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NASCAR Announces NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021, Landmark Award

by MikeJune 16, 2020

Earnhardt Jr., Farmer, Stefanik make up first three-person class

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 16, 2020) – NASCAR announced today the inductees who will comprise the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Red Farmer and Mike Stefanik make up the Hall of Fame’s 12th class, and first with three members. In addition, Ralph Seagraves was named as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel met virtually to debate and vote upon the 15 nominees for the induction class of 2021 and the five nominees for the Landmark Award. The group also became the first to vote on two different Hall of Fame ballots.

Ten nominees appeared on the Modern Era ballot, which was selected by the traditional Nominating Committee. The same committee selected the five Landmark Award nominees. The Pioneer ballot, which included five nominees whose careers began in 1961 or earlier, was selected by a new Honors Committee. Beginning with the Class of 2021, each Hall of Fame class will feature two inductees from the Modern Era ballot and one from the Pioneer ballot.

Earnhardt Jr. received 76% of the Modern Era ballot votes, Stefanik received 49%. Ricky Rudd finished third, followed by Neil Bonnett. Red Farmer received 71% of the Pioneer ballot votes. Hershel McGriff finished second.

Each class is selected by the Voting Panel, which expanded to 65 members this year. They include representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks, media members, manufacturer representatives, competitors (drivers, owners, crew chiefs), recognized industry leaders, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion (Kyle Busch) and a nationwide fan vote conducted through NASCAR.com. Seven new voters from the Honors Committee – Richard Childress, Rick Hendrick, Ron Hornaday Jr., Dale Jarrett, Roger Penske, Darrell Waltrip and Rusty Wallace – participated for the first time. In all, 63 votes were cast. The accounting firm of EY presided over the tabulation of the votes.

Results for the NASCAR.com Fan Vote were Neil Bonnett, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Red Farmer.

In addition to Earnhardt Jr. and Stefanik, the other Modern Era ballot nominees included Neil Bonnett, Jeff Burton, Carl Edwards, Harry Gant, Harry Hyde, Larry Phillips, Ricky Rudd and Kirk Shelmerdine. The other Pioneer ballot nominees were Jake Elder, Banjo Matthews, Hershel McGriff and Ralph Moody.

Nominees for the Landmark Award included Janet Guthrie, Alvin Hawkins, Mike Helton and Dr. Joe Mattiolli.

Class of 2021 Inductees:

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., a third-generation NASCAR champion in a family synonymous with the sport, is perhaps the most popular driver in NASCAR history. The son of “The Intimidator,” Earnhardt Jr. made his own path and served as the face of NASCAR as 15-time Most Popular Driver. He began his career at family-owned Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) winning back-to-back Xfinity Series titles and 13 races in two full-time seasons. He quickly moved to the Cup Series where he won in his 12th career start. Like his father, Earnhardt Jr. was a master of the draft and thrived in restrictor plate racing. Ten of his 26 Cup victories came at Daytona and Talladega, including Daytona 500 wins in 2004 and 2014. In 2006, Earnhardt founded JR Motorsports, adding team owner to his resume. The team has three Xfinity Series championships and 47 wins. Earnhardt currently serves as an analyst for NBC Sports and hosts the popular podcast ‘Dale Jr Download.’

Red Farmer

Red Farmer’s career is one long series of immeasurable accolades. For instance, it’s entirely unknown just how many wins Farmer has. One thing is for sure: it’s a lot … somewhere north of 700. His passion for the sport is likewise immeasurable. After all, he continues to race, even as he approaches 90 years of age. But the record books do have a few things that are black-and-white and proof positive about this member of the Alabama Gang. He collected three consecutive championships in NASCAR’s Late Model Sportsman division from 1969-71, long after he won the Modified title in 1956. Though he preferred racing in the Late Model Sportsman division, Farmer did run 36 Cup Series races, with a best finish of fourth (twice). In 1998, Farmer’s many successes – clearly too many to officially count – landed him on the list of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.

Mike Stefanik

At the very top of the list of all-time NASCAR championships sit two men: NASCAR Hall of Famer Richie Evans … and Mike Stefanik. Each tallied nine in their exemplary careers, with Stefanik’s coming in both the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR East Series. Seven of his titles came in his primary racing series – the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. In 2003, he was named one of the Tour’s 10 Greatest Drivers, an obvious choice if there ever was one – Stefanik holds the all-time series record in championships, wins, poles, top fives and top 10s. Stefanik won two championships consecutively in the NASCAR East Series, in 1997-98. That, along with a win total that ties for ninth on the all-time series wins list, earned him a spot on the Top 10 Drivers of the First 25 Years of the NASCAR East Series list in 2011. In addition, Stefanik spent one full-time season in the NASCAR Gander Outdoor & RV Truck Series – and it was a successful one. He captured the Rookie of the Year Award in 1999.

Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR:

Ralph Seagraves

Ralph Seagraves’ life – and NASCAR’s world – changed the moment he met NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson. In the late 1960s, Seagraves, an official with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, had been searching for a means to market cigarettes after the federal government banned RJR’s products from advertising on television and radio. Johnson, ever the entrepreneur, had an idea. How about RJR sponsor his cars? Seagraves had a bigger idea: Why not sponsor NASCAR’s top series? And so, in 1971, for the first time since its inception in 1949, NASCAR’s premier series had major corporate backing. The NASCAR Winston Cup Series was born. The partnership helped NASCAR launch into the national spotlight, and created a bedrock of stability for the next three decades. RJR’s Winston brand sponsored NASCAR’s top series for more than 30 years, ending in 2003. Under Seagraves leadership, RJR helped a number of race track operators refurbish their facilities, many of which were short tracks that ran developmental NASCAR Winston Racing Series races.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series™), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, Americrown Service and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

About the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop and NASCAR Productions-operated broadcast studio. Opened on May 11, 2010, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. For more information, visit nascarhall.com.

