EA yesterday unveiled a NASCAR-themed update to the "Real Racing 3" app, which has a "variety of star drivers' stock cars for users to unlock over a six-week period," according to Jeff Gluck of USA TODAY. The update "centers around" the Sept. 12 Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Int'l Raceway, which is NASCAR’s final regular-season race. The game, a free download, "starts with players putting themselves in the seat of an up-and-coming driver trying to break into the Sprint Cup Series." After graduating from the NASCAR Academy (a tutorial), players "must complete a series of levels before gaining access to the Richmond race, where they can compete in a full 43-car field." Though the NASCAR update will "live for only a short time, any cars unlocked by users in the six-week period can be used for the rest of the game." It should "provide the sport a boost in its ongoing efforts to connect with the millennial audience." "Real Racing 3" Senior Producer Luis Gigliotti said, "What’s the most popular form of racing in North America?’ Obviously, NASCAR jumps to the front of that. We’re hoping it helps expose the different types of motor sports that aren’t as popular in different types of regions. We’re really happy to be able to show some of our players in China and different parts of the world how much fun and engaging the NASCAR experience is" (USATODAY.com, 8/31).
