Over the last several years, eSports have become popular in the United States. Many Colleges and Universities around the country have adopted eSports teams that compete in many different games and on different platforms that have championships, just like any other college sport. One of those sports that have become big in the virtual world is racing, more specifically, eNASCAR.

NASCAR began their virtual series in 2010. It has grown into a nationwide phenomenon where participants compete for cash prizes, or, in the case of their College iRacing Series, scholarships towards the student's college expenses. 

On Thursday, March 24th, the Admissions and Athletics Departments at the Academy were approached by junior (2/c) cadet John Hall who is one of the many college students in the United States that competes in the eNASCAC iRacing College Series. John came with the simple question of "Can I design a vehicle for my race(s) that represents our institution?" Including the Admiral and Director of Athletics, it was a resounding yes when everyone saw the design of the car and the character of the man "behind the wheel". 

John, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a double major at the Academy, majoring in Marine Engineering and Energy Systems Engineering. He began racing online as a hobby and in recent months he has vaulted into the eSports world. Recently, Hall qualified for the eNASCAR College IRacing Series race at virtual Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of the most recognizable and popular tracks in all of American racing. 

"I am proud to represent Massachusetts Maritime Academy in a competition the school has never seen before." Said John of his opportunity to drive a car with our logo on it from his dorm room on Taylor's Point.

NASCAR announced the formation of the College iRacing Series earlier this year. With college students from all over the country competing, the prize pool in this race is $50,000 in scholarships. In order to qualify for each of the races, students have to post one of the fastest 40 times each month on a track to then race on that track in the main event. 

The race at Charlotte Motor Speedway that John Qualified for takes place on Thursday, March 24th at 8pm eastern on eNASCAR.com/live.

More information on iRacing and the eNASCAR College iRacing Series can be found at iRacing.com and CSLesports.com/enascar.

Pictures below is the car, which features a hood logo of the Maritime "M" as well as the "Buccaneers" nickname on either rear fender and on the back of the car, as well as each of the logos for each major at the academy on the rear fenders, that John will be driving in Thursday's race as well as his setup in his dorm room.