Revolution Racing continues to evolve its driver development curriculum by combining technology with hands-on training in its academy-style development program. Strategic partnerships with iRacing and VisionRacer, along with contributions from Logitech, allow Revolution drivers to get behind the virtual wheel to prepare for the 2010 season. In addition to weekly, traditional on-track test sessions, Revolution Racing, which operates four NASCAR K&N Pro Series East teams and six NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model teams, is embracing simulator technology as a way for its young, up-and-coming drivers to gain additional seat time.
“This is one more tool we are able to use for driver development,” said John Story, President of Revolution Racing. “Through our partnerships with iRacing and VisionRacer, and collaboration with Logitech, our drivers are able to climb into a simulator at their leisure and test at a different track without leaving the race shop.”
iRacing provides the simulation software, Logitech is providing G27 Racing Wheels and VisionRacer supplies sleek, high performance motorsports chassis for the Revolution Racing simulators. iRacing’s software, which allows drivers to race, practice or qualify in a wide variety of cars and tracks, is used by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Marcos Ambrose, Brad Kesolowski and a number of other drivers from all forms of motorsports. iRacing currently includes four of the nine tracks on the 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East schedule, as well as Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, the site of the annual Toyota All-Star Showdown.
“It’s amazing how authentic the experience is with the chassis and the wheel’s force feedback,” said Andy Santerre, Revolution’s Director of Competition, K&N Pro Series of the VisionRacer chassis and the Logitech G27 dual motor Racing Wheel. “iRacing has done a tremendous job with the tracks and cars in their simulation software and the G27 wheel and VisionRacer chassis complete the package. Our simulators will be a great learning tool for our drivers, especially on tracks like Martinsville where NASCAR policy prohibits us from testing.”
Revolution Racing is installing multiple simulators at its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters, allowing all 10 of the team’s drivers to test at the same time, as well as compete against one another in head-to-head races.
The 10 Revolution Racing drivers, each participating in the Drive for Diversity program, work in the Revolution Racing shop and have entered an academy-style training program with the team. In addition to simulator testing, their curriculum includes weekly on-track testing and hands-on shop work, as well as marketing and media training.
About iRacing.com
iRacing was founded in 2004 by Dave Kaemmer and John Henry. Kaemmer was co-founder of Papyrus Design Group, developers of award-winning racing simulations including NASCAR Racing: 2003 Season and Grand Prix Legends. Henry is principal owner of the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports Group – the co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing – as well as an avid simracer. iRacing has developed numerous corporate relationships in the motorsport industry, including agreements to develop track simulations with International Speedway Corporation, Speedway Motorsports and Panoz Motor Sports Group. iRacing is the official simulation partner of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Sports Car Club of America, Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, Star Mazda Championship, Skip Barber Racing School and Australia’s V8 Super School. The iRacing service is open to racers and fans of all skill levels from top-level pros to complete beginners. To join in the fun, go to www.iRacing.com.
About VisionRacer
VisionRacer combines design accolades with superior performance, creating an unmatched virtually real racing experience. A stainless steel chassis, authentic race seat, “h pattern and paddle” gear shifter with full force feedback makes the experience immersive. Recently described by WIRED magazine as “a racing fanatic’s dream rig,” the VisionRacer works with selected consoles and PC systems. The VR3 model is available from a basic chassis to add existing equipment to through to complete “Ready to Drive” packages. An affordable alternative and compliment to racing or training programs, VisionRacer delivers a virtually real racing experience. For further information go to www.visionracer.com
Jessica Brunelli
Team: No. 3 Revolution Racing Late Model
Crew Chief: Robert Huffman
Brunelli on making her first late model start for Revolution Racing:
“I’m excited to get racing, especially after watching my teammates race at Greenville Pickens Speedway last weekend. I’m not really familiar with a lot of the drivers out here that I will be competing against, so I’m looking to go out there and get a sense of who everyone is, how they drive, and really just learn as much as I can.”
Fast Facts:
Katie Hagar
Team: No. 4 D4D Crew Member Development Program presented by Sprint Late Model
Crew Chief: Mark McFarland
Hagar on returning to the East Coast:
“It was a great opportunity for me to go out to California and race for the last couple of years, but I’m glad to be back East where it’s easier for my friends and family to support my racing. It’s been a long time, nearly 10 years, since I’ve been to Hickory, and I know it’s a tough track. Everyone at Revolution Racing has been working hard to make sure we have what we need to go out there and be competitive.”
Fast Facts:
Jason Romero
Team: No. 2 Distribution One Late Model
Crew Chief: Andy Santerre
Romero on his first late model race away from All American Speedway:
“I’m ready to get to Hickory where we’ll be competing against some of the best late model drivers in the country. Revolution Racing and the Drive for Diversity program have given me a great opportunity to come out to the East Coast after competing at All American Speedway for most of my career. There’s a big difference between the Western late models that I’ve been running and these truck-arm cars, but I’m learning all I can and I’m looking forward to a great season.”
Fast Facts:
