It has been more than a decade since the world last saw a proper IndyCar game, and honestly, that feels like a lifetime. There were attempts, promises, and even trailers, but none of them made it to the finish line.
Now, with iRacing Studios and Orontes Games developing a new official title planned for 2026, there’s real hope that fans will finally get the IndyCar experience they’ve been waiting for.
What makes this exciting is not just the prospect of racing at over 200 mph again, but doing so in a game that understands what makes IndyCar special. It’s about the atmosphere, the precision, and that nerve-wracking tension that builds before the car even leaves the pit lane.
Players want more than just speed; they want immersion.
One of the most anticipated features is proper support for modern setups such as triple-screen monitors, ultrawide displays, and virtual reality. For oval racing, where cars run side by side at terrifyingly close distances, seeing what’s happening around you is crucial.
If the game can offer that wide perspective, the sense of realism will increase dramatically. VR, while still uncertain for launch, would elevate immersion even further, turning every lap into an intense, personal experience.
Of course, none of this matters without strong physics and force feedback. Players want a driving model that feels authentic but not punishing, something that rewards skill while remaining approachable. The best racing games strike a balance between realism and playability, where every correction, slip, or bump feels believable.
Beyond realism, many players hope the new title will honor IndyCar’s long and rich history. Even though the series has used a similar chassis since 2018, the sport’s past is full of legendary machines that deserve digital preservation.
Track variety will also be key.
The current IndyCar calendar already offers a diverse mix of ovals, street circuits, and road courses, but fans hope the developers will also include historic and fan-favorite venues that aren’t on the schedule anymore. With iRacing’s extensive library of scanned tracks, there’s great potential for an authentic and comprehensive collection of circuits.
Career mode is another area where expectations are high. IndyCar, like NASCAR, has a development ladder system known as the Road to Indy, now the USF Pro Championships. Starting from USF Juniors and working up through USF 2000, USF Pro 2000, and Indy NXT could give players a meaningful sense of progression.
Each step introduces faster cars, tougher opponents, and higher stakes, reflecting the real-world journey of aspiring drivers. This feature could transform the game from a simple racing simulator into a story of ambition and growth.
Confirmed Content & Features
- Multilevel career mode that lets players advance and craft their racing journey.
- Official drivers and teams from INDYCAR, plus the INDY NXT support category.
- Releases on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (including Steam Deck).
- Thoughtful integration of tech and know-how from other iRacing projects to deliver authentic vehicle dynamics and credible track experiences.
- Remember, you can join iRacing clicking here.
Happy Racing!
This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
