The INDYCAR iRacing Pro Series is scheduled to return in January 2026 with a fresh competition format, combining virtual racing technology with authentic INDYCAR machinery to engage top eSports drivers worldwide. Announced on October 2, 2025, by iRacing, INDYCAR, and Thrustmaster, the series will showcase a $50,000 prize contested on a variety of INDYCAR oval tracks, road courses, and city circuits, featuring a newly introduced qualification system using the INDY NXT Dallara IL-15 car.
New Qualifying Format and Dallara IL-15 Integration
The highlight of this season‘s return is the all-new qualifying series format that incorporates the Dallara IL-15, the car utilized in the INDY NXT by Firestone, INDYCAR’s developmental division. This update aims to deepen the realism of the simulation by mirroring the pathway that real-life drivers take en route to INDYCAR’s highest level of competition. The qualifying series kicks off in October 2025, setting the stage for the Pro Series races starting the following January.
Leadership Perspectives on the Series Revival
iRacing President Tony Gardner expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and upcoming season:
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring the INDYCAR iRacing Pro Series back later this year with the help of our new series partners at Thrustmaster,”
Tony Gardner said.
This series produced some of our most exciting eSports racing last year, and it’s an important part of our ever-expanding relationship with INDYCAR. Our new Qualifying Series format, using the Dallara IL-15 from INDY NXT by Firestone, adds another level of realism to the championship as drivers walk the same path that real-world INDYCAR stars do to reach the highest level. We’re looking forward to getting the season started!”
Ben Hendricks, senior manager of sponsorship sales and strategy at INDYCAR, highlighted the competitive nature of the event:
This is an engaging and fun opportunity for some of the world’s best virtual drivers to showcase their skills against the backdrop of the most competitive and dynamic racing series on the planet. It also serves to underscore the immersive and comprehensive nature of our partnership with iRacing, as we look forward to the launch of our official game in 2026.
Evolution of the INDYCAR and iRacing Collaboration
This latest announcement follows significant milestones in the expanding partnership between INDYCAR and iRacing. In 2025, Portland International Raceway was added to the iRacing platform in March, followed by the release of the Dallara IL-15 car in September. iRacing Studios will lead the creation of a dedicated INDYCAR game for PC and consoles slated for release in 2026, further solidifying the relationship between virtual and real-world racing.
The first season of the INDYCAR iRacing Pro Series launched in late 2024, featuring premier tracks from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar. Diogo Pinto emerged as the champion after consistently strong performances, including a win at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Season Schedule and Broadcast Details
The newly introduced INDYCAR Thrustmaster iRacing Qualifying Series commences in October 2025, followed by the main Pro Series races beginning in January 2026. Fans can watch live broadcasts every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET through iRacing’s social media platforms and the official NTT INDYCAR SERIES YouTube channel and website. Further details about race locations and schedules will be revealed in the upcoming weeks.
Impact on the eSports and Motorsports Communities
The continual development of the INDYCAR iRacing Pro Series represents a meaningful step forward in blending virtual and real-world motorsports. It offers promising exposure and competitive opportunities for virtual drivers while enhancing fan engagement through authentic racing experiences. With the upcoming release of the official INDYCAR video game, the synergy between simulation and professional racing is expected to deepen, potentially attracting new audiences and elevating overall interest in the sport.
