As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Fox began hosting NASCAR races using a video game with real drivers. With NASCAR games arguably having a larger audience than ever as a result, 704Games' NASCAR Heat 5 has now been announced, and will be published by Motorsport Games on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in July.
NASCAR revealed the game through a press release, touting its in-house title as "the definitive NASCAR video game experience" complete with an "immersive" Career Mode and a new Testing Mode to "perfect your car set-up." The NASCAR Heat website and Twitter account posted the game's announcement trailer earlier today.
The base game will be available on July 10, however fans can currently pre-order the Gold Edition which is set to come out on July 7, which will include exclusive content featuring former three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, and four DLC packs coming as a part of the NASCAR Heat 5 Season Pass. This is the latest game in a series going back to 2000 on the original PlayStation.
NASCAR has had its share of controversy since the beginning of livestreamed races, as driver Kyle Larson was suspended indefinitely after using a racial slur while live.
NASCAR Heat 5 will be available on July 10, 2020 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The Gold Edition will be available on July 7.
Source: NASCAR Press Release, NASCAR Heat