IndyCar is set to return to the world of standalone racing video games with a new title expected in 2026, developed by iRacing Studios and featuring input from driver Scott McLaughlin. This collaboration comes after a two-decade absence since the last IndyCar game was released, marking a significant moment for fans eager to experience the sport in a new digital format.
Since 2004, IndyCar has lacked a dedicated racing game, relying instead on broader racing simulations and esports events. Over the past year, iRacing‘s growing involvement in the IndyCar series—including its use in pre-race broadcasts—signaled an increasing partnership between the two. This built the foundation for an official game that would offer an immersive and authentic virtual racing experience to fans.
The upcoming title, scheduled for release in the latter half of 2026, will be developed by iRacing Studios, a respected company in racing simulation technology. The inclusion of Scott McLaughlin, a Team Penske driver renowned for his seven wins since joining IndyCar in 2020, aims to enhance the game‘s realism and appeal. McLaughlin, originally from New Zealand, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the opportunity to deepen fans’ connection to the sport through technology.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the development process for iRacing Studios’ new INDYCAR title. It’s an honor to work with a team that has developed such amazing products to help deliver INDYCAR’s first dedicated title in quite some time. It’s already an exciting time to be an INDYCAR fan for so many reasons, and this game will take the fans’ at-home driving experience to the next level!”
— Scott McLaughlin, IndyCar Driver
From Partnership Challenges to New Collaboration with iRacing Studios
Initially, IndyCar had approached Motorsports Games (MSG) to develop the new racing game. However, the partnership ended due to the developer’s inability to meet agreed deadlines and obligations. According to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing from MSG in November 2023, IndyCar decided to terminate the licensing agreements owing to MSG‘s failure to deliver products within the United States and to organize a required number of IndyCar esports events.
“(IndyCar) stated that its decision to terminate the IndyCar license agreements was due to (MSG’s) alleged failure to satisfy certain of its obligations under (those agreements), including making IndyCar racing series video gaming products available in the United States and facilitating a minimum number of IndyCar racing series esports events”
— Motorsports Games SEC Filing
Following this setback, IndyCar quickly shifted focus toward working with iRacing Studios, known for its high-precision racing simulations and active esports community. Scott McLaughlin’s involvement adds a driver’s expertise to the development process, ensuring that the physics, handling, and overall player experience capture the nuances of real-world IndyCar racing.
The Future Impact of the New IndyCar iRacing Game
The arrival of this new game signifies a major advancement for IndyCar’s engagement with digital audiences. For fans, it promises an authentic and thrilling platform to explore the sport beyond live events, potentially expanding the fanbase and boosting the popularity of IndyCar through interactive gameplay. The involvement of a prominent driver like Scott McLaughlin adds credibility and excitement, suggesting that the game will mirror the intensity and precision of actual races.
As the release window approaches in 2026, expectations are high for this project to redefine the home racing experience, delivering both realism and enjoyment. The collaboration between IndyCar, iRacing Studios, and McLaughlin marks a hopeful chapter in motorsport gaming, restoring a beloved series that has been absent for over twenty years.
