NASCAR links partnership with the startup behind a blockchain-based digital horse racing game

Note: Everyone around here knows that our editor, Vivian, is wild about the idea of virtual horse racing. It is her view and deep seated wish that it will eventually replace racing with actual horses. —TH.

Written by Saniya Moore / TheBlockCrypto.com / 5th August 2021

Quick Take

American auto racing company NASCAR has partnered with the team behind the blockchain-based digital horse racing game ZED RUN to create a “brand new, futuristic fandom experience.”
The two companies are still finalizing details, but to begin, Virtually Human Studio (VHS) will work with NASCAR to create NASCAR-branded digital horses on its racing platform.

Can’t make it to a horse race in person? Have no fear, because you could soon be able to attend one in the metaverse.

American auto racing company NASCAR has partnered with the developers behind the blockchain-based digital horse racing game ZED RUN to create a “brand new, futuristic fandom experience,” the Virtually Human Studio team announced Thursday.

The two companies are still finalizing details about distribution and sales, but to begin, VHS will work with NASCAR to create NASCAR-branded digital horses on its racing platform.

“Recreating what fandom means through the concept of ownership, the NASCAR and VHS partnership will lay the foundation by exploring innovation around NFTs and what it means to have skin in the game,” VHS CEO and co-founder Chris Laurent said in a statement.

According to Tim Clark, senior vice president, and chief digital officer at NASCAR, the racing company hopes to use blockchain technology as a “launchpad” to discover a new, “deeply engaged” audience.

“Partnerships like the one with VHS, have the ability to revolutionize the NASCAR brand by bridging the gap between an age-old sport and innovative new technology,” Clark said.

Last month, VHS raised $20 million in a Series A round, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz and TCG Capital Management. Its NFT gaming platform, ZEN RUN, allows users to train, breed and race digital horses. Owners can enter their horse NFTs into races via an entry fee and can also win prizes if their collectibles win on the digital track.

Image courtesy ZED RUN