IndyCar signs up 25 drivers for new iRacing series!

©IndyCar

IndyCar is launching on Saturday its own official Esports iRacing series, with a field of 25 contenders that will include many big names from the real world of IndyCar.

The IndyCar iRacing Challenge will see the distinguished group of pro racers compete on Watkins Glen road course, with the event streamed live from 4PM ET through IndyCar.com and on Indycar's Youtube and Facebook platforms.

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Penske's Josef Newgarden, Will Power and Simon Pagenaud will be part of the fun, as well as Ganassi's Marcus Ericsson and Felix Rosenqvist, and Andretti's Alex Rossi, Colin Herta and James Hinchcliffe.

The list of competitors also includes McLaren's Oliver Askew and Patricio O'Ward, RLL's Graham Rahal and Foyt's Tony Kanaan and Sebastien Bourdais.

NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will join the virtual race as a "special guest" entrant.

All drivers will compete in their team's usual colors to favour recognition.

The event's format will include a 10-minute qualifying session followed by the race.

IndyCar's sim series will unfold each Saturday through May 2, with the opening event by others at Barber Motorsports Park (April 4), a “Driver’s Choice” track (April 11), a “Random Draw” track (April 18), Circuit of The Americas (April 25) and a non-INDYCAR “Dream” track (May 2).

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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.