Updates from the Armchair: This Week on iRacing (June 19, 2018)

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. https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1007022949063421957 JP Motorsports NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Josh Bilicki logged some laps on iRacing in advance of last weekend’s race at Iowa Speedway. https://twitter.com/joshbilicki/status/1007325701266137088 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. https://twitter.com/RCRracing/status/1007646414434906112 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. https://twitter.com/TeamHendrick/status/1007404819856969729 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. https://twitter.com/DaleJr/status/1009093336311975936 What sets iRacing apart from team- and manufacturer-funded simulators is the human element. There’s no substitute for racing against other humans. 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. https://twitter.com/iRacing/status/1007373922877280256 Alfalla, the three-time series champion, ended up finishing sixth, and remains in control of the points lead by 36 points over Keegan Leahy. https://twitter.com/rayalfalla/status/1006737989437882369 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. https://twitter.com/iRacing/status/1007357625489600512 Thank goodness it’s a lot less expensive to call a virtual tow truck instead of a real one.