Checkered flag nears for pro drivers in virtual racing boom

Mike Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway, walks near the finish line while waiting for a news conference at the track, Monday, April 27, 2020, in Dover, Del. The track was scheduled to host a NASCAR auto race this weekend, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the race is bring run virtually on NASCAR's iRacing circuit. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Mike Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway, speaks during a news conference at the track, Monday, April 27, 2020, in Dover, Del. The track was scheduled to host a NASCAR auto race this weekend, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the race is bring run virtually on NASCAR's iRacing circuit. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Mike Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway, stands near the finish line while waiting for a news conference at the track, Monday, April 27, 2020, in Dover, Del. The track was scheduled to host a NASCAR auto race this weekend, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the race is bring run virtually on NASCAR's iRacing circuit. Sports will eventually start again and all signs indicate NASCAR is racing full speed ahead of the other major leagues in resuming competition. The sanctioning body is currently working on a revised schedule that could have NASCAR back on track in roughly three weeks.(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

FILE - In this image taken from video provided by iRacing IndyCar, Pato O'Ward, foreground, heads into a turn during the opening lap of the American Red Cross Grand Prix virtual IndyCar auto race at Watkins Glen International. The mind-boggling success of virtual racing has put motorsports out front in the race to create competition during the sports shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. (iRacing IndyCar via AP)

FILE - In this June 10, 2019, file photo, drivers race at the NASCAR cup series auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich. With NASCAR set to return May 17, 2020, the iRacing Pro Invitational Series will likely go away. The NASCAR-backed iRacing Series, featuring the best sim racers in the field, will continue to run on digital platforms and six races will air on NBCSN during the series’ playoffs. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

Mike Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway, speaks during a news conference at the track, Monday, April 27, 2020, in Dover, Del. The track was scheduled to host a NASCAR auto race this weekend, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the race is bring run virtually on NASCAR's iRacing circuit. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Doug Yorke, director of marketing at Dover International Speedway, speaks during a news conference outside the track, Monday, April 27, 2020, in Dover, Del. Sports will eventually start again and all signs indicate NASCAR is racing full speed ahead of the other major leagues in resuming competition. The sanctioning body is currently working on a revised schedule that could have NASCAR back on track in roughly three weeks. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)