Platform That Lost Bubba Wallace a $13.8 Mn-Worth Sponsor Becomes IndyCar’s Tool of Success

It’s no secret that drivers love to take every opportunity they can get to engage in on-track battles, whether on the real tarmac or in the virtual world. But participating in an online tournament isn’t always smooth sailing. Just ask Max Verstappen, whose 24-Hour Le Mans virtual event was plagued by troubles beyond his control. However, that wasn’t the case when Bubba Wallace quit a NASCAR iRacing event.

Back in 2021, when Bubba Wallace took part in the Food City Showdown held at the virtual Bristol Motor Speedway, things began to unfold only eleven laps into the 150-lap race. Things got so heated after Wallace’s crash with Clint Bowyer that it caused Wallace to lose out on $13.8 million worth of sponsors. And now, the same racing platform that caused Wallace so much loss over a seemingly small incident is partnering up with IndyCar to redeem the category’s virtual racing presence.

iRacing could reap benefits after IndyCar and Motorsport Games fall out

In an article for the Sports Business Journal, renowned NASCAR journalist Adam Stern revealed IndyCar’s intention to partner up with iRacing after a falling out with their previous video game partner, Motorsport Games. Only recently, the series terminated its deal with the iRacing rival to produce the IndyCar video game, which was scheduled to be released this year. This came as an unfortunate blow to the sport that had moved away from iRacing in 2022 to whip up a storm with Motorsport Games.

A lack of funding resulted in the new opportunity that has come up for iRacing to return as IndyCar’s video game partner. Without a deal in place with iRacing, the popular platform for veteran drivers to practice their skills during the off-season could not use any IndyCar licensed designs or products, leaving fans out in the cold amidst the growing troubles with their new hybrid system announcement.

While the deal is yet to be confirmed, SBJ previously reported that iRacing was indeed eyeing a return to IndyCar. But the Executive Vice President of the platform felt the journey ahead would be long and tumultuous. If their partnership with IndyCar were to be confirmed, it would mean that the community can once again access IndyCar licensed content until a new game makes its way to operating systems.

But it is vital to point out that it takes years for a new game to be developed and released, let alone bring in profits. Following NASCAR’s footsteps after they terminated their contract with Motorsport Games, IndyCar could expect a game to make its way to the markets after NASCAR’s game releases in 2025.

Back when Bubba Wallace had treated iRacing lightly due to his run-in with Clint Bowyer, the driver was dropped by major sponsorship label, Blue Emu. He must have had no idea that iRacing would one day be the savior IndyCar needs. But will the popular sim racing platform be able to pull IndyCar out of its troubles? Only time will tell. Let’s delve into the factors which caused this whole ordeal in the first place.

Motorsport Games are in major financial trouble!

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A few weeks ago, Motorsport Games announced that they had pulled the plug on the IndyCar game, which was due to hit Xbox and PlayStation stores this year. Seemingly going through a rough financial situation, a statement released by the company revealed that a lot of cost-reducing measures had been taken, including the closure of a development studio in Australia. This prompted Motorsport Games to sell their license of NASCAR to iRacing, and the same could apply to IndyCar as well. Adding to their misery, the British Touring Car Championship also parted ways with Motorsport Games.

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Speaking about the recent turn of events which led to NASCAR and the British Touring Car Championship walking away, Motorsport Games CEO Stephen Hood was reported by RaceFans.net as saying, “Additional cost-saving measures have included the recent closure of our Australian development studio, with corresponding global headcount reductions, and the suspension of the development of our previously planned IndyCar game, to decrease operating expenses whilst also removing projects that are underperforming or are unlikely to generate revenue.”

With the situation likely to cause widespread changes to the rights for various motorsports categories, it could result in iRacing reaping the most benefits. While their NASCAR game is already in the works, the same could be the case for an IndyCar title after Motorsport Games announced the parting of ways. With the way things are headed, Bubba Wallace might as well make amends with the platform that wronged him after 11 laps, because they are here for the long haul.

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