Bsimracing Sim Racing Resources and News for the racing enthousiast.
Back in 2009, iRacing obtained an IndyCar license to offer IndyCar-branded content, including cars, tracks, and events. However, on December 31, 2022, iRacing lost its original IndyCar license.
This was due to a new exclusivity agreement that IndyCar signed with Motorsport Games in the summer of 2022. As a result of that agreement, iRacing could no longer be able to run official IndyCar-branded series or events, and the IndyCar branding and references were removed from the Dallara race cars and iRacing’s Indianapolis Motor Speedway track.
Last year all hell broke loose when Motorsport Games started to get in trouble for a number of reasons, and lost the Indycar license in November 2023 due to alleged failure to meet the terms of the license agreement.
Many sim racing Indycar fans will be pleased to hear that iRacing and INDYCAR have now officially announced a new multiyear licensing agreement to bring official Indycar racing back to the popular online racing service, including the return of the much-loved iRacing Indianapolis 500 race.
Press Release:
iRacing and INDYCAR are pleased to announce a multiyear licensing agreement – officially reuniting the two legendary brands.
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. 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 return of a license has been highly anticipated by iRacing members and INDYCAR SERIES fans alike.
“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.”
In addition to the rebranding of INDYCAR SERIES events on iRacing, members will have access to series content for private events and leagues.
“We are very excited that our most avid gamers and fans will have full access to the INDYCAR SERIES through this licensing agreement with iRacing,” said Ben Hendricks, INDYCAR senior manager, of eSports & emerging virtual experiences. “They are longtime partners, and we look forward to official INDYCAR SERIES racing on iRacing for many years to come.”
The new license agreement between iRacing and INDYCAR includes more provisions than previous iterations, allowing more flexibility to run events and series. Highlights include:
- Return of the iRacing Indianapolis 500
- INDYCAR SERIES branding of series on iRacing
- Multiple leagues to run INDYCAR SERIES events on iRacing
- License extension of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The licensing agreement goes into effect immediately, and iRacing members will see the rebranding of series, cars, and events over the coming days. Details of the iRacing Indianapolis 500 will be available later this month.
Official Webpage – www.iRacing.com
