CONCORD, N.C. — DIRTcar Racing has added weekly eSports competition to its schedule, debuting Saturday in the form of dirt street stocks on iRacing at the virtual Fairbury American Legion Speedway.

True to its founding spirit of inclusivity, consistency and breadth, DIRTcar has built a framework for its weekly eSports division that is open to anyone, accommodates huge fields (240 drivers), pays back through the field, and engages fans with live broadcasts.

Events will rotate between three DIRTcar divisions offered on iRacing: street stocks, pro (crate) late models and UMP modifieds.

“iRacing has helped us fill the void during these difficult times,” said DIRTcar CEO Brian Carter, “but the attempt to make a simulation as true to life as possible, has led to an air of exclusivity in many of the events we’re seeing. We’re determined to create the same inclusive environment in our DIRTcar eSports events that we have in all DIRTcar events, and lay the foundation for a platform that will endure far beyond a pandemic reaction.”

Weekly eSports competition kicks off Saturday, April 25, with an epic DIRTcar Stock Car Showdown at the virtual Fairbury American Legion Speedway.

Unlike upcoming events, which will cut across multiple nights, the inaugural event will pack in a full day of racing, with qualifying sessions from noon to 4 p.m. ET, preliminary shows at 6 p.m. ET, and the final event at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Weekly virtual tournament-style events will consist of three rounds: a qualifying round, a preliminary round, and a final feature. Qualifying rounds will each consist of two solo qualifying laps to set up a 30-lap feature.

The top 12 from each will advance to the preliminary round, a split field forming two complete shows with qualifying, heats, Last Chance Qualifiers, and a 30-lap feature.

The top 12 drivers from each preliminary feature will advance to the final feature, comprised of two solo qualifying laps and a 50-lap main event.

Entries are now open for the inaugural DIRTcar eSports Showdown, with a purse totaling more than $1,000. All Final Feature finishing positions will be paid out according to posted purse and payout structures.

To register, competitors should fill out the digital entry form and pay a $20 entry fee before noon ET on Friday, April 24.

Non-sim-racing fans and drivers can enjoy the preliminary shows and the final feature live on DIRTVision, starting at 6 p.m. ET on April 25. The action is free to all Fast Pass subscribers and available to others via pay-per-view.