I was browsing the rFactor 2 forums earlier today, when I saw a thread asking if Indy Lights were planned for ISI’s sim. At first I was not going to check it out, but then I noticed that a staff member had replied in the thread. I took a look in the thread, and it actually gives some great news for open-wheel fans! Image Space Incorporated is looking to release content to fully simulate the “Mazda Road to Indy”

For those of you who don’t know, the Mazda Road to Indy is comprised of five different series with the ultimate goal of making it to the IndyCar series:

Rotax Max Challenge U.S. F2000 National Championship Pro Mazda Championship Firestone Indy Lights Verizon IndyCar Series

As of right now, it can be considered the top and bottom of the ladder is simulated (if you consider the “Kart F1” similar to the Rotax Max). Now, we have the middle to fill out. Let’s take a look at each series, and how far ISI is into it.

U.S. F2000 National Championship

Tim Wheatley has said that ISI is looking to get a licensing deal with the U.S. F2000 National Championship, but worst case scenario, the car WILL still make it into the sim. An unnamed team is working (indirectly) with ISI, and if the series license isn’t obtained, then a license deal can be struck with the team. This would be similar to the deal with Marussia to bring a Formula One car into the sim.

Pro Mazda Championship

As of right now, this is the only new license that is official. The car is listed as “what should be coming”. I’m not sure if the car is currently in development, or if it’s on the back burner. Either way, this should be interesting to see. In my recollection, this is the second sim to feature this series. iRacing features the series, albeit in an older form.

Indy Lights

This is the only series that is planned, but not licensed or in development. ISI is looking to get a license with this series soon, and get the new IL15 car to rFactor 2. However, the IL14 car is also coming to rFactor 2, in the form of third party content.

It’s quickly looking like rFactor 2 is going to be one of the most fleshed out sims when it comes to open-wheel racing! The Road to Indy will be a welcome addition and exciting to see progress in development. Which Road to Indy series are you looking forward to racing in? Let us know in the comments!