With SRX Taking a Step Back, How Will It Impact iRacing’s 2024 Plans With the Exclusive Series?

Tony Stewart and his team shocked the racing world with SRX being postponed for 2024. While the timing of this announcement coincides with the resurgence of the IROC brand, the news certainly came out of the blue. This now places iRacing in a tricky situation after their deal with SRX last September.

Last year, the online racing simulation video game entered into an agreement to have the SRX car and series in iRacing. In fact, work was underway to scan the SRX car. However, the latest announcement leaves iRacing with loads to ponder.

SRX leaves iRacing in a challenging position after it halts operations in 2024

For three consecutive years, the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) brought a new dimension to the racing world. After the International Race of Champions (IROC) went out of business in 2006, SRX attracted drivers from different motorsports series to fight it out at short tracks.

Top names from NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA, and others blessed the series with their presence. It is worth noting that to date, all of the 18 SRX races were pretty much a sellout. However, the series struggled after its first season when it came to the viewership numbers.

Last year, as per awfulannouncing.com, the competition witnessed a drop of 56% from 2022 as the series moved to ESPN from CBS. The approach to go after current stars rather than going after motorsports legends attracted some criticism. While it was closely compared to the old IROC, SRX struggled with consistency.

However, with the series being postponed, iRacing will have to improvise. After the partnership agreement in 2023, the online simulation game will face hurdles in continuing with the deal. As there is no clear indication of SRX being back any time soon, one of the likely options for iRacing would be to replace the SRX series with IROC.

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Having said that, it depends on how IROC goes about its business this year. For now, iRacing will have to hold off with any hasty decisions until more information comes to light. As far as the iRacing fanbase is concerned, they have plenty to cheer about, especially with a piece of positive news coming this week.

iRacing enters into a multiyear licensing agreement with IndyCar

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Both iRacing and IndyCar have been quite popular among the motorsports fans. Having been associated for more than 12 years, the two brands have now signed a multiyear licensing agreement. Most importantly, this marks the return of the widely popular iRacing Indianapolis 500 in the game’s Special Events calendar.

Speaking about this deal, iRacing president Tony Gardner couldn’t contain his excitement. As reported on iRacing’s official website, Gardner said, “The INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are racing properties that need to be included in iRacing.”

He continued, “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.”

While losing SRX is a blow for iRacing, signing a new deal with IndyCar certainly helps its cause. It can only get better for the fans if a deal with IROC is struck. Will that happen anytime soon? Let us know what you think.

READ MORE – “I Don’t Get It”- NASCAR Insider Questions Tony Stewart’s SRX Racing’s Purpose