Lando Norris’ Hilarious Virtual Racing Tale Delights Dale Earnhardt Jr.
In a recent episode of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s show, motorsports legends Tony Kanaan and Kyle Larson joined the NASCAR icon to share stories and laughs from their illustrious careers.
The conversation took a hilarious turn when they reminisced about the 2020 eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series, a virtual racing event that took place during the pandemic.
The highlight of the episode was a story involving British Formula 1 driver Lando Norris, which had everyone in stitches.
Let’s dive into the memorable moments and the spirited discussions that unfolded on the show.
The eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series: A Virtual Racing Sensation
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When the pandemic halted live racing in 2020, NASCAR swiftly adapted by launching the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series.
This virtual racing series brought together top drivers from various motorsports disciplines, creating an electrifying and unpredictable environment.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. recalled his virtual IndyCar debut at the Chevrolet 275, where he raced alongside Tony Kanaan and other notable names.
A Diverse and Intense Experience
Earnhardt Jr. described the virtual race as intense and full of personality, thanks to the diverse group of drivers involved.
*All these people are from different parts of the world, right? And when you put them all in one little room together, it’s like doesn’t always go very smooth, but it was funny as hell,* he noted.
The race started with an early crash, but Earnhardt’s strategic approach of saving fuel and avoiding speeding helped him secure a third-place finish.
Hilarious Moments and Name-Calling
One of the standout moments from the virtual race was the hilarious name-calling that occurred during the cool-down lap.
*We’re all rolling down pit road to our little stalls at the end of the race, and everyone on there, especially Will Power, was name-calling like crazy. I was like, ‘Wow, this is live!’* Earnhardt Jr. recounted.
This light-hearted banter added a unique flavor to the virtual racing experience.
Lando Norris and the Indianapolis Incident
The conversation then shifted to a story shared by Tony Kanaan about McLaren’s current Formula 1 driver, Lando Norris.
During a virtual race at the Indianapolis track, Norris was leading with only two laps to go when French racer Simon Pagenaud decided to intervene.
*This guy is not gonna win this,* Pagenaud said, before slowing down to let Norris approach and then wrecking him.
This incident led to even more name-calling and sparked a controversy.
The Fallout: Criticism and Apologies
After the race, Lando Norris was visibly disappointed and openly criticized Simon Pagenaud’s behavior.
He called Pagenaud *selfish* and questioned his seriousness, emphasizing that despite being a virtual event, he was just as dedicated to it.
Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, also joined in the criticism, further fueling the controversy.
Pagenaud later apologized to Norris, stating that his only intent was to slow him down and not crash him. However, Norris remained unconvinced and held his stance.
Kyle Larson and Tony Kanaan Weigh In
Kyle Larson and Tony Kanaan also shared their thoughts on the incident.
Larson remarked, *Will seems like he has a short fuse anyway,* to which Kanaan replied, *And he is very passionate.*
The discussion highlighted the competitive nature of virtual racing and the strong emotions it can evoke, even among seasoned professionals.
The Legacy of Virtual Racing
The eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series and similar virtual racing events have left a lasting impact on the motorsports community.
They provided a platform for drivers to stay connected with fans and maintain their competitive edge during a challenging time.
The series also showcased the versatility and adaptability of drivers, who seamlessly transitioned from real-world racing to the virtual arena.
Future Prospects
As the world gradually returns to normalcy, the legacy of virtual racing continues to influence the motorsports landscape.
The skills and experiences gained from these virtual events have proven to be valuable. Many drivers have incorporated them into their training routines.
The camaraderie and humorous moments shared during these virtual races have also strengthened the bonds between drivers, creating a more united and dynamic community.
For more details on this entertaining episode of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s show and the unforgettable stories shared, you can read the full article on the Pro Football Network.
