The NASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series is officially a real thing in the sports betting world, as for the second week in a row the virtual car racing event will be televised live on FS1. We previewed the entire iRacing series to come for the remainder of the 2020 NASCAR season (until this whole crisis thing is over) and now we turn focus to the next event which “takes place” at Texas Motor Speedway this Sunday March 29. Word has it that the same NASCAR drivers from Week 1 will compete. Will Toyota Racing’s Denny Hamlin take the second win of the iRacing season or will another driver take the flag while sitting from the comforts of home?
Ranked 11th on the stalled NASCAR Cup Series, Denny Hamlin is getting a second life on the iRacing circuit. Hamlin won last Sunday’s inaugural event at Homestead-Miami Speedway, passing Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the final lap to win. At press, the sportsbook gives Toyota second best odds to win at Texas Motor Speedway, which prices their iRacing rep with +175 odds to win.
Dale Earnhardt Jr – Chevrolet for JR Motorsports (+115)
Junior was taken down in the final go-around at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and is primed to take his first iRacing win this weekend. He drives a Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, which is priced at +115 to win this event. But while Dale Earnhardt Jr is the Vegas favorite, he may be a bit distracted going into the weekend. He just found out that his wife is expecting their second child (congrats!) and given that he’s competing from home he may be called from his console to attend to more pressing family matters.
Timmy Hill came in third at last Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, although he came in as a favorite with extensive iRacing experience under his belt. He has been very vocal over the last few days over his excitement about the series and will look to claim his first win early in this new iRacing season.
Chase Briscoe – Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (+275)
The sportsbook might have it wrong, pricing a Ford driver at just +275 to win at the virtual Texas Motor Speedway. They may have dropped the ball because behind the Ford Mustang will be Chase Briscoe, the youngest (25 years old) of all competitors. You’ve got to think that age is a factor here in the world of eSports.
Garret Smithley – Chevrolet Camaro for Rick Ware Racing (+115)
Like Timmy Hill, Briscoe also has a lot of iRacing experience, and his console set up is less complicated than that of his fellow competitors – using just a regular wheel along with a pedal and shifter set that is mounted on his computer desk with a single monitor. Smithley won the pole position at Homestead-Miami, and ran up front for most of the race even though he finished fifth. The 27 year old is hungry for a win.
Writer’s Prediction
Garret Smithley takes the second race of the NASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series, and in doing so may have found his true calling.
