Newman/Haas Racing brings the excitement of American open-wheel racing to the PC. Developed by Studio 33 in collaboration with the Newman/Haas team and published by Psygnosis in 1998, it offers an experience focused on CART competition: no weapons or fantastical shortcuts—just fast laps, overtaking, strategy, and intense focus behind the wheel. Its design aims to immerse the player in a professional racing season, featuring drivers and circuits inspired by the real-world sport.
Driving requires a blend of speed and precision. Players must study each track, brake at the right moment, and take corners cleanly to maintain momentum; maintaining a consistent racing line is paramount on ovals, whereas street circuits and permanent road courses demand greater attention to pace changes. The game allows for the adjustment of numerous car settings, including the transmission, gear ratios, wings, tire pressure and compound, and suspension. While those who prefer to jump straight...
Newman/Haas Racing brings the excitement of American open-wheel racing to the PC. Developed by Studio 33 in collaboration with the Newman/Haas team and published by Psygnosis in 1998, it offers an experience focused on CART competition: no weapons or fantastical shortcuts—just fast laps, overtaking, strategy, and intense focus behind the wheel. Its design aims to immerse the player in a professional racing season, featuring drivers and circuits inspired by the real-world sport.
Driving requires a blend of speed and precision. Players must study each track, brake at the right moment, and take corners cleanly to maintain momentum; maintaining a consistent racing line is paramount on ovals, whereas street circuits and permanent road courses demand greater attention to pace changes. The game allows for the adjustment of numerous car settings, including the transmission, gear ratios, wings, tire pressure and compound, and suspension. While those who prefer to jump straight into the action can skip some of these tweaks, experimenting with them is a key part of the game's simulation aspect.
The game features single races, multi-event challenges, and full championships, along with various difficulty levels. The Windows version also supports local area network (LAN) multiplayer, allowing up to eight participants to compete against one another. Pit crews appear on the track during pit stops, and collisions can leave debris scattered across the asphalt. The cockpit view offers a more immersive perspective, while commentary from Danny Sullivan and Bob Varsha adds an authentic sports-broadcast feel to the action.
The content spans ovals, street circuits, and permanent road courses, featuring venues such as Laguna Seca, Road America, and Milwaukee, alongside other tracks associated with the CART season of that era. The lineup features real drivers and a variety of events that give each race a unique character. Although the measured pace and session lengths may prove demanding for those seeking instant arcade-style action, Newman/Haas Racing rewards patience and familiarity with the tracks. It is a racing title designed for fans of open-wheel racing and vehicle tuning, offering a specific focus on American motorsport from the late 1990s.