Motorsport UK has launched the Cross Car Esports Cup, with the winner getting a real-world motorsport opportunity and this week’s Sim Racing Roundup has all the details. I also have advice on setting up a racing sim from Max Verstappen and much more!
Overview
From Sim Racing to the Real Thing
Motorsport UK launches Cross Car Esports Cup offering a real world racing opportunity
The 2026 Motorsport UK Cross Car Esports Cup is officially launched today — a brand new championship beginning in February 2026, offering sim racers a clear and direct pathway into real world motorsport.
Hosted on the iRacing platform and using the official FIA Cross Car, the championship has been created to identify and develop future talent by bridging the gap between virtual competition and real world racing.
In a landmark prize for UK sim racers, the overall winner will receive a real world test day and race entry into the Motorsport UK Cross Car Championship, provided by LifeLive, with tyres generously donated by the Waltham Services Group. The experience will take place at an iconic British Rallycross venue, delivering an authentic first step into national level competition.
Full details can be found here.
British GT Champion Reveals the Brutal Truth About Sim Racing vs Real Racing!
The SimRacing Expo Podcast recently spoke to former British GT Champion James Baldwin. James, the British racing driver and professional sim racer who represents one of the most compelling career transitions in motorsport history.”James shares his incredible journey, from karting and Formula Ford to sim racing esports and content creation, racing British GT with Jenson Button, Spa 24h, and his newest endeavors!“
How Sim Racing Gives Max Verstappen an Edge
You have read about Max Verstappen’s sim racing exploits in this column for years and the F1 driver does not seem to be slowing down his sim racing. Here are three articles that go into a bit more depth.
- Max Verstappen’s F1 rivals told how the Red Bull star uses sim-racing to ‘improve performance’ (F1 Oversteer)
- How sim racing is giving Max Verstappen an edge over his F1 rivals (Yahoo Sports)
- Max Verstappen Talks Us Through Setting Up a Racing Sim (Car and Driver)
Audi’s Hinwil Facilities Need Expansion to Fit New F1 Simulator
Audi explains how Audi has ordered a new F1 simulator, but currently has no space for it at Sauber’s long-term Hinwil headquarters. “In Hinwil, on the opposite, I think still we are lacking space for what we need. We have ordered a brand new simulator, but we need a building for it because the simulator is big. So we need to build that.”
Competitive Sim Racing News
James Baldwin Signs For Team Redline and More
- FIA Motorsport Games champion James Baldwin signs for Team Redline (Esports Insider)
- This Week in iRacing | January 20th to January 26th, 2026 (iRacing)
- Sim Formula Europe 2026: Sven Geelhoed surprises field to win (Traxion)
Sim Racing Tips & Techniques
Part 3 of the Home Driver Lab and How Much to Spend on a Sim Rig?
- Driving Under Real Pressure Without Blowing It: Part 3 of the Home Driver Lab (On Racing Drivers by Terence Dove)
- How Much Do You Really Need to Spend on a Sim Racing Setup? (Operation Sports)
Sim Racing Tech Roundup
Fanatec Unveils Podium Series and More
- Fanatec officially unveils its new Podium Series at Sim Formula Europe 2026 (Box This Lap)
- DLSS 4.5 and Sim Racing: More FPS, Better Clarity on RTX (Box This Lap)
- Why 2026 Will Be Brutal for Sim Racing Hardware (Box This Lap)
General Sim Racing News
Top Trends in Sim Racing in 2026 and More!
- Project Motor Racing — Update 1.5.0.5 (Project Motor Racing)
- Forza Horizon 6 Release Date Might Have Just Been Leaked… by Forza Horizon 5 (GT Planet)
- Dhanesh’s esports studio brings F1 dreams to the Klang Valley (Free Malaysia Today)
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects and the host of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
