AREA iRacing Prepares for Historic Season 7 Preseason Shootout at Daytona
February 4th, 2025 —
As AREA iRacing gears up for Season 7, the league is set to make history with a brand-new Preseason Shootout on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. For the first time ever, drivers will take on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway (2008 configuration) in the Legacy NASCAR Cup Chevrolet Impala COT – 2009, bringing a throwback feel to this special event.
This highly anticipated race will be broadcast live on AREA iRacing’s Twitch channel and will also feature the debut of new broadcast partner Prime Time Racing TV on YouTube. The event will showcase some of the league’s top drivers from Season 6 and past AREA history, all battling for cash prizes and early bragging rights before the official season begins.
Shootout Format & Prize Payouts
The Preseason Shootout will feature a unique format designed to maximize excitement and competition:
Single-Car Qualifying – Sets the starting order for the heat races.
Two 5-Lap Heat Races – Each heat race winner will receive a $25 cash prize and a prime starting position for the main event.
25-Lap Main Event – The grand finale of the night will award a $100 prize to the race winner.
Who’s Eligible for the AREA Season 7 Preseason Shootout?
Entry into the Season 7 Preseason Shootout is exclusive to drivers who earned their way in through Season 6 accomplishments or past AREA accolades. Here’s the full list of 41 eligible drivers:
Season 6 Pole Winners
Cup Series: Jake Matheson, James Scioly, Seth Noell, Peyton Howell, Adam Cabot, Johnathan Oates, Drew Jewah, Quami Scott
Pro Series: Zack Nichols, Logan Clampitt, Phillip Groner, David Wisehart, Connor Okrezsik
Truck Series: Sebastian Marin, John Hall, Matthew Batby, Patrick Moose, Brad Slaughter Jr., Mason Cain, Connor Yeroshack
Season 6 Race Winners
Cup Series: Jake Nichols, Tyler Nichols
Pro Series: Travis Beckner, Jeff Wright, Justin Anasogak, Zach Carr, John Furnas
Truck Series: Jonathan Evans
Season 6 Playoff Drivers
Cup Series: Conor Horn, Michael Kurhan, Blaze McKinney, Douglas Newbigging, Ricky Springer
Pro Series: Braxton DeWeese, Shayne Therrien, Greg Mitchell, Matthew Bell
Truck Series: Reece Schaefer, Daniel Day, Ed Scherer Jr., Casey Lakatos, Danny Wear
Legacy Shootout Eligibility
Former Shootout Winner: Eric Wineland (Season 3)
Former AREA Champions: Cameron Hearn (Pro Series Seasons 1 & 2), Ryan Haartz (Truck Series Season 2), James Schanewolf (ARCA Series Season 1)
Final Season 7 Schedule Coming Soon
While the Preseason Shootout will serve as an exciting preview, all eyes are also on the upcoming AREA iRacing Season 7 schedule. Team owners are currently voting on the tracks that will make up the official schedule, ensuring a competitive and diverse season ahead. The finalized schedule will be announced next week, giving drivers and teams a full look at what’s in store for the upcoming season.
A Major Week for AREA iRacing
The Preseason Shootout kicks off a major week of racing, leading directly into the inaugural VDRA Late Model Series season opener at Lanier National Speedway on Wednesday, February 19. That race will be broadcast live on AREA iRacing Twitch and covered by returning partner SYM TV on YouTube.
With the return of the COT era, a stacked field of elite drivers, and the final Season 7 schedule announcement just around the corner, the excitement for AREA iRacing’s next chapter is at an all-time high.
Be sure to tune in on February 18 as the best of AREA hit the track for the Season 7 Preseason Shootout at Daytona 2008!