Here's a story that got away from us but we are just catching up to reporting on it. A few days ago, the first English language beta testing began for Need For Speed World, the upcoming online persistant racing game from Electronic Arts. The game, previously known as Need For Speed World Online, will be inviting people to try out the beta in special events in the coming weeks and months ahead of the game's official launch later in 2010.

PC gamers will also get a chance to put their own stamp for the in-game version of a Porsche 959 for the game's launch. Details about how this will work will be revealed later.