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NASCAR, iRacing's Simulated Race A Resounding Success

Denny Hamlin edged out Dale Earnhardt Jr. with a last-lap pass for the win in yesterday's eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series race on FS1, instantly becoming the biggest moment in NASCAR's esports history. The race, held on iRacing's simulation platform at a virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway, earned praise throughout the racing world for featuring real-life star drivers who could compete from simulators at their own houses, giving fans something to watch amid the coronavirus shutdown. The race reached No. 1 on Twitter's U.S. trending topics, and people were struck by how realistic the event was, including having Fox Sports' regular broadcasting team on the call.

Hamlin was interviewed on "SportsCenter" last night and "GMA" this morning. NASCAR has been working to find its place in the burgeoning esports scene in recent years, and Sunday's event will breathe new momentum into that ambition. The Pro Invitational Series continues next weekend from a virtual Texas Motor Speedway, again on FS1.

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