MSFS 2024 Air Racing Mode Dates and SU7 Beta Builds

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 users have received concrete details regarding the upcoming air racing mode. The September 24, 2026 Weekly Briefing confirms that this new gameplay feature will launch on October 13 as a free update for all existing players. This clarification is significant because it establishes a fixed timeline for a major content addition, allowing simmers to plan their hardware and software readiness without waiting for further announcements.

The announcement follows a recent real-world event where the Microsoft Flight Simulator team attended the National Championship Air Races in Roswell, New Mexico. During the event, the team set up a demonstration area behind the main grandstand. Attendees, including thousands of aviation fans, had the opportunity to test a demo of the air racing mode. The demo setup utilized force feedback peripherals from MOZA and sim cockpits from Next Level Racing. This hands-on exposure at a major racing event serves as a practical preview of the hardware compatibility and gameplay feel that the final update will offer.

In addition to the public demo, the team hosted a special competitive session at the race. Three professional T-6 race pilots—Chris LeFave, Vic McMann, and Greg McNeely—along with one crew chief, competed against each other using the simulator. While the briefing does not provide specific performance metrics or race results from this session, the participation of active race pilots highlights the intended fidelity and competitive application of the new mode.

Simultaneously with the air racing announcement, the briefing detailed progress on Sim Update 7. Two new beta builds have been released to participants in the optional public test program. These builds are version 1.9.12.0, released on September 18, 2026, and version 1.9.13.0, released on September 24, 2026. The development team has published full release notes for both builds on the official forums, providing a detailed list of changes and fixes for those enrolled in the beta.

The Sim Update 7 beta remains an optional program. Users who are not currently enrolled can access instructions to join the test. The briefing provides a link to a forum thread containing specific enrollment steps for each supported platform: PC via Microsoft Store, PC via Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. This multi-platform availability ensures that the update process is consistent across the primary distribution channels for the simulator.

For those already participating in the beta, the team has requested continued feedback. The briefing specifically encourages beta testers to vote in the forum surveys. These surveys help the development team prioritize fixes and features in the lead-up to the stable release. The request for bug reports and feedback underscores the iterative nature of the update process, where community input directly influences the final build.

The timing of these updates places the air racing mode launch just two weeks after the latest beta build. This proximity suggests that the core development for the racing feature is well underway, with the beta builds likely focusing on foundational stability and performance improvements that will support the new mode. Users should note that while the air racing mode is confirmed for October 13, the Sim Update 7 stable release date has not been specified in this briefing. The beta builds are distinct from the final update, and participation in the beta does not guarantee early access to the stable version.

The integration of real-world racing events into the simulator’s promotional and development cycle is a notable shift. By leveraging the National Championship Air Races, the team demonstrated the mode’s viability in a high-stakes environment. The use of third-party hardware from MOZA and Next Level Racing during the demo also signals an emphasis on peripheral compatibility. As the October 13 release date approaches, users can expect further details on the specific aircraft, tracks, and gameplay mechanics included in the free update. For now, the confirmed date and the availability of the latest beta builds provide a clear roadmap for the next phase of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 development.