The IndyCar iRacing event last weekend averaged 202,000 viewers on NBCSNGETTY IMAGES
IndyCar Owner Roger Penske said drivers using iRacing technology are "taking it to the next level," and it is "creating a lot of interest" in the series amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Nate Ryan of NBCSPORTS.com. Penske said, "The iRacing guys have done a terrific job. The stick and ball sports can't do this, can they? We're unique in the case that we have this." He added, "The technology has been terrific. But more important I think what it's done is kept us relevant because it keeps our drivers in social media talking about it, the cars, the sponsors. I think (that) is key. That's giving us relevance, (putting) our model, our license in front of our fans." Ryan noted the Michigan race last weekend "averaged 202,000 viewers on NBCSN," which was up 25% from the Barber Motorsports Park event the week before. Penske likes the audience metrics, but "cautions against too much of a good thing with IndyCar, NASCAR, and IMSA all holding virtual races this week." Penske: "One thing is we have to be careful we don't oversaturate it" (NBCSPORTS.com, 4/15).
