Apr 11, 2020 2 min read

IndyCar’s virtual return to Michigan International Speedway mimicked the U.S. 500 at the start, when the current open-wheel racing stars mismanaged the green flag and triggered a spectacular crash.

The accident in the opening seconds of the Chevrolet 275 iRacing event gave Saturday’s latest event a throwback feel. When CART fractured and IndyCar was born, the CART teams boycotted the Indianapolis 500 and instead raced at Michigan. The alternative 1996 race opened with a huge wreck that only punctuated the absurdity of the split in American open-wheel racing.

So when multiple cars crashed before even reaching the virtual start/finish line, IndyCar was briefly scrambling for the reset button.

And so they tried again with the third round of this virtual racing series created to give IndyCar content during the sports shutdown from the coronavirus pandemic. IndyCar’s season was suspended 48 hours before its scheduled opener.

Michigan marked the first oval track on IndyCar’s virtual schedule and reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Simon Pagenaud won the race. IndyCar has not raced at Michigan since 2007, and only five of the drivers in the virtual return had ever raced the track before.

“This is the most stressful I’ve ever felt in a race car,” Pagenaud said without a hint of sarcasm.

He competed wearing his actual firesuit and his wife handed him a bottle of congratulatory champagne as the Frenchman took the virtual checkered flag.

The race featured a a guest appearance from avid iRacer and NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee Dale Earnhardt Jr., who lobbied for an invite and received one from IndyCar to join the field. His gaming skills and experience at Michigan showed.

Earnhardt finished a surprising third, behind the Team Penske duo of Pagenaud and Scott McLaughlin. Earnhardt saved fuel and used patience to score a podium finish.