Video game development is rarely about one man, but if it was, then Terence Groening should certainly get a mention for his contributions to the genre as the man responsible for the physics of Sportscar GT, EA’s PC F1 and NASCAR games of the early 2000’s, rFactor, rFactor 2 and every title and rFpro simulator that spawned from ISI’s engine.
This interview with RSC details his early life and career, through to him joining iRacing in 2021.
RSC contains a database of 153 developers, 467 software titles, 374 cars, 42 bikes, 242 tracks and more...Originally working in military simulator design, this Michigan-based studio developed Zone Raiders for Virgin Interactive before moving to Electronic Arts for publishing their second PC title, Sports Car GT, when Westwood Studios (their SCGT development partner) was acquired by the software giant.
Known primarily for their mod-friendly SCGT and rFactor racing platforms, ISI also developed Formula One and NASCAR titles on PC for Electronic Arts, but perhaps their lasting contribution to the genre was the licensing of the isiMotor engine that allowed studios such as 2Pez, Blimey! Games, KW Studios, Motorsport Games, Reiza Studios, SIMBIN Studios, Slightly Mad Studios, The Sim Factory, Tiburon and rFactor 2‘s ongoing developer Studio 397 to begin with or release on an evolution of their software.
Another fork of the isiMotor engine, rFpro, continues to be developed and is used by a wide array of automotive companies for both road and motorsport simulation.
RSC Podcast Episode 7 – Management Simulations, F1 Managers, Always Used To Be Better?Join Jon Denton, Tim Wheatley, Simon Croft and guest(s) as they discuss sim racing and racing games past, present and future.
RSC contains a database of news items. Our #OnThisDay page shows current day and current week of years past...
RSC contains a database of videos back to the 1980s catalogued as intros, laps, trailers, unboxings and more...
RSC contains a database of emulated software you can play in your browser...
You can see the text of the announcement below.
RACE TO THE FINISH LINE WITH THE NEXT PAPYRUS RACING GAME
Sierra Entertainment, Inc. and Papyrus Racing Games Present NASCAR(r) Racing 2003 SeasonBELLEVUE, WA (November 14, 2002) – Sierra Entertainment, Inc., a studio of the Games division of Vivendi Universal Publishing, announced today the latest addition to their NASCAR(r) racing franchise. Developed by Massachusetts-based Papyrus Racing Games, NASCAR(r) Racing 2003 Season will feature new 3D graphics, an enhanced physics model developed with the input of official NASCAR(r) team engineers, and informative driving aids for both seasoned and novice drivers. In addition, the game will include 2003 NASCAR(r) Cup series teams, sponsors, and tracks.
“For over a decade, Sierra’s vision has been to create an authentic and immersive driving experience for the PC marketplace,” said Charles Holtzclaw, director of marketing at Sierra Entertainment, Inc., “By forming key technical partnerships with Goodyear(r) Tire and Rubber(r), the sole provider of racing tires for the NASCAR(r) Series, and Jasper(r) Motorsports, the No.77 NASCAR(r) Cup Team, we have enhanced our physics model and brought a higher level of accuracy to the NASCAR(r) Racing franchise. With brand new 3D graphics, drivers are now immersed in a race environment where dirt and oil accumulate on the windshield and pit crews come to life.”
NASCAR(r) Racing 2003 Season showcases new dynamic 3D graphics including a populated pit row, team war wagons, pit signs, aerial objects such as planes, helicopters, blimps, and more. In addition, the enhanced AI automatically adjusts to match the player’s driving ability, allowing both rookies and veterans the opportunity to trade paint with the pros. Inspired by the exhilarating world of actual NASCAR(r) Cup racing, drivers can also choose to compete against a full field of 42 NASCAR(r) drivers online via Internet or LAN in NASCAR(r) Racing 2003 Season.
NASCAR(r) Racing 2003 Season will ship in February 2003 with a suggested retail price of $49.99. The game is rated “E” for everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). More information about the game can be found at http://www.sierra.com
NR2003 is a simulation of the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup. It featured a selection of chassis and all tracks from the real-life schedule.
