No-frills tech news

NASCAR Says <b>Sim Racing</b> Is Becoming the New Path Into Motorsports

For decades, aspiring race car drivers followed a familiar path. Start in karting, work through local tracks, attract sponsors, and hope the opportunities eventually lead somewhere bigger. According to NASCAR Senior Director of Sim Racing Ray Smith, that path is changing. While traditional grassroots racing remains important, Smith believes simulator racing has become one of the most effective ways for aspiring drivers and motorsports professionals to break into the industry. “You want to write music, you go to Nashville. You want to be a model, you go to New York. You want to be an actor, you go to L.A. You want to be in motorsports, you go to Indy or Charlotte,” Smith told Insider Gaming. “But nowadays, you want to be in motorsports, go to the sim, go to iRacing.” It is a significant statement from one of the people overseeing NASCAR’s esports efforts, particularly as sim racing continues to grow following its explosion in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. - More Sim Racing: The Best Things I Saw At SimRacing Expo Charlotte 2026 While drivers such as William Byron and Rajah Caruth have become some of the most recognizable examples of competitors who used sim racing as a stepping stone toward real-world opportunities, Smith said the impact extends far beyond those headline stories. “Four out of five of our last champions are now sim engineers in a Cup shop,” Smith said. “We have content creators coming out of our series.” The opportunities created through sim racing are no longer limited to getting behind the wheel. Smith pointed to careers in engineering, media, content creation, and team operations that have emerged through connections built within the online racing community. “We have guys that are journalists, content creators, engineers,” Smith said. “You can see it on our storyboard over there.”

#<b>simracing</b> #iracing #simagic

About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket © 2026 Google LLC

Ex-Forza Devs Maverick Reveal Clutch, an Unreal Engine 5 <b>Racing</b> Game in the Mould of ...

Maverick Games, crewed by developers from Playground Games and founded by Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown, has revealed its first game. It's called Clutch and it's a beautiful take on the arcade racing and underworld intrigue of the Need for Speed series, complete with nitrous-and-neon car customisation and an open world set in the French Riviera. The game was revealed yesterday with a brief trailer, launched alongside a series of first impressions videos from content creators. While Need for Speed as a series has embraced open world racing for 22 years, Clutch seems to have more of the spread of activities of a Forza Horizon game, with both an above-board "R1K" racing series like NFS: ProStreet and a "Midnight Collective" that reminds of the "Blacklist" of NFS: Most Wanted. Skins co-creator Jamie Brittain has been tapped to write the storyline, which follows the fortunes of young sibling racers trying to make a name for themselves - and quickly getting caught up in a criminal conspiracy. It certainly sounds like a more interesting backdrop to the racing action than the bland kid's TV aesthetic of Forza Horizon. What stuck me most about the game is its customisation system, which looks far deeper than both Forza Horizon 6 and NFS: Unbound. It starts with the usual collection of performance and visual upgrades, but extends into things like choosing seats and steering wheels, popping an old coffee cup or energy drink can into your cupholder, and even leaving loose items of clothing on the passenger seat and other assorted detritus on the dash. Cars also look realistically grubby, with more obvious wear and tear than is typically presented in a game with licensed real-world automobiles. So far, the trailer shows off models from Porsche (Cayman GT4), BMW (M3), Land Rover (Defender),

Record revenue, profit, and screen growth fueled by theatrical expansion and recurring royalties

DBO: Record revenue, profit, and screen growth fueled by theatrical expansion and recurring royalties Less than 1 min read Record annual revenue and profit growth driven by theatrical expansion and recurring royalties, with strong liquidity and improved margins. Theatrical system sales surged, while sim racing and training segments declined, and management expects normalization of system sales. Original document: D-BOX Technologies Inc. Class A [DBO] Earnings Release — Jun. 2 2026 This is an AI-generated summary and may contain inaccuracies. Please verify any important information with the original source. © AI-generated summary is provided by Quartr

