CHARLOTTE, N.C. – FOX Sports will throw a little dirt into its eSports lineup this week, with the addition of World of Outlaws iRacing from the virtual Dirt Track at Charlotte on April 1.
The telecast will start at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, and the race marks the beginning of a weekly FS1 series of iRacing events across multiple disciplines and various virtual race tracks.
This week’s World of Outlaws iRacing event features stars from multiple series, including defending World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion Brad Sweet, reigning Knoxville Nationals winner David Gravel, dirt late model stars Bobby Pierce and Scott Bloomquist, NASCAR stars Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, and NHRA stars Cruz Pedregon and Ron Capps.
The one-hour show features a 35-lap World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series race, followed by a 50-lap World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series battle.
“The iRacing simulation platform is undeniably the closest thing to real racing we can deliver to our viewers during this challenging time,” said Brad Zager, FOX Sports Executive Producer, EVP/Head of Production & Operations. “While the racing may be virtual, the competition and fun are absolutely real, and we’ll use Wednesday nights to explore a variety of virtual racing.”
For Wednesday’s first event, Adam Alexander will serve as host, with World of Outlaws sprint car announcer Johnny Gibson calling the action.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon and NASCAR Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer, who owns a dirt late model race team, will provide commentary.
“Americans are resilient, dirt track fans more than most, but they are also a proud group,” said Ben Geisler, Chief Marketing Officer for the World of Outlaws. “I can’t wait to hear them talking about the sport they love this week, while FOX Sports places it on arguably the biggest stage in sports right now. Our drivers are a determined bunch, they have jumped through hoops to find sim gear and they are putting in 10-hour marathon practice sessions to get up to speed. They will put on a great show.”