Along with all other major sports, the NASCAR season has been put on hold since March 16. However, what makes NASCAR different than most other sports during this time is that they have gone virtual. Instead of running computer simulation races, NASCAR has its drivers running races through iRacing.
iRacing is a subscription-based racing simulation that is often used by drivers to practice and train for races. NASCAR is sticking to its schedule, broadcasting iRacing races at virtual versions of the tracks they would have normally been racing.
This iRacing series featuring NASCAR’s finest drivers has been titled the “NASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series”. Their first race was on March 22. This virtual race was simulated from Homestead-Miami Speedway. This race featured 35 drivers including retired greats like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Bobby Labonte. Denny Hamlin was able to edge out Earnhardt Jr. to take the virtual checkered flag.
This proved to be a massive success. FS1 saw approximately 903,000 viewers tune in to the hour and a half long race. For comparison purposes, the last race run before the season paused brought in approximately 3.7 million viewers.
NASCAR has run three more iRacing races since March 22. They continue to be a growing success. The following virtual race simulated from Texas Motor Speedway brought in 1.3 million viewers. The virtual race simulated from Bristol Motor Speedway brought in 1.17 million viewers.
Ratings for the most recent virtual race simulated from Richmond Motor Speedway saw a slight drop in viewership at 971,000, but that shouldn’t raise any red flags for Fox or NASCAR. With the continuation of sports not being in the near future, NASCAR can expect the continued popularity of these simulated racing events since it is as close to live sports that fans can get.
What has made this experience so enjoyable for fans and drivers alike is the opportunities it brings for drivers. Simulated racing has allowed for retired drivers to get back behind the wheel and race side-by-side with current cup drivers. It has also allowed for drivers unknown by common fans and drivers in lower series to get a chance to make a name for themselves and build a fanbase.
For example, Timmy Hill is a full-time cup driver that has yet to make any headlines in cup racing. However, after taking the virtual checkered flag on March 29 at Texas Motor Speedway, he was able to gain the attention of plenty of fans on social media.
Then there is well-known driver William Byron of the 24 car who now boasts back-to-back iRacing Pro Invitational Series wins over the past two weeks. 22-year-old Byron is currently in his third full-time cup season and has yet to collect a win on the real track. However, he is a seasoned veteran when it comes to iRacing. Byron has been using the iRacing software since 2011, logging almost 700 races in his first two years. His success in iRacing led to his family investing in Byron’s racing career. Eventually, landing him a ride at prestigious racing team Hendrick Motorsports.
While it’s not quite the real thing, and many fans would prefer to be at the track experiencing all the sounds and smells of a real race, this is the next best thing. Hopefully, this experience brings in a new younger wave of fans. They can help boost the sport’s popularity when the season eventually comes back.
