Sage Karam wins first virtual IndyCar iRacing Challenge at Watkins Glen

Sage Karam captured the American Red Cross Grand Prix, the debut event of the virtualt six-race IndyCar iRacing Challenge, at Watkins Glen International on Saturday. Karam led 43 of the 45 laps and beat Felix Rosenqvist by 3.6174 seconds. Will Power finished third.

IndyCar followed the lead of NASCAR and other racing series in throwing together something - anything - to fill the void created when COVID-19 brought sports to a halt.

IndyCar suspended the start of its season 48 hours before the March 15 opener in St. Petersburg, Florida, and on thursday the Indianapolis 500 was postponed until August.

NASCAR had a successful launch of its iRacing series last Sunday and it was the most-watched televised esports event ever with more than 900,000 viewers.

IndyCar couldn't get a television deal so its inaugural race was streamed online from virtual Watkins Glen International Speedway, the venue decided by fan vote.

The field included NASCAR's seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson, who made his iRacing debut last weekend in a stock car using SIM settings more suited for IndyCar or sports car.

The second race will take place next Saturday (4th April) on the Barber Motorsports Park permanent road course.