IndyCar Eyes iRacing Comeback as It Follows NASCAR’s Example Amidst Souring Motorsport Games’ Deal
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Back in November last year, whispers in the world of Motorsports Games hinted at a big shake-up. It seemed like the entire Indycar team got the short end of the stick and faced the chop. But the rumor was all about the next big move. Remember how NASCAR switched lanes to iRacing? Everyone was betting that Indycar would take a leaf out of their book. Well, guess what?
That has been proven to be true. The latest news has it that IndyCar’s gearing up for a grand comeback on the iRacing track. We’re all ears for an official word, likely dropping early next year, straight from the horse’s mouth at Penske Entertainment Corp. In the beginning of 2023, the NTT IndyCar Series and Motorsport Games were all cozy, signing deals and whatnot. But lately, things at MSG seem to be going south, hoarding top-shelf licenses like there’s no tomorrow, but it looks like their glory days are fading fast.
The NASCAR gaming world is all set for the official IndyCar game in 2024
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As 2022 was winding down, IndyCar decided to part ways with its old pal, iRacing, and teamed up with Motorsport Games. This switch raised a few eyebrows, but IndyCar was hopeful it would lead to a smashing new game by 2023. But it didn’t happen. In 2024, IndyCar is planning to hit the brakes on its deal with MSG and is circling back to iRacing.
When they first switched to Motorsport Games, iRacing lost some perks like using the official IndyCar logo and hosting digital NASCAR Indy 500 events. Yet, iRacing’s VP, Steve Myers, spilled the beans to Adam Stern from Sports Business Journal, saying that he’s keen on reigniting the old flame with IndyCar, although he admitted that there’s a lot on their plate to consider.
.@IndyCar is moving toward a return to @iRacing‘s platform with an official announcement likely coming early in the new year, per a Penske Entertainment Corp. official.
🔲 The fresh deal between the sides would reverse what went away when IndyCar signed on with Motorsport Games. pic.twitter.com/c0q7HkZVQu
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) December 24, 2023
The rumor mill’s churning out the news that IndyCar and iRacing are currently on the fast track to striking a deal. Not to mention, this could be just what IndyCar needs, showing they’re quick off the mark in tackling recent hiccups, including the delay of their new hybrid system. The potential U-turn would mean IndyCar’s official content zips back onto the sim racing scene. That’s big news for the sim racing die-hards who shell out for top-tier racing rigs.
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Meanwhile, Motorsport Games had plans to roll out their IndyCar video game in 2023, a first since 2005, but it’s now pushed to 2024. And NASCAR’s also changed lanes, handing over its sim-style console racing reins to iRacing for a 2025 release. However, with Stewart-Haas Racing eSports pulling the plug on its operations, all eyes are on how these deals and matches will play out.
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Stewart-Haas Racing eSports to Hang Up Its Virtual Helmet in 2024
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Tony Stewart‘s Stewart-Haas Gaming hit it out of the park in the first-ever eNASCAR Heat Pro League championship. They clinched a stunning victory in a nail-biting showdown on October 23, right in the heart of NASCAR country in Charlotte, North Carolina. But despite racking up wins and making a name for themselves, as per the announcement made by the team on Twitter, they’re planning to put their eRacing ventures on hold.
The exact reason behind this decision is still under wraps. Some say it might be about juggling sponsorship deals or the nuts and bolts of running a virtual iRacing team. Others whisper that keeping an eSports team afloat can be like throwing money into a black hole.
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iRacing Interested in Getting Back in Business With IndyCar After Motorsport Games Disaster
The news hit the fanbase like a bolt from the blue, especially since their star player, Steven Wilson, and his crew just bagged the 2023 title. Heading into 2024, he would’ve been the one everyone’s trying to dethrone. But it looks like that’s a race we won’t get to see.
Edited by:
Shivali Nathta