iRacing Acquires Exclusive NASCAR Console Game License, Set to Launch Thrilling Racing Experience in 2025

NASCAR, in collaboration with iRacing and Motorsport Games Inc, has announced a significant development in the world of console racing games. iRacing has successfully acquired the exclusive simulation-style console racing games license from NASCAR Team Properties (NTP), marking a pivotal moment in the gaming industry. This acquisition, approved by NTP, involves the transfer of the license from 704Games, a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorsport Games, to iRacing, with the goal of developing a highly anticipated NASCAR console game expected to launch in 2025.

iRacing President Tony Gardner expressed the company’s excitement, stating, “When we were presented with the opportunity to acquire the license for the simulation-style NASCAR console game, which has been the console game and franchise we’ve dreamt of creating, it was an opportunity we couldn’t afford to miss. Building a NASCAR console game is a privilege that we are committed to executing with the utmost care. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with stakeholders across the NASCAR industry to deliver a product that offers an extraordinary experience for both the gaming community and NASCAR fans worldwide.”

Gardner further noted, “Given our extensive experience in NASCAR gaming, console expertise, available resources, and technological assets, we are exceptionally well-positioned to embark on the exciting journey of building a remarkable NASCAR game franchise across various gaming platforms.”

This acquisition represents a significant expansion of iRacing’s already substantial presence in the world of NASCAR. iRacing initiated its partnership with NASCAR in 2010 by offering a licensed sim racing product. Over the years, it has evolved into a key technical partner of NASCAR, earning the title of “official simulation partner.”

iRacing currently hosts numerous NASCAR official series, attracting thousands of participants daily, from late-model races to Cup car competitions. Notable among these is the $100,000-to-win eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series and the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series, which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, iRacing, headquartered in Massachusetts, has played a pivotal role in assisting NASCAR in developing new cars and tracks, including the NextGen car, Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, and the Chicago Street Race. With the acquisition of the NASCAR Team Properties license, iRacing can further extend its expertise to encompass the realm of NASCAR console gaming.

Motorsport Games initially acquired the NASCAR simulation-style console gaming license in 2018 when it obtained a majority equity stake in 704Games. Motorsport Games will continue to support and provide access to its existing NASCAR titles through 2024.

Stephen Hood, CEO of Motorsport Games, explained, “The sale of the NASCAR license is the outcome of a thorough and strategic evaluation of the long-term direction we believe our company should take. During our deliberations, we carefully considered companies that we believed could create an exceptional NASCAR game. Both NASCAR and iRacing have embraced our proposed change and have collaborated with us to ensure a smooth transition following the sale. We appreciate their support, and our focus will now shift towards delivering on other intellectual property projects that are already in advanced development.”

In addition to simulation-style console gaming, NASCAR has been proactive in delivering quality experiences to fans within the virtual and gaming realms. This year alone, the motorsport organisation introduced NASCAR Speed Hub on Roblox, launched the arcade-style console game NASCAR Arcade Rush, offered special team decals in Rocket League, announced the development of a mobile game with Hutch and successfully completed another season of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series.

NASCAR Managing Director Esports and Gaming Nick Rend emphasised the organisation’s commitment to engaging fans through gaming, stating, “NASCAR has the most passionate fans in the world and a vast community that is just as passionate about gaming. What’s more, there continues to be a tremendous opportunity to connect with millions of potential new fans in the gaming space.”

“iRacing has been an incredible partner and ambassador for the NASCAR industry for more than a decade. We thank Motorsport Games for its efforts over the years and are ready to work with iRacing to deliver a best-in-class simulation-style NASCAR console game that’s exciting for the gaming community and allows our fans to connect with the sport in an impactful, meaningful way”.