It is an adaptation of the 1989 Japanese-market Famicom game World Grand Prix - Pole to Finish (ワールドグランプリ ポールトゥフィニッシュ, Wārudo Guran Puri Pōru tu Finisshu), with the most notable changes being the addition of Unser as an in-game coach, the number of laps, sound and interface design.

Versions released outside North America were simply titled Turbo Racing with all references to Al Unser Jr removed, due to the relative obscurity of CART and Al Unser Jr outside of North America.

Players choosing the World Championship Season can either race as Al Unser, Jr., or start their own team.

If a players choose to start their own team, they would have to spend a season climbing up the rankings, improving the car.

The remainder of the championship season is filled with fictional drivers, bringing the total to 26 cars per race.

At each race, the player has the chance to receive advice about the course from Al Unser, Jr., and set up the car to qualify.

During qualifying, a player must complete one lap as fast as possible to determine the starting position on the grid.

The game uses a turbo boost system, which, when depleted, must be refilled before it causes engine damage.