Aimed at ‘pro’ drivers, the IndyCar ButtKicker iRacing Pro Series will mark the start of a fresh esports competition.
A total prize pool said to be worth upwards of $50,000 will be on the line for those who manage to enter – qualifying is set to kick off in July and end in August.
The championship for professional sim racing drivers will begin in earnest in September, although the schedule is yet to be released.
Rounds are set to use “many” of the venues used by the real-world IndyCar competition. It follows the recent licencing agreement between the Penske-owned championship and the Massachusetts-based sim racing platform.
“For years, iRacers have clamoured for a top IndyCar esports series, and with the support of ButtKicker, we’re putting together an awesome inaugural campaign for 2024,” said iRacing President Tony Gardner.
“Kicking off just after the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series champion is crowned on track at Nashville, this new series will bring the excitement of IndyCar into the virtual world and give our fans a new set of racing heroes to cheer for this fall,” said IndyCar’s Senior Manager of Marketing Ben Hendricks.
The competition will begin 19th September, with each round broadcast live on iRacing’s and IndyCar’s online channels. Further information is expected in the coming months.