Now You Can Race Grassroots Caterhams In The World’s Largest Racing Sim

Caterham’s cars have served as the starting point for many a real-world racer, but a new partnership with iRacing means that thousands of sim racers around the globe now have access to two of their most popular models — albeit in the virtual realm.

The new partnership, which becomes part of iRacing 2026 Season 4, brings a digital rendition of the Caterham Seven Academy car, which is powered by a Horse Technologies 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, with about 130 hp. If that sounds a little mild-mannered, then the more seasoned sim racer can opt to drive the Caterham Seven 420R. That’s a track-only concoction that features a motorsport-tuned 2.0-litre Ford lump with 180 horsepower and a six-speed sequential gearbox.

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While iRacing, and indeed many sims, are constantly adding to their roster of in-game vehicles, the partnership with Caterham is particularly relevant for the industry. In the UK, the Caterham Academy serves as one pathway for novice drivers to find their footing in motorsports competition.

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Historically, motorsport has never been a “cheap” sport. But there’s no denying that costs, even at the grassroots level, are creeping up. It’s even prompted some F1 drivers to call it out, with 7-time World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton telling reporters at the Monaco GP that he knew of an 8-year-old spending over $1 million per year on karting. Karting costs are also what prompted fellow F1 champion Max Verstappen to invest in his own Redline Sim outfit, as a bridge between the virtual and real worlds of racing.

And Caterham is similarly hoping that those who try out their cars on iRacing will be hankering after a taste of the real thing. “For us, the real opportunity is to turn that virtual experience into a desire to get behind the wheel of a real Caterham Seven and experience it for themselves,” said Ali McColl, Global Head of Marketing at Caterham Cars.

Of course, iRacing isn’t known as the cheapest of games out there, with memberships starting from $14.75 per month, and tracks and cars not included in the base package, costing additional dosh. But the switch to real-life Caterhams is going to cost any budding racer. The Academy Package costs around $60,000 (£44,995) for the UK series, although that does include the cost of the car, a race licence, entry to a full season of race weekends, and technical support.

Images: Caterham/iRacing

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