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How non-IndyCar drivers have fared in IndyCar iRacing Challenge

By Asher Fair

(Editors note: This image was computer generated in-game) Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske, iRacing, IndyCar (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Editors note: This image was computer generated in-game) Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske, iRacing, IndyCar (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Several non-IndyCar drivers have competed in the IndyCar iRacing Challenge. How have they fared during their respective stints in the virtual series?

When IndyCar and iRacing introduced the IndyCar iRacing Challenge to serve as the effective replacement for the real-life 2020 NTT IndyCar Series season during many of the weeks when there would be no live action due to the coronavirus pandemic, this opened the door for many race car drivers from outside of IndyCar to attempt to virtually compete in America’s premier open-wheel racing series.

Many drivers have taken advantage of this opportunity through the first five rounds of this six-race series. In fact, just one full-time IndyCar driver has been victorious thus far.

How have these non-IndyCar drivers fared? Take a look.

Scott McLaughlin

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While he has never competed in an IndyCar race, Scott McLaughlin had planned to make his debut in the 2020 season, prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Now it may not happen. But the two-time Supercars champion has taken the opportunity to show the world his skillset in the IndyCar iRacing Challenge.

McLaughlin has just one finish outside of the top four, and that came at virtual Twin Ring Motegi when he was wrecked while leading late. He won at virtual Barber Motorsports Park and sits in third place in the unofficial championship standings.

Felipe Nasr

Like Scott McLaughlin, former Formula 1 driver Felipe Nasr’s IndyCar debut had been planned for the 2020 season before the pandemic. Now his future IndyCar plans are unclear. He, too, has competed in each of the first five races of the IndyCar iRacing Challenge.

He led laps at virtual Michigan International Speedway en route to a 17th place finish, but his best finish is 12th at virtual Circuit of the Americas. He sits in 21st in the unofficial championship standings, 18th among the 22 full-time drivers.

Lando Norris

Formula 1 driver Lando Norris won — no, dominated — his first IndyCar iRacing Challenge race at virtual Circuit of the Americas. He took the pole position, overcame a spin and led the most laps en route to a victory. Even with just one start, he sits ahead of three of the 22 full-time drivers in the unofficial championship standings.

Scott Speed

Rally driver Scott Speed competed in the first two races of the IndyCar iRacing Challenge at virtual Watkins Glen International and virtual Barber Motorsports Park. He ran up front at the former but couldn’t secure a quality finish. However, he placed in an impressive third at the latter and sits ahead of two of the 22 full-time drivers in the unofficial championship standings.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. competed in the race at virtual Michigan International Speedway, a venue where he secured two of his 26 career Cup Series victories, and impressed with a third place finish. His points per start average of 35.00 ranks second to only that of Lando Norris (54.00).

Jimmie Johnson

Like Scott Speed, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson competed in the first two races of the IndyCar iRacing Challenge at virtual Watkins Glen International and virtual Barber Motorsports Park. He ran two solid races, placing 16th and 12th, respectively.

Kyle Busch

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch made his virtual IndyCar debut in an oval race like Dale Earnhardt Jr., although he competed at virtual Twin Ring Motegi. He did a solid job, placing 13th.

Chaz Mostert

Supercars driver Chaz Mostert made his IndyCar iRacing Challenge debut along with Lando Norris at virtual Circuit of the Americas and placed 20th.

Next. Top 10 IndyCar drivers of all-time. dark

Virtual Indianapolis Motor Speedway is scheduled to host the sixth and final race on the IndyCar iRacing Challenge schedule this afternoon. This race is set to be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. A total of 33 drivers are set to compete in this race, including Scott McLaughlin, Lando Norris and Scott Speed. Felipe Nasr and Kyle Busch failed to qualify.