In the 2020 season, the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a standstill. To while away the time until NASCAR found a solution, the sport suggested that drivers take part in online races. These races were then broadcast to the fans and helped tide things over until the season resumed.

Needless to say, the experiment was a resounding success and NASCAR now plans to capitalize on it. To be precise, the rumor mill suggests that the sport is collaborating with iRacing to air sim races during race weekends. This will largely take place on Friday or Saturday during the broadcast windows.

In the event that the sport cannot run practice or qualifying due to the pandemic, this will be a good substitute. In all honesty, this is a fairly decent system, as the fans will not be deprived of much action during the race weekend.

How will the NASCAR race weekend change?

Truthfully speaking, the format should not change by much, at least in theory. Nothing has been set in stone just yet, as talks are still underway to make this a reality. However, it would be a good bit of entertainment, just as long as Kyle Larson can keep things PG.

On a more serious note, the sim races also help the drivers hone their skills as they prepare for the real thing on Sunday. Of course, there is no word on whether there will be a practice or qualifying format for the new season. Even if the iRacing idea gets approval, there is still the hassle of deciding the grid.

Will NASCAR go back to its random draw experiment, or will it implement the formula that it adopted later in 2020?

One thing is for sure, all of this will be shrouded in mystery until official word comes out in the coming few weeks.