With the start of its racing season delayed due to COVID-19, the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires has gone virtual with a new five-race e-series, according to Cooper officials.
“The e-series allows drivers from Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship to compete against one another using race simulators.”
Cooper is the official tire supplier of Road to Indy.
“Drivers will continue to compete on Cooper tires in the virtual competition. Cooper provided racing simulation company iRacing with performance data to allow the virtual handling and tire performance of the race car to mirror what drivers would experience on the track, enhancing the realistic racing experience.”
“This virtual racing series gives fans the opportunity to continue to be engaged in the sport and drivers the ability to compete. It is exciting to see those involved in Road to Indy pull together to make this innovative solution possible,” says Chris Pantani, director of motorsports for Cooper.
“Fans will not only get to enjoy the racing they have come to expect each spring, but they will see Cooper tires in action on the virtual course.”
The five-competition series began March 28, with additional races being held each subsequent Saturday through the end of April. Streaming coverage and commentary of the virtual series mirrors traditional race weekends with pre- and post-race ceremonies and more.
Races can be viewed via live stream on the Cooper Tire Facebook page at facebook.com/coopertire, as well as through the Road to Indy TV website and app; ApexRacingTV’s YouTube, Twitter and Facebook feeds; the iRacing eSports Network; and USF2000 Championship, Indy Pro 2000 Championship and Indy Lights Facebook pages.
