Dale Jr. to join IndyCar Esports field at Michigan
Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make his IndyCar Series debut this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, albeit in the virtual world
Earnhardt floated the idea days ago, expressing his interest but said he had not yet received an invite.
On Wednesday, he tweeted 'invite received,' confirming he would indeed join the field for the IndyCar esports race at the two-mile Michigan oval.
The series, known as the IndyCar Challenge, has run two events so far at Watkins Glen International and Barber Motorsports Park, won by Sage Karam and Scott McLaughlin. This will be the series first race on an oval.
Earnhardt, an avid sim racer, has been competing in several televised and/or streamed events as of late including the popular Pro Invitational NASCAR Series, finishing as high as second at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
“I’m a fish out of water. I’ve been a big fan and part of the customer base with iRacing and their service for a long time, but I’ve have had hardly any time in that particular car on the service," he told NBCSN. "There’s 80 tracks, dozens of cars and I really haven’t spent too much time in the INDYCAR, but, I’ve got a few days to get acclimated with it and understand how to drive it, what its characteristics are…I just want to go out there and enjoy it and have fun and run all the laps.”
“(The INDYCAR drivers) are such great guys, really accommodating and nice to be around. A couple of them are already texting me, Marco Andretti, Graham Rahal, are giving me a hard time. Hopefully, we can have fun and bring some awareness to the series and what they’re doing on the simulation front. Everybody tune in at 2:30 ET on NBCSN on Saturday – we’ll be out there in the number 3.”
Another NASCAR star in Jimmie Johnson has taken part in the first two IndyCar races on road courses, finishing as high as 12th at Barber.
Previous article
McLaughlin's unique IndyCar Eseries challenge
Next article
Gossage: No interest in Texas IndyCar race without fans
About this article
| Series | IndyCar , NASCAR Cup , Esports |
| Author | Nick DeGroot |
Colton Herta – America's next racing hero
Last Sunday, Colton Herta demolished his IndyCar opposition in the second round of the season. David Malsher-Lopez explains why Andretti Autosport’s youngest ace bears all the hallmarks of becoming the country’s next homegrown motorsport hero.
How good is Palou and is he Dixon’s strongest title rival?
Last Sunday, Alex Palou delivered his first IndyCar victory on his Chip Ganassi Racing debut. Is the young Spaniard going to become his legendary teammate Scott Dixon’s biggest title threat? David Malsher-Lopez reports.
Preview: Why IndyCar in 2021 is too close to call
The fight for supremacy in the NTT IndyCar Series will be as intense as ever. David Malsher-Lopez is your guide to the main contenders and six intriguing sub-plots.
Is Arrow McLaren SP ready for IndyCar’s title fight?
With Patricio O'Ward and Felix Rosenqvist leading its line-up, 2021 could be the year Arrow McLaren SP-Chevrolet joins the IndyCar elite, writes David Malsher-Lopez.
Dale Coyne picks the Top 10 drivers in his giant-slaying team
Over 37 seasons, Dale Coyne has run no fewer than 80 Indy car drivers – including himself! Ahead of his first season running Romain Grosjean, we asked Coyne to pick the best 10 drivers ever to compete for him. By David Malsher-Lopez.
Why enigmatic Marco Andretti will be missed
Last Friday, Marco Andretti announced he is withdrawing from fulltime IndyCar racing. David Malsher-Lopez explains how this third-gen racer was a puzzle in the car, but a straight shooter off-track.
Why Roger Penske is an American motorsport icon
In this exclusive one-on-one interview, Roger Penske reveals the inner drive that has made him not only a hugely successful team owner and businessman but also the owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar. He spoke to David Malsher-Lopez.
Is the mighty McLaren M16 the greatest ever Indy car?
When founder Bruce McLaren died in June 1970, his team could have folded. Instead, his loyal band rallied to produce a string of winners - including an Indy car game-changer that won three Indy 500s in six years.