NBC SPORTS PRESENTS INDY 500 SPECIAL: BACK HOME AGAIN SUNDAY AT 2 P.M. ET ON NBC

by MikeMay 21, 2020

On Date of Originally-Scheduled 2020 Indy 500, Enhanced Broadcast Special Includes 2019 Indy 500 Re-Air, Driver Interviews, Musical Performances, and Honors Military and Healthcare Workers

Mayo Clinic Orthopedic Surgery Residents Dr. Elvis Francois and Dr. William Robinson Perform God Bless America on the Yard of Bricks

Sheryl Crow, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett and Rascal Flatts Headline Star-Spangled Banner Performance by Big Machine Label Group Artists

Interview with USS Indianapolis Commander Colin Kane

Mike Tirico Interviews 2019 Indy 500 Champ Simon Pagenaud and 2016 Champ Alexander Rossi at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Exclusive Commentary from NTT INDYCAR Series Stars Pagenaud and Rossi Throughout Key Moments of 2019 Indy 500

NBC Sports’ Tim Layden Pens Essay Honoring Indy 500 and Return of Racing

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 21, 2020 – On the date of the originally-scheduled 2020 Indianapolis 500, NBC Sports will celebrate the traditions of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” with its enhanced presentation of the 2019 Indianapolis 500 – Indy 500 Special: Back Home Again – this Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on NBC.

The enhanced race broadcast will feature a new pre-race program from Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted by Mike Tirico, honoring the military traditions of the Indy 500 and the healthcare workers who are currently fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-race coverage will include:

A performance of God Bless America by Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgery residents Dr. Elvis Francois and Dr. William Robinson (click here to watch a preview of the performance);
A star-studded Star-Spangled Banner performance by more than a dozen Big Machine Label Group artists, headlined by Sheryl Crow, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett and Rascal Flatts;
A special message from USS Indianapolis Commander Colin Kane;
Mike Tirico’s interview with 2019 Indy 500 winner Simon Pagenaud and 2016 Indy 500 champion and 2019 runner-up Alexander Rossi.

Click here to see some behind-the-scenes footage of NBC Sports’ production shoot at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Indy 500 Special: Back Home Again.

Once the green flag drops, Pagenaud and Rossi will provide exclusive commentary during the broadcast, sharing their perspectives on key moments throughout the race and their memorable back-and-forth battle.

Coverage will also include an essay by Tim Layden on a look at a different “Month of May” and a look ahead to the return of racing at IMS. NBC Sports’ lead INDYCAR play-by-play voice Leigh Diffey will provide commentary looking ahead to the start of the 2020 NTT INDYCAR Series at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, June 6.

NBC Sports’ inaugural presentation of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on NBC in 2019 averaged a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 5.475 million viewers, up 11% vs. the 2018 race (TV-only 4.913 million, ABC). Overall, viewership for the 2019 INDYCAR season on NBC and NBCSN (16 races) was up 9% vs. 2018 season viewership (ABC, NBCSN, digital).

NBC SPORTS PRESENTS INDY 500 SPECIAL: BACK HOME AGAIN – ENHANCED 2019 INDIANAPOLIS 500 BROADCAST – SUNDAY, MAY 24 ON NBC

by MikeMay 14, 2020

Program Features Special Encore Presentation of Thrilling 2019 Indy 500

Mike Tirico to Interview 2019 Indy 500 Champion Simon Pagenaud and 2016 Champ and 2019 Runner-Up Alexander Rossi at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Enhanced Race Presentation to Feature Exclusive Commentary from NTT INDYCAR Series Stars Pagenaud and Rossi Throughout Key Moments of 2019 Indy 500

Pre-Race Coverage to Honor Military Traditions of Indy 500 and Recognize Healthcare Workers on Front Lines of COVID-19 Pandemic

NBC Sports’ Tim Layden Pens Essay Honoring Indy 500 and Return of Racing

Lead NBC Sports INDYCAR Voice Leigh Diffey Looks Ahead to Start of 2020 INDYCAR Season at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, June 6, on NBCSN

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 14, 2020 – Indianapolis 500 champions Simon Pagenaud and Alexander Rossi will join NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico for an enhanced encore presentation of the 2019 Indianapolis 500 – Indy 500 Special: Back Home Again – on Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, celebrating “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and providing fans with exclusive, new content from the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The enhanced presentation will feature a pre-race conversation on-site from Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Tirico, 2019 champion Simon Pagenaud, and 2016 champ and last year’s runner-up Alexander Rossi, alongside the famed Yard of Bricks.

Once the green flag drops, Pagenaud and Rossi will provide exclusive commentary during the broadcast, sharing their personal perspectives on key moments throughout the race and their memorable back-and-forth battle. which punctuated NBC Sports’ inaugural Indy 500 broadcast last year.

“The goal of our enhanced broadcast is to honor the traditions of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ and re-live elements of last year’s race through Simon Pagenaud and Alexander Rossi as they battled back-and-forth to the checkered flag,” said Sam Flood, executive producer and president, production, NBC and NBCSN. “We know the excitement, anticipation and intensity will be that much higher for the 2020 Indianapolis 500 on August 23 on NBC, and we’re excited for the return of INDYCAR at Texas Motor Speedway on June 6 on NBCSN.”