Clutch is Maverick Games' new AAA cinematic driving game, coming in 2027 | Traxion.GG

Clutch is Maverick Games’ new AAA cinematic driving game, coming in 2027 Helmed by ex-Forza Horizon developers, Clutch aims to “break the mould of modern driving games,” combining professional circuit competitions with underground street racing and cinematic chases. Now, over three years later, the studio has finally announced its mystery project during a livestream hosted by Brown. Featuring an “immersive narrative” penned by Skins co-creator Jamie Brittian, Clutch combines professional circuit competitions with underground street racing and cinematic chases. A story campaign sees two sibling racing prodigies compete in the prestigious R1K race series, a “proving ground for the world’s top drivers for 100 years.” Contrasting the R1K is the underground Midnight Collective street racing gang, who “love showing off their style and the raw thrill of speed.” Set in a “living PvPvE action-driving world” seemingly based in Southern France, players will take on spontaneous missions and races that will “break the mould of modern driving games.” As for the cars, the announcement video showcases a variety of vehicles, from the 930-series Porsche 911 Turbo and Aston Martin Vantage shown in teaser screenshots to the BMW 850 CSi and Nissan 350Z. There’s even a BMW M3 GTR in a nod to Need for Speed Most Wanted. So far, the car list is primarily made up of European and Japanese models, with a Land Rover Defender also confirming that SUVs will form part of the roster. There is a strong focus on personalisation, with the studio aiming to achieve “a new benchmark in car customisation.” Highly detailed vehicles showcased in the announcement video sport bespoke liveries reminiscent of GRID Legends and DriveClub. Deep customisation options will let players create “a true one-of-one car”, with the ability to fit aftermarket wheels, spoilers and underglows, among other parts. This also extends to the

TECH WEEKLY: The key change made to help Antonelli's <b>race</b> starts

TECH WEEKLY: The key change made to help Antonelli's race starts A feature of this season’s early races were the poor starts of the Mercedes cars, particularly that of current championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Although the Silver Arrows were locking out the front row, they were invariably being overtaken into the first corner, either by Ferraris or McLarens. This deficit in startline acceleration off the grid has steadily been reduced by Mercedes and, in the Montreal Sprint, they retained their 1-2 positions into Turn 1 for the first time all season. Next Up Related Articles - What time is the 2026 Monaco GP and how can I watch it? - CATCH-UP: Watch the F1 Sim Racing World Championship season finale - Betting5 Monaco facts every bettor needs to know - Antonelli names Ferrari as ‘team to beat’ in Monaco - From Hakkinen to Hamilton – 8 dramatic DNFs from the lead - BettingMonaco Grand Prix betting guide and latest odds

IN NUMBERS: How Kimi Antonelli's points advantage compares to previous seasons

IN NUMBERS: How Antonelli’s points advantage compares to previous seasons F1.com delves into the data from seasons gone by to investigate how Kimi Antonelli's current 43-point lead in the championship compares to title fights from the recent past. With five rounds of the 2026 season complete, Kimi Antonelli holds a 43-point lead over team mate George Russell in the World Championship standings, a gap that grew following Russell’s retirement from the Canadian Grand Prix. The turn of events led Russell to comment that “it feels like somebody doesn't want me to fight or compete for this championship”. However, a glance back at past seasons highlights just how much the title is still very much all to play for. Our data team have been delving into how Antonelli’s advantage compares to previous championship fights from years gone by – and how, on several occasions, a significant gap has later been overturned. To keep things fair, we have focused on seasons where the current points system (used since 2010) has been in effect – as well as examining an interesting parallel in another category of motorsport at the end… Fernando Alonso vs Sebastian Vettel Two particularly memorable title duels played out between Fernando Alonso – during his time with Ferrari – and Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel, the first being in 2010. Alonso was already 25 points clear of Vettel after the opening two rounds, but a win for the latter at Round 3 – where Alonso retired – put the pair on equal points, though the other Ferrari of Felipe Massa had moved into P1. The lead would go on to change hands several times amongst numerous drivers, but Alonso had returned to the top with two rounds to spare. Vettel, meanwhile, held P3 entering into the Abu Dhabi finale, a race

