IndyCar announces star-studded iRacing challenge

©IndyCar

IndyCar will kick off a six-race virtual series on March 28, with the inaugural iRacing Challenge featuring a stellar line-up of current IndyCar drivers.

With motorsport's championships across the globe in pause mode due to the coronavirus crisis, major series organizers are entering the virtual world of sim racing to keep their fans entertained.

Formula 1 announced on Friday its 'Virtual Grand Prix Series' that will debut tomorrow with a Bahrain Grand Prix, and the NTT IndyCar Series has followed suit, partnering with race sim developer iRacing to stage six virtual events in the coming weeks.

F1 launches 'Virtual Grand Prix Series' to replace postponed races!

"Each virtual race event, which will last approximately 90 minutes to two hours, will begin at 4 p.m. ET each Saturday through May 2," IndyCar stated.

"The INDYCAR iRacing Challenge events will feature qualifications in addition to the races.

"Teams will be able to design car liveries to match their desired paint schemes. To further give the action an authentic look and feel, each car will be equipped with INDYCAR’s new Aeroscreen, a revolutionary cockpit-protecting device introduced for the 2020 season.

Fans have been called upon to vote on the venue of next week's inaugural round which will be followed by races at Barber Motorsports Park (April 4), “Driver’s Choice” track (April 11), “Random Draw” track (April 18), Circuit of The Americas (April 25) and a non-INDYCAR “Dream” track (May 2).

All races will be streamed live on the Indycar.com website while Youtube, Facebook and iRacing's Twitch platform will also broadcast the virtual events.

IndyCar will announce next week its list of participating drivers and the virtual track that will host the series' opening race.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.