“For more than a century, the Indy 500 at the Racing Capital of the World has served as a powerful and stirring tribute to our nation’s shared history of service, sacrifice and excellence,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President & CEO Mark Miles said. “While this Memorial Day weekend will certainly be different, we’re pleased to join our partners at NBC Sports in continuing this tradition through this special TV presentation. We look forward to recognizing both our military and frontline COVID-19 heroes while providing motorsports fans some intense and behind-the-scenes INDYCAR action through the race replay.”

The enhanced broadcast will also feature traditional pre-race elements to recognize the military traditions of the Indy 500, as well as special additions to honor those who are currently fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NASCAR AMERICA AT HOME PROVIDES COVERAGE OF NASCAR’S RETURN AND POST-RACE ANALYSIS ACROSS NBC SPORTS’ DIGITAL PLATFORMS

by MikeMay 13, 2020

Weekday Episodes and Post-Race Analysis on NBCSports.com and Motorsports on NBC YouTube Page

Matt Kenseth Joins The Dale Jr. Download Today at 4 p.m. ET on NBCSN

“It’s going to be a steep learning curve. I’m already a little anxious about that first lap at Darlington.” – Kenseth on The Dale Jr. Download

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 13, 2020 – NBC Sports covers the return of NASCAR and provides post-race analysis of upcoming races at Darlington Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway with new digital editions of NASCAR America At Home on NBCSports.com and the Motorsports on NBC YouTube page. (more…)

eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series Coverage Resources and News & Notes – Virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway

by MikeMay 8, 2020

eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series

Next Race: North Wilkesboro 160

The Place: Virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway

The Date: Saturday, May 9

The Time: 3 p.m. ET

TV: FOX (where available and subject to change), FS1 and FOX Sports App

Distance: 160 laps

Wrapping up the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series at North Wilkesboro

With one more weekend until NASCAR returns to the real track, drivers and fans are continuing to turn to the virtual world of iRacing to see some of the best racing competition around.

This weekend’s race at the historic virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway wraps up the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series as the NASCAR Cup Series returns to action on May 17 at Darlington Raceway.

NASCAR, iRacing and FOX Sports teamed up to deliver the first-ever eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series event, the Dixie Vodka 150, at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway after all national pro sports were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic several weeks back. The event produced a wild finish that saw Denny Hamlin just barely beat Dale Earnhardt Jr. to the line. Fans responded with an overwhelming reaction setting records in eSports viewership, and as a result FOX Sports committed to covering the remainder of the eNASCAR iRacing season.

The second eNASCAR iRacing event took place at virtual Texas Motor Speedway and again was a success with the fans. Longtime iRacing veteran and rising NASCAR star Timmy Hill won the race with an aggressive move on William Byron to take the win.

The third race of the Pro Invitational Series was at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway, where iRacing veteran William Byron showed off his talents dominating the event and taking the checkered flag. Next, the series went to virtual Richmond Raceway, where Byron once again took the checkered flag and won back-to-back races. The virtual race at Talladega Superspeedway was won by Alex Bowman and last weekend’s race at virtual Dover International Speedway was won by Byron. In total Byron leads the series with three wins.

This Saturday, May 9, the series heads to virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway for the series finale the North Wilkesboro 160 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX (where available and subject to change), FS1 and the FOX Sports app.

History of North Wilkesboro Speedway

North Wilkesboro Speedway in Wilkes County, North Carolina, has a wide and renowned history in NASCAR dating back to 1949. The last time the venue hosted a NASCAR national series race was in 1996 when NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon won the NASCAR Cup Series event before the track closed.

The .625-mile short track was built in 1946 and became a North Carolina racing staple while hosting 93 NASCAR Cup Series races. The inaugural race, the 1949 Wilkes 200 on October 16, was won by Bob Flock. The track was known for being one of the fastest short-tracks in racing and in the 1950’s speeds reached up to 73 mph.

The track’s unique layout featured an uphill backstretch and downhill frontstretch with 14 degrees of banking in the turns and three degrees of banking on the straightaways.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty led the NASCAR Cup Series in wins at North Wilkesboro Speedway with 15 victories. NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip led the series in poles at North Wilkesboro Speedway with nine.

Last December, Dale Earnhardt Jr. led a group of drivers and NASCAR broadcasters in an effort to clean the track surface at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The cleaning allowed iRacing to scan and map the historic venue.

Among those that helped Earnhardt clean the speedway were Speedway Motorsports Inc. president Marcus Smith, iRacing executive vice president and executive producer Steve Myers, NASCAR Cup Series driver Chris Buescher, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Myatt Snider, NBC Sports’ Rick Allen and Marty Snider, William Byron’s spotter Tab Boyd, and Austin Dillon’s spotter Andy Houston.

This weekend will mark the debut of North Wilkesboro Speedway virtually and will feature 28 drivers, including Earnhardt.

Aric Almirola’s Mother’s Day iRacing paint scheme

In honor of Mother’s Day weekend, Aric Almirola will run a paint scheme that his wife Janice colored using the Stewart-Haas Racing coloring sheets. Janice was coloring with their children a few weeks ago when she told Aric that her coloring page would be a cool paint scheme. So as a surprise, Aric requested that Smithfield and his team run her paint scheme on Mother’s Day weekend. When the No. 10 Ford hits the track on Saturday for the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series North Wilkesboro 160 at virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway (3 p.m. ET on FOX, FS1, FOX Sports App), Janice’s blue and pink paint scheme with “Happy Mother’s Day” on the front will be seen by everyone watching. You can check out Aric’s video here.

