Autosport International is back with a brilliant new Esports zone packed with racing sims. Simulators have been an exciting part of the show for many years. Sims attract the racing drivers who use them as a race training tool, and the fans who love the thrill and interaction of gaming.
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A Quick History of Esports
The history of motorsport race sim gaming has transformed from simple arcade experiences to a sophisticated training tool for amateurs and professional drivers. In the early 1970s, racing games like Speed Race and Pole Position offered basic graphics and simple mechanics. But as gaming technology advanced, so did the realism of racing simulations. By the 1990s, games like Gran Turismo and Need for Speed introduced more realistic driving physics, drawing attention from motorsport fans and casual gamers alike.
Today, racing sims like iRacing, Assetto Corsa, and rFactor offer highly detailed graphics, precise physics, and lifelike car dynamics. These simulators are no longer just games—they are vital tools for training professional drivers. Many real-world racers use sim racing to practice techniques like cornering, braking, and car handling in a controlled environment.
The precision of sim racing allows drivers to improve their skills without the risks of real-world racing. Sim racing has also become a pathway to professional motorsports. Esports racing leagues, such as the FIA Motorsport Games and eNASCAR, have launched the careers of talented virtual drivers, with some making the leap into real-world racing. For aspiring drivers, sim racing provides a platform to showcase talent and hone racing techniques. It can also potentially secure professional contracts in motorsport. Today, sim racing is recognized as an essential tool for training and competition at the highest level.
A dedicated UK home for Esports
For many, the UK is seen as the home of motorsport, but there is a clear lack of opportunities to bring together Esports racers and fans in one place.
Simulators have been an exciting part of Autosport International for many years. They attract the racing drivers who use SIM’s as a training tool, and the fans who enjoy the thrill and interaction of gaming.
So we are now focusing on the growing Esports community, starting with a dedicated new Esports zone at ASI 2025. Our aim is to make the show the definitive UK Race Sim Expo.
What To Expect in Our Esports Zone
Look out for SimStaff simulators where you can try to beat the lap times from our driver guests.
Our new Esports zone will also feature simulators from Williams Racing, and a great range of their race merchandise. Plus make sure you take your seat to compete on the simulators from our show partners Motorsport UK, as well as the machines you’ll find on the Race Sim and Race@Home stands.
Introducing Overclockers UK
We are delighted to welcome Overclockers UK, who will be bringing a great selection of brands along with them to enhance your racing sim experience. Look out for a comprehensive selection of software and hardware, including a range of rigs from the smallest to big screen consoles.
Overclockers will also be using their expertise to explore ‘the anatomy of a rig.’ Each component will be assessed and explained, to optimise your user experience. So as well as being able to try and buy loads of Sim goodies, there’ll be a strong educational element to their stand.
Head to the Overclockers stand in our new Esports zone, where they are promising a range of show exclusive deals. They are also goody bags up for grabs for drivers who complete a full series of race sim challenges.
Find Out More About Our Motorsport Hall
Our new Esports zone is just part of a great range of attractions in the Motorsport Hall at Autosport International 2025.
It’s where we’ll be celebrating 75 Years of F1, with a fantastic display of historic cars on our massively popular F1 Grid. Make sure you see this for yourself! And look our for National Motorsport Grid, representing some of the most exciting national clubs and championships. These will include Motorsport UK, BARC, TCR, MSV and 750 Motor Club and many more. Fans will be able to get up close and experience 20 very special cars, as part of this brand new feature.
And makes sure you’re there to check out our Motorsport Live Stage. It’s going to be packed with special guests, media stars, and on Saturday our headline star, F1 Team Haas driver Oliver Bearman will be interviewed by David Croft, Sky Sports voice of Formula One. This is the perfect way to kick off the new year! Find out more about the Motorsport Hall in our ASI newsroom article here.
