Dale Earnhardt Jr. discusses how NASCAR used iRacing to build Chicago Street course

Technology seems to be changing NASCAR‘s future. Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently revealed that iRacing software had a huge impact on getting the sport to run a street race in Chicago — the next event on the Cup Series Circuit.

Earnhardt joined the Dan Patrick Show to explain how NASCAR came up with the idea to run a street race in Chicago. He said a lot of it had to do with the iRacing software.

“The way this began, to be honest with you, was through iRacing software, which is a PC video game,” Earnhardt said. “It’s the most realistic racing game on the market today. And they were able, with that product, NASCAR was able to say, ‘Hey, use the Chicago streets and build us a street course.’ Then put your customers on there to drive it, race it and give us feedback.

“That’s how this all started. Years ago before you had a PC simulation, you basically had to build the racetrack and hope it worked.”

The new technology provides NASCAR with a unique trip this weekend to the Windy City. Drivers are in Chicago for the Grant Park 220, a race that brings the sport into the actual city.

Previously, NASCAR made visits to Chicagoland Speedway, located in Joliet. Earnhardt explained how the potential of street races in big cities could grow the sport.

“I think that racing in the streets of some of the bigger cities in the country is a new chapter for NASCAR. I expect it to be highly successful,” Earnhardt said. “You’re limited on where you can go, what cities and what areas would embrace it and where it could function properly.

“There’s also great examples of that in F1 and also in IndyCar. … So, there’s lots of places for NASCAR to look for examples of success and leadership on how to pull this off.”

Usually, in bigger cities, tracks are located well outside the limits. It puts a stress on fans to attend some of those NASCAR events.

“We raced out in Joliet (Chicagoland Speedway) because we can’t build an oval right next to the city,” Earnhardt said. “So, our racetracks — for example, Atlanta is not even near Atlanta. It’s 30 to 45 minutes outside Atlanta. All of our big tracks are connected to these dense populated areas, but they’re 20 minutes to an hour outside the city.

“This is a great opportunity to put the product right in the middle of the city. Right in the heart of the city.”