Saturday’s run of show and race format

Saturday’s North Wilkesboro 160 will wrap up the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series as NASCAR is set to resume racing next weekend at Darlington Raceway. This weekend’s iRacing event will feature a two-lap, single-car qualifying session with the top 10 inverted to set the grid for the main feature event.

The main race will be a total of 160 laps with double-file restarts and lapped cars will go to the rear. There will be three attempts at a green-white-checkered finish, if necessary. The field will consist of a 28-driver entry list. The top-three finishers from Dover (William Byron, Christopher Bell and Timmy Hill) will be relegated to the back of the starting lineup and will not make a qualifying attempt.

Drivers will be allowed one reset this week at virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway with manual cautions. If a car is damaged, drivers must drive back to their pit stall and come to a complete stop. This will automatically apply the fast repair and give the driver a new car.

The below times are approximate and subject to change:

2 p.m. – Practice session goes live

2:50 p.m. – Qualifying (Two laps, single-car with top 10 inverted)

3:00 p.m. – FOX, FS1, FOX Sports App broadcast begins

3:13 p.m. – Green flag (160 laps)

Statistical Notes

A wide range of drivers with various experience at North Wilkesboro Speedway and in iRacing will be contending in this Saturday’s North Wilkesboro 160 in the seventh race of the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series (3 p.m. ET on FOX – where available and subject to change, FS1 and the FOX Sports app).

Below is a list of anticipated participants (listed numerically), their statistics, and career highlights. Please note, the participant list is subject to change.

Note on iRacing stats below:

The stats are cumulative lifetime stats for each driver in public oval events in stock car disciplines (ranging from top-level Cup cars to Legends) on iRacing. It doesn’t include stats from private leagues. Statistics for drivers who have starts in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series include those races run.

Entered Drivers (Listed in numerical order):

Austin Dillon – iRacing #3

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Won the 2018 Daytona 500
2013 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion
2012 NASCAR Xfinity Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year
2011 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series champion
2010 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year

Overall iRacing Stats

6 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
Finished 27th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 29th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 15th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 28th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 24th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 23rd at virtual Dover International Speedway

Kevin Harvick – iRacing #4

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and 2007 Daytona 500 winner
Qualified for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 five-times in the last six seasons.
Has made 13 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff appearances, tied for second-most all-time
2001 and 2006 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion
2007, 2009 and 2011 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series champion owner with wife DeLana Harvick
2001 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year
1998 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion

Overall iRacing Stats

3 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
Finished 29th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 12th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 18th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Ross Chastain – iRacing #6

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Xfinity Series – No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
This year, he has filled in for Ryan Newman in the No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series for three races
In 2019, he completed 19 races in the Xfinity Series and posted a win at Daytona with Kaulig Racing
In 2018, he made the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs and won his first career race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; driving for Chip Ganassi Racing
In 2011, he made his NASCAR national series debut in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series debut at Lucas Oil Raceway

Overall iRacing Stats

543 starts, 67 wins, 196 top fives and 64 poles
Finished 14th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 22nd at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 16th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 13th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 29th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 17th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Dale Earnhardt Jr. – iRacing #8

Current Series/Occupation: Retired NASCAR Cup Series driver, NBC Sports Analyst
Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Made his debut as an NBC broadcaster in 2018
Retired from full-time racing at the end of 2017
Won the NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver Award for 15 straight years (2003-2017)
Won the 1998 and 1999 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship
1999 NASCAR Xfinity Series Most Popular Driver of the Year
Team owner of Xfinity Series team JR Motorsports, collecting 47 wins since 2005

Overall iRacing Stats

420 starts, 194 wins, 334 top fives, 188 poles
Finished 2nd at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 6th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 22nd at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 8th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 30th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 26th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Aric Almirola – iRacing #10

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Had a career best fifth place finish in the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series championship
In 2014, won first career NASCAR Cup Series race (Daytona-2) on the 30th anniversary weekend of team owner Richard Petty’s 200th career win.
Made first career NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in 2014, ultimately finishing 16th in the standings.
Has won at least one race in all three NASCAR national series.

Overall iRacing Stats

2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
Finished 18th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 10th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Denny Hamlin – iRacing #11

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Won the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series race at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Three-time Daytona 500 champion (2016, 2019, 2020)
2006 NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year
Has 38 NASCAR Cup Series career wins
Finished runner-up in the 2010 NASCAR Cup Series championship standings
Has 17 NASCAR Xfinity Series career wins

Overall iRacing Stats

169 starts, 31 wins, 76 top fives, 31 poles
Won the race at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 24th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 4th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 6th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 39th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 6th at Dover International Speedway

Ty Dillon – iRacing #13

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 13 Germain Racing Chevrolet

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Has made 130 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series posting one top five and five top 10s
Finished runner-up in 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship standings
Won the 2013 Most Popular Driver Award for the Gander Trucks
2012 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year

Overall iRacing Stats

6 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
Finished 19th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 16th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 25th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 15th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 23rd at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 32nd at virtual Dover International Speedway

Clint Bowyer – iRacing #14

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
In 2019, he qualified for the Playoffs on points and finished ninth in the series standings
Finished a career-best runner-up in the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series championship
2008 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion
Multiple winner in all three NASCAR national series

