NBC has become the second North American broadcaster to expand its sim racing offering during the COVID-19 crisis, launching the NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge.
The series, which features 18 NASCAR drivers battling it out in daily heats and a championship race, will be aired live from 6-9 April.
Discussing the news Vice President of Production of NASCAR on NBC, Jeff Behnke, said:
“We’re proud to continue our successful collaboration with iRacing and NASCAR, which began last year, to produce the NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge. Thanks to all the drivers from the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series for joining in what should be four consecutive nights of entertainment and fun for all the great race fans and viewers.”
While Executive Producer of iRacing, Steve Myers, added:
“Of all of the events we’ve been putting together for real-world pros, the NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge should be one of the most fun.
“So many of the top drivers in NASCAR have honed their skills on both local short tracks and iRacing, and combining the two for a virtual week-long showdown should deliver plenty of excitement. We can’t wait to see who takes the checkered flag and bragging rights!”
Though NBC has previously broadcast iRacing events, including 2019’s inaugural eNASCAR live event, and had already planned to show the six races of the eNASCAR Cocal-Cola iRacing Series Playoffs later this year, the expanded offering follows a surge in interest in esports due to the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the cancellation of most sports.
As we reported a couple of days ago, FOX Sports has also dramatically expanded its sim racing coverage, starting with the World of Outlaws, following the record-breaking popularity of its eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series broadcasts.
AYO.NEWS says:
The COVID-19 crisis may have decimated traditional sports, but there’s no denying it has massively boosted esports, and none more so than sim racing, with NASCAR, Formula One and the Australian Supercars Championship all launching new competitions.
AYO.NEWS says features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited.
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