Motorsport UK, the governing physique of motorsport within the UK, is providing real-world racing alternatives by means of the Cross Automotive Esports Cup.
Happening in February, the sim racing competitors gives a pathway for aspiring drivers to pursue a profession in real-world motorsport, whereas additionally bridging the hole between actual and digital competitors.
Eligible to UK residents aged 16 and over with no off-road racing expertise, drivers will use the iRacing platform to take part in a pre-qualifier occasion happening from January thirty first to February 2nd utilizing its Time Assault mode.
Preliminary entry to compete is freed from cost, however those that qualify should have a paid Motorsport UK Esports Membership, costing £27.99 per 12 months.
The highest 27 drivers will obtain an invite to compete in the principle occasion that includes heats and a finals format just like real-world rallycross racing. The eventual champion earns an opportunity to get behind the wheel of an FIA Cross Automotive in a testing session and a race of the Cross Automotive Championship working from March to November.
The Cross Automotive Esports Cup is the primary Motorsport UK-sanctioned sim racing occasion to supply the possibility to drive a race automotive as a prize. In recent times, the governing physique has expanded its presence throughout the sim racing sector, internet hosting the Porsche Esports Dash Problem GB and the Cosworth Britcar Esports 24 Hours of Silverstone.
Sim Racing In 2026
Following its preliminary growth interval in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic suspending a number of real-world sporting occasions, sim racing has continued to develop. A number of motorsport stakeholders are utilizing digital racing as a viable platform for drivers to embark on their careers as real-world racing drivers.
In June 2025, iRacing partnered with the Skip Barber Racing Faculty for the Skip Barber Formulation iRacing Collection. Awarding over $500,000 (~£372,939) in prizes, the collection awarded members with classes in racing college and a seat within the real-world version of the Skip Barber Race Collection.
