Last Weekend’s eNASCAR Invitational Has Real Drivers Duking it out on National TV at Virtual Texas Motor Speedway

While we sit at home and try to wait out the COVID-19 pandemic, things certainly are different. The experience makes us appreciate all of the things that we’re missing even more. Like they say, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.”

While America’s landscape has changed to disallow large gatherings, canceling most sporting events, some NASCAR drivers are taking it in stride.

There is certainly nothing that could replace rolling around the track in a stock car. The thousands of fans on hand certainly would attest to the idea that feeling the rumbling engines in their chest is different than virtual racing. However, it seems like the drivers are doing the next best thing.

Last week, we would watch as the first-ever nationally broadcasted virtual racing event would make its way to FS1. In the eNASCAR Pro Invitational, some of the sport’s brightest stars would make their way to a simulator.

Simple is Better

Some of their simulators were just a couple of hundred dollars. These were rigs that most people could buy if they really wanted. More complex setups that some drivers were using were rumored to have cost tens of thousands. As we would find out, though, it’s not all about the simulator. In fact, we won’t spoil the finish for you. However, the winning racer simply had a steering wheel setup that was only a couple of hundred dollars alongside his single-monitor computer.

By following along with the video below, we get in on the latest iRacing action. As drivers fought their way around the track, eventually the battle would come down to a close finish yet again. Sure, there isn’t going to be much that could rival a real race. However, in some tense moments, we definitely get that real race feel. Plus, the live broadcast by Mike Joy and Jeff Gordon make it feel like any other Sunday.

In the first video here, we’re able to catch up with the highlights from the latest race from virtual Texas Motor Speedway.

The second video showcases the race in its entirety if you want to become even more immersed in the experience.

Check out the full race below.