Overall iRacing Stats

5 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
Finished 16th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 11th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 11th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 30th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 33rd at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Did not compete at virtual Dover International Speedway

Brennan Poole – iRacing #15

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 15 Premium Motorsports Chevrolet

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Made his Xfinity Series track debut in 2015 and finished 12^th
Best finish of fifth at the track in 2017 in the Xfinity Series
2020 marked his first full season in the Cup Series, making his debut at the Daytona 500
He finished runner-up at Charlotte Motor Speedway last season in the Gander Trucks, a career-best finish

Overall iRacing Stats

2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 poles
Finished 7th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 11th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Chris Buescher – iRacing #17

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Buescher joined Roush-Fenway Racing for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season
In 2016, he won first NASCAR Cup Series race (Pocono-2) in his rookie season; first driver since Joey Logano (2009) to accomplish the feat
One of three drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history to make the Playoffs in their rookie season, joining Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin
Won the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 2015
Was the 2012 ARCA Menards Series champion

Overall iRacing Stats

6 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
Finished 28th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 18th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 23rd at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 21st at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 27th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 25th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Kyle Busch – iRacing #18

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion also won championship in 2015. One of two (Jimmie Johnson) active drivers with multiple Cup championships
Has made the Championship 4 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs the last five consecutive seasons
Won the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 2009
In 2010, set all-time single-season record with 24 victories across NASCAR’s three national series
Currently has most all-time NASCAR national series wins with 208 (56 Cup, 96 Xfinity, 57 Gander Trucks)
Record seven-time NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series owner champion (2010, ’13, ’14, ’15, ’16, ’17 and ‘19) and one driver championship (2015)

Overall iRacing Stats

6 starts, 0 wins, 1 top five and 0 poles
Finished 29th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 17th at Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 18th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 5th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 8th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 15th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Bobby Labonte – iRacing #18

Current Series/Occupation: 2020 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee

Highlights:

Has eight starts at North Wilkesboro Speedway with a best finish of 10^th in 1996
Labonte was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2020. He joins his brother, Terry, with the prestigious honor
He won the 2000 NASCAR Cup Series championship
Labonte has 21 NASCAR Cup Series wins, 10 Xfinity Series and one Gander Trucks win
He is one of 27 drivers to have a win in all three of NASCAR’s national series

Overall iRacing Stats

81 starts, 7 wins, 31 top fives, 5 poles
Finished 18th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 13th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 13th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 14th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 31st at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 13th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Martin Truex Jr. – iRacing #19

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion
Won the Xfinity Series championship in 2004 and 2005
Named Most Popular Driver in the Xfinity Series in 2004 and 2005
Got his first Cup Series win at Dover International Speedway in 2007

Overall iRacing Stats

10 starts, 5 wins, 7 top fives, 5 poles
Making eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series debut this weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway

Erik Jones – iRacing #20

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Won his first NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona in July of 2018
2017 NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year – becoming the first driver to earn the award in all three of NASCAR’s national series
2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year
2015 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Champion and Sunoco Rookie of the Year – the youngest champion in series history

Overall iRacing Stats

6 starts, 0 wins, 1 top five, 0 poles
Finished 10th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 21st at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 31st at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 7th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 37th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 4th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Jon Wood – iRacing #21

Current Series/Occupation: Senior Vice President, Co-Owner of Wood Brothers Racing
Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Made four NASCAR Cup Series career starts in 2007 and 2008
Has made 85 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts with a best finish of runner-up in 2005 at Talladega
Has two Gander Trucks wins from 2003 at Kansas Speedway and Martinsville Speedway

Overall iRacing Stats

22 starts, 3 wins, 11 top fives, 5 poles
Making eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series debut this weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway

Jeff Gordon – iRacing #24

Current Series/Occupation: 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee; FOX Sports NASCAR analyst

Highlights:

Has made eight NASCAR Cup Series starts at North Wilkesboro Speedway posting one win (1996), one pole (1995), four top fives and five top 10s
Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (1995, 1997-1998, 2001)
Three-time Daytona 500 winner (1997, ’99, 2005)
Five-time Brickyard 400 winner (1994, ’98, 2001, ’04, ’14)
Third on all-time NASCAR Cup Series win list with 92

Overall iRacing Stats

1 start, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
Finished 38th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway

Tyler Reddick – iRacing #31

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Back-to-back NASCAR Xfinity Series champion (2018-2019), and first driver to do it with two different organizations (JR Motorsports 2018, Richard Childress Racing 2019).
2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year; just third driver in series history to win the title in his rookie season joining Chase Elliott (2014) and William Byron (2017).
In 2017, captured his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory, at Kentucky, while running a partial schedule.
In 2015, he competed full-time in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, winning his first race and finishing runner-up in the championship standings.

Overall iRacing Stats

5 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 poles
Finished 28th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 8th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 12th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 22nd at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 25th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Corey LaJoie – iRacing #32

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 32 GoFas Racing Ford

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
In 2019, LaJoie posted career-bests in starting position (16th, Kansas), finishing position (sixth, Daytona) and final points position (29th in points).
In 2014, he made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at New Hampshire Motorsports Speedway.

