How did TMNF advertise itself?

[Soprah]

I remember joining the Trackmania universe when I was a young kid. My older brother said "Look, there is a nice racing game which is for free and has lot's of players". (TMNF)

Yes, this might answer my question

But how did it get so many players? As far as I remember, I joined the game when it was already super successfull with trillions of players around 2008 when TMNF was just released. But I'd like to know how it achieved this state. It needs a foundation or something. I guess the answer but I want you all to elaborate on it.

[maxi031]

It was unique on the market and one of the few so called 'free' games with the best selling model.

[Miss]

It was the best free racing game. That's really all there is to it

[MatheusKS]

TMNF is the only F2P racing game that have more than 10 years and is still alive. It have a pretty original concept and you could (and still can) play it for hours having fun. Well, I still play it.

There were other F2P racing games but they all looked like NFS (including NFS) and they all died due to market saturation.