Project Motor Racing is a racing sim with a remarkable backstory. Straight4 Studios, the team behind it, are no strangers to the sim racing world. Led by Ian Bell, they previously created the Project CARS series under Slightly Mad Studios, with much of the same team involved.
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After Codemasters acquired Slightly Mad Studios, EA later bought Codemasters and shut down most of the UK racing-game publisher. Slightly Mad Studios eventually closed its doors.
In many ways, the core of Project CARS lives on in Project Motor Racing. This is closer to Project CARS 1 and 2, not 3, which drifted into arcade territory that fans didn’t want. The original Project CARS was even used by real-world racers to learn tracks and log virtual hours before hitting the circuit.
Spiritual Follow-Up
Project Motor Racing is published by GIANTS Software, known for the Farming Simulator series. The game uses GIANTS Engine 10 for its graphics, the same tech behind Farming Simulator. However, Straight4 built their own Hadron physics engine to handle the simulation side.
The game aims to deliver a hardcore sim racer, focusing on the fine details of a race weekend and how small tweaks can transform a car. Players can adjust almost every aspect of their vehicle to shave fractions of a second off lap times, though each class brings unique handling challenges.
Full Grid
At launch, there are over 70 licensed cars across 13 classes, covering modern LMDh prototypes, classic Group C and GT1 cars, and a range of GT machines.
Accessibility is limited. Tutorials are sparse, covering only the basics. There’s little guidance on setup, track conditions, or how changes affect performance.
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Career mode becomes a proving ground, encouraging trial and error. This suits some players but can be overwhelming. Beyond a string of race weekends, there’s no story or focus beyond winning.
I do like the three financial tiers, which reflect real racing. Money is tight at entry level, and mistakes can cost a season. Other modes are limited to time trials, endurance challenges, and online play. Unless you’ve mastered the core driving, online racing can be punishing.
Wheel Goals
Driving itself feels solid and rewarding, but the AI and penalty system undermine the experience. Penalties are harsh, sometimes triggered by simply touching a kerb.
The AI often behaves as if you’re invisible, cutting across lines and braking without awareness. These issues hurt the fun, though Straight4 Studios say improvements are coming.
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The game feels rushed, with a “fix it later” approach. For such a niche community, that may already have caused damage. Pro racers or amateurs looking to stay sharp might find value, but casual fans could struggle.
Given its heritage, I believe Project Motor Racing will improve. A pro racer who consulted on the first Project CARS told me the team truly love building realistic sims. It just needs more time in the pits to run properly.
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