Alternatives: Racing During COVID-19

Many of us are auto racing junkies, and we are deprived at this trying time.  Worldwide, racing is canceled – Formula One just announced that they are not racing through the end of May and that the 2021 rules package will be pushed to 2022.  NASCAR is not racing, Pikes Peak has been pushed a couple of months, and there isn’t anything to watch.  The amateur racing series have suspended operations (SCCA, PCA) and HPDE events are canceled.  What are we to do?

imageMARBLE RACING!  Do a search on YouTube for Marble Racing and you will find some great videos made by people who have a lot of time – building race tracks and racing marbles.  The marbles all have team names, some are international and identified by the country of origin, and the commentary on many is quite good.  Here is an example:

 

When you do your search, put the word “elevator” in your search terms to get the ones with an elevator to lift the marbles back up to the starting line.  These seem to be more “exciting” as they involve multiple laps.  Some are arranged in championship series with qualifying races, elimination races and finally a championship event.

Then there is the headline that you may have missed: FOX SPORTS TO BROADCAST VIRTUAL NASCAR HOMESTEAD MIAMI RACE.

What?

imageNASCAR has postponed its season through at least May 3 – probably longer – so FOX SPORTS has decided to broadcast the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series on FS1 with its NASCAR broadcasting team including Jeff Gordon, Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds.

Kyle Busch, Joey Longano, Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski are among the NASCAR regulars who will be participating.  I expect that there will be more.

Here is a taste of NASCAR iRacing if you have never seen it before.  This is Round 1 from Daytona about a month ago…

 

So all is not lost.  There is racing.  And if you actually have an iRacing setup at your cave, get into it and RACE!

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Author: Kevin Duffy, 924S944.com LLC, DeLand, FL

After retiring from a career in Law Enforcement, Kevin Duffy turned his attention to one of his passions, Porsche 944's and 924S's. He owns 924S944.com LLC in DeLand, FL, rescuing and restoring forgotten Porsches, bringing them back to a useful life. He is especially interested in the rare-but-beautiful 924S Special Edition. He can be found at Porsche Club events, including track days, tours and shows, as well as other car-focused events around the southeastern United States.

What do you think?