Dale Earnhardt Jr. will get behind the wheel of the No. 3 IndyCar at the upcoming iRacing event at Michigan International Speedway.
The race which will air on NBCSN at 2:30 pm ET is part of a continued initiative by the racing community to bring something to fans as countries around the world deal with COVID-19.
This marks the first race for Dale Jr. on the IndyCar side of iRacing, NASCAR is running its own eNASCAR schedule which he has competed in all three events.
Sage Karam and Scott McLaughlin won the first two digital races at Watkins Glen International and Barber Motorsports Park respectively.
Earnhardt will not even be the first NASCAR driver to cross over into the world of IndyCar on iRacing as seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has run the first two events as he gears up for what is expected to be a part-time run in IndyCar following the conclusion of his NASCAR career.
Earnhardt told sportscaster Mike Tirico that he’s looking forward to a new experience.
“I’m going to be a fish out of water,” Earnhardt said. “I’ve been a big fan and a big part of the customer base of iRacing, and I’ve used the service for a long time, but I don’t have a lot of experience with that particular car. There are 80 tracks and dozens of cars, and I haven’t spent a lot of time in that car.
“But I have a few days to get acclimated with it, and drive it and have fun with it. … I got such a reception when I went to my first Indy 500 last year. I got such a welcome and warm reception. That made such a huge impression on me. That really touched me that they wanted me to be there and see the Indy 500 for what it really is.
“This is certainly on a smaller scale, but I just want to join those guys, have a good time, because those guys are so accommodating. They’re already texting me. Rahal and Andretti are giving me a hard time. I’m looking forward to bring awareness on what they have going on right now.”
