Project CARS: Start your engines… at Indy!

Last updated on January 16th, 2021 at 05:08 pm

The Brickyard…

Right on cue for the actual 200-lap event held last Sunday, Slightly Mad Studios announced the BIG news that IndyCar is coming to its simulator – with no less than the Indianapolis ‘Indy 500’ itself!

Assuredly one of the motor sport world’s best-known events, the legendary 2.5-mile ‘Brickyard’ Indianapolis Motor Speedway will feature in at least its oval form in Project CARS.  The location will be available not only as part of the multi-player and ‘Quick Race’ events but will also garner a spot in the Career mode. We would expect at least one in-field configuration first known to Formula One and MotoGP fans to be included too. A modified new-for-2014  form was used a couple of weeks ago by IndyCar in an incident-filled and eventually close race, the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis, making an appearance likely. Combining the Speedway with an inner road course, it would add welcome variety in CARS to the venues that host the American series. Whatever the Indiana-based track picks, it’s worth adding that racing fans will ultimately also have a good reference point for comparison with other sims that feature Indianapolis such as iRacing and rFactor 2.

700 Horses…

So it’s the Indy 500. You’re going to need something to traverse the course with. How about taking your pick from the series’ car and driver combos of the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series? Yes, 2015! Indy will come in the guise of Dallara’s DW12 chassis, pushed forward by a 2.2-litre turbo-charged V6. Any follower of the series will know that the cars are physically tailored for road (track), street and oval circuits, so we’re keen to see the same sort of visual – and set-up – customisation appear within CARS. Indeed, it’s already been asked for!

All Aspects!

Continuing that last thought, Slightly Mad’s announcement does point to good things ahead…

“As Project CARS strives to provide the most authentic racing experience possible, all aspects of modern American open wheel racing will be accurately featured within the game, including asymmetrical setups, the IndyCar Series’ push to pass feature as well as proper oval racing rules.”

Firestone tyres, Chevrolet, Honda and the Big Green Button, limited-time, 10-use extra 30HP…?

An Indy Reception…

The news has been received on both game forums and Project CARS’ own to a level even beyond what I’d normally expect for anything related to Indy – and it has already been teased behind the scenes that there’s more to come of this Slightly Mad-Indy partnership!

The Ultimate Driver Journey?

With the product releases beginning this November, the increasingly attractive Project CARS will eventually arrive on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, WiiU and the PC through both Windows and Steam OS. As we’re now in the build-up period to the Project CARS roll-out, there will be plenty of regular news between now and its Autumn arrival  – so stay appraised with ORD!