In a significant development to NASCAR’s video game product, iRacing has acquired the license to produce NASCAR console games from Motorsport Games. The transfer of the license brings control of NASCAR’s console game properties under the ceiling of iRacing, which has controlled the series’ PC gaming property for over a decade.
Motorsport Games had failed to produce a NASCAR console video game since October of 2021. Content from the 2022 season, including the Next Gen cars, was released as an add-on to NASCAR 21: Ignition, the most recent NASCAR console video game.
“When we were approached with the option to acquire the license for the simulation-style NASCAR console game, which was the console game and franchise that we were dreaming about doing, it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” said iRacing President Tony Gardner.
“Having the ability to build a NASCAR console game is a privilege we promise to execute with the utmost care. We look forward to working diligently with NASCAR industry stakeholders to deliver a product that provides an amazing experience for the gaming community and NASCAR fans worldwide.”
iRacing has steadily been growing as one of NASCAR’s more significant partners, and the game developers’ continued stewardship of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series makes its acquisition of the license one of the best outcomes NASCAR could have asked for.
“iRacing has been an incredible partner and ambassador for the NASCAR industry for more than a decade,” Nick Rend, Managing Director of Esports and Gaming at NASCAR said. “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.”
Motorsport Games still controls the license for video games based on the NTT IndyCar Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.