive wheelbases. More information on the technology is available through Fanatec’s official FullForce documentation. No Confirmed Fix Yet At the time of writing,

Moza will be making a <b>sim racing</b> version of the Ford Mustang GTD's wheel

There’s soon to be a sim racing replica of the Ford Mustang GTD’s steering wheel. Created by Moza Racing, a teaser image showcases the (mostly) round device, with seemingly blue stitching inspired by Ford Racing’s colours. There’s a centring stripe at the stop, and the proud galloping feral horse logo and GTD moniker (not used on the actual car’s input) on the central hub. What can’t be seen currently is how the on-wheel buttons are replicated or the shift paddle design. This is from the quickest production Mustang ever, a derivation of the muscle car designed to lower track times, more specifically at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The Chinese manufacturer has been aggressively expanding into branded equipment relating to real-world vehicles. Last year at Gamescom, it showcased a round Porsche 911 GT3-aping prototype and has produced a Mission R device. It also confirmed a partnership with Mercedes-AMG at that same event, although 12 months later it’s not been seen. The Ford Mustang GTD wheel will be showcased at this year’s Cologne event, starting on Wednesday 26th August 2026, where it will also debut a MotoGP-endorsed motorcycle simulator. Discussion

NASCAR 26 Promises Major Force Feedback Improvements Over NASCAR 25

The latest NASCAR 26 developer diary details major force feedback changes for wheel users, alongside an overhauled tyre model, revised braking behaviour and the new Dynamic Track system. iRacing Studios has revealed more about how NASCAR 26 will drive when it launches in September 2026, with its latest developer diary focusing on handling, controller configuration and force feedback. Wheel support is receiving particular attention, with the development team promising substantial improvements compared with NASCAR 25. The changes are part of a broader driving model update that also includes reworked tyres, more demanding braking behaviour and a dynamic racing surface that evolves during a session. Together, these systems are intended to make NASCAR 26 more responsive to dedicated sim racing hardware while also providing additional configuration options for different types of players. NASCAR 26 Force Feedback Receives Major Changes Force feedback is one of the main areas iRacing Studios has targeted following NASCAR 25. The development team says it has gained deeper access to the underlying FFB code for NASCAR 26, allowing it to make more substantial changes rather than simply adjusting the previous game’s existing force feedback configuration. One of the challenges is supporting a wide range of hardware, from entry-level steering wheels to considerably more powerful Direct Drive bases. NASCAR 26 will therefore feature a new default force feedback profile, while additional adjustable parameters will allow users to tune the response more closely to their specific wheelbase and preferred settings. More Wheel and Controller Calibration Options NASCAR 26 will also expand the calibration tools available for racing wheels and controllers. Rather than relying on broadly similar settings across very different hardware, the additional options are designed to give players more control over how steering forces and inputs are interpreted by the game. This should be particularly relevant for Direct

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown's houses will “push the boundaries of customisation”

Real estate lets you browse, buy and sell houses on an interactive tablet Extensive interior customisation lets you place furniture anywhere Friends’ cars will appear on driveways Customisable garages can display up to eight cars Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown’s Season 8 update will mark the long-awaited return of real estate and customisable houses, lifestyle elements that were staples of previous games in the series. During Nacon Racing’s latest News from the Pits show, a deep dive video presented by Community Manager Alex VII and Creative Director Guillaume Guinet revealed how the real estate aspect will work while showcasing the extensive customisation options for houses. “We didn’t want to just copy houses in Test Drive Unlimited 1 and 2. We had to do something larger. We had to do something that’s more engaging for the players,” said community manager Alex VII. Interactive real estates In Solar Crown, Hong Kong Island and Ibiza will have a real estate agent business you can visit to browse, buy or sell houses. These also act as hubs you can join with your friends. While visiting the interactive estate agent, you can browse available houses on an interactive tablet, before scrolling through and signing a contract when buying a house. Alex VII claims this will be “the most immersive implementation of real estate agency in a Test Drive Unlimited game.” KT Racing also hopes to implement a dynamic pricing system, where you can buy properties as an investment and sell them later to make a profit. It’s not yet clear how many houses will be available to purchase at launch, but it’s worth tempering expectations since “times are difficult at KT Racing,” with Nacon filing for insolvency. “We are not 1,000 people working on Test Drive, so we have to prioritise. And we have prioritised

