NASCAR has officially expanded its relationship with iRacing from a licensor/licensee deal to the company now becoming the official simulation partner of the sanctioning body. The expanded pact focuses both on esports and on iRacing helping NASCAR design real-life race tracks with its simulation technology. For example, iRacing has been involved in NASCAR’s plans to turn Auto Club Speedway in Southern California from an intermediate 2-mile track to a short track, as well as involved with the prospective Chicago street race. The sides have had the licensing relationship for more than a decade, dating back to '10, but have been increasing their cooperation together over the last couple years, including with the Pro Invitational Series events that were aired last year in the early stages of the pandemic. That led to a Sports Business Awards nomination for Sports Breakthrough of the Year. Simulations from iRacing will also help with the technical support of NASCAR’s next generation car model, and it will also create sim racing content for NASCAR’s digital media channels. NASCAR Senior VP & Chief Digital Officer Tim Clark and iRacing President Tony Gardner helped set up the deal. Fenway Sports Group’s John Henry owns iRacing.
