NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has revealed a selection of racetracks he hopes to see added to iRacing’s lineup. Launched in 2003 by Dave Kaemmer and John Henry, this virtual racing platform has gained worldwide recognition over the years.
In contrast to the old days when drivers had to physically hit the track to refine their skills, the emergence of simulator racing has revolutionized the costly motorsports landscape. Thanks to advanced technology, iRacing offers an engaging racing experience without the burdensome costs associated with maintaining a stock car. Dale Earnhardt Jr. first experienced virtual racing around 1996, courtesy of a computer purchased with his sister Kelley Earnhardt’s credit. However, his father, the legendary ‘Intimidator,’ disapproved, viewing simulation practice as a “waste” compared to mastering a stock car on the real track.
Despite this, Earnhardt Jr. pursued his passion for virtual racing and, in 2020, took on the role of executive director at iRacing. Many drivers, including Rajah Caruth, William Byron, and Josh Berry, have found success in NASCAR after demonstrating their skills in sim racing. Currently, iRacing features over 100 racetracks with more than 350 configurations, yet some notable tracks are still absent. Recently, Dale Earnhardt Jr. took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his wish list, stating, “Three tracks I’d love to see come to @iRacing: @FastestHalfMile and @BerlinRaceway, a one-mile dirt oval.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., the former NASCAR driver and current media personality, has recently opened up about his vision for the future of iRacing, a popular online racing simulation platform. While he has shared his thoughts on two of the three tracks he hopes to see included in the game, he has only provided specific details regarding the layout of the third track. This ambiguity has sparked a lively discussion among fans, who have eagerly offered their own suggestions and ideas for potential additions to the iRacing lineup.
In his interactions with fans, Earnhardt Jr. has made it clear that Winchester Speedway stands out as his top choice for inclusion in iRacing. This historic track is particularly notable for its unique characteristics, most prominently its steep banking in the turns. Winchester Speedway is celebrated for being the only active oval that features such a dramatic incline, which significantly impacts the racing dynamics. The steep banking allows drivers to maintain higher speeds as they navigate the corners, leading to thrilling racing action and impressive exit speeds as they transition from the high-banked turns to the inside line.
The track’s reputation as the “World’s Fastest 1/2 Mile” racetrack is well-deserved, as it has become a favorite among drivers and fans alike. The combination of its challenging layout and the exhilarating experience it offers makes Winchester Speedway an ideal candidate for iRacing, where virtual racers can replicate the excitement of competing on this iconic oval. Earnhardt Jr.’s enthusiasm for the track has resonated with fans, who are eager to see how it could be integrated into the iRacing experience, further enhancing the platform’s diverse selection of racing venues.
Up next is the Berlin Raceway, a 7/16-mile track that originally served as a horse racing venue before World War II, later evolving to host various sporting events. Today, Berlin Raceway features weekly races as part of NASCAR’s Weekly Series and has welcomed numerous touring series, including the ARCA Series, USAC Silver Crown, and World of Outlaws, among others. Recently, when Dale Earnhardt Jr. mentioned a third track as a one-mile dirt oval, a fan suggested the Illinois State Fairgrounds as a prime candidate. Even at 49, Earnhardt Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for the 1-mile clay oval in iRacing, stating he’s “pushing for it.”
Another fan proposed the 0.555-mile Salem Speedway, known for its significant asphalt racing events like ARCA and USAC. Although it’s not a dirt track, Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged the suggestion with an “Indeed,” hinting at its potential inclusion in iRacing.
While he shows support for both tracks, only time will reveal which dirt oval will ultimately join the iRacing lineup as the third addition.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has shared a selection of racetracks he hopes to see featured on iRacing.
