IndyCar, IMS and iRacing sign multi-year license agreement
Penske Entertainment and iRacing will move forward with a new business arrangement that will see the racing simulation company expand its range of offerings for the NTT IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500.
The deal does not, so far, include the creation of a console game for IndyCar, but RACER understands Penske Entertainment is actively seeking a partner to replace Motorsport Games, which abandoned its IndyCar console efforts late last year and had its contract terminated by the series.
“The relationship, which dates back more than a dozen years, also includes Indianapolis Motor Speedway – and the return of the hugely popular iRacing Indianapolis 500 – to the gaming format’s Special Events calendar,” the series announced. “This annual event has historically drawn thousands of participants, who race in a virtual version of the world’s most iconic race, known for its 200 laps of pure speed at the ‘Racing Capital of the World.’ The community event allows sim racers from around the world to get a taste of what it is like to race at the famous oval at the Brickyard.”
The new license agreement between iRacing and IndyCar includes more provisions than previous iterations, allowing more flexibility to run events and series. Highlights include the return of the iRacing Indianapolis 500, IndyCar branding of series on iRacing, multiple leagues to run IndyCar Series events on iRacing, and the license extension of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
IndyCar’s realignment with iRacing has been a long-awaited wish for sim racers.
“The IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are racing properties that need to be included in iRacing,” iRacing President Tony Gardner said. “There is no better way for fans to experience sim racing than on iRacing, and whether it’s the IndyCar Series’ Indy 500, NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 or IMSA’s Battle on the Bricks, there is nothing like racing at Indianapolis. I am so pleased to be able to bring these events back to the iRacing community.”
For more information: www.racer.com
