The Nepal Automobiles Association (NASA Nepal) staged the 2026 Sim Racing National Championship at the International Sports Complex in Lalitpur, drawing more than 400 aspiring drivers into a digital arena that mirrors real-world circuits. Backed by the FIA Motorsport Funding Programme the event combined high-fidelity simulators, the iRacing platform and a series of regional qualifiers to crown the nation’s most promising virtual racers. For many participants, the championship represented their first exposure to FIA-accredited simulators and a rare chance to test reflexes, race-craft, and strategic planning without leaving the city.
Competition framework and FIA backing
The championship unfolded in two layers: four regional contests followed by a single national showdown. NASA Nepal invested in two state-of-the-art simulators that meet FIA accreditation standards, ensuring that lap times and vehicle dynamics mimic those of physical race cars. Each regional round offered both junior (under-18) and senior (18 and older) categories, giving riders a clear pathway from local exposure to national recognition. The sim racing environment, powered by iRacing, featured internationally recognised tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps and the Nürburgring, allowing participants to hone precision braking, throttle modulation, and overtaking tactics in a controlled, repeatable setting.
Championship results and standout performances
When the final race day arrived, the senior podium was topped by Jay Pratap Maskey who clinched first place with a blistering lap of roughly 1 minute 22 seconds on the Circuit de Lédenon. He was closely followed by Niman Shakya, who secured the silver medal. In the junior division, Kushal Bhandari emerged victorious, edging out Sparsha Byanju and Binit Maharjan, who took second and third respectively. The promotional challenge, a special event designed to test adaptability, was won by Bhushan Kumar Shresth a, rounding out a diverse set of achievers. All winners collected cash prizes, medals, and certificates, underscoring the championship’s commitment to rewarding both skill and effort.
Legacy and future of sim racing in Nepal
Beyond the trophies, the championship served as a catalyst for broader grassroots development. More than 400 participants left the series with hands-on experience in a professional-grade digital motorsport environment, sharpening attributes such as concentration, strategic decision-making, and teamwork. NASA Nepal’s president, Dasarath Risal, highlighted the event’s role in widening access to motorsport, noting that the initiative aligns with the FIA’s global goal of doubling participation levels. Looking ahead, the association plans to expand the simulator fleet, introduce gender-specific categories, and integrate e-sports scholarships, ensuring that the momentum generated in 2026 translates into a sustainable pipeline of Nepali racing talent.
