Papyrus Design Group's 1993 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1993 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- Papyrus Design Group
- Publisher
- Virgin Mastertronic Ltd.
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.01
The history
IndyCar Racing arrived in 1993 as the second foray into the genre for Papyrus Design Group, a team consisting of David Kaemmer and Omar Khudari. Coming four years after their debut with Indianapolis 500: The Simulation, this title aimed to expand the scope of their simulation expertise.
The game mattered because it brought an official license to the experience, providing authentic sponsors, logos, and real track designs. It established Papyrus as a serious contender in the open-wheel simulation space by prioritizing realistic car handling and technical racing depth.
How it plays
The core loop is a pure open-wheel simulation of the 1993 IndyCar Series. Players navigate eight real tracks, utilizing a comprehensive garage and setup routine to tune their chassis and engines. The experience is defined by realistic physics, requiring players to master grip-based racing techniques, ideal racing lines, and the delicate interaction between throttle and brake.
To add to the immersion, the game features breakaway parts during contact with other cars and multiple TV-type replays to review the action from different perspectives, supporting both first-person and third-person views.
How it was received
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
Papyrus Design Group continued to iterate on the formula with the 1996 release of IndyCar Racing II, which was later re-released by Sierra in 1997 as CART Racing with minor upgrades. For the modern enthusiast, the original 1993 title remains a fascinating artifact of early sim racing that captures the specific intensity of the 1993 series.
What it's worth
A second-hand market that moves over time — a loose disc is pocket-money, while sealed or complete-with-manual copies drive the top end. For today's exact listings, check the live search.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: GOG or the original disc under DOSBox. Either way the core game is intact.
Verdict
While the graphics are a relic of the MS-DOS era, the commitment to simulation is evident. The focus on technical setup and grip-based physics provides a level of depth that is often missing from more arcade-leaning racers.
It holds up as a historical curiosity for those who want to experience the roots of the genre and the early efforts of a studio that would define racing simulations for years to come.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.