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PORT ROYAL - While the schedule at Port Royal Speedway might be winding down for another season, a new racing game allows enthusiasts to get behind the wheel and compete at the Juniata County dirt racetrack anytime.
iRacing produces motorsport simulation racing games that allow drivers to compete on more than 100 iconic race tracks from around the globe, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, and locally, Williams Grove Speedway.
One of the newest tracks available this year is Port Royal Speedway. Port Royal, also known as "The Speed Palace," first opened in 1938. The half-mile track has long played host to weekly events for classes ranging from hobby, stock and late models to premier 410 sprint cars.
"iRacing puts you in the driver's seat by allowing members to experience today's newest form of competitive motorsport: virtual racing," iRacing's website states.
"iRacing is a fun, inexpensive and highly-competitive way for race fans and gamers to break a sweat by braking hard at the apex, while overcoming head-to-head racing challenges usually reserved for professional racers."
Port Royal's signature sprint car event, the Tuscarora 50, has been a staple of the track's annual schedule for half a century; Lance Dewease has taken the checkered flag in the big money race a record seven times as of 2022, and legends of the sport like Dave Blaney, Greg Hodnett and Dave Wolfgang have also taken Tuscarora victories. Port Royal made its World of Outlaws' debut in 1979, and was an on and off member of the schedule until returning to annual status in 2014.
Now, gamers can rev their engines and drive on laser-scanned replicas of Port Royal or any of the other tracks and battle other drivers chosen by skilled-based matchmaking to ensure competitive racing at every level.
"There's always a need for more half-mile dirt tracks on the service, and with plenty of running room in the corners and an unforgiving cushion, Port Royal is sure to pack quite a challenge," says one reviewer on YouTube
iRacing posts previews of each of their tracks on social media for potential subscribers to view. The screen displays each driver's current position and other statistics like speed, lap counts and front and review camera views. Dirt even lands on the windshield from the track to give it a feel of real authenticity.
Gamers can compete in officially-licensed cars engineered to deliver the most-accurate driving experience possible. From practice laps to championship races, join the pros on the tracks where racing legends are made. You can swap paint on dozens of tracks in a lineup that includes every bank, bump and barrier on these road courses and ovals.
There's an option of joining a particular race or gamers can host their own with other drivers from around the world, compete against the computer or create a league with friends. The iRacing website states there are 200,000 members world-wide.
According to iRacing, you will need a:
Computer equipped with at least one USB port.
Digital wheel/pedal or gamepad backed by a high-speed Internet connection.
Costs for the subscription-based service range from $13 monthly to $199 annually. For more information, visit iRacing.com.