Motorsport UK is officially raising the stakes for sim racers in 2026. The governing body has launched the 2026 Motorsport UK Cross Car Esports Cup, a brand new championship that does more than offer trophies or bragging rights. This time, the overall winner earns a genuine shot at real world motorsport.
Hosted on iRacing and built around the FIA Cross Car, the new competition creates a clear pathway from virtual racing to an actual race weekend. For aspiring drivers, it is one of the most direct routes yet from a simulator to the circuit.
A Real World Prize That Changes Everything
What sets the Cross Car Esports Cup apart is the prize at the very top. The overall champion will receive a real world test day and a race entry in the Motorsport UK Cross Car Championship, delivered by LifeLive, with tyres supplied by Waltham Services Group.
The experience will take place at an iconic British rallycross venue, giving the winner a true introduction to national level competition rather than a one off demo run. Motorsport UK will also fund the race licence, entry fees, club membership, insurance, and required safety equipment, removing one of the biggest barriers to entry for new drivers.
Built On iRacing And The FIA Cross Car
The championship runs exclusively on iRacing, using the official FIA Cross Car. The car is free to use for all iRacing members and is designed as an entry level off-road racer, featuring a single seat, rear engine, and rear wheel drive layout.
In the real world, Cross Cars are used to encourage affordable entry into motorsport, and that same philosophy carries over into this esports series. The virtual format mirrors rallycross racing, with short heats, aggressive starts, and no room for mistakes.
How Pre Qualifying Works
The road to the main championship begins with an open pre qualifier held in the Time Attack section of iRacing.
Pre qualifying runs from 31 January to 2 February 2026 and is open to all iRacing members at no cost. Drivers must meet the following requirements to be eligible.
They must be aged 16 or over, hold a valid UK passport, and must not have competed previously in real world Cross Car, Rallycross, or Autocross events.
At the end of the Time Attack window, the top 27 fastest drivers will receive an invitation to compete in the main championship.
Entry Costs And Membership Details
Initial entry to the pre qualifier is completely free. Drivers who qualify for the main championship must hold a paid Motorsport UK Esports Membership, priced at £27.99 for a 12 month subscription.
For drivers without an existing iRacing account, Motorsport UK is also offering a free 12 month iRacing subscription through its Esports community, opening the door for newcomers who might not otherwise have access to the platform.
Championship Format And Broadcast Coverage
Once the main event begins, the competition follows a rallycross style structure designed to replicate real world racing pressure.
Each round features a 30 minute open practice session, followed by three eight lap heats of nine drivers. The top four from each heat progress directly to the final, while the remaining drivers enter a Last Chance Qualifier. The top three from the LCQ join the final grid for a 15 lap main race.
All races will be broadcast live by RaceSpot TV, with drivers managed through a private Discord server. Full vetting is required for all competitors, and drivers under 18 must provide parental consent.
2026 Cross Car Esports Cup Calendar
The full calendar runs from February through March and features a mix of real world and international circuits.
Round one takes place on 11 February at Brands Hatch, followed by Winton on 18 February, Barcelona on 25 February, Hell on 4 March, Daytona on 18 March, and the final round at Knockhill on 25 March.
Where The Real World Racing Leads
The Motorsport UK Cross Car Championship runs from March through November and appears on the same race weekends as the British Rallycross Championship and the BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship.
Events are held across 13 rounds at venues including Knockhill, Lydden Hill, and Mondello Park, giving the esports winner meaningful exposure to real competition environments.
Motorsport UK Doubles Down On Sim Racing
This is the first Motorsport UK sanctioned sim racing championship to award a real race seat as its main prize. In recent years, the organisation has expanded its esports footprint through events like the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge GB and the Cosworth Britcar Esports 24 Hours of Silverstone.
With sim racing continuing to grow well beyond its pandemic boom, Motorsport UK is clearly positioning esports as a credible starting point for the next generation of British motorsport talent.
For sim racers dreaming of real world competition, the message is simple. Your journey from virtual racing to real racing starts here.