Overall iRacing Stats

1 start, 0 wins, 1 top five, 1 pole
Started from the pole at virtual Talladega Superspeedway in his eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series debut and finished second
Finished 20th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Michael McDowell – iRacing #34

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Xfinity Series debut was in 2009, finishing 11th for JTG Daugherty Racing
McDowell is currently in his 13th season in the NASCAR Cup Series
Finished a career-best 26th in the 2017 and 2018 NASCAR Cup Series standings
Earned his lone NASCAR Xfinity Series win in 2016 at Road America

Overall iRacing Stats

105 starts, 25 wins, 46 top fives and 25 poles
Finished 23rd at virtual Homestead Miami Speedway
Finished 12th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 10th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 34th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 5th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Ryan Preece – iRacing #37

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Finished runner-up in 2019 Sunoco Rookie of the Year battle in the NASCAR Cup Series
Won first career NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Iowa in 2017
In 2013, he was the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion, youngest champion in series history

Overall iRacing Stats

257 starts, 42 wins, 104 top fives and 15 poles
Finished 33rd at virtual Homestead Miami Speedway
Finished 2nd at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 6th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 19th at virtual Richmond Raceway and won the pole award
Finished 3rd at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 29th at virtual Dover International Speedway

John Hunter Nemechek – iRacing #38

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
2020 is Nemechek’s first fulltime season in the NASCAR Cup Series
Earned his first NASCAR Xfinity Series win in 2018 at Kansas while driving for Chip Ganassi Racing
Won his first NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in 2015, driving for NEMCO Motorsports
Has tallied six career Gander Trucks wins

Overall iRacing Stats

294 starts, 29 wins, 98 top fives and 37 poles
Finished 30th at virtual Homestead Miami Speedway
Finished 8th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 2nd at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 16th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 25th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 27th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Cole Custer – iRacing #41

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Currently in his rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing

In 2018, he made his NASCAR Cup Series debut for Rick Ware Racing. He made three starts for the team posting a best finish of 25th at Las Vegas
Has made 104 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts posting nine career wins
In 2014, he became the youngest driver in NASCAR national series history to win a race at the age of 16 years, seven months, 28 days (NGROTS, New Hampshire)
In 2014, he became the youngest driver in NASCAR national series history to win a pole at the age of 16 years, four months, 22 days (NGROTS, Gateway)

Overall iRacing Stats

2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
Finished 26th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 12th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Chad Finchum – iRacing #49

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Xfinity Series – No. 13 Motorsports Business Management Toyota

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
In 2019, competed in his second full season for MBM finishing the year a career-best 26th in the standings

Overall iRacing Stats

2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles.
Finished 21st at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 22nd at virtual Dover International Speedway

Garrett Smithley – iRacing #51

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 51 Petty Ware Racing Chevrolet

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Finished a career-best 18th in the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series standings
Has a NASCAR national series career-best finish of fifth at Daytona in the NASCAR Xfinity Series

Overall iRacing Stats

1,231 starts, 146 wins, 538 top fives and 131 poles
Finished 5th at virtual Homestead Miami Speedway
Finished 3rd at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 9th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 16th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 4th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 9th at virtual Dover International Speedway

JJ Yeley – iRacing #52

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 52 Rick Ware Racing Ford

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Yeley has competed for various teams throughout the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series
2003 United States Auto Club (USAC) Triple Crown (Silver Crown, sprint, midget) champion
Won 2001 USAC sprint car championship, 2002 USAC Silver Crown championship
In 1995 became youngest driver to win Sprint Car Racing Association (SCRA) feature

Overall iRacing Stats

2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
Finished 15th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 19th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Joey Gase – iRacing #53

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 53 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Chicagoland Speedway in 2014 for GO FAS Racing
Has over 200 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series

Overall iRacing Stats

2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
Finished 20th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 24th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Timmy Hill – iRacing #66

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 66 Motorsports Business Management Toyota

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Won the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series race at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished third in the 2020 Xfinity Series season-opener at Daytona, his career-best NASCAR national series finish
Owner of Hill Motorsports, fielding the No. 56 Chevrolet in the Gander Trucks

Overall iRacing Stats

1,681 starts, 674 wins, 1,208 top fives, 456 poles
Finished 3rd at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Won the race at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 3rd at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 2nd at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 11th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 3rd at virtual Dover International Speedway

Parker Kligerman – iRacing #77

Current Series/Occupation: NBC Sports TV Analyst and part-time NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series driver

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Has made 28 NASCAR Cup Series starts since 2012
Finished a career-best ninth in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship standings in 2013
Finished a career-best fifth in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series championship points in 2012

Overall iRacing Stats

420 starts, 57 wins, 190 top fives and 11 poles
Finished 13th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 12th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 7th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 3rd at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 16th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 34th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Landon Cassill – iRacing #89

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Xfinity Series – No. 89 Shepherd Racing Chevrolet

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
In 2014, he scored a NASCAR Cup Series career-best fourth-place finish at Talladega
In 2010, he made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Michigan
In 2008, he won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year award

Overall iRacing Stats

48 starts, 4 wins, 28 top fives and 2 poles
Finished 12th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 4th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 20th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 4th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 5th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 21st at virtual Dover International Speedway

Christopher Bell – iRacing #95

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 96 Leavine Family Racing Toyota

Highlights:

Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Has posted a total of 16 NASCAR Xfinity Series wins
Set the rookie single season Xfinity Series wins record with seven victories in 2018
2017 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series champion
Has a total of seven career Gander Truck wins

Overall iRacing Stats

1,032 starts, 237 wins, 557 top fives and 132 poles
Finished 27th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finished 34th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
Finished 12th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
Finished 24th at virtual Richmond Raceway
Finished 13th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
Finished 2nd at virtual Dover International Speedway

