Everything you need to know about iRacing ahead of the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series
No sports have been immune to the impact of coronavirus, including NASCAR.
While the season was just beginning, NASCAR announced it was postponing events through May 3, if not longer.
We know the time away from the track has been tough, but we have something special in store!
The NASCAR community partnered with iRacing to create a unique event for drivers and fans during this difficult time on race day.
Drum roll please … the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series – an exhibition esports series with the best and brightest NASCAR stars – kicks off on Sunday at 1:30 ET on the virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway.
And we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Broadcast schedule
The first-ever eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series event brought to you by FOX Sports, NASCAR and iRacing will be available to watch on FS1 and the FOX Sports app on Sunday, March 22, at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Drivers, start your… computers! ?
FOX Sports teams with @NASCAR and iRacing to deliver the first-ever eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series event Sunday at 1:30 PM ET on FS1.#ProInvitationalSeries https://t.co/91YDKLJKSn
— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) March 19, 2020
What it is
Ready…set…go!
It’s a 100-lap simulation-style esports race on a virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway featuring competitors from the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, NASCAR Cup Series and a few NASCAR dignitaries.
Here We Go #NASCAR Fans!!!! pic.twitter.com/wMvhf9i14r
— Larry McReynolds (@LarryMac28) March 20, 2020
The race will be a substitute for the actual race at Homestead on Sunday that was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Who is competing
You’ll recognize some familiar names on the lineup.
We’ve got Hall of Fame driver Bobby Labonte, two-time and defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, 2018 NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano, 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski, 2008 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Clint Bowyer, 2017 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series champion Christopher Bell, 2016 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year Chase Elliott and many more.
Hey @KyleBusch that Daytona 500 video game setup is pretty sweet but you’ll need to upgrade your system if you want to compete with us in this @iracing series ? https://t.co/WQerdC1gvj
— Christopher Bell (@CBellRacing) March 18, 2020
Earnhardt Jr., Hamlin and William Byron are even some Cup Series drivers who have dabbled in racing online.
Pumped for Sunday @CBellRacing ?? https://t.co/QCO3Ye7f7M
— LeavineFamilyRacing (@LFR95) March 19, 2020
The race will feature a full 35-car lineup, which will be announced on Sunday.
It’s a real race
They’re not messing around and neither are we.
You can follow all the action with our FOX NASCAR broadcasters Jeff Gordon, Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds as they call the race. Clint Bowyer will even serve as an “in-race” analyst driving from a simulator hooked up to the iRacing platform from the FOX Charlotte studio.
How it’s possible
This isn’t your traditional gaming set-up with a controller. The drivers will be using “rigs” from their homes or offices with steering wheels, shifters, pedals and computer screens.
I’ve been running on a laptop on a cardboard box in our dining room. I do have a new @NZXT system and ultra wide monitor on the way, but something like this is all you need to get started to see if you enjoy it, which you will. pic.twitter.com/n7sfaAvgEs
— Kevin Hamlin (@KevinHamlin) March 17, 2020
The set-up is a reflection of an actual car, and the screen shows you the track.
This is serious business.
Okay so I upgraded from my earlier tweet from today. New @NZXT system showed up and runs @iRacing like…smooth. Smoother than me in qualifying during the Replacements race I can tell ya that much. pic.twitter.com/RusyogcHBQ
— Kevin Hamlin (@KevinHamlin) March 18, 2020
How the drivers are feeling
It’s no surprise many are champing at the bit to get back out there, and we’re just about as excited to watch them battle it out on the track.
Y’all should see the excitement on my face right now ??♂️? https://t.co/LBCROUpLLp
— Alex Bowman (@AlexBowman88) March 19, 2020
But for some, it’s full of unknowns – many drivers haven’t competed or ever used a driving simulation game before. Nonetheless, they are ready to fire up those engines!
Practice one complete. We’ve got some work to do on our virtual @mmschocolate Camry but my guys will get it tuned up for happy hour. #ProInvitationalSeries #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/J41FrcgTBh
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) March 21, 2020
For more visit our very own NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass’ story on the drivers’ emotions heading into race day.
It’s safe
NASCAR and FOX are following strict CDC guidelines to maintain a safe work environment and ensure the well-being of everyone involved in the event.
It’s a unique and special way to watch and celebrate the sport we love, while remaining compliant and staying healthy.
The purse
While there isn’t necessarily a prize to be won, bragging rights are always worth it.
There is no purse for the iRacing eNASCAR Pro Invitation race Sunday at virtual Homestead (1:30pm ET, FS1) — it is an exhibition. Some teams are doing sponsorship deals for paint schemes. #nascar @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 19, 2020
And an extra sponsor or a new look might be just what the doctor ordered.
Betting and Odds
Vegas might be shut down, but you can still get your betting fix.
Download the FOXSports Super 6 app, and pick the drivers you think will dominate the virtual track.
Yes, there is a @FOXSports pick 6 game open now for this Sunday’s @iRacing event on FS1, with a $5,000 jackpot.
Its free to play, go to https://t.co/Hc05xUVHf6 and download the app.
— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) March 20, 2020
The preview
There was a test drive of an iRace last week, which gave an inside look at what the series could look like.
“The Replacements-100,” a one-time race, featured Bubba Wallace Jr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Alex Bowman and Ryan Blaney‘s spotter Josh Williams, who came out victorious.
Look out, @Blaney. ?
Team Penske spotter @joshtwilliams held off @WilliamByron to win Sunday’s #Replacements100 exhibition race: https://t.co/aCWp7I2PDn pic.twitter.com/haRpufp0Nt
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 15, 2020
The broadcast on Twitch peaked with 27,000 viewers following the action.
Going forward
While subject to change, NASCAR hopes to run a weekly virtual race until the season resumes.
Introducing the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series.
Over the next few weeks, NASCAR drivers will compete in a simulation-style showcase on the @iRacing platform: https://t.co/Gfs2T6k2Hp pic.twitter.com/aB8nLnlXB5
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 18, 2020
With a total of seven Cup Series races postponed – and perhaps more to come – let the iRacing begin.
