Honda Racing Corporation Unveils Honda Racing eMS 2025, Expanding Its Global e-Motorsports Footprint
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), the motorsports subsidiary of Honda, has officially announced that it will host the third edition of its global e-motorsports competition, Honda Racing eMS 2025. Since its debut in 2023, the event has drawn significant interest from racing fans and gamers alike, surpassing 400,000 participants worldwide across its first two years. With the 2025 edition, HRC aims to further enhance the visibility of e-motorsports and provide fans with a fresh and interactive way to experience the thrill of competitive racing.
The qualifying phase of Honda Racing eMS 2025 will officially begin on August 29, 2025, and will continue until September 28. The event will culminate with the Grand Final, set to be held online across two days, December 6 and 7, 2025 (JST). In this final stage, champions will be crowned in three major regions: Europe / Middle East / Africa (EMEA), North America / Latin America (NALA), and Asia / Oceania (APAC).
A Global Stage for Virtual Motorsport
The Honda Racing eMS has quickly established itself as one of the most recognized manufacturer-backed e-motorsports competitions. Its appeal lies in offering participants and audiences alike the chance to experience racing culture in an accessible digital format. In 2024 alone, 200,000 e-sports competitors from over 70 countries took part, reaffirming the event’s position as a truly global phenomenon.
By combining Honda’s deep motorsport heritage with the accessibility of gaming platforms, the event bridges the gap between professional racing and virtual competition. This approach not only cultivates the next generation of motorsports enthusiasts but also helps Honda connect with a younger, tech-savvy audience.
Qualifiers on Gran Turismo 7
Honda Racing eMS 2025 will once again be hosted on Gran Turismo 7, the flagship racing simulator published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for both PlayStation®5 (PS5®) and PlayStation®4 (PS4®).
The qualifying stage, called the Online Qualifier, runs from August 29 through September 28, 2025. It will feature a time attack competition on GT7’s original “Lake Maggiore” circuit, using the Honda NSX CONCEPT-GT ’16. The car, already a fan favorite, will sport a special event-exclusive livery. Alongside Honda Racing’s branding, the livery will include logos from supporting partners such as Alps Alpine Co., Ltd., NTT TechnoCross Corporation (represented by its solutions “iDoperation” and “HM-neo”), and even Dominique Douce’s Shop, a popular bakery located near the legendary Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture, which maintains a unique cultural connection to Honda’s motorsport story.
This thoughtful blending of motorsport tradition, corporate partnerships, and grassroots cultural ties adds authenticity and flavor to the virtual event, making it more than just another e-sports tournament.
Grand Final – Regional Showdowns
The Grand Final of Honda Racing eMS 2025 will be staged online on December 6 and 7, separated into three major geographic regions. Each region will host the top 10 qualifiers, aged 18 and above, in a knockout tournament format. This ensures regional representation while also elevating the level of competition.
The champions from each region will not only earn bragging rights but also contribute to Honda’s broader vision of connecting communities across continents through the shared excitement of racing. By emphasizing regional engagement, HRC ensures that participants from different parts of the world feel equally included in the competition.
A Familiar Face Returns – Korone Inugami as Ambassador
Adding to the event’s appeal, popular Japanese VTuber Korone Inugami will once again serve as the official ambassador for Honda Racing eMS. With over 2.23 million subscribers on YouTube, Korone is widely recognized for her approachable personality and entertaining content.
Her involvement is designed to broaden the reach of the event beyond traditional motorsport and gaming audiences. As an influential virtual talent, Korone connects strongly with younger fans and digital-native communities, making her an ideal partner to promote the fun, excitement, and inclusivity of the Honda Racing eMS. Her return underscores Honda’s commitment to blending motorsport with evolving forms of digital entertainment.
Honda’s Broader E-Motorsports Vision
Honda Racing eMS is more than a competition—it represents Honda’s ongoing effort to innovate within motorsports while making the experience more inclusive and accessible. By leveraging platforms like Gran Turismo 7, Honda not only celebrates its racing DNA but also empowers everyday gamers to step into the shoes of a professional driver.
The growth of the event over the past two years demonstrates strong demand for immersive motorsport experiences in digital spaces. As participation numbers climb, Honda’s commitment to expanding its role in e-motorsports aligns seamlessly with the broader global trend of esports becoming a mainstream entertainment medium.