Yes, Someone Is Researching If Smell Makes <b>Racing</b> Drivers Faster

Before sliding into the racing simulator in a basement fabrication shop at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, IMSA GTD Pro driver Max Esterson is asked to strap on some equipment. A chest harness will measure his heart rate, a headband will track his brain activity, and a wristband will detect electrodermal activity, which reflects the activation of sweat glands, a marker for emotional and physical stress responses. This story originally appeared in Volume 35 of Road & Track. Then, the 23-year-old is handed a necklace—specifically, a black plastic torc with tiny white tubes poking out from each side. “This is how we emit all the different scents,” says Awu Chen, a research assistant in the MIT Media Lab’s Tangible Media Group. Esterson clasps it around his neck, and the tubes rest at the base of his clavicles. The neckpiece is based on the Scentac X-Scent 3.0, a noncommercial prototype intended for wellness and scented-media applications. “We kind of hacked it,” Chen says. His team’s modifications provide the capacity for advanced customization and programming. Using staggered quantities, durations, and sequences, the tubes can produce thousands of scent combinations. Esterson looks suspicious. “I hope they’re all good smells?” he says, yawning. He’d landed in Boston early that morning. “The bathroom at the JetBlue terminal—you want to talk about smell?” Esterson continues. “That place might cause serious crashes.” Jokes aside, Esterson is here in Cambridge for an experiment. He is the lab rat. “Stress and driving are strongly correlated, and there’s a lot of research around that topic,” Chen says. “And there have been other studies that have measured the impact of scent on regular driving, for example, using mint to keep people awake.” The team here is measuring the physiological effects of various scents and what impact they might make on performance

Clutch Is the New Open-World Driving Game From Maverick Games

Maverick Games, the independent studio founded by Mike Brown, former creative director of the Forza Horizon franchise, has officially unveiled Clutch, a new open-world action-driving title that blends professional motorsport, underground street racing, and a cinematic narrative. Scheduled to launch in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Clutch aims to deliver an experience that goes beyond traditional racing games by combining storytelling, deep customization, and a dynamic world where every pursuit can unfold differently. Mike Brown Wants to Take Driving Games Into a New Generation The announcement of Clutch marks Maverick Games’ debut title and the first major project led by Mike Brown since leaving Playground Games, where he played a key role in the success of the Forza Horizon franchise. According to Brown, the studio’s mission since its founding has been to evolve the open-world driving genre through new sandbox gameplay mechanics and more immersive player experiences. To achieve this, Maverick Games has assembled a team of industry veterans with experience developing some of the most successful racing games of recent years, building a project that combines driving, storytelling, and action within a single universe. A Story Where Professional Racing and the Underground Scene Collide The story follows two sibling racing prodigies competing in the R1K, a prestigious championship that has served as a proving ground for the world’s best drivers for more than a century. However, behind the glamour and reputation of the series lies a much darker world. That parallel world is represented by the Midnight Collective, an underground community of drivers who live for speed, extreme customization, and automotive culture. Maverick Games has confirmed that a detailed first look at the story, characters, and cast will be revealed during the Summer Game Fest Showcase on June 5. A PvPvE Open World Filled