F1's Return A Golden Opportunity To Rebuild Malaysia's Motorsports Ecosystem

F1’s Return A Golden Opportunity To Rebuild Malaysia's Motorsports Ecosystem By Siti Radziah Hamzah KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Formula One's (F1) return to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) presents Malaysia with a golden opportunity to rebuild its motorsport ecosystem, according to Malaysia’s former F1 driver Alex Yoong. He said the F1’s return would carry greater significance if it left a lasting legacy beyond the race itself, by encouraging greater investment in grassroots motorsport, driver development and regional racing, creating a stronger pathway for Malaysian talent to progress to the highest levels of the sport. Speaking to Bernama in an interview recently, Yoong stressed that hosting F1 must be backed by a compelling commercial case and a clear long-term vision of what the event could deliver for Malaysia beyond a single race weekend. The championship could generate benefits, including boosting tourism, creating business opportunities and raising Malaysia's international profile. Yoong made history when he became Malaysia's first F1 driver, racing for Minardi in 2001. He competed in 18 Grands Prix (GP) from 2001 to 2002, and currently holds the record as the only Malaysian driver to compete in F1, which is the highest class of motor racing. He remains one of the country's most recognisable figures in motorsport, continuing to channel his passion for the sport through his work as a motorsport broadcaster. “As someone who has raced in F1 and spent much of my career developing motorsport in Malaysia and the region, it is great to see a track from Southeast Asia back on the world’s foremost racing calendar," said Yoong. Creating a lasting legacy for Malaysian motorsport While F1 represents the pinnacle of motorsport, Yoong said sustained support for the talent development pathway would be just as important if the championship returns to Malaysia, helping more Malaysians

Tsunoda Missed Answering Media as Boring <b>Sim</b> Session got Spicy Amid F1 Call-up

Yuki Tsunoda admits he missed the media sessions as a regular F1 driver, as he feels grateful for the opportunity presented as he decides his future. Often when they are part of the circus, F1 drivers frown on the media commitments, having to answer similar questions from TV to written media. But once they go away, there is some form of nostalgia, even to the extent of missing feeling after going through the drill for several years. After Tsunoda departed from active race seat at the end of 2025 F1 season, the Japanese racer has hung around the paddock in reserve capacity with both Red Bull and Racing Bulls. He got a surprise call-up when Isack Hadjar injured his wrist in the summer break. Red Bull drafted Liam Lawson in their car, as Tsunoda got in the Racing Bulls. He was greeted by host of media on his first day back on Thursday. He was not shy in admitting the missing feeling – although he cautioned that the missing feel depended on the type questions asked. Tsunoda admits missing media sessions "I mean, I've been in this environment for a long time, 4-5 years, and that's enough [to know]," said Tsunoda to media in F1 Dutch GP. "To be honest, somehow, lately, I feel like this kind of conversation, answering questions, something also partly I miss as well. It depends on the questions." He also shared how bored he felt in the simulator session with nothing to show for in the F1 2026 season so far. But the pre-Dutch GP session at Racing Bulls, he felt alive and kicking, knowing that everything he does, will be translated on the track by himself and not any other driver. Opportunity to race and show his mettle is better than talking He thinks

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Toyota opens TGR Esports qualifiers

In its August 2026 rating action, Japan-based Rating & Investment Information, Inc. said the Philippine economy is… The gap between what a family needs and what the government considers acceptable to pay them is a canyon with a press… If managed with sovereign clarity, transparent governance, and strong environmental protections, Pax Silica can help… It has been a profound privilege and honor to serve our country alongside the dedicated men and women of the Armed… Joan Bosch never needed a crystal ball to see Alex Eala’s potential. Toyota Motor Philippines has opened the qualifying round for the 2026 TGR Philippines Esports GT Championship. Players can earn a place in the national tournament through onsite or online qualifiers. Qualifiers run from 17 August to 13 September. Participants who do not own a PlayStation can take their qualifying runs at 11 GR performance dealerships across Luzon and Cebu. The participating outlets are Toyota Makati, Toyota Alabang, Toyota Silang, Toyota San Fernando in Pampanga, Toyota Calamba, Toyota Cebu City, Toyota Otis, Toyota Commonwealth, Toyota Manila Bay, Toyota Global City and Toyota Santa Rosa. Players may also qualify from home if they have a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, Gran Turismo 7, an active PlayStation Network account and a PlayStation Plus subscription. Both onsite and online entrants must register through tinyurl.com/TGRPh-Esports-Reg to reserve a schedule. Toyota has added a Junior Class to this year’s tournament. It is open to participants aged 18 and below. Racers aged 19 and older will compete in the Sporting Class. Previous editions placed all drivers in one group before the top three represented the Philippines in the regional finals. The Junior Class now gives younger racers their own division and a chance to earn one of the country’s three regional slots. The 10 fastest qualifiers from each class will

