Dale Earnhardt Jr., a legend in the world of stock car racing, stands out as one of the few old school drivers who has wholeheartedly embraced the modern trends reshaping NASCAR. While many veterans might shy away from new technologies, Earnhardt Jr. has become a vocal advocate for innovation, particularly in the realm of racing simulation. One of the biggest breakthroughs in today’s racing world is the rise of virtual racing, and at the forefront of this movement is iRacing—an incredibly realistic and competitive simulator. It has quickly become the go-to platform for both aspiring drivers and seasoned pros alike, offering an authentic racing experience that mirrors the intensity and skill required in real-life NASCAR events. For Dale Jr., iRacing isn’t just a game; it represents the future of motorsports, bridging the gap between generations of drivers and bringing new life to the NASCAR community.
However, fully immersing yourself in the thrill of iRacing typically requires a high-end setup, which can be out of reach for many. This created a gap in the market for a mobile game that could capture the same excitement, but no one had quite managed to replicate iRacing’s success—until Bryan Backford came along with his passion project, DRAFTYCAR. What started as a labor of love soon took off in ways Backford could have never imagined. The game gained massive popularity, and to top it all off, NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. gave him a shoutout, congratulating him on the runaway success of DRAFTYCAR.
DRAFTYCAR is a one-of-a-kind simulation game that brings the thrill of stock car racing right to your mobile device. Unlike iRacing, which often requires expensive equipment, all you need for DRAFTYCAR is a smartphone and the app to dive into the action. The game is free to download and play, supported by in-game ads, with the option for a one-time payment to unlock an ad-free experience for uninterrupted racing excitement.
Dale Jr. first came across DRAFTYCAR during his Xfinity race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Impressed by the dedication and effort put into the game by its creator, Bryan Blackford, Dale Jr. didn’t hold back his admiration. Speaking on The Dale Jr. Download, the veteran driver praised Blackford’s work, saying, “So the thing about Draftycar is that the developer is a single gentleman; it’s one guy that I have known for 20 years in sim racing. I follow him on social media; he’s posting about this a couple of years now about building this, and man, it’s really achieved more than I’m sure he ever imagined. It’s a real app on the App Store.”
You created something fun and convenient around stock car racing. Bravo Bryan.
Bryan was stunned to hear Dale Jr. speak so highly of his creation. It was a profoundly moving experience for him., and he quickly shared his excitement and gratitude on social media, almost in disbelief that one of his racing idols had praised his work. “Ten years ago I was laid up in a hospital with severe burns, ready to give up. Glad I didn’t; dreams can come true.” Dale Jr., once again recognizing his contributions, responded, “You created something fun and convenient around stock car racing. Bravo Bryan.”
The game features a career mode that immerses players in an entire NASCAR-like ecosystem. This includes managing sponsorship deals, securing loans, and constructing race cars for events. One of the standout yet often overlooked aspects of the app is its user-friendly design. “It’s not challenging; anyone can play it. It’s not difficult, but it’s quite entertaining,” Jr. remarked.
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