Gala-Net (Rappelz, Space Cowboy Online), who makes its games available through the gPotato portal, has announced that its latest gPotato title, Upshift StrikeRacer, has entered open beta. According to Gala-Net, the beta will showcase 10 of the racing game's available customizable vehicles, with a total of 18 upcoming.

Upshift StrikeRacer will be free to pay (requiring a client download and installation), and Gala-Net says it'll feature social networking elements along with weapon-equipped, destructive multiplayer racing battles. Eight StrikeRacers can compete against one another at one time, in various different modes (time attack, player-versus-player, etc). Community tools will also be available -- Club web pages, for example, where users can upload music, photos, and blogs.

John Young, Gala-Net's vice president and producer, says the game can be enjoyed by "anyone with five minutes to kill," who enjoys combat racing. “The game’s unique mix of head-to-head racing and social networking in a multiplayer environment will appeal to both solo and group players looking for a quick and exhilarating gaming fix,” he exhorts.

Upshift StrikeRacer’s open beta period will run until the game officially launches in August.