INDYCAR is going racing again, virtually that is.
INDYCAR and iRacing, the world's premier motorsports racing simulation, are partnering to stage six virtual race events featuring a stellar lineup of current NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers and possibly some special guests beginning Saturday, March 28.
Each race will be streamed live on indycar.com for the enjoyment of racing fans while the current 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season is suspended through April as a result of the coronavirus situation. While indycar.com will serve as the primary live streaming source, there also will be secondary platforms to watch the virtual race events each week - INDYCAR's YouTube and Facebook Live as well as iRacing's Twitch.
Each virtual race event, which will last approximately 90 minutes to two hours, will begin at 4 p.m. ET each Saturday through May 2.
To enhance the fan experience, INDYCAR will conduct a 15-minute, pre-race virtual autograph session with several of the participants beginning at 3:15 p.m. each week. There also will be a live interview with the race winner by post-race host Katie Hargitt on INDYCAR's Instagram immediately following the conclusion of the race.
The inaugural INDYCAR iRacing Challenge race venue will be selected through bracket voting by fans through Thursday, March 26. Fans can vote daily on the track match-up in the bracket to determine which venue will advance to the next round. The voting, which has a 12-hour window beginning 10 a.m. daily, is available through the @INDYCAR Instagram and Twitter handles or online at indycar.com/iracing.
The opening virtual race event will be followed by Barber Motorsports Park (April 4), "Driver's Choice" track (April 11), "Random Draw" track (April 18), Circuit of The Americas (April 25) and a non-INDYCAR "Dream" track (May 2).
The INDYCAR iRacing Challenge events will feature qualifications in addition to the races. Teams will be able to design car liveries to match their desired paint schemes. To further give the action an authentic look and feel, each car will be equipped with INDYCAR's new Aeroscreen, a revolutionary cockpit-protecting device introduced for the 2020 season.
The INDYCAR iRacing Challenge will not crown an overall champion but will add a special element where INDYCAR will make a donation to one of its partner charities.
An entry list of the drivers participating, along with the bracket-winning race venue for the opener, will be announced this week.
INDYCAR iRacing Challenge Featuring Several Series Stars To Debut March 28
INDYCAR and iRacing, the world's premier motorsports racing simulation, are partnering to stage six virtual race events featuring a stellar lineup of current NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers and possibly some special guests beginning Saturday, March 28.
Latest News
View All NewsPalou Powers to NTT P1 Award for Sonsio Grand Prix
Reigning series champion Alex Palou earned his fourth career NTT P1 Award on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Sonsio Extends Partnership with IMS, Title Sponsorship of Sonsio Grand Prix
Sonsio Vehicle Protection is an industry-leading provider of vehicle protection and warranty programs.
Sonsio Grand Prix Fans Encouraged To ‘Plan Ahead’ with IMS.com
Fans attending the Sonsio Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES event May 10-11 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are encouraged to “Plan Ahead” through IMS.com/PlanAhead, an interactive web page that serves as a home base for fans headed to the track.