Gamasutra this week reported that NASCAR - whose 12-year run with EA Sports ended in 2008 - will return next year under Activision and the developer Eutechnyx, known for its focus on racing games.
Gamasutra's Kyle Orland cited sources who confirmed rumors that Activision had taken the license from EA Sports, which last year redeployed its NASCAR development staff to work on the forthcoming EA Sports MMA and said it had no plans to continue with the stock car circuit.
An anonymous post on EA Sports' forums claims that the game could be available before the 2011 Daytona 500, which opens the NASCAR season on Feb. 20. That rumor couldn't be confirmed.
NASCAR Kart Racing on the Wii, released in early 2009, was the last dedicated NASCAR title on any console. Gran Turismo 5, due Nov. 2 on the PS3, does feature NASCAR licensing and vehicles.
Gamasutra also noted that Eutechnyx in March hired away a veteran of EA Sports' NASCAR development team.
Activision To Publish Eutechnyx's NASCAR 2011 [Gamasutra]