IndyCar iRacing Challenge to return next week

Following a debut last year, the Indycar esports series is to return next week ahead of the championship’s real racing kick-off on the 18th of April. There’s a three-race mini-series in store for race fans with real-world superstars that includes Will Power, Takuma Sato and IndyCar newcomer and ex-F1 superstar Romain Grosjean scheduled to take part.

What happened last time?

Last season, held during the COVID-19 pandemic, was not without controversy. Most notably, Formula 1 driver Lando Norris made a guest appearance in the Indy 175 – the finale of the series – and had a bit of a “coming together” with IndyCar star Simon Pagenaud.

The French driver had already proven his talent on the sim with wins at Michigan and Motegi but when Norris made a move to the inside of turn 2 it caused the 2016 champion to crash despite no contact. Pagenaud needed to pit for repairs and when returning to the fray he seemingly deliberately caused contact with Norris, wiping him out of contention for a victory with 2 to go.

That wasn’t the final controversial move in the virtual Indy race. Santino Ferrucci then proceeded to take out Oliver Askew on the run to the finish line, leaving Scott McLaughlin to take the victory.

Which drivers are confirmed for season two of the IndyCar iRacing Challenge?

We’re yet to see a full list of competitor’s, but here’s who’s been confirmed so far:

• Josef Newgarden
• Ryan Hunter-Reay
• Simon Pagenaud
• Romain Grosjean
• Will Power
• Takuma Sato
• Felix Rosenquist
• Graham Rahal
• Ed Carpenter
• Pato O’Ward
• Alex Paulou
• Conor Daly
• Scott McLaughlin

Evidently, there will also be one driver from the Road to IndyCar ladder system. We’ll get a full list of participants released ahead of each week’s race.

What is the IndyCar iRacing Challenge schedule?

• Thursday 18th March – Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
• Thursday 25th March – Homestead Miami Speedway (oval)
• Thursday 1st April – Fan vote

Where can I watch the IndyCar iRacing Challenge Season Two?

Each show starts at 6:30pm ET / 11:30pm UTC and will be available on IndyCar’s YouTube and Facebook accounts, as well as on indycar.com. No doubt we’ll also get some of the drivers streaming their own perspectives on their Twitch channels as well!

Are you looking forward to catching some more IndyCar iRacing action? Isn’t it about time it had it’s own game though? As always let us know what you think on our social channels.