NASCAR’s downtown Chicago street circuit is now available to drive in the hugely popular Fortnite franchise in its Rocket Racing title, with more circuits expected in the game soon.
The Chicago street circuit was first imagined on iRacing and was introduced to the real-life NASCAR Cup calendar for 2023 where Supercars driver Shane van Gisbergen famously won on his debut in a mixed-conditions race in which ex-Formula 1 driver Jenson Button was also involved.
The second Chicago race will be held this weekend on July 7, with the Rocket Racing Fortnite map release timed accordingly. The track has been designed and built by the Karta metaverse studio.
NASCAR's first custom @FortniteGame Rocket Racing track is here!
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 2, 2024
Grab a friend, start your engines and hit the virtual #NASCARChicago streets today! Find it in Fortnite with code: 0012-6902-9252. pic.twitter.com/IE5HRCGhGM
"NASCAR has always been about pushing boundaries and connecting with fans in exciting ways," said Nick Rend, managing director of Esports & Gaming at NASCAR.
"Fortnite provides the perfect platform to engage a global audience, blending the intensity of NASCAR racing with the immersive world of Fortnite.
“Karta, with their incredible creativity, attention to detail and innovative approach, were the perfect partners to help us bring this vision to life.
"We wanted to build something with longevity for both diehard NASCAR enthusiasts and the wider Fortnite community and we think we have succeeded with just that.”
In Rocket Racing, which was released last December, up to 12 players compete in arcade-style races in which drivers can jump over obstacles and drive on ceilings and walls in a bid to win.
Players get to drive the Chicago track while mastering drifting and avoiding obstacles, and can play in multi-player or solo time trials.
Further NASCAR tracks - details of which have not been announced - will be released for Rocket Racing later in the season.
