PC Release Date: 3rd Quarter 2004
Developer/Publisher: SimBin Development Team/Unknown
Official Website: http://www.simbin.com
GTR Game Guide

Gameplay teaser:
As I carefully shifted gears of the Dodge Viper and left the pit lane of the magnificent Donington Park circuit, I was anxious to step on the throttle and throw the car down Hollywood through Craner Curves and into the Old Hairpin. It felt like I knew this game for a long, long time. Then I made a mistake coming out of McLeans and nearly spun the car. This was the moment when a Saleen stormed by me, and I was left on the side of the track, virtually at a stand still, gazing toward this beautiful piece of machinery that had passed. A Ferrari 550 came by, then other cars shunted past me as I was still shocked by that car. Unfortunately for me, the Saleen was not "drive-able" at the show. Due to some setup problems I shifted back to the press demo's Lister Storm and did a dozen or so laps at both the Donington and Spa circuits. The physics were awesome. The graphics were a joy to watch and the sensation of speed was so nailbiting that I asked only one question from the SimBin staff: "When will the REAL demo come out?"

This is yet another title that doesn't need much of an introduction. At this year's E3, GTR was the first title I went after and I played it like a child. Some of the tracks were playable - yes, Spa for example and some of the cars too, the Viper as well. SimBin had two machines to demo its upcoming sim: one equipped with a wheel and the other with a pad. During the 3 days of the show I played at least an hour on both of them and particularly enjoying the newly finished Donington Park circuit!

Jure set up my schedule in such fashion that my meeting with Jamal Laraqui - Chairman of the Board - was my last one. Jure only gave me 2 questions (starters) to ask then we suddenly found ourselves chatting about SimBin, the racing communities, publishers and future possibilities as if GTR was a released product. E3 2004 was a huge leap for a small company who teamed up with some motor racing enthusiasts to make a driving simulator. Their first public product (the GTR Mod) was an instant success and earned the company respect as well as a huge fan-base. This company of 30 dedicated and respected people (the company is lead from Sweden and development team is located in England) is living a fairy tale right now as publishers knock on their door and endeavor to distribute their product or the next inline. I'm sure that if they invest all the assets they've been developing in the last 3 years and continue their partnership with Image Space Incorporated, the sim-racing community will carry them out on a shield - just imagine an American LeMans Series or a European Touring Car Series based on their experience and current technology!
Jamal also spoke about continuing on with the GTR series, as the actual game will be based on the 2003 lineup, they may want to do another game based on the 2004 schedule with new cars, tracks and data. Working with the ISI engine permits GTR to remain extremely accessible to the community, whereas modding would remain relatively easy.

As GTR sports an official FIA license, a trailer will appear on racing weekends in which several prototypes of the game will be there for the fans to play. The whole was built using Logitech and Viewsonic resources and the purpose is to enable VIP members, race drivers and some attendees to try the game out. SimBin will also organize on-site competitions.

The game's release date is not yet set. It will mainly depend on the publisher, but one thing is sure, SimBin is set to announce its next project before the release. SimBin will make yet another product announcement shortly after GTR is available for retail distribution. Let's keep our fingers crossed for them, as Jamal said: "SimBin is a platform which reunites dedicated gamers who have put together their own assets to make further games. This company is not about the money and making profit, it is all about commitment and devotion to the job they're doing."

Photos:


Dauby going for the win!

SimBin Team and GTR stand.