The launch of the eNASCAR Ignite Series headlined this week’s iRacing news. The new series, aimed at developing young racing talent, kicks off June 20 at the virtual Charlotte Motor Speedway Legends Oval.
Ignite drive.
Ignite passion.
Ignite the future.New eNASCAR Ignite Series targets youth to find tomorrow's stars: https://t.co/7Wo2xWvUjc pic.twitter.com/AmIbtrRuFV
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 13, 2018
JP Motorsports NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Josh Bilicki logged some laps on iRacing in advance of last weekend’s race at Iowa Speedway.
Prepping for @iowaspeedway on @iRacing. Whatcha think, @KevinHarvick?? 😜😂🙈 pic.twitter.com/FGQ79iY21q
— Josh Bilicki (@joshbilicki) June 14, 2018
While Bilicki looked quick on the virtual track, his real race Sunday ended early with a fuel pump issue.
Fellow Xfinity Series racer Shane Lee showed how he gets around the tricky short track using the Richard Childress Racing iRacing setup.
.@ShaneLeeRacing hops back in our @iRacing rig this week to point out the little things that make @IowaSpeedway tougher than you think. 👀#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/pYVsHX21Hz
— RCR (@RCRracing) June 15, 2018
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron shared why he continues to hop on iRacing throughout the week when he’s not racing for his day job with Hendrick Motorsports.
He may have a full-time #NASCAR Cup Series ride now, but that doesn't mean @WilliamByron doesn't still fire up @iRacing from time to time. #WhyDoYouDoThat pic.twitter.com/vFaMFLiVo5
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) June 14, 2018
Not only can iRacing help drivers stay sharp, it gives drivers the ability to learn new tracks and racing disciplines, according to Dale Earnhardt Jr. — something vital when NASCAR heads to normally unfamiliar road courses.
This is in my opinion @iRacing greatest value. It provides an ability to learn road course disciplines and techniques you can not learn on ovals. It also provides drivers laps at tracks they’ve never seen including realistic shift/braking/throttle points. https://t.co/dN6ld1k3bA
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) June 19, 2018
What sets iRacing apart from team- and manufacturer-funded simulators is the human element. There’s no substitute for racing against other humans.
While teams/manufacturers have multi million dollar simulators that provide much of the same. What they don’t emulate is human competition that creates real world scenarios that teach drivers the patience and mental toughness you need in the race itself.
– Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) June 19, 2018
NASCAR PEAK ANTIFREEZE IRACING SERIES UPDATE
After a two-race absence, Ryan Luza returned to the track and won his third race of the season Tuesday in Michigan — but not without controversy.
Luza, in pursuit of Ray Alfalla in the closing laps, put a bumper to Alfalla’s Ford, sending it into the wall, while Luza never looked back and took the checkered flag ahead of Zack Novak and Keegan Leahy. Marcus Richardson and Michael Guest rounded out the top five.
Ryan Luza with a controversial late race pass for the win in the @NASCAR @peakauto Antifreeze Series pic.twitter.com/a91V4NCyb4
— iRacing (@iRacing) June 14, 2018
Alfalla, the three-time series champion, ended up finishing sixth, and remains in control of the points lead by 36 points over Keegan Leahy.
Eventful #NPAiS race tonight @MISpeedway. We struggled early on, but worked good strategy and timely yellows to put us up front late in the race. Not a big fan of the move that put me in the wall, but I was doing some blocking myself; can't be too mad about it. @RaceSonoma next. pic.twitter.com/86KeAHZmSa
— Ray Alfalla (@rayalfalla) June 13, 2018
That’s a classy way of saying it.
– Tommy Joe Martins (@TommyJoeMartins) June 15, 2018
The NASCAR PEAK Antifreeze iRacing Series heads to the twists and turns of Sonoma Raceway June 26, where Bobby Zalenski looks to defend his 2017 victory.
IRACING PAINT SCHEMES OF THE WEEK
Jordan E. brought Justin Allgaier’s Breyers 2in1 Xfinity Series Camaro to the virtual track.
If you’re into throwbacks, Riley Roush rebuilt Paul Menard’s 2007 paint scheme to life for iRacing’s K&N Pro Series-style cars.
DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME
Take a ride with NASCAR PEAK Antifreeze iRacing Series driver Nolan Scott when his Ford flips on its roof after a crash unfolds ahead in last Tuesday’s race at Michigan.
Nolan Scott takes a tumble in the NASCAR @peakauto Antifreeze Series at @MISpeedway pic.twitter.com/jUbOV0q50V
— iRacing (@iRacing) June 14, 2018
Thank goodness it’s a lot less expensive to call a virtual tow truck instead of a real one.