For years we've known drivers to use virtual racing or video games as a tool to improve on-track performance, familiarize rookies with tracks they've never seen before, or help some veterans re-learn the nuances of an old track.

But to understand why or how online simulation racing can keep Dale Earnhardt Jr. glued to a computer monitor for hours on end you must know the culture of the online racing community.

Hardcore sim racers know the intricacies of setting up a stock car for optimum speed. They practice often, appreciate the realistic laser-scanned recreations of on-track racing, and invest in special software and services.

You must know that this is more than just a game. Game is actually considered a four-letter word to these racers who view online simulation racing nothing short of a professional Internet sport.

Hardcore sim racers know the intricacies of setting up a stock car for optimum speed. They practice often, appreciate the realistic laser-scanned recreations of on-track racing, and invest in special software and services.

Bottom line: It ain't Mario Kart, or for posers looking for a demolition derby.

Depending on the online venue, the competition level will give novice racers a quick reality check as they learn proven Sprint Cup Series drivers are there to play, not as guest stars or fake avatars -- but as themselves looking to hone their skills.

"If you see Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the race, I'm the only one out there," said Earnhardt, a member of iRacing, the virtual racing creators who recently partnered with NASCAR to release a NASCAR-sanctioned online racing series set to be released next January. "In iRacing you have to use the name on the credit card you use to purchase the software. So basically if you use your mother's credit card you're going to race under her name."

It will be conducted like an official NASCAR series, featuring digital duplicates of real-word NASCAR machines and tracks in the most realistic racing environment created to date, said Steve Potter, spokesperson for iRacing.com Motorsports Simulations.

Earnhardt is the company's ambassador and for the last five years has helped to develop the system and software. He's not getting paid a dime. He is only interested in creating a quality product with credibility among racers.

"I've been an alpha and beta tester for the company before it was available to the public and I have a direct line to the top of the heap at iRacing so I feed those guys my input on how it should look and feel," he said. "They've allowed me to be a big part of bringing NASCAR and iRacing together and I've been involved since the beginning so I'm a pretty good asset in building it. I try to give them the best advice I can. I love being a part of it because it is a passion of mine, one of my favorite hobbies. I just love it and want it to be good." (Continued)