Anticipated racing games for 2009

DIRT 2 - Riding the success of 2007's DiRT, Codemasters recently announced development of this sequel.

The game will feature a roster of contemporary off-road events, taking players to the most diverse and challenging real-world environments. This World Tour will have players competing in aggressive multi-car and intense solo races at extraordinary new locations, from canyon racing and jungle trails to city stadium-based events. To be powered by the third generation of the EGO™ Engine’s award-winning racing game technology, DiRT 2 will benefit from tuned-up car-handling physics system and new damage engine effects. It will also showcase a spectacular new level of visual fidelity, with cars and tracks twice as detailed as those seen in GRID. More info here. DiRT2 looks currently to be released in Fall 2009.

Formula 1 - Another Codies project surrounds what promises to be a sim-style Formula 1 racer.

Development in-progress, and other than an official release indicating Codemasters has acquired the F1 license(s), not much more is known. Speculation is that work continues with the game, and some un-founded rumor exists the game could be pushed for a 2010 release. At the moment, nothing can be confirmed, but, clearly the game would be a welcomed addition for those wanting a more sim-based playing experience and felt a little short-changed with GRID. As more details surface, I'll post them up.

FUEL - Being touted as massive multi-terrain racing with the largest environment ever created, FUEL will present players with an astonishing no-boundaries playfield that's over 5,000 square miles (14,000+ km²) in size. Creating the ultimate competitive go-anywhere racing experience, FUEL will have players competing across wildly different terrain and executing spectacular death-defying stunts as they race dozens of varied two and four-wheeled rides and explore this epic world on an unprecedented scale.

Bringing this vast, open ended landscape to life is a dynamic weather system with full day and night transitions, brilliant sunshine, torrential rain and everything in between, plus destructive tornados, sandstorms, thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and blizzards requiring mid-race strategy changes. More info here.

More games are in the offing in 2009... At the moment, it seems I'm following the Codemasters' trail, but, I'm not strictly limited to that developer. As the year progresses and a racing game catches my eye, I'll post it up as well.

Got a racing game you're itchin' for in 2009 that I didn't mention? Post a comment and let me know.