STEVE MCQUEEN’S “BULLITT” MUSTANG HIGHLIGHTS CARS FEATURED ON MECUM MAIN ATTRACTIONS WEEK MAY 11-17 ON NBCSN

by MikeMay 8, 2020

50+ Hours of Classic Mecum Auctions from Kissimmee, Monterey and Indianapolis; Plus Eddie Vannoy and John Atzbach Collections Specials

Classic Cars Include Mecum Auctions’ Record-Breaking Steve McQueen 1968 Ford Mustang GT in “Bullitt”; Alexander Rossi’s 2016 INDY 500-Winning Car; and the One and Only 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

Content to Stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 7, 2020 – Beginning Monday, May 11, NBC Sports will present Mecum Main Attractions Week on NBCSN, featuring more than 50 hours of classic Mecum Auctions action across seven events from Kissimmee (2018, 2019, 2020), Monterey (2018, 2019) and Indianapolis (2018, 2019), as well as thirty-minute specials on the Eddie Vannoy and John Atzbach Collections that will cross the block in 2020. (more…)

NBC SPORTS’ RACING WEEK IN AMERICA BEGINS MONDAY, APRIL 6 ON NBCSN

by MikeApril 2, 2020

More Than 65 Hours of Motorsports Coverage from NASCAR, INDYCAR, IMSA, Supercross and More

Themed Nights of Memorable Races on NBCSN Include “Mayhem Monday,” “WednesDale,” “Best at the Brickyard,” and “Daytona Speed Day”

NASCAR America Presents NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN; Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin Headline Competitors

Content to Stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 2, 2020 – Beginning April 6, NBC Sports will present Racing Week in America on NBCSN, providing racing fans with a chance to relive the most thrilling motorsports moments from the past two decades on NBC and NBCSN.

Featuring races from NASCAR, INDYCAR, IMSA, Supercross and other series, Racing Week in America will have a specific theme for each day, starting with “Mayhem Monday” on April 6. NBC Sports will air 12 hours of motorsports coverage (1 p.m.-3 a.m. ET) Monday-Thursday and seven hours (8 p.m.-3 a.m. ET) on Friday-Saturday. Sunday’s coverage airs 2-4 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m.-3 a.m. ET. Below is each day’s highlighted content throughout the week:

Monday, April 6: “Mayhem Monday”
Tuesday, April 7: “Twists and Turns Tuesday”
Wednesday, April 8: “WednesDale”
Thursday, April 9: “Best at the Brickyard”
Friday, April 10: “Daytona Speed Day”
Saturday, April 11: “Championship Saturday”
Sunday, April 12: “Sunday Funday”

Programming will also stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

In addition, NASCAR America will present the NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge from Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN, as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, and Denny Hamlin headline a group of 18 drivers competing at virtual versions of iconic race tracks across America. Click here for more information.

MONDAY, APRIL 6 – MAYHEM MONDAY

“Mayhem Monday” will feature some of the most intense battles across NASCAR, INDYCAR, Supercross, and American Flat Track, including two classics from Martinsville Speedway. The 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race saw Kyle Busch win in overtime and Chase Elliott confront Denny Hamlin for costing him the victory. Two years earlier at Martinsville, Jeff Gordon earned his final win after Matt Kenseth put his feud with Joey Logano to rest. “Mayhem Monday” also has the 2015 INDYCAR race from Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, which produced a record 80 lead changes before Graham Rahal finally won out.

COVERAGE	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
NASCAR – Bristol Motor Speedway 2019	1 p.m.	NBCSN
INDYCAR – Auto Club Speedway 2015	3 p.m.	NBCSN
NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge – Rockingham	7 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR – Martinsville Speedway 2017	8 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR – Martinsville Speedway 2015	10 p.m.	NBCSN
Supercross – Anaheim #2 2020	12 a.m.	NBCSN
American Flat Track – Buffalo Chip TT 2019	2 a.m.	NBCSN

TUESDAY, APRIL 7 – TWISTS AND TURNS TUESDAY

From city streets to massive dirt jumps, NBCSN will showcase the best twists and turns that motorsports have to offer starting Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET. “Twists and Turns Tuesday” includes the NASCAR Cup Series’ thrilling first race on the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL; a return to INDYCAR Victory Lane for NBC Sports’ own James Hinchcliffe at iconic Long Beach; and the closest finish in Supercross history from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

COVERAGE	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
IMSA – Long Beach 2019	1 p.m.	NBCSN
INDYCAR – Long Beach 2017	3 p.m.	NBCSN
NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge – Lucas Oil Raceway	7 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR – Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL 2018	8 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR – Watkins Glen 2017	10 p.m.	NBCSN
Supercross – Arlington 2019	12 a.m.	NBCSN
Monster Jam World Finals 2019	2 a.m.	NBCSN

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 – WEDNESDALE

NBC Sports presents a full day dedicated to motorsports icon and NBC Sports analyst Dale Earnhardt. Jr. From his emotional victory at Daytona in 2001 to making “Slide Job!” go viral in his broadcasting debut at Chicago in 2018, fans will see highlights from his memorable career, as well as an episode of his popular podcast/TV show, The Dale Jr. Download.

COVERAGE	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
NASCAR – Talladega Superspeedway 2019	1 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR – Chicagoland Speedway 2018	3 p.m.	NBCSN
NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge – Myrtle Beach	7 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR – Daytona International Speedway, July 2001	8 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR – Talladega Superspeedway 2017	10 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR – Martinsville Speedway 2005	12 a.m.	NBCSN
The Dale Jr. Download	2 a.m.	NBCSN

THURSDAY, APRIL 9 – BEST AT THE BRICKYARD

Thursday takes a look back on NBC Sports’ exciting history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, highlighted by Simon Pagenaud’s win last May in NBC Sports’ first-ever Indianapolis 500 broadcast. Also included are emotional Brickyard 400 wins for Indiana native Tony Stewart and transplant Jeff Gordon, and Drive Like Andretti, NBC Sports’ captivating documentary on the life and times of racing icon Mario Andretti.

COVERAGE	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
INDYCAR – Grand Prix of Indianapolis 2019	1 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR – 2005 Brickyard 400	3 p.m.	NBCSN
NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge Championship – Martinsville	7 p.m.	NBCSN
INDYCAR – 103rd Indianapolis 500 (2019)	8 p.m.	NBCSN
Drive Like Andretti	11 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR – 2004 Brickyard 400	12 a.m.	NBCSN
100th Indy 500 Special	2 a.m.	NBCSN

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 – DAYTONA SPEED DAY

Whether they’re on two or four wheels, legends are made at Daytona International Speedway. On Friday, NBCSN focuses on ‘The World Center of Racing’ with exciting races from NASCAR and Supercross, plus highlights from this year’s 24 Hours of Daytona – better known as the Rolex 24.

EVENT	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
NASCAR – 2004 Daytona 500	8 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR – Daytona International Speedway, July 2001	10 p.m.	NBCSN
2020 Daytona Supercross	12 a.m.	NBCSN
IMSA – 2020 Rolex 24	2 a.m.	NBCSN

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 – CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY

It’s what every driver works for. On Saturday, NBCSN gives fans some of the best championship moments, starting at 8 p.m. ET. The day’s schedule includes Jimmie Johnson claiming his record-tying 7th NASCAR Cup Series title in 2016; Kurt Busch’s stirring rally to become the first champion of the NASCAR Playoff era in 2004; and Scott Dixon’s triumph over Juan Pablo Montoya by the slimmest of margins to win the 2015 INDYCAR crown.

EVENT	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
NASCAR Cup Series Championship – Miami 2016	8 p.m.	NBCSN
INDYCAR Championship – Sonoma 2015	10 p.m.	NBCSN
NASCAR Cup Series Championship – Miami 2004	12 a.m.	NBCSN
American Flat Track – Meadowlands 2018	2 a.m.	NBCSN

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 – SUNDAY FUNDAY

Above all else, racing is fun – and that’s what the final day of Racing Week in America is about. “Sunday Funday” has the incredible 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race from Talladega (won by Ryan Blaney over Ryan Newman by .007 of a second), as well as INDYCAR’s Texas thriller from 2016, where four drivers – Graham Rahal, James Hinchcliffe, Tony Kanaan and Simon Pagenaud – went wheel-to-wheel in a pulse-pounding dash to the checkered flag.

EVENT	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
NASCAR – Talladega Superspeedway 2019	10:30 p.m.	NBCSN
INDYCAR – Texas Motor Speedway 2016	12:30 a.m.	NBCSN
Racing Roots – Kyle Larson	2:30 a.m.	NBCSN

NASCAR AMERICA PRESENTS NBC eSPORTS SHORT TRACK iRACING CHALLENGE BEGINNING MONDAY, APRIL 6 ON NBCSN

by MikeApril 2, 2020April 2, 2020

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin Headline Group of 18 Drivers Slated to Compete at Rockingham Speedway, Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, Myrtle Beach Speedway and Martinsville Speedway

Daily Races Air Monday-Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN; Championship Thursday at 7 p.m. ET

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 2, 2020 – Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin headline a group of 18 drivers that will compete at virtual versions of iconic and short tracks across America next week on NBCSN, as NASCAR America presents the NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge beginning Monday, April 6, at 7 p.m. ET.

From Monday-Wednesday, six different drivers will compete in two timed races in Cup Series cars at an iconic track at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN. The top two finishers from each night will advance to the championship race at the virtual Martinsville Speedway on Thursday night on NBCSN.

Monday – Rockingham Speedway
Tuesday – Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis
Wednesday – Myrtle Beach Speedway
Thursday – Martinsville Speedway (Championship Race)

The following drivers will compete in the NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge:

Monday at Rockingham Speedway – Kyle Busch, William Byron, Austin Dillon, Parker Kligerman, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace
Tuesday at Lucas Oil Raceway – Justin Allgaier, Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, Harrison Burton, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson
Wednesday at Myrtle Beach Speedway – Landon Cassill, Matt DiBenedetto, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Timmy Hill, Ryan Preece and Myatt Snider

“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,” said Jeff Behnke, vice president, production, NASCAR on NBC and NBCSN. “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.”

“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,” said Steve Myers, iRacing executive producer. “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!”

This marks the latest collaboration between NBC Sports and iRacing, which began in 2019 when NBC Sports telecast the first-ever eNASCAR live event on television. NBC Sports and iRacing teamed up to present the 2019 eNASCAR PEAK Antifreeze iRacing Championship in a two-hour event live on NBCSN last October. Earlier this year, it was announced that six races of the 2020 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series Playoffs will air live on NBCSN later this fall.

NBC Sports NASCAR commentators Rick Allen and Steve Letarte will call the action, including interviews with drivers during the races. Jeff Burton and Marty Snider will host the NBC eSports Short Track iRacing Challenge via Zoom.