We’re previewing each team competing in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series before the 2021 season.
Spacestation Gaming
Owner: Spacestation Gaming, one of the foremost names in the esports world.
Manufacturer: Ford
Twitter: @SpacestationGG
2021 drivers
No. 11: Malik Ray
Age: 22
Hometown: Greenville, SC
Twitter: @MalikRayTTV
First season: 2019
2020 rank: 32nd
Proud to say I’m officially an eSports driver for @SpacestationGG 🚀🧑🏾🚀🛸 pic.twitter.com/xWZX0ppDuD
— M F R (@MalikRayTTV) January 28, 2021
No. 55: Vicente Salas
Age: 18
Hometown: Temecula, CA
Twitter: @vicente_salas14
First season: 2021
12th in iRacing Pro Series standings
Could not be more excited for this opportunity to work with absolutely incredible people! Let’s get it!!! #SSG @iRacing @willrodgers65 @tannerfox @Unit_Shawn @NASCAR @Shonduras @jf_ish @eNASCARCocaCola https://t.co/EoewTCF3GY
— Vicente Salas (@vicente_salas14) January 28, 2021
2020 highlights
Spacestation Gaming is a newcomer to the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series for 2021, so we can’t speak to last year’s results for the team. Vicente Salas is a rookie to the series this year, too, but put together a solid season in the iRacing Pro Series to graduate for the top level.
Malik Ray raced in the Coca-Cola iRacing Series for Joe Gibbs Racing. The sophomore slump was real — it seemed Ray ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time more than anybody, even when running well. The bad luck relegated him to the winter iRacing Pro Series, where he quickly reminded everybody why he belongs back at the top level, winning right out of the gate at Daytona.
2021 outlook
We already know when it comes to esports, SSG doesn’t mess around — and we expect the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series is no exception to the rule.
Ray now has two seasons under his belt, and he’s hungry for that first win at the top level. And make no mistake, he’s done plenty of winning on iRacing, but a Coca-Cola iRacing Series trophy in his trophy case would be welcome.
Salas, like Ray, knows how to win races on iRacing. He’s part of a crowded rookie class, but his Pro Series season indicates posting solid finishes leads to results in the standings. Salas is a well-rounded driver on iRacing and includes experience in the iRacing World Championship series in iRacing Rallycross.
Steve’s bