An interesting technical mash-up has surfaced on the Sega homebrew scene: a 32X port of smash arcade racer Daytona USA (1994) that is basing its build on the engine of 32X release Virtua Racing Deluxe (1994)

A short test clip was uploaded to YouTube earlier today by "CamTrack", while a dump for the build is featured on the GitHub of modder "MatiasZanolli". The clip shows the Daytona USA "Hornet", instantly recognisable even without its "Gallop" branding, tearing down an IndyCar circuit resembling the famous Three Seven Speedway from the original Daytona USA arcade.

While the track appears to be fighting for its very existence on a second-to-second basis, the early footage is very smooth, with MatiasZanolli aiming for a steady 30 FPS (a spin-off of an alternate project to bring the same framerate to Virtua Racing Deluxe). A basic version of the original Daytona USA HUD is already implemented, and even the "shuttering" title screen is ready to roll.

Look fast and you can see a rogue Virtua Racing F1 car sneaking into the shot!

Sega's Model output is a popular topic on the homebrew scene right now. We recently reported on efforts to bring HD visuals to Virtua Fighter 32X, as well as a new FPGA core for Virtua Racing - along with a port of Sega's groundbreaking F1 racer for the PlayDate platform! As noted before, Model 1-2 technology holds a fascination for many homebrewers, due to the nature of its complexity, power, and fragility.

It's very early in the process for this Daytona USA 32X port, but the test footage is promising, and perhaps 32X Gentlemen will be Starting Their Engines in some far-flung future.

Now we need to ensure implementation of the Sonic the Hedgehog mountain...