If you like unique sponsorship partnerships, you are going to love the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota Camry TRD that Tyler Reddick will pilot this weekend at Michigan International Speedway.
The No. 45 car will have primary sponsorship from the popular video game Rocket League.
According to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, the deal was in part set up by 23XI Racing President Steve Lauletta, who has a background in the gaming and eSports world.
The Toyota Camry TRD will feature a bold paint scheme that includes an iconic ball from the game on the hood of the car. Trailing the ball are red and yellow accents, which fade back into the blue base coat of the car.
In the 23XI Racing announcement of the partnership, the team hinted that there will be another special announcement coming from Rocket League later in 2023.
“The finish line doesn’t always mean the race is over,” the tweet from 23XI Racing stated. “Look out for a special announcement from Rocket League later this year.”
We are proud to partner with @RocketLeague!
Catch @TylerReddick and the #45 Rocket League Toyota Camry TRD car in action on Aug. 6 at @MISpeedway🏁
The finish line doesn't always mean the race is over. Look out for a special announcement from Rocket League later this year! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/TGZltF1AwD
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) August 1, 2023
Rocket League serving as the primary sponsor for Reddick and the No. 45 team this weekend is not the first instance of NASCAR/Rocket League crossover.
In May 2021, Rocket League partnered with NASCAR and several NASCAR race teams to form the NASCAR 2021 Fan Pack. This pack allowed players of Rocket League to utilize NASCAR Cup Series race cars to utilize in the game.
In April 2022, Rocket League dropped a new 2022 NASCAR Fan Pass, which featured Next Gen NASCAR vehicles.
