The UK’s primary authority for motorsport, **Motorsport UK**, is providing chances for genuine racing experiences via its **Cross Car Esports Cup**.
Scheduled for February, this virtual racing contest serves as an avenue for hopeful racers to embark on a professional path in actual motorsport, simultaneously connecting the spheres of virtual and physical competition.
Individuals residing in the UK, aged 16 and above, who lack prior off-road racing experience, are eligible to compete. Participants will utilize the **iRacing** platform for an initial qualifying phase from January 31st to February 2nd, engaging in its Time Attack format.
While the initial registration for participation carries no fee, successful qualifiers are required to hold a paid **Motorsport UK Esports Membership**, which has an annual cost of £27.99.
The leading 27 competitors will be invited to participate in the primary competition, which will feature preliminary heats and a championship round structure mirroring authentic rallycross events. The ultimate winner will be granted the opportunity to drive an **FIA Cross Car** in both a trial session and an actual race within the **Cross Car Championship**, scheduled between March and November.
This Cross Car Esports Cup marks the inaugural sim racing competition endorsed by Motorsport UK that provides the unique reward of operating an actual race vehicle. Over recent years, the overseeing organization has broadened its involvement in the virtual racing domain, organizing events such as the **Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge GB** and the **Cosworth Britcar Esports 24 Hours of Silverstone**.
Virtual Motorsports In 2026
After its significant surge in 2020, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing delays for numerous physical sports competitions, virtual motorsport has sustained its expansion. Multiple key figures in motorsport now view digital racing as an effective medium for competitors to commence their journey toward becoming professional real-world racers.
During June 2025, **iRacing collaborated with the Skip Barber Racing School** to present the Skip Barber Formula iRacing Series. This series distributed more than $500,000 (approximately £372,939) in rewards, granting entrants training sessions at the racing school and a spot in the actual Skip Barber Race Series.
