The Pro Mazda iRacing rumors are currently swirling around the sim racing community as 2009 comes to a close. After the successful launch of the simulator last year, members have been vocal about wanting a dedicated path to the higher tiers of open-wheel racing. Leaked reports from industry insiders suggest that iRacing has successfully secured a licensing agreement with the Star Mazda Championship. If true, this car will fill a massive gap between the Skip Barber and the high-performance IndyCar and F1 machines.
Early Leaks of the Pro Mazda iRacing Project
While iRacing has not made a public statement, eagle-eyed users noticed several mentions of “Star Mazda” in recent software directory updates. This car is famous for its 240-horsepower Mazda Renesis rotary engine and its agile, lightweight chassis. The Pro Mazda iRacing rumors gained even more traction when members spotted professional drivers associated with the Star Mazda series testing at the iRacing headquarters. This type of real-world testing usually indicates that a car is in the final stages of its physics modeling.
The Star Mazda is a “spec” series, meaning every driver uses identical equipment. This focus on driver skill makes it a perfect fit for iRacing’s competitive structure. We expect the car to feature a six-speed sequential gearbox and a carbon-fiber tub. This would represent a major step up in technology compared to the tube-frame chassis of the lower-tier cars. Sim racers are particularly excited about the potential for high-RPM rotary sounds, which would be a first for the service.
Anticipated Role in the Open-Wheel Ladder
We anticipate the Pro Mazda iRacing model will settle into a Class C license series. This placement provides a natural progression for drivers who have mastered the Skip Barber Formula 2000. The Star Mazda offers a significant increase in downforce and speed without being as intimidating as a full-sized IndyCar. It serves as a vital classroom for learning how to adjust wing angles and suspension dampening. If these rumors hold up, the open-wheel ladder is about to become much more exciting.
Potential Release and Development Challenges
Capturing the unique characteristics of a rotary engine is a significant challenge for any development team. The Renesis engine has a very specific torque curve and sound profile. If the Pro Mazda iRacing project is truly in development, the sound engineers are likely working overtime. Most community members expect a reveal early in 2010, possibly coinciding with the Season 1 build. Stay tuned as we monitor the forums and official iRacing channels for the first signs of a teaser image or a press release.