Confirmed: The Maverick Games AAA driving game will be unveiled 2nd June

Original story: Maverick Games, a UK-based studio fronted by former Forza Horizon developers, has confirmed the unveiling time and date for its first driving video game. Described as a “narrative-led, open-world driving game”, a livestream teaser campaign began recently in earnest. A Fiat Multipla was placed at the Leamington Spa studio, equipped with cameras, and used to broadcast live upcoming hints and a podcast. It includes a countdown time, ending on the 2nd of June, which we speculated as the date the game will be formally revealed. This is now confirmed for Tuesday, 2nd June at 11 am BST / 6 am EST / 3 am PST. Ahead of then, further teaser images have been showcased, confirming Aston Martin models (Valhalla and Vantage) and reaffirming customisation. So far, an image of a Porsche looks to have shown optional wheels and graphics, the latter of which is clear on the Vantage screenshot. Meanwhile, the in-person Fiat MPV has been modified with a large exhaust and rear wing, further hinting at modification options in-game. A further clue could be seen inside the uniquely styled vehicle, with what appears to be some kind of grappling hook contraption – possibly indicating distinct gameplay mechanics to traditional open-world racing games like the aforementioned Forza Horizon and The Crew. Discussion 0 Comments Join the discussion Join Traxion.gg to start discussing with members. Already a member? Sign in

2026 Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, Preview

2026 Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, Preview 02 June 2026 Formula One's European season begins as BWT Alpine Formula One Team heads to Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix. Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto will take on the legendary Circuit de Monaco, the first race in a double header with the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. The iconic track featured on the very first Formula One calendar in 1950 and the drivers still compete on a very similar layout to the original course. Corners such as Sainte Devote, the Hairpin and Piscine are steeped in history with famous races from every decade of the sport. The Monaco Grand Prix is the first non-Sprint race weekend since the Japanese Grand Prix in March with all three practice sessions allowing for the drivers to build up more confidence before heading into Qualifying. The team's Alpine Academy drivers are back in action in Monaco following a successful Montréal debut for Gabriele Mini, who continues to lead the standings in FIA Formula 2. Gabriele and Alex Dunne both scored podium finishes across the weekend with Kush Maini also securing a points finish. All three will be aiming to continue their momentum in Monte Carlo. Pierre Gasly: “I am looking forward to Monaco this weekend, one of my favourite Grand Prix events of the season. It is one of those tracks which has so much prestige and history, so it is a pleasure to drive a Formula One car here every year. Qualifying is obviously a highlight for us drivers as it is when we are absolutely at the limit and you have this amazing rush of adrenaline which is a unique feeling that only a few of us get to experience. We come off the back of our best team result of the season in

PXN Introduces Limited Edition GT ONE RUBY Steering Wheel

Shenzhen, China, 2nd June 2026 – PXN has just announced the PXN GT ONE RUBY, a limited edition version of its GT ONE Steering Wheel, designed for sim racers who want the same professional grade control and open ecosystem flexibility in a bold new visual style. Built on the same market-shaking hardware specifications as the original GT ONE, the PXN GT ONE RUBY delivers the same full competitive racing experience that has made the product one of PXN’s most sought after releases in 2026. The limited edition model features distinctive ruby handles, giving racing setups a more premium and personalized look without changing performance, compatibility, or price. Check out the PXN GT ONE RUBY product images here, specifications and pricing can be found here, here and all the details are easily accessible here Pro Level GT Design, Ruby Edition Style Designed around a 300mm GT-style form factor, the PXN GT ONE RUBY offers the same ergonomic feel, engineered TPE grip structure, fiberglass composite frame, and carbon fiber surface finish as the standard GT ONE. It also includes 15 RPM telemetry LEDs, fully backlit buttons, 8-bit color customization, PXN SimRacing software support, and SimHub integration. Open Compatibility with Endurance-Ready Build Quality The PXN GT ONE RUBY remains fully compatible with PXN’s VD Series direct drive wheelbases, including the VD6 and VD10, and can also be used through USB-connected setups. Third-party base compatibility is also supported through the Z QS Quick Release adapter for standard 50–70mm quick release hubs. Together, these materials provide a wheel with a balanced combination of durability, comfort, and responsiveness, giving racers the tactile feedback and ergonomic support needed for intense racing sessions. Key Features - Limited edition ruby - Same internal hardware and performance as the PXN GT ONE - 78 total input signals for advanced control