The eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series may have Easter weekend off, but that’s not keeping Dale Earnhardt, Jr. from being behind the “virtual” steering wheel.
Earnhardt, Jr. will compete in Saturday’s INDYCAR iRacing Challenge at the virtual Michigan Speedway.
“Invite received. I better get to work figuring this car out,” Earnhardt, Jr. announced on Twitter on Wednesday.
It marks his first foray into the series, which has run since the COVID-19 shutdown.
The event at the 2-mile Michigan Speedway oval was chosen by competitors in the series to be run this weekend. The track was almost selected in fan vote for the series opener two weeks ago.
Earnhardt, Jr., a long time simulator racer, had indicated last week he was interested in running a virtual IndyCar event. Fellow NASCAR ace Jimmie Johnson has competed in both events in the series so far, at virtual Watkins Glen International two weeks ago and at virtual Barber Motorsports Park last weekend.
Earnhardt, Jr. unveiled his virtual livery for the event on Thursday. He will pilot a blue and white Chevrolet sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, bearing the number 3 – the same number his Hall of Fame father raced for much of his NASCAR career.
The move to run in Saturday’s event has been met with many positive responses from IndyCar regulars on social media.
“Welcome my friend. Can’t wait to rub some elbows with you this Saturday. Should be a good time,” Graham Rahal said via Twitter.
“Haaaaa! Now we can Race(“in a very thick french accent”)I will do my best to defeat you AND show you the details of my rear wing,” said Sebastian Bourdais via Twitter. “I am Rrrrrreally happy to be able to share the racetrack with you! Kidding aside! This is awesome thank you!”
Saturday’s virtual race will be broadcast live on NBCSN beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.
