Motorsport Games, the video game company dedicated to the integration of racing game development and esports, has today announced a partnership with Codemasters and the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy to create the World RX Esports Invitational Championship. The series will be held on the dates of selected rounds of the 2020 FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy that have been postponed due to health concerns and government regulations relating to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. The first race, the Barcelona World RX Esports Invitational, will be held on Sunday 19th April using DiRT Rally 2.0 on PC via Steam.
A number of the official World RX drivers will be taking part in the championship and fans around the world will have the opportunity to earn a place on the grid against these stars when the Qualifying event goes live on DiRT Rally 2.0 on PC this Saturday (28th March). The top drivers who complete the 6-lap race around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in the fastest time will be invited to take part in the live streamed showcase. In order to enter, PC Steam players should go to the ‘My Teams’ section of DiRT Rally 2.0 on Saturday 28th March from 10am GMT (28th March - 9pm AEDT) and select the specially-marked promotional FIA World Rallycross tile from the Events screen.
Paul Bellamy, Senior Vice President of Motorsports Events at IMG, the promoter of the FIA World Rallycross Championship, said: “We hope that by offering fans around the world the chance to engage with World RX via an alternative esports championship, we are providing a small level of enjoyment in these difficult times.”
Dmitry Kozko, CEO of Motorsport Games commented: “This partnership with the FIA World Rallycross Championship is further evidence of Motorsport Games’ commitment to rights holders in helping them engage with their fans during this very difficult time. It is also a continuation of our excellent relationship with Codemasters, which has already seen us manage and broadcast the DiRT World Series earlier this year.
“Combining our best in class esports technology and competition management expertise with real World RX drivers and commentary talent will create a thrilling spectacle for the fans. The fact that online racers are also able to take part, and potential race against their heroes, takes the fan engagement to the next level. It’s going to be a great show.”
Ross Gowing, Game Director of DiRT Rally 2.0 at Codemasters said: “With so much of the sporting world currently unable to compete, it’s great to see the gaming community come together for virtual tournaments which offer some light relief during these uncertain times. We’re excited to be a part of the World RX Esports Invitational Championship and look forward to seeing pro drivers and fans take to DiRT Rally 2.0 in a competitive, yet fun, environment.”
Motorsport Games’ investment in esports includes the ability to be able to manage and distribute an esports broadcast remotely, including live commentary. It is now operating and broadcasting the #NotTheGP series as well as the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, Le Mans Esports Series and the DiRT World Series.
About Motorsports Games:
Motorsport Games is a division of Motorsport Network, an integrated digital platform that is the destination for everything cars and racing. Our mission is to pull together video games and esports within the racing sphere and deliver new, innovative experiences people will enjoy playing, watching and engaging with. We’re leveraging the vast capabilities of Motorsport Network, a giant within the digital media space, to bring more people than ever before to motorsports as active participants. We are the destination for the world’s major motorsport series and brands from NASCAR to Le Mans. We operate along the entire vertical of development, publishing and competitive esports ecosystem.
For more information about Motorsport Games visit: www.motorsportgames.com
Media Contact:
Andy Gray, Head of PR & Esport Product, Motorsport Games
E: andy.gray@motorsportgames.com
About FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy:
The FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy is head-to-head, short, sharp racing on mixed surfaces (gravel and asphalt) contained within amphitheatre venues. High profile drivers are equipped with RX Supercars with over 600bhp and an acceleration of 0-60mph in less than two seconds. World RX debuted in 2014 with a calendar including events in Argentina, Turkey, Canada and throughout Europe. Building on the success of World RX’s first six seasons and the burgeoning momentum behind the series, the 2020 calendar will incorporate 10 rounds across four continents. Along the way, it will visit some of the world’s most historic rallycross tracks, while introducing an exciting new challenge in the shape of Germany’s Nurburgring.
Visit our official website: www.fiaworldrallycross.com
Be a part of #WorldRX:
Twitter: @FIAWorldRX, | Facebook.com/FIAWorldRallycross | YouTube.com/RallycrossRXTV | Instagram: FIAWorldRX
Media Contact:
For media enquiries, please contact the FIA World Rallycross Media Department:
Cameron Kelleher
E: worldrx@img.com cameron.kelleher@img.com
M: +44 7802 862335
About Codemasters:
Codemasters (AIM: CDM) is an award-winning British video game developer and publisher with over 30 years of heritage. The company specialises in high-quality racing games including DiRT, GRID, and the BAFTA award-winning official F1® series of videogames.
In November 2019 Codemasters acquired Slightly Mad Studios, creators and developers of award-winning IP including the Project CARS franchise.
For more information on Codemasters’ product portfolio, please visit www.codemasters.com. Join in the conversation with @codemasters on Twitter or Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/codemasters.
Media Contact:
Shaun White, Communications Director, Codemasters
shaun.white@codemasters.com