Simulation racing platform iRacing and North American motorsport series IndyCar have signed a multi-year licensing agreement.
As a result of the deal, IndyCar Series branding will feature across a range of iRacing events and leagues being hosting events on the platform.
In addition to the IndyCar Series branding returning to the iRacing platform, the iRacing Indianapolis 500 will return to its Special Event calendar for the 2024 season. The Special Event calendar features virtual editions of real-life races including the Daytona 24 Hours and NASCAR’s Coke 600.
For several years, iRacing and IndyCar have collaborated to provide content to the platform. In 2023, IndyCar signed a deal with developer and publisher Motorsport Games in a bid to release a standalone racing title for the first time since 2005. In November 2023, the two parties terminated the deal resulting in the game being cancelled.
The popularity of sim racing skyrocketed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the lack of real-world motorsport taking place. Since then, racing series and brands have continued to embark on projects within the space. In October 2023, IMSA unveiled the IMSA Esports Global Championship in collaboration with iRacing and event organiser Virtual Competition Organisation (VCO).
Alongside racing series, esports organisations continue to invest in their sim racing initiatives. In June 2023, Guild Esports completed a £600,000 fundraise to help facilitate investment into its sim racing roster.
Tony Gardner, President of iRacing, spoke on the return of IndyCar to the platform: “The IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are racing properties that need to be included in iRacing.
“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.”