MOZA <b>Racing</b> Teases Ford Mustang GTD Steering Wheel for Gamescom 2026

MOZA’s latest teaser clearly shows Mustang GTD branding on the steering wheel, although specifications, pricing and a release date remain under wraps. MOZA Racing has teased a new Ford collaboration ahead of Gamescom 2026, with the accompanying image providing a much clearer indication of what the two companies are preparing: a sim racing steering wheel inspired by the Ford Mustang GTD. The darkened teaser image reveals both the Mustang pony emblem and GTD lettering in the centre of the wheel. MOZA accompanied the image with the message “MOZA Racing x Ford. Coming to Gamescom 2026”, confirming that more details will be revealed at the Cologne event. Mustang GTD Branding Visible in the Teaser Although MOZA has yet to reveal the product’s official name, the image strongly identifies the Ford model behind the design. MOZA has not yet disclosed the wheel’s diameter, materials, controls, paddle configuration or additional functionality. Pricing, release timing and PC or console compatibility also remain unconfirmed. Another Licensed Wheel for MOZA A Ford Mustang GTD wheel would further expand MOZA’s growing range of officially licensed sim racing hardware, which already includes the Porsche Mission R and the Lamborghini Essenza SCV12. The company has increasingly worked with major automotive and motorsport brands, adding licensed steering wheels and other peripherals alongside its expanding Direct Drive ecosystem. The Ford teaser follows a recent wave of MOZA hardware launches, including the R16 Ultra, the R5 Pro and the HMA150 Motion Actuator. Full Reveal Set for Gamescom MOZA will attend Gamescom 2026 from August 26-30, where it is preparing several new sim racing announcements. The company will also use the event to publicly reveal its new officially licensed MotoGP simulation hardware, making Cologne an important showcase for its expanding product range. For now, the Ford collaboration remains a teaser, with full specifications

Beloved PS5 <b>Racing</b> Game Port Finally Arrives on PlayStation Store Today

Beloved PS5 Racing Game Port Finally Arrives on PlayStation Store Today iRacing Studios has released a PS5 spin-off of its biggest racing franchise for sim racing newcomers. Following a Steam release earlier this year, iRacing Arcade has finally arrived on the PlayStation Store. The third-person arcade racing game takes the vehicles and tracks from the franchise and offers highly stylized versions while keeping the feel that hardcore players are used to. iRacing Arcade is launching on consoles with a plethora of new content coming to all platforms, including new cars, tracks, and a four-player split-screen mode. All of this on top of existing career mode, multiplayer, and several iconic cars, tracks, and championship series. What does iRacing Arcade feature? iRacing Arcade's new update includes the following: - Four-Player Local Split-Screen - Four New Cars: Formula Fangio, Formula Turbo, Mercedes 190 E DTM, Big Rig - Four New Tracks With Five New Layouts: Spain's Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, France's Circuit de Nevers – Magny-Cours, and Italy's Autodromo Nazionale Monza – Grand Prix, Autodromo Nazionale Monza – Historic, and Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli Alongside new content launching today, iRacing Arcade includes 18 cars and 14 tracks. These include the Barber Motorsports Park, Imola, Mexico City, and Miami circuits. The championship series include the FIA Formula 4, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's GTP class, and the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. The game's career mode also lets players build their own motorsport campus, with tools to build distinct garages, chassis shops, R&D buildings, and more. Its multiplayer mode lets players compete with 11 others online, with support for custom lobbies and progress tracked by a global leaderboard. iRacing Arcade can be purchased from the PlayStation Store for $24.99. The game is co-developed and published by iRacing and Original Fire Games. It

