Car Town's 2012 Indy 500 Challenge closely tails the real deal

It's that time again for Formula One racing fans: In about four short weeks, famous racers like Scott Dixon, Graham Rahal, Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti will slam on gas pedals to start this year's Indy 500. And Car Town players will be ready to put digital pedal to the virtual metal right there with them in this year's Car Town 2012 Indy 500 Challenge.

Cie Games looks to let players follow the races right from within its hit Facebook game by offering a new in-game car based on what the real racers drive. But here's where it gets interesting: While players get to act as the car's pit crew and compete with their friends, they also choose who drives it in-game from the list of competitors in the real Indy 500. Depending on whether their driver of choice wins the actual event, they'll receive extra bonuses in Car Town.

Of course, players will have to optimize their in-game Formula One racer by fine-tuning it and recruiting friends to assemble the best pit crew to climb up the leader boards. Whether players earn even more in-game rewards depends on how skilled (or dedicated) their pit crews are at changing tires and refueling their pace car as quickly as possible.

Facebook games branded after real world TV programs is nothing new, but what's interesting about this promotion is that it depends upon real world events and player skill (or, again, dedication). If you think you have what it takes to compete in Car Town's very own Indy 500 Challenge, you better get started in-game now before May 19 hits.

Are you excited for the Indy 500 to hit Car Town? What do you think of promotions based around real world events? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.