iRacing Studios has officially unveiled a dedicated INDYCAR title for console and PC, set to launch in the second half of 2026. This marks the first standalone INDYCAR game in more than two decades and signals a major expansion of the simulators ecosystem onto home consoles. Built on iRacing Studios’ Orontes engine and backed by a long-term licensing agreement with INDYCAR, the project aims to deliver authentic open-wheel racing with a compelling career mode, licensed drivers, and robust online multiplayer. Real-world involvement from teams and drivers—including Scott McLaughlin—underscores the project’s commitment to fidelity and fan engagement. For fans, this development broadens the reach of sim racing, tying together PC sim prestige with the accessibility of PlayStation and Xbox platforms, while benefiting from the broader Motorsport Games family and cross-series synergies. As racing enthusiasts, we’re witnessing a pivotal moment that could redefine how INDYCAR is experienced at home in 2026 and beyond.
- Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam (PC).
- Release window: Second half of 2026.
- Technology: Built from the ground up on iRacing Studios’ Orontes engine.
- Content scope: Licensed NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone, online multiplayer, and a multilevel career path.
- People involved: Real INDYCAR teams and drivers, including Scott McLaughlin, contributing to development.
- Strategic aim: Expand iRacing Studios’ reach beyond PC simulators into widely available console experiences.
iRacing INDYCAR Standalone Title Arrives in 2026 on PS5, Xbox, and PC
In a bid to bring the intensity of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to living rooms around the world, iRacing Studios is developing a standalone INDYCAR game designed for PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam. The collaboration formalizes a long-standing partnership between iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations and INDYCAR, extending the brand’s gaming presence beyond PC simulations. The project will be built with a dedicated development team and will form part of a broader strategy to unify elite motorsport content under iRacing Studios’ umbrella, alongside titles like NASCAR 25 and World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing. By focusing on a console-compatible, standalone product, the teams hope to reach new audiences while delivering the precise, aggressive driving feel that sim-racing purists expect from INDYCAR’s high-stakes environments. For context, this announcement places INDYCAR back into the spotlight as a premier open-wheel franchise in the digital space, following a period without a dedicated home-console offering. Only-Gaming coverage highlights the anticipated impact and timing of the launch. iRacing Studios and INDYCAR emphasize fidelity, accessibility, and community involvement as core pillars of the project. Other racing franchises and sim ecosystems—such as Formula 1, Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport, Codemasters, Assetto Corsa, and Automobilista—frame the broader context in which this INDYCAR game sits for 2026 and beyond.
What Features Will the INDYCAR Standalone Title Include?
The game aims to deliver a comprehensive, accessible yet authentic representation of INDYCAR competition. Development plans emphasize a robust career mode with progression across multiple tiers, official teams and drivers, and an online multiplayer experience that keeps players competing across platforms. The title will be built from the ground up to ensure tight driving physics, authentic car handling, and track realism, while also providing guided assists and scalable difficulty for newcomers. Real-world connections and input from INDYCAR personnel are expected to influence tuning, track selection, and event pacing, creating a bridge between pro racing and home simulation.
Key Game Elements You Can Expect
- Multilevel career progression tied to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone.
- Licensed drivers and teams with authentic car assets and track representations.
- Cross-platform online multiplayer with competitive leagues and events.
- Racing progression that respects real-world schedules and championships.
- Community features, user-generated events, and ongoing post-launch support.
Industry Context: How This Standalone Title Fits into iRacing’s Licensing Ecosystem
The standalone INDYCAR game complements iRacing Studios’ broader lineup, which already includes officially licensed titles like NASCAR 25 and World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing. The initiative leverages iRacing Studios’ proven development processes, a dedicated Orontes engine, and a deep pool of motorsport data to deliver realism at scale. The strategic partnership with INDYCAR aligns with a broader push to bring premium sim racing content to more platforms, while preserving the depth and accuracy fans expect. The relationship also extends iRacing’s licensing footprint in the motorsport world, ensuring continued presence for PC and console gaming alike for years to come. In the grand scheme, this move is part of a trend where sim racers gain more mainstream access without sacrificing the precision that defines the genre. Fans and analysts alike will be watching how the title integrates with other major franchises and how it influences competition on the sofa and online.
- New console-centric INDYCAR experience expands accessibility while maintaining simulation fidelity.
- Cross-title synergy with NASCAR 25 and World of Outlaws strengthens iRacing Studios’ portfolio.
- Long-term licensing ensures ongoing INDYCAR content and updates on PC and consoles.
- Industry trend toward wider platform reach without diluting the core sim-driving feel.
- Involvement from real-world INDYCAR figures reinforces authenticity and fan trust.
Fan and Community Take: Why Sim Racing Enthusiasts Should Care
The announcement resonates beyond corporate strategy; it reaffirms the commitment to serious sim racing communities while inviting new players into open-wheel competition. For long-time INDYCAR fans, the prospect of a dedicated console title means closer, more frequent access to the series’ atmosphere, liveries, and racing rhythms. For PC sim racers, the consolidation of iRacing Studios’ licensing with INDYCAR offers a seamless bridge to console ecosystems without sacrificing the precision they’ve come to expect from the brand. The collaboration with real teams and drivers promises credible on-track behavior and ongoing development feedback, keeping communities engaged well after launch. As the landscape evolves, this release could influence conversations around game longevity, community leagues, and the ongoing dialogue between licensing bodies and game developers. The result should be a more vibrant, more inclusive sim racing scene that mirrors the energy of live INDYCAR competition.
- Stronger cross-platform engagement between PC and console communities.
- Expanded access could grow grassroots sim racing leagues and organized events.
- Authenticity from real teams and drivers enhances viewer and player immersion.
- Potential spillover benefits for related racing franchises and sim ecosystems.
- High anticipation around post-launch content and updates for continued relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the new INDYCAR game support cross‑play between PC and consoles? The developers have indicated cross‑platform multiplayer as a key goal, leveraging the Orontes engine to unify progression and competition across platforms, though final details will be shared closer to launch.
Which INDYCAR series will be represented in the game? The title will include licensed content from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone, with real drivers and teams featured in a multilevel career mode.
When can fans expect more gameplay footage or a beta test? Given the 2026 release timeline, additional previews, developer diaries, and potential beta opportunities are likely in the run-up to the late-2026 launch, with updates shared through official channels such as iRacing Studios and iRacing.
How does this title fit within the broader sim racing landscape? The standalone INDYCAR title complements existing licenses like Formula 1, Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport, and other sim franchises, expanding the range of authentic open-wheel and single-seater experiences available to players across PC and console platforms. For context on the broader ecosystem, explore official sources from Formula 1, Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport, Codemasters, Assetto Corsa, and Automobilista.
Where can I read more about the development and expectations? In-depth coverage and updates are available from industry outlets including the linked analysis at Only-Gaming and official statements on INDYCAR and iRacing.