Motorsport Network Fuels Esports Plans with 704 Investment

Motorsport Network continues to dive deeper into gaming. After announcing the Le Mans esports series in June, the company has now added 704Games, NASCAR Team Properties’ exclusive console simulation-style video game licensee, under its umbrella. Motorsport Network joins other high-profile existing investors including HC2 Holdings Inc., PlayFast Games, LLC, Leo Capital Holdings LLC, and Gaming Nation Inc. as investors in the company.

The move means that Motorsport Network is investing in NASCAR gaming for the first time and expanding its footprint within esports. 704Games’ newest video game release, NASCAR Heat 3, arrives at retailers on Sept. 7, while NASCAR Heat Mobile, the first authentic NASCAR mobile racing game, surpassed two million downloads earlier this year.

“Having Motorsport Network join 704Games creates new opportunities for the company as we believe its wide international reach and technical resources will expedite our growth in key areas,” said Paul Brooks, Chief Executive Officer of 704Games. “Motorsport Network’s media platforms in the U.S. speak directly to NASCAR fans every day and that is a huge benefit as we continue to grow into competitive gaming and esports.”

The investment also signals Motorsports Network’s growing interest in esports. In February 2018, 704Games announced NASCAR Heat Champions, a multi-day esports tournament during the DAYTONA 500 race weekend. Motorsport Network and 704Games will significantly expand this esports platform in the fall with the launch of NASCAR Heat 3.

“We are big believers that esports will have a profound impact across the international motorsports community for years to come. Our investment in 704Games is a testament to that belief, as well as our newly established joint venture with the ACO and the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Colin Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Motorsport Network. “We have been very impressed with the 704Games team and its road map for the integration of esports within the NASCAR Heat franchise. This, combined with Motorsport Network’s loyal audience and marketing scale, will give us an incredible platform to captivate the current and future generations of NASCAR fans.”

704Games also announced an extension of its NASCAR gaming license with NASCAR Team Properties through 2029.