By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer
After a successful debut earlier this Spring, the eNASCAR College iRacing Series returns for four races in the Fall.
Format
In the Spring, competitors utilized the virtual NASCAR Camping World Truck Series vehicles. For the four Fall races, the iRacing drivers will compete with the virtual recreations of the NASCAR Xfinity Series vehicles.
Four very different tracks will be highlighted in the return of the eNASCAR College iRacing Series. The season opens with 10 days of qualifying starting September 6. The iRacing drivers will attempt to be among the 40 fastest students in the various qualifying sessions over the 10 days to be eligible to race. The first race is at Homestead-Miami Speedway on September 20.
Each race event will have its’ own 10-days of qualifying ahead of time. With the tracks different each race, the make-up of the field can vary from Homestead to Auto Club Speedway, the Charlotte Motor SpeedwayRoad Course, and Nashville Superspeedway.
“Expanding our presence in the college esports arena is important as we continue to reach new demographics and introduce them to the sport of NASCAR,” said Ray Smith, Director of Gaming and Esports at NASCAR. “We’re looking forward to building on a successful spring semester and having more students explore the many opportunities NASCAR and our partners can offer them in their college years and beyond.”
Partners
Xfinity joins a long list of presenting sponsors of the eNASCAR College iRacing Series. Coca-Cola and Logitech, which both sponsor the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series are presenting sponsors of the college division. Playseat and the Southern Computer Warehouse are also on the list of presenting sponsors for the joint NASCAR – NACE Starleague led effort.
“Our work with NASCAR has always been in the spirit of inspiring and giving back to communities,” said Matt Lederer, Comcast’s Vice President, Brand Partnerships and Amplification. “Joining the eNASCAR College iRacing Series as a presenting partner gives Xfinity the opportunity to reach a younger generation of NASCAR fans while providing new avenues to education for college students and encouraging them to explore new opportunities.”
Scholarships
The first season of the eNASCAR College iRacing Series included just three races. The increase to four races provides one more opportunity for the highest finishers to benefit from the eNASCAR Scholarship Fund. The Fund offers a combined $60,000 in scholarships to the highest finishers.
Over 13,000 students are eligible to compete in the league through NACE Starleague. On the competition side, iRacing.com will lead the eNASCAR college effort.
In the Spring the races were broadcasted on enascar.com as well as iRacing’s social media platforms and both NASCAR and iRacing’s YouTube channels.
The full eNASCAR Collage iRacing Series schedule with the dates for qualifying, the tracks being used and the races can be found below. Registration for the series is open now and can be found here.
2022 eNASCAR College iRacing Series Schedule*
Fall
- Homestead-Miami Speedway
Qualifying: September 6 – 15
Race (80 Laps): September 20 at 8 p.m. ET
- Auto Club Speedway
Qualifying: September 30 – October 13
Race (60 Laps): October 18 at 8 p.m. ET
- Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course
Qualifying: October 21 – November 3
Race (35 Laps): November 8 at 8 p.m. ET
- Nashville Superspeedway
Qualifying: November 11 – 25
Race (80 Laps): November 29 at 8 p.m. ET
*Tentative and subject to change
Featured Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of Doug Denise.