eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series returns with $500,000 prize pool

iRacing has announced details on the 17th season of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series ahead of its opening race.

The long-standing sim racing series sees teams competing for a share of a $500,000 (~£366,002) prize pool.

This season features a revised format, expanding the circuit to 24 rounds. The first 11 rounds are designated to the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Qualifying Series, starting on February 10th, with drivers competing at the virtual Daytona International Speedway.

For the first time, three categories of NASCAR vehicles will feature in the qualifying series, testing the skill of drivers in Cup Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series cars. The top 30 drivers from the Qualifying Series standings will join the top 20 from last year’s standings and the top two from the eNASCAR College iRacing Series to earn free agency.

40 of the 52 drivers will earn a full-time place on the starting grid to compete in the Championship, consisting of nine regular-season races and three playoff races.

“The eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series is a crown jewel of iRacing’s esports efforts,” said Tony Gardner, President of iRacing. “This year’s all-new format further develops the series with some exciting new refinements that should keep drivers fresh and focused as they set their sights on the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Cup once again.”

NASCAR has been a long-standing supporter of sim racing, hosting a wide range of virtual racing events over the last decade. In October 2025, the series launched the Creator Series featuring high-profile streamers competing for a $100,000 (~£73,155) prize pool.

“The eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series has always represented the pinnacle of sim racing,” added Ray Smith, Senior Director of Sim Racing at NASCAR. “We can’t wait to engage this passionate community and crown the 2026 champion this October.”