Project CARS 2 server hosting: a red Ferrari hypercar with a helmeted driver at the wheel races along a sunlit track

A home grid for your league

Project CARS 2 Server Hosting

Project CARS 2 server hosting for clubs and leagues that still race Slightly Mad's sim every week. Your lobby is waiting at the same address when the drivers arrive, with the session lengths, weather and rules you agreed, and nobody has to leave a PC running as host.

Excellent on Trustpilot Hosting since 2004 9 locations 24/7 support in 9 languages

Choose your grid

Project CARS 2 Server Hosting Plans and Prices

Pick the grid size your league fills on a normal race night. The first two plans include the free 5GB memory tier, and the larger grids come with 8GB so a full field and long sessions have headroom. Paying for 3, 6 or 12 months lowers the monthly cost.

  1. 16player slots
    5GB RAM

    A small club or a one-make seriesLowest price

    • Our lowest Project CARS 2 price
    • Room for a full GT3 sprint field
    • 5GB RAM included
    £4.00/moMonthly, no contract
  2. 20player slots
    5GB RAM

    A weekly league with a few reservesMost popular

    • Space for regulars plus guests
    • Good for multiclass practice
    • 5GB RAM included
    £5.00/moMonthly, no contract
  3. 24player slots
    8GB RAM

    Busy public lobbies and championships

    • Online Championship rounds
    • Mixed classes on bigger circuits
    • 8GB RAM included
    £8.99/moMonthly, no contract
  4. 32player slots
    8GB RAM

    Endurance events and big grids

    • Our largest plan on this page
    • For special events and open nights
    • 8GB RAM included
    £10.99/moMonthly, no contract

Every plan: NVMe 7500MB/s · 5.0GHz · Up to 100GB. No setup fee. Upgrades and details

In short

Gaming Deluxe hosts Project CARS 2 dedicated servers from £4.00/mo, with 16 to 32 driver slots and 5GB to 8GB of RAM depending on the plan. Each server runs the PC dedicated server on 5.0GHz CPUs with NVMe storage in 9 locations in the UK, France, Germany, the US and Australia, and is set up automatically after payment.

Key facts checked against our order form, updated .

  • 16 to 32 driver slotsClub nights up to a packed endurance grid
  • 5GB to 8GB RAMGrows gently with the slot count
  • 9 locationsOne price wherever you race
  • Password lobbiesKeep league night for league drivers
  • Server-run race setupTrack, cars and sessions set on the server
  • Always onlineNo host PC, no lobby migration
  • DDoS protectionFiltering at every site
  • 24/7 support in 9 languagesHosting game servers since 2004

Race control

Your Project CARS 2 Server Hosting Control Panel

The PC2 dedicated server has no window to click through, so everything happens in config files and logs. Our web panel puts those files, the console and the restart button in one browser tab, ready from a phone in the paddock as well as from your sim rig.

Gaming Deluxe game server control panel with the server menu, connection details and Stop and Restart buttons

The Gaming Deluxe control panel, shown with a Windrose server. Project CARS 2 servers use the same panel and menu.

File Manager and SFTP

Open the server config in the browser, change the lobby name or password, and save. SFTP is there for bigger edits from your own editor.

Web Console and Log Viewer

See drivers join and leave, and read the log when a session refuses to start, without asking anyone to send a screenshot.

Start, stop and restart

Apply a new race setup with one click before the grid forms, or stop the server between seasons.

Scheduled Tasks

Set a daily restart for the early morning so the lobby starts every league night fresh.

Backup Manager

Save the config that worked for last week's round and roll back in seconds if a change goes wrong.

Where the game stands

Project CARS 2 Server Hosting in 2026: Status and Versions

Project CARS 2 is a finished game. Its last patch on Steam was Update 1.7.1.1 in December 2018, and the Steam store now says the game is no longer available to buy there. Drivers who already own it can keep racing, and a hosted server gives them a stable place to do it.

Release21 September 2017Last update1.7.1.1, 4 December 2018Steam storeNo longer on sale

01

No new patches

With no updates since 2018, a working server setup stays working. You will not lose a race night to a surprise patch.

02

Same version everywhere

Slightly Mad's own patch notes said lobbies between versions are incompatible. Everyone on the final PC version joins without trouble.

03

Owners only

New drivers cannot buy Project CARS 2 on Steam any more, so your grid is made of people who already have the game in their library.

04

A known quantity

The dedicated server fixes from 2017 and 2018 are all in place, including the change that let the server control the game setup reliably.

Set the rules

Race Rules and Lobby Options for Project CARS 2 Server Hosting

Project CARS 2 has no official mod support, so what makes one server different from another is its race setup: who may join, which cars and classes run, how long each session lasts and how strict the realism rules are.

Race setup

Server-controlled setup

The dedicated server can be set to control the game setup itself, so track, cars and sessions are fixed by the admin instead of whoever joins first.

Multiclass racing

Run more than one car class in the same race, the way endurance leagues mix prototypes and GT cars.

Weather and time of day

Pick the conditions for each session. The game simulates dynamic weather and a full 24-hour cycle.

Realism settings

Decide on damage, fuel use, tyre wear and driving aids, so every driver races under the same rules.

Who can join

Password and reputation

Lock the lobby with a password, or limit it to drivers with a good online reputation, a system the game tracks for each player.

Steam PC only

Our servers run the PC dedicated server for the Steam edition of the game, which Steam lists for Windows.

Steam (Windows)

Memory per grid

RAM for Project CARS 2 Server Hosting

Slightly Mad never published memory figures for the dedicated server. It handles timing, positions and the lobby rather than graphics, so it is light, and our plans add memory only as the grid grows.

  • A club sprint race

    Plan: 16 Slots
    RAM included: 5GB

    When to add more: Not needed for normal sessions.

  • Weekly league with reserves

    Plan: 20 Slots
    RAM included: 5GB

    When to add more: Only if the log shows memory warnings.

  • Championship with mixed classes

    Plan: 24 Slots
    RAM included: 8GB

    When to add more: Rarely; 8GB covers long multiclass races.

  • Endurance or open event

    Plan: 32 Slots
    RAM included: 8GB

    When to add more: Consider 12GB for very long events with a full grid.

RAM tiers on the order form: 5GB, 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, 20GB, 24GB and 32GB. You can change the tier later from the client area and your files stay in place.

Low ping, worldwide

Project CARS 2 Server Hosting Locations

There are 9 locations to choose from in the UK, France, Germany, the United States and Australia. In a sim where a tenth of a second matters under braking, place the server where most of your drivers have the lowest ping, and use the test on this page from their side of the world.

LondonUnited Kingdom · Europe -
ParisFrance · Europe -
FrankfurtGermany · Europe -
New York (Buffalo)United States · North America -
DallasUnited States · North America -
Los AngelesUnited States · North America -
ChicagoUnited States · North America -
MiamiUnited States · North America No test
SydneyAustralia · Oceania -

Always-On Protection

Project CARS 2 Server Hosting with DDoS Protection

Watch how our multi-layered defence system filters malicious traffic while legitimate connections pass through uninterrupted.

Internet DDoS Protection Game Server

Malicious traffic is filtered at the edge, while legitimate traffic passes through uninterrupted.

Malicious Traffic (Blocked)Legitimate Traffic (Allowed)

At Every Location
Included
Full Protection
Layer 3/4/7
24/7 Active Filtering
Always-On
Added Latency
<1ms

In every plan

Included with Project CARS 2 Server Hosting

There is no setup fee. Every Project CARS 2 plan includes the following, as sold on our order form.

  • Game serverThe Project CARS 2 PC dedicated server on the final game version
  • Driver slots16, 20, 24 or 32 here; any size from 16 to 64 on the order form
  • Memory5GB on 16 and 20 slots, 8GB on 24 and 32 slots, tiers up to 32GB
  • Storage100GB NVMe at 7,500MB/s, with 14,000MB/s drives and up to 200GB as upgrades
  • Processor5.0GHz as standard, 5.2GHz+ and 5.6GHz+ upgrades
  • Locations9 locations at one price
  • FilesFile Manager and SFTP for the server config
  • BackupsOffsite backups for the last 7 days, plus the Backup Manager
  • ProtectionDDoS protection at all locations
  • Support24/7 tickets, from a team in game hosting since 2004

Optional upgrades

Added at checkout, billed with your plan.

  • Memory AllocationTiers up to 32GBtiered
  • Hard DiskNVMe 14,000Mb/sfrom £4.99
  • CPU Clock Speed5.2GHz+ - 5.6GHz+from £4.99
  • CPU PriorityHigh CPU Priority - Realtime CPU Priorityfrom £4.99
  • VIP Ticket Priority SupportPrioritise My Ticket Pleasefrom £1.99
  • Disk SpaceUp to 120GB - Up to 200GBfrom £6.99

The order form lets you pick any size from 16 to 64 slots; the four plans above are the sizes most leagues use. RAM tiers up to 32GB can be added at checkout or later. All 9 locations are the same price, so choose the one closest to most of your drivers. Prices read from our order form on 22 October 2026. Taxes, if any, are shown at checkout.

Built for leagues

Project CARS 2 Server Hosting Features

What a dedicated lobby gives a racing community that a player-hosted one cannot.

Up before the grid

The lobby runs around the clock, so drivers can join for practice whenever they like.

No host advantage

Nobody races on the server's own connection, so the field is level for everyone.

Championship rounds

Use the Online Championship mode added in patch 1.3 for a full season on one server.

Private league nights

A password keeps race night for registered drivers and stops lobby crashers.

Steady 5.0GHz CPUs

A fast core keeps positions and timing smooth with a full grid on track.

Filtered traffic

DDoS attacks are stopped before they reach the server, so races run to the flag.

Before lights out

Project CARS 2 Server Hosting Essentials

Five things to sort out before the first league race.

  1. Check everyone owns the game

    Project CARS 2 is no longer sold on Steam, so make sure new members already have it before you plan a bigger grid.

  2. Decide who sets the race

    Choose whether the server controls the setup or the lobby host picks it, and write that into your league rules.

  3. Agree the realism rules

    Damage, fuel, tyre wear and aids change lap times a lot. Publish them before qualifying, not after.

  4. Use a strong password

    For private events, set a lobby password and only share it in your league channel.

  5. Back up a good config

    Once a round runs well, save a backup in the panel so next week starts from a known setup.

Answers

Project CARS 2 Server Hosting FAQ

Answers to the questions racing leagues ask us before they order.

Ordering and setup

How quickly is my Project CARS 2 server ready?

Setup is automatic once your payment clears, usually within 20 minutes, and the login details arrive by email.

Can new players still buy Project CARS 2?

Not on Steam. The store page now says the game is no longer available there. Drivers who already own it can still race on your server.

How do drivers find my server?

Give it a clear name in the config so it stands out in the in-game lobby browser, and share that name with your drivers. A password keeps the lobby private.

Which location should I pick?

The one with the lowest ping for most of your drivers. Run the ping test on this page from where they live. All 9 locations cost the same.

Racing and lobby setup

Can the server choose the track and cars?

Yes. The dedicated server can be configured to control the game setup, so the admin decides the track, cars and sessions rather than the first driver to join.

Does it support Online Championships?

Yes. Patch 1.3 added the Online Championship mode, which lets you run a full championship over several rounds.

Can I run more than one car class?

Yes, Project CARS 2 supports multiclass lobbies, so you can mix classes in one race the way endurance series do.

Are mods supported?

Project CARS 2 has no official mod support. What you can change are the race settings: track, classes, weather, session lengths and realism options.

Why can a driver not join my lobby?

Most often a version mismatch. Slightly Mad's patch notes state that lobbies between versions are incompatible, so every driver needs the final PC update.

Hardware

How much RAM does the server need?

Not much. The 16 and 20 slot plans include 5GB, and the 24 and 32 slot plans include 8GB, which covers long multiclass races. More is available if you need it.

Do I need to forward ports?

No. The server runs in our data centre with its ports already reachable, so there is nothing to change on your home router.

Billing

How much does Project CARS 2 server hosting cost?

Plans start at £4.00 a month for 16 slots. The plan table shows every size for 1, 3, 6 and 12 months; longer terms cost less per month.

Can I add slots during the season?

Yes. Upgrade from the client area when the grid grows. Your config and backups stay where they are.

Is there a minimum term?

No. Monthly billing can be cancelled at any time, and the longer terms are simply paid in advance at a lower rate.

The complete guide · 5 min read

The Complete Guide to Project CARS 2 Server Hosting

A practical guide for league organisers: why a hosted lobby still makes sense for a game no longer on sale, how to plan a grid, how race setup works on the dedicated server, and how to keep race nights running smoothly.

By , Owner, Gaming DeluxePublished · Updated

In this guide
  1. Why Leagues Still Host Project CARS 2
  2. Planning Your Grid Size
  3. How Race Setup Works on the Dedicated Server
  4. Running a League Season Step by Step
  5. Keeping the Racing Fair
  6. Fixing Common Connection Problems
  7. Hosted Server or Your Own PC?
  8. What to Compare Before You Rent a Project CARS 2 Server
  9. Project CARS 2 Server Glossary
  10. Project CARS 2 Server Help

Why Leagues Still Host Project CARS 2

Project CARS 2 arrived on 21 September 2017 with more than 180 road and race cars, loose surface racing on ice, dirt and mud, rallycross, IndyCar and oval events, and dynamic weather across a full 24-hour cycle. Many racing clubs built whole seasons around it, and some never moved on. The cars they know, the circuits they have learned and the setups they have refined are reasons enough to keep racing.

The game's place in the market has changed, though. Its last Steam patch, Update 1.7.1.1, came out in December 2018, and the Steam store page now states that Project CARS 2 is no longer available there. People who already own it keep it in their library, but the pool of new drivers is small. For a club, that makes a reliable home lobby more valuable, not less: the regulars know exactly where to find each other.

Hosting the dedicated server in a data centre also removes the usual problems of a player-hosted race. Nobody's home upload carries the whole field, the host's PC can be switched off, and the lobby is still there for Thursday practice.

Planning Your Grid Size

Slots set how many drivers can be in the server at once. Count your regulars on a normal night, then add room for reserves, a race director or a broadcaster. Patch 1.7.1.0 changed how the number of drivers is counted so that private broadcaster and director games work without assigning a broadcaster role.

Your communitySuggested planWhy
A group of friends or a one-make cup16 SlotsA full sprint grid at the lowest price
A weekly league with reserves20 SlotsSpace for guests and the odd extra driver
A public lobby or championship24 SlotsMore cars, 8GB RAM for long events
Special events and endurance races32 SlotsOur largest plan here, with 8GB RAM

How Race Setup Works on the Dedicated Server

The biggest choice is who decides the race. The PC2 dedicated server can be configured to control the game setup, which means the track, vehicles, weather and session lengths come from the server and stay the same however many drivers come and go. Slightly Mad's patch 1.1.3.2 fixed a bug that made such servers unjoinable, so on the final version this mode is the one most leagues use.

The alternative is to let the lobby host choose the setup from inside the game. That suits casual open lobbies where the group decides together, but it makes a championship harder to run fairly, because the setup can change each time a different driver ends up as host.

  • Track and layout: decide for each round and announce it a week ahead so drivers can practise.
  • Vehicle class: one class for a sprint cup, several for a multiclass endurance race.
  • Sessions: practice, qualifying and race lengths. Patch 1.4.0.0 fixed long sessions being cut to 140 minutes on dedicated servers.
  • Weather: fixed or changing, plus the time of day and how fast it moves.
  • Realism: damage, fuel and tyre wear, and which driving aids are allowed.

Running a League Season Step by Step

  1. Pick a plan that fits your normal turnout and a location near most of your drivers.
  2. Name the server and set a password in the config through the panel's File Manager.
  3. Decide on the realism rules and publish them with the calendar.
  4. Set up the first round's track, class and session lengths and restart the server.
  5. Run an open practice night and ask drivers to report ping and any join problems.
  6. Save a backup of the working config before race day.
  7. After each round, change the track for the next one, restart and back up again.

Patch 1.3 also added the Online Championship mode, which strings several rounds together inside the game. Some leagues use it; others prefer single races and keep their own standings in a spreadsheet. Both work on a hosted server.

Keeping the Racing Fair

A clean league depends more on rules than on software, but Project CARS 2 helps. The game tracks an online reputation for each driver, and a lobby can be restricted by reputation so that drivers with a record of crashes are kept out of public races. Patch 1.3 refined how kicks affect that score, and patch 1.5 adjusted it for drivers who retire with heavy damage.

For private league nights a password is simpler: only registered drivers get it. Combine that with a stewarding process, such as reviewing replays of reported incidents after the race, and the server becomes a place drivers trust.

Fixing Common Connection Problems

ProblemLikely causeWhat to do
A driver cannot joinDifferent game versionAsk them to let Steam finish updating to the final version
Lobby is not in the listServer still starting or filtered outWait for the console to show the lobby, then clear the in-game browser filters
Password rejectedTypo or old passwordCheck the password in the config and share the current one again
Lag for some driversServer far from themCompare pings with the test on this page and consider another location

The panel's console and log are the quickest place to start. When a driver reports a problem, note the time, open the log and look for their name joining or leaving.

Hosted Server or Your Own PC?

Running the dedicated server at home is possible, but your PC must stay on, your router needs open ports, and your upload speed is shared with every driver on track. If your connection drops, so does the race.

A hosted server avoids that. It has a fixed address, filtered traffic and a fast processor, and it runs whether you are racing, travelling or asleep. For a league that meets every week, that reliability matters more than anything else.

What to Compare Before You Rent a Project CARS 2 Server

With a game this mature, the important differences between hosts are practical ones.

  1. Config file accessYou need the real server config to control the race setup, not a short web form.
  2. Ping to your driversTest from where your league races before you buy, especially for international grids.
  3. CPU clock speedA fast single core keeps timing and positions smooth with a full field.
  4. Flexible slot countsCheck you can grow the grid during a season without starting again.
  5. BackupsSaved configs let you rebuild a round's setup in seconds.
  6. No lock-inLook for monthly billing without setup fees or minimum terms.

Project CARS 2 Server Glossary

Dedicated server
A server program that hosts the lobby without anyone playing on that machine.
Lobby
The online session drivers join before practice, qualifying and the race.
Multiclass
A race with more than one class of car on track at the same time.
Online Championship
A game mode added in patch 1.3 that runs a championship across several rounds.
Online reputation
A score the game keeps for each driver, which lobbies can use to filter entrants.
Slots
The number of drivers the server allows at one time.
Ping
The round-trip time between a driver's PC and the server, in milliseconds.
Broadcaster
A role for running or broadcasting a race instead of driving in it; patch 1.7.1.0 improved private broadcaster and director games.

Project CARS 2 Server Help

Useful pages for setting up and running your server.

How this guide was made: researched from the Project CARS 2 Steam store page and Slightly Mad Studios' official patch notes on Steam, drafted with AI assistance, checked against our live order form for every plan, price and location, and reviewed by Matthew Griffin before publishing. Something out of date? Tell us.