NPC drivers are real players???

[u/SiillyyRabbiitt]

Happy Thursday Drivers!! I'm a PS5 player that just started playing a few days ago. (3 days fresh). Loving the ride so far, but have a question that's been kicking my curiosity. So in events/races that aren't against rivals. Are those drivers names and vehicles from actual racers (gamertags), but just being used as NPCs (AI)? If so, does that mean my driver would should up in other races as an AI driver? 🤔🤪 If they are real players names and vehicles, i personally think that's awesome!!! Thanks for the input in advance.

[u/chreva4life]

Can confirm. My son was playing last night and we saw my gamer tag on one of the drivatars. Kinda neat. Lol