RACER

Xbox Game Pass is drawing attention this week as Microsoft's subscription service coincides with a busy release schedule, including Gears of War: E-Day, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, Star Wars: Galactic Racer and Minecraft Dungeons II. Gamers in the UK and US are discussing what is joining the service and which of the week's new releases are worth playing.

Formula 1 fans are discussing the calendar following news of the series' return to Sepang in Malaysia. RACER reports a rough start for F1's comeback at the circuit, a venue that last hosted a grand prix in 2017 before being dropped from the schedule. Attention is on how the race will fit into the wider season calendar.

Highlights from the Men's Elite Downhill mountain bike race at the Lake Placid venue are drawing wide attention as riders test the slopes designated for the 2026 Olympic events. The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series round, covered by TNT Sports Cycling, shows the world's top downhill racers competing on the American course. Fans are watching closely to see how the track will shape up for Olympic competition.

Reviews for Star Wars: Galactic Racer are out, with critics and players sharing early verdicts on the new racing game set in the Star Wars universe. The release has sparked discussion online about how it compares to previous Star Wars racing titles and whether it lives up to expectations for the franchise.

Street-outlaw style drag racing coverage of the War in the Woods 15 event is drawing large audiences, with a focus on what is described as the toughest drag strip on the circuit. Racers battle a notoriously difficult surface and tight conditions, and fans are sharing clips and reactions to the hardest crashes and closest runs from the weekend.

Arvid Lindblad is drawing attention in Formula 1 circles after the FIA confirmed what was described as the worst-kept secret involving Isack Hadjar at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The young British racer, one of the most promising names on the ladder to Formula 1, is being discussed alongside the news, with fans weighing what it means for his path to a race seat.

Italy's top ski racers are training on a slope while a nearby volcano is active, with fire visible in the background, according to a report by German news channel n-tv. The footage shows the athletes continuing their training sessions despite the dramatic volcanic activity close to the piste. The unusual combination of elite winter sport preparation and an erupting volcano is drawing attention.

A professional gamer is set to race against a NASCAR driver who competes in a Ford, in a virtual showdown blending esports and real-world motorsport. Such crossover events have grown popular as sim racing brings professional drivers and gaming champions together on the same digital track, drawing attention from both racing and gaming audiences.

PC gaming news this week centers on Star Wars: Galactic Racer and Hellraiser: Revival, alongside a throwback tycoon game about turning utopia into profit. Coverage rounds up promising new releases and announcements, with the Hellraiser adaptation and a nostalgic management title drawing particular attention from players.

Peacock has given a series order to the first live-action Fast & Furious television show, targeted for release in 2028. The project extends the long-running Universal action franchise, previously known for its blockbuster films and the animated spin-off Spy Racers, into live-action television. Details on cast, plot and showrunner have not yet been announced.

A new Air Jordan 1 Mid in a Racer Blue and Safety Orange colourway, style code IX8481-406, is set to release very soon according to sneaker release trackers. The colourful mid-top is drawing attention from sneaker fans ahead of its drop, with release details and links shared for those planning to buy.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have repeatedly turned to Murray State in the NBA draft, selecting every player the program has sent to the league. The story recounts each of those picks and how the racers' alumni have fared in Oklahoma City, underscoring an unusual draft connection between a small Kentucky school and an NBA franchise.

Murray State University athletics announced the Racers are traveling north to take on the fifth-ranked Fighting Hawks of North Dakota in an upcoming matchup. The game pits the underdog Racers against one of the highest-ranked teams in the country, making it a notable test for the Murray State program on the road.

A Spanish-language gaming outlet has published a roundup of the video game launches arriving next week across PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo platforms. Titles highlighted include Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, Gears of War: E-Day, Neon Abyss 2, Hell is Us and the Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III. Gamers are sharing the list to plan purchases and follow release dates.

Reports suggest the next Uncharted game will bring back series protagonist Nathan Drake. The same gaming news roundup covers reviews of Star Wars Galactic Racer and notes that the System Shock 2 25th Anniversary Remaster is currently available for free. Fans of the Uncharted franchise are reacting to the prospect of Nathan Drake's return after the story concluded in Uncharted 4.

Eurogamer's Nitro episode 1x06 covers Gears of War: E-Day, Star Wars: Galactic Racer and a Ghost of Yotei: Complete Edition, alongside EA Sports FC 27. The roundup gathers recent announcements and updates on several major franchises in one place.

Reviews are circulating for Star Wars: Galactic Racer, a racing game now available on PlayStation 5. CGMagazine has published its verdict on the title, adding to early coverage of the game's launch. As with any new Star Wars release, fans and critics are weighing in on how the game handles the franchise's racing formula and whether it lives up to the license.