iRacing continues to publish posts for newcomers to the service, where they can learn about the functionality of series and features of the simulator. The post is originally from the iRacing website.
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Welcome to iRacing 101, where each week we review some of the many features that make iRacing the world’s leading motorsports simulation. From highlighting our features to showcasing some of the main series and forms of competition you’ll find when you get behind the wheel.
This week’s topic: What is the NASCAR iRacing Series, and how does it differ from other series in iRacing? Are there similar series for other types of racing?
Most iRacing series run on 12-week cycles starting in December, March, June, and September. The restart of these series coincides with each new iRacing update or new content release.
The NASCAR iRacing Series (also known as NIS) is the highest-profile exception to this series model. It runs across multiple iRacing updates each year, closely reflecting the real-world NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Most of these events run at half the distance of the actual races, but a few run at full race distance. For 2024, these races are the Daytona 500 in February, the Coke 600 in Charlotte in May, the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis in July, and the Bristol night race in September.
How can I compete in the NASCAR iRacing Series?
To be eligible to race in the NASCAR iRacing Series, you need to elevate your Oval license to Class C (or have a minimum Safety Rating of 4.0 in Class D). From there, you’ll have two versions of the series to choose from: the Open version, where you provide your own car setup, and the Fixed version, where we provide it for you.
The NASCAR iRacing Series – Open runs on Thursdays at 4:00 and 21:00 CEST, Saturdays at 4:00 CEST, and Sundays at 17:00 CEST.
The NASCAR iRacing Series – Fixed runs on Wednesdays at 23:00 CEST, Fridays at 4:00 CEST, Saturdays at 12:00 and 19:00 CEST, and Mondays at 4:00 CEST.
Are there other series that follow the NASCAR iRacing Series model?
The iRacing Grand Prix Tour (featuring both Open and Fixed series) and the INDYCAR iRacing Series (Open only) apply the NIS model to two very different types of single-seater racing. The minimum license requirements are the same for both, except this time you must meet them under our Formula Car license.
iRacing Grand Prix Tour
The iRacing Grand Prix Tour features iRacing’s most modern formula car, currently the Mercedes-AMG W13 E Performance. It is modeled after the real-world Grand Prix season and features many of the same circuits, with additional spots filled by other top-tier road and street circuits worldwide. These races are held at their full real-life distances.
The iRacing Grand Prix Tour runs on Fridays at 12:00 and 21:00 CEST, Saturdays at 3:00 and 6:00 CEST, Sundays at 12:00 and 21:00 CEST, and Mondays at 3:00 and 6:00 CEST.
The iRacing Grand Prix Tour – Fixed runs on Thursdays at 12:00 and 21:00 CEST, Fridays at 3:00 and 6:00 CEST, Saturdays at 12:00 and 21:00 CEST, and Sundays at 3:00 and 6:00 CEST.
INDYCAR iRacing Series
If you’re looking to mix the best of both worlds—a single-seater car plus some ovals to complement your road circuits—the INDYCAR iRacing Series is for you. It currently features the Dallara IR18, and its schedule closely resembles the real-world INDYCAR campaign, with a handful of historic series circuits also included along the way. Most of these races are run at their full real-life distances.
The INDYCAR iRacing Series runs on Thursdays at 3:00 CEST, Fridays at 22:00 CEST, Saturdays at 20:00 CEST, and Sundays at 4:00 CEST.
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See you on the track!
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