Endurance Motorsport Series moved to 2027, cross-play being considered

Ambitious racing game Endurance Motorsport Series has been moved from 2026 to spring 2027 for PC, PlayStaiton 5 and Xbox. The news comes from publisher Nacon, with the JT Racing-developed title initially slated for a 2025 launch. The title sees you control a race car not just from behind the wheel, but also from the pits, and across multiple vehicles and classes in one race. To facilitate this, it has a unique swapping mechanic. With one button, the player can switch from being a driver to the chief strategist on the pitwall, and back again. Traxion has tested the game several times at trade shows and events, and the swapping mechanic works seamlessly so far, although it’s clear there will be a mammoth task for it to work smoothly in online multiplayer. “We want to improve and refine the technicalities behind the online functionalities of the game,” said Alexander Arthur, Racing Community Manager at Nacon. Possible cross-play “When you think of team-vs-team [PVP], there’s a large scope of work we have to do for the networking to get it right,” said Sébastien Waxin, Head of Racing / Motorsport at Nacon. “Part of the PVE, PVP and network infrastructure, we’re also checking for cross-play. Cross-play could be a very important feature. I’m not confirming that it will be day one right now, but we are working on that with that target of making it ‘day one’. “That’s also why we take a little bit more time.” Online co-op PVE showcased There are two main multiplayer modes, PVE and PVP. The former was showcased during a News from the Pits presentation today (21st August 2026), where three players team up online and then compete for the same team in an endurance race against AI-controlled opponents. This marked the first footage of online

Revosim PC, PS5 and Xbox wheelbase range set for November release

RS Lite, RS Initiale and RS Pure wheelbases set for release in November All three wheelbases will come in PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, with both also PC-compatible Entry-level RS Lite will have two pedals, 280mm steering wheel, desk clamp, mobile phone holder and Bluetooth functionality included as standard for just €279,90 Nacon Racing has released the third episode of its online showcase series, ‘News From The Pits’, revealing intriguing news about its hardware sub-brand, Revosim. Originally designed for PC, Revosim is expanding its range onto PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles, with the French brand revealing the all-new entry-level RS Lite and the mid-range RS Initiale wheelbases. Nacon is targeting a pre-Christmas November release window for all three of its console-compatible wheelbases (RS Lite, RS Initiale and the range-topping RS Pure), with more details – including prices – outlined below. Revosim RS Lite console price and release date Priced at €279,90, the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of the RS Lite are targeted for release in November 2026. The RS Lite is a 3.2 Nm direct drive wheelbase that includes pedals (brake and throttle), a mobile phone holder, 17 buttons, two shifter paddles and a desk clamp. The pedal set will also include anti-slip pads for laminate flooring, as well as carpet grippers. Adjustable preload can also be performed on the pedal springs. It will feature a 280mm-wide steering wheel and Bluetooth compatibility to connect to the Revosim app, providing telemetry-powered live dash data. The RS Lite will also support a new separate accessory: the RS Lite Expander. This will increase the number of RJ45 ports on the rear of the wheelbase from one to three, enabling you to connect Revosim shifters and handbrakes, including the RS Pure Hybrid Shifter and the RS Pure Load Cell

Beloved PS5 <b>Racing</b> Game Port Finally Arrives on PlayStation Store Today

iRacing Studios has released a PS5 spin-off of its biggest racing franchise for sim racing newcomers. Following a Steam release earlier this year, iRacing Arcade has finally arrived on the PlayStation Store. The third-person arcade racing game takes the vehicles and tracks from the franchise and offers highly stylized versions while keeping the feel that hardcore players are used to. iRacing Arcade is launching on consoles with a plethora of new content coming to all platforms, including new cars, tracks, and a four-player split-screen mode. All of this on top of existing career mode, multiplayer, and several iconic cars, tracks, and championship series. What does iRacing Arcade feature? iRacing Arcade’s new update includes the following: - Four-Player Local Split-Screen - Four New Cars: Formula Fangio, Formula Turbo, Mercedes 190 E DTM, Big Rig - Four New Tracks With Five New Layouts: Spain’s Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, France’s Circuit de Nevers – Magny-Cours, and Italy’s Autodromo Nazionale Monza – Grand Prix, Autodromo Nazionale Monza – Historic, and Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli Alongside new content launching today, iRacing Arcade includes 18 cars and 14 tracks. These include the Barber Motorsports Park, Imola, Mexico City, and Miami circuits. The championship series include the FIA Formula 4, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GTP class, and the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. The game’s career mode also lets players build their own motorsport campus, with tools to build distinct garages, chassis shops, R&D buildings, and more. Its multiplayer mode lets players compete with 11 others online, with support for custom lobbies and progress tracked by a global leaderboard. iRacing Arcade can be purchased from the PlayStation Store for $24.99. The game is co-developed and published by iRacing and Original Fire Games. It is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and XBOX Series X|S.

Why Crypto Casinos Keep Coming Up in <b>Racing</b> Esports Conversations

Spend enough time in sim racing Discord servers and you'll notice something: the chat doesn't stay on setups and split times for long. Somewhere between a debate over FFB settings and a clip of a last-lap crash, someone brings up odds. Racing esports has quietly become one of the more bet-friendly corners of competitive gaming, and crypto casinos have been paying attention. Sim Racing Has Outgrown Its Niche What used to be a hobby for a small group of PC enthusiasts is now a legitimate spectator draw. Broadcast production has caught up too — multi-camera coverage, driver cams, and live telemetry overlays make watching a race almost as engaging as playing one, which is exactly the kind of format that lends itself to live wagering. The Numbers Behind the Growth The clearest signal came from Formula 1 itself. According to the official F1 Esports Series qualifying results, more than 494,000 people attempted to qualify for the championship in a single season — a 108% jump from the year before. That kind of entrant pool doesn't just mean more racers; it means a bigger, more engaged audience watching the finals, and a bigger audience is exactly what betting platforms look for. Where Betting Culture Meets the Paddock We've tracked this shift before in our own coverage of how racing esports and online gambling trends have started to overlap. It isn't just traditional sportsbooks moving in, either — crypto-native casinos have found a natural audience among sim racers, many of whom already transact in digital currencies for in-game items, hardware marketplaces, and league entry fees. Crypto's Growing Foothold The appeal is speed: instant deposits and withdrawals matter to a crowd used to split-second lap deltas, not multi-day banking delays. That said, not every crypto casino is built the same, and picking one

Throttle Trace Sets September 15 Release Date with New Developer Gameplay Showcase

MicroProse and Unordered Games are excited to announce that Throttle Trace will launch on PC via Steam in Early Access on September 15, 2026. To mark the announcement, the developer has released an extensive new gameplay showcase designed to answer the most important question about Throttle Trace: what does it actually feel like to race? Rather than a traditional trailer, the new video takes viewers through a complete racing weekend, with the developer behind the wheel and explaining the decisions, mechanics, and simulation systems that define the experience. From learning the circuit in practice and chasing the perfect qualifying lap to fighting through a full race, the showcase offers the most detailed look yet at Throttle Trace in action. Throttle Trace is easy to pick up, but beneath its immediate approach to racing lies a deep simulation built around the decisions that separate a fast lap from a great one. Every corner is a decision. How much speed can you carry? How hard can you push the tires? Do you sacrifice the entry to maximize your exit? Is now the moment to attack, or will patience create a better opportunity one corner later? And when the weather changes, an incident brings out the safety car, or damage ruins the strategy you started with, how quickly can you adapt? The new gameplay showcase puts those questions at the center, demonstrating how Throttle Trace turns the fundamentals of racing into an accessible but deeply competitive experience. Arriving alongside the release date announcement is Throttle Trace's biggest update yet, introducing a new in-game Track Editor. The same tools now used to recreate all of the circuits available in the demo are being put directly into players' hands, opening the door to designing and racing entirely new tracks from within the game. The update

Thursday Press Conference - Latest Formula 1 Breaking News

Dutch GP 2026 AUGUST 20, 2026 Thursday Press Conference F1 - 2026 DUTCH GRAND PRIX - THURSDAY PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT PART ONE – Arvid LINDBLAD (Racing Bulls), Sergio PÉREZ (Cadillac), Max VERSTAPPEN (Red Bull) Q: Max, perhaps we could start with you. Hope the summer was good to you. First, though, can we talk about the big news of the day? Four more years at Red Bull Racing. Congratulations. Was it an easy decision for you? Max VERSTAPPEN: Yes, I mean, it wasn't really too stressful. I think it was the right call. I feel really good within the team and, yeah, we have a lot of belief that, you know, we can, let's say, get back to the top in the coming years. Q: You were unsure about your future earlier in the season. What's changed? Verstappen: Well, it was mainly about actually continuing in Formula 1. But, yeah, the rules are slowly getting a bit better and, let's say, I'm willing to live with it. And hopefully, you know, by 2030 it opens up another opportunity, potentially with V8 engines coming in, to look again. Q: Okay, let's talk about Zandvoort now. This is the last Dutch Grand Prix for the moment. What aspect of this weekend, your home race, are you looking forward to most? Verstappen: I mean, seeing the fans next to the track, I think, is always very special. They're very close in places, so it's really nice. And then besides that, of course, yeah, just driving the layout. I mean, it's a really cool track. Q: Final one from me. It's unfortunate for Isack to be missing this race. Can you give us your thoughts on Liam returning to the team? What are you expecting from him? Verstappen: Yeah, I mean, I also got