IndyCar to Receive a Video Game Adaptation in 2023

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are few things in life better than racing in a fast car. While driving one in a video game isn’t quite the same, it’s still got its benefits. Video games are the one place where car lovers can drive recklessly, get into a major wreck, and then walk away as if nothing happened. Fans of IndyCar will be delighted to learn that the well-known racing series is finally getting its own video game, although we’ll have to wait a while to get it.

IndyCar has a huge fan base

The IndyCar during the Honda Indy 200 | Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

There are many racing series out there now. While NASCAR is probably the most well-known in the United States, there are also races like Formula 1 and IndyCar, based in Indianapolis. 

IndyCar tends to stand out from the crowd thanks to its rather large range of tracks, including superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits, and permanent road courses. The cars can be changed based on the circuit, and winners aren’t necessarily crowned by who crosses the finish line first but by who has the most points at the end of the series. At that time, they are declared the NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion.

Car racing games have a huge following

Racing fans were delighted when they were able to participate on the small-screen, thanks to video games. Over the years, Formula 1 has gotten its own dedicated series, according to Jalopnik, but IndyCar also had one game called IndyCar Series in 2004. 

Since then, we’ve had other car racing hits like Flag to Flag, CART FURY, Driven, and NASCAR Heat. Each brings a different take to the world of racing but takes a bit of a learning curve to get really good at it. However, video game lovers can’t get enough of the segment and are eager for more as graphics and controls get better and better.

One thing that fans have been craving and haven’t gotten in a long time is a new IndyCar game. With different tracks, points required to win, and the option of team play, IndyCar stands out from other racing events. Now, thanks to Motorsport Games, that’s about to become a reality.

What can we expect from the new IndyCar game?

With the new game coming out, expectations are high, especially since there hasn’t been a new IndyCar game in over 17 years. According to Motorsport, “The esports license was entered into with an intent by the parties to the license to form an exclusive relationship to develop official esports INDYCAR SERIES events. The debut title is expected to launch in 2023 on Xbox and PlayStation consoles as well as PC. The partnership additionally includes an esports agreement that could kickoff as early as this year. Details on competitions that will feature NTT INDYCAR SERIES athletes are expected to be announced at a later date.”

So what will the game be like? Unfortunately, no major details have been leaked yet, according to IGN. Since the game won’t be released until 2023, it will most likely be a year before any finite details are known. However, in the press release from Motorsports, Dmitry Kozko, CEO of Motorsport Games, promised to deliver “authentic experiences.” This probably means the tracks will be varied, dangerous, and thrilling to drive across.

Additionally, another racing title headed for gaming consoles is NASCAR 21, according to IGN, which Motorsport Games will also put out. While fans are excited to hear this, it likely means the end of the much-beloved NASCAR Heat series. 

RELATED: What Are the Differences Between IndyCar, Nascar, and Formula 1 Races?

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5 Reasons Why Towing Your Car With a Chain or Rope Is a Really Bad Idea

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If your car needs to be towed, it’s easiest to call a tow truck. However, what if you don’t really want to do that? What are your other options? At first, you might think about towing your car with a chain or a rope. Here’s why that’s a terrible idea for car safety reasons.

Towing with a rope or chain is illegal in some states

A Formula One race car being towed | Mike Cooper/Allsport via Getty Images

Since towing your car with a rope or chain can be dangerous for both you and others, some states have passed laws saying you can’t do it on freeways, explains AMR Auto Repair & Towing. However, towing with a rope or chain is still legal in some states, says AAA, including Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Mexico.

Check the laws in your state to see if there are requirements about the length and strength of the connection and whether a particular color cloth or a sign needs to be tied to it. Some states also require a safety chain or cable as a backup in addition to the main connection. There may also be requirements in your state about taillights or maximum towing limits. These likely aren’t regulations most people are familiar with when they decide to save time by towing their own car after a breakdown.

Ropes can break

Ropes generally aren’t strong enough to tow a vehicle. If you try to tow a car weighing thousands of pounds, the rope can fray and break. This means you’ll be disconnected from your car, leaving it behind as you drive away.

Chains can break too

Chains might be stronger than ropes, but they can break too. It’s still not safe to tow with a chain since they aren’t flexible enough to handle the multiple tensions and pulling directions needed in towing.

Ropes and chains can damage the vehicle

You’ll likely discover that there isn’t a good spot to attach a rope or chain to tow your car, especially if you have a newer model vehicle. For example, the vehicle’s front end is not designed to stand up to the force of being towed. Therefore, attaching to the wrong spot can cause damage to the vehicle.

You may find that your insurance company won’t cover any damage that you cause when trying to tow your own vehicle after a collision, says Stauffer’s Towing. Additionally, damage caused by towing can void the warranty of the car, says J.D. Power. A professional will have the proper equipment and knowledge to tow your car without causing damage.

Towing with a rope or chain is not safe

Trying to tow a car with a rope or chain can be dangerous for the person doing the towing and anyone else on the road. If the rope or chain breaks, the car could be left stranded in the road as a hazard to everyone.

It’s also important to drive very carefully if towing with a rope or chain. If the driver stops quickly, the car being towed, which doesn’t have active brakes, will likely hit the tow vehicle.

A better way to tow

It is possible to tow your own vehicle, but it’s best to use an appropriate tow strap or tow bar when doing so. Tow straps are made of nylon or polyester and have end loops designed to be attached to the vehicle. These tow straps are sold in hardware stores and auto parts stores. Different tow straps are appropriate for different vehicle weights. If you’re planning to tow your car, you can also rent a tow dolly or a car carrier.

It’s also important to be well informed about towing, including knowing how much the towing vehicle can handle and its tongue weight. The towing vehicle will need to have a tow hitch already installed. Also, note that it’s best to tow an electric car on a flatbed only. Not every electric car has a neutral mode (although some do), so towing one by dragging it can damage the drivetrain.

If you’re prepared, it is possible to safely tow your own gas-powered car, but avoid towing with a rope or a chain to stay away from a potentially dangerous situation. Furthermore, if you’re uncertain about towing, it’s safest to hire a professional towing company.

RELATED: Watch This Land Rover Discovery Tow A Train

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Ecto 1 Makes a Triumphant Return For ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ as a Barn Find

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ghostbusters is one of the all-time great cultural touchpoints that has risen to heights that outreach its quality. For whatever reason, the classic 80s comedy has buried itself into our collective consciousness. As with most iconic pop culture phenomena, Ghostbusters brought along with it the relics of the film as icons, too. The coolest among these artifacts has got to be the crowned Prince of movie cars, the 1959 Cadillac Futura Duplex with an ambulance/hearse conversion known as Ecto 1. Thankfully, the vintage Cadillac is making a comeback for the next installment of the iconic film series; Ghostbusters: Afterlife. 

A view at an ‘Ecto-1’ replica vehicle | Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

The Ecto 1 might be the best part of Ghostbusters

We were supposed to have already seen (and loved) the newest Ghostbusters film, Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Instead of good times with ghosts, we got COVID. Now we’re over a year out from the original release date, and all we got is a second official trailer. Well, something is better than nothing, I suppose. 

After seeing the second trailer for Afterlife, many like-minded car nerds will be plumb chuffed to see the triumphant return of our favorite vintage Cadillac, Ecto 1. As Car and Driver notes, the Ghostbusters’ ride is the 1959 Cadillac Futura Duplex with an ambulance/hearse conversion from the first Ghostbusters film. Ecto 1 was a run-down, busted, old Cadillac ambulance that the original crew turned into the ectomobile. 

This vintage Cadillac was how the Ghostbusters scooted around NYC with its signature whining siren. While the vintage Cadillac hearse stuck around for the subsequent films, it was strangely missing in the 2016 film starring Leslie Jones, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Kristen Wiig. 

Ecto 1 is the coolest barn find of all time

Barn finds are the most exciting thing within the vintage car world. Finding an abandoned Ferrari or some such would be pretty damn exciting. If you compare that to opening an old farm building to find the Ecto 1 as a barn find, the Ferrari might as well be day-old bread. 

The new Ghostbusters: Afterlife trailer shows the new batch of Ghostbusters finding the iconic car on, Egon Spengler’s Oklahoma farm. The lucky finder is found by none other than his grandson, played by Finn Wolfhard of Stranger Things fame.

Although we should probably expect a montage of the kids getting the vintage Cadillac running again, they clearly get the hearse going. The kids are shown ripping the Ghostbusting whip through their now ghost-infested town. 

The Ecto 1 has seen some changes over the years

ecto 1 parked in front of a theater
Ecto 1 replica in Paris Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

Ecto 1 has gotten a gunner seat since we’ve seen it last. This feature is prominently shown with the youngsters blasting proton streams all over town like its 80s NYC. In true 2021 fashion, the Ghostbusters’ old rig can now deploy a drone to get eyes on the spookies from afar. 

This newest installment of the pop-culture megalith is set to drop on November 11, 2021. If the film is half as fun as the trailer and has as much Ecto 1 as it seems to, then we should all be in for a good romp. 

Don’t forget; Never cross your streams. Unless… 

RELATED: What Happens to Movie Cars After the Wrap Party

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Same Price Luxury SUV Showdown: 2022 Land Rover Defender vs. Lincoln Aviator

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For SUV shoppers in the luxury segment, there are a lot of SUVs to choose from. There are many different sizes and price points. Among the SUVs in about the $50,000 starting price range, there are two luxury SUV models that are strikingly different, but that start around the same price. Let’s break down the 2022 Land Rover Defender against the 2022 Lincoln Aviator. 

Lincoln Aviator is on display | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Is the 2022 Land Rover Defender a good car? 

A silvery green Land Rover Defender 90 in a press photo
2022 Land Rover Defender 90 | Land Rover

Yes, this is a good SUV. However, it’s boxy rugged look can be polarizing. In addition, the 2022 Land Rover Defender base model is nice, but not loaded. In fact, the upper trims have much more to offer in the way of luxurious creature comforts and performance. The Defender 90 ($47,700) is a novelty two-door version, while the Defender 110 ($50,500) offers four doors for a more family-style approach to luxury off-roading.

When someone pays about $50,000 for a 2022 Land Rover Defender, they are getting a leather trimmed interior. The base level Defender comes powered by a turbocharged inline four. Other trims can be had with turbocharged and supercharged V6 options or the supercharged V8 engine which was introduced for the 2022 model year. 

However, to have the more powerful engine and safety upgrades such as a heads up display or adaptive cruise control buyers will need to spend more than the $50,000 base price. The 2022 Land Rover Defender is for a certain market of drivers that want the ability to drive off-road pretty seriously. It wins accolades for being “surprisingly refined on-road” from places like Car and Driver. Plus, the Land Rover Defender earned a five-star safety rating from EuroNCAP.

“This modern interpretation of the iconic Defender is as impressive and as cool as its forebear.”

Car and Driver

Is the 2022 Lincoln Aviator a more practical choice? 

For SUV buyers in this price range, there’s another luxury SUV option that is quite different from the rugged Defender. In fact, some might say its sleek design is a bit more practical. The 2022 Lincoln Aviator is a premium crossover with a starting price right around the $50,000 mark––just like the 2022 Land Rover Defender. However, the similarities between these two vastly different luxury SUV models stop there. 

Where the Defender base model offers four-wheel drive as standard equipment, buyers have to pay extra for an all-wheel drive Lincoln Aviator. That said, the Aviator’s purpose isn’t exactly to traverse into the unknown off the beaten path. The 2022 Lincoln Aviator is refined and the base trim offers plenty of standard safety equipment and an upscale trim. 

This luxury crossover by Ford’s elevated segment features a strong base engine as well. That said, it’s hard to find anyone who recommends its plug-in hybrid version. On the other hand, the Lincoln Aviator did earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick. 

“The Lincoln Aviator’s 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 is among the most powerful standard engines in the mid-size luxury SUV segment.”

Car and Driver

Choosing the right luxury SUV for you

The 2022 Land Rover Defender is a more rugged SUV with off-roading baked into the core of its design. However, the 2022 Lincoln Aviator is an upscale family hauler with a sleek and stylish exterior. They both easily fit into the luxury segment, with starting prices in the $50,000 ballpark. 

Each one has its own appeal that speaks to entirely different types of buyers. So it ultimately depends on the personal preference of each car shopper. Additionally, the primary purpose may also play a role in the final decision between these two luxury SUVs that are similar in terms of price yet remarkably different in virtually every other way.

RELATED: There’s Only 1 Reason You Shouldn’t Buy the 2022 Toyota Highlander

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