Simon Pagenaud Wins IndyCar Virtual GP

The IndyCar iRacing Series began on April 12th, allowing for drivers to experience some form of competition. It enabled for motorsport competitors like Oliver Askew, Scott McLaughlin, Scott Dixon, and Simon Pagenaud to battle for 1st place. The inevitable winner was Simon Pagenaud, who stands with two back-to-back victories with the IndyCar iRacing Series. The acquired victory was prompted after significant carnage was seen throughout the 106th lap. Multiple cars were demanded and labelled DNF after the virtual stewards conducted their investigation. Simon Pagenaud overtook the race leaders after their crash, allowing for the Team Penske racer to obtain a significant lead.

Oliver Askew for the Arrow – McLaren SP Team prompted this multi-vehicle crash. He attempted an overtake against Will Power and his teammate, who stood as the race leader for more than 50+ laps. Scott Mclaughlin tried to defend Will Power in proper teammate fashion, only to have the race leader implement a similar move. It prompted all three to collide into one another, sliding towards the fences. The damage was extensive and forced the three highest-placed drivers to push a re-entry onto the track before DNF status.

It should be noted that before Simon Pagenaud overtook these three races, Will Powers attempted to regain entry onto the circuit. It prompted a minor collision with Pagenaud, prompting the front wing to be forcibly removed. Scott Mclaughlin was the elite racer to regain entry on the circuit before entering DNF status. It enabled him to enter P2, battling Simon Pagenaud for the 1st place podium finish. Scott couldn’t account for the straight-line speeds associated with Simon’s Team Penske IndyCar. The drastic differences in rate prompted Simon to acquire the Virtual Grand Prix win.

IndyCar Losing Popularity to F1 in North America

Viewership valuations for Virtual IndyCar Grand Prix’s have been minimal for NBC Sports. Higher numbers are indicated with Formula One’s virtual races through YouTube and Twitch. Similar statistics were being seen with the standard version of IndyCar Racing, indicating to analysts that American viewers are beginning to move towards Formula One. The reasoning for this is because F1 supports faster vehicles with more exceptional capabilities, ensuring a more exciting and fast-paced version of racing. IndyCar will have to alter their strategies to regain viewers after the COVID-19 pandemic.