The Evolution of Sim Racing Part 1: Milestone Titles That Defined the Genre

Sim racing is an ever-evolving world that has always kept pace with the potential of the computing systems that hosted it, often pushing them to their limits. One of the most influential figures in this journey is undoubtedly Geoff Crammond, a passionate racing enthusiast and game creator. This article will highlight some milestone titles that have significantly shaped the world of racing simulation.

Released in 1989 by Papyrus Design Group and published by Electronic Arts, Indianapolis 500: The Simulation is widely regarded as one of the first true racing simulators for PC. Here are its key highlights:

• Simulated realistic car physics, including aerodynamics and fuel consumption management.
• Allowed setup customization (suspension, spoilers, tires), a groundbreaking feature for its time.
• Implemented realistic crashes, with damage and mechanical failures affecting performance.

• The first game to faithfully simulate the Indy 500 circuit, including the full 200-lap race.

• Players could choose between 10, 30, or 200 laps, allowing for both quick races and full-length simulations.

• Utilized 3D vector graphics, providing a smoother experience compared to the pixelated visuals of other games of the era.
• Supported 286 and 386 PCs, with improved performance on more powerful hardware.

• Considered the precursor to the IndyCar Racing series and the later Grand Prix Legends.
• Had a profound influence on the racing simulation genre, introducing a more realistic approach to virtual motorsports.

Fun Fact: The game was developed by Dave Kaemmer, who later founded iRacing, one of the most advanced sim racing platforms today.

Developed by Geoff Crammond and released in 1996 by MicroProse, Grand Prix 2 is considered one of the finest Formula 1 simulators of its time. Here are its standout features:

• Based on the 1994 Formula 1 season, featuring teams, drivers, and circuits (though lacking an official FIA license).
• Sophisticated physics engine for its era, with detailed aerodynamics, fuel consumption, and tire wear management.
• Allowed car setup customization, letting players tweak suspension, wings, gear ratios, and more.

• First in the series to use SVGA polygonal graphics (640x480 resolution), a major leap from the original Grand Prix.
• Featured dynamic weather effects, with rain and wet surfaces impacting handling.

• Advanced AI-controlled opponents, making races more unpredictable and competitive.
• Realistic damage system, with spectacular crashes and mechanical failures leading to race retirements.

• Full championship mode, including practice, qualifying, and race sessions.
• Option for single races or full championship seasons, with mid-session save capabilities.
• Detailed replays, with multiple camera angles to analyze performance.

• Considered one of the best F1 simulators of the 1990s, cherished by sim racing enthusiasts.
• Still maintains an active community, with mods adding new seasons, updated graphics, and enhancements.

Fun Fact: Grand Prix 2 was sometimes used by real F1 teams for strategic analysis and car setup experimentation.

These titles laid the groundwork for modern racing simulations, pushing the boundaries of realism and immersion. Their legacy continues to influence contemporary sims like Assetto Corsa, rFactor, and iRacing, proving that the evolution of sim racing is an ongoing journey. We will explore further titles in the next articles.