Racing fans who were torn between Gran Turismo 5, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, or Test Drive Unlimited 2 this fall just had their theoretical burdens slimmed down by one. Atari and Eden Games have announced that Test Drive Unlimited 2, originally scheduled to arrive in stores on September 21st, will not ship until some point in the first quarter of 2011 for 360, PS3 and PC. The companies claim that the delay is necessary to put another layer of polish on the game's multiplayer modes. The game's beta is also being pushed back to a still undetermined date, but gamers who have already signed up for it will be rewarded with "an exclusive in-game item".

David Nadal, Studio Manager of Eden Games, tried to soften the blow for fans:

"To date, Test Drive Unlimited 2 has generated great media buzz and incredible excitement amongst gamers and fans of the franchise. By moving the title’s release date to early 2011, we will be able to further advance the game and take into account consumer feedback to help ensure we deliver a great online lifestyle racing experience."

Again, no hard date has been given for either the full release nor the beta. But for racing fans looking to get some mileage behind them this year, it looks like you won't be able to do so on Test Drive's tracks. In the meantime, if you absolutely must have your TDU2 fix, check out our Frame by Frame analysis of the game's E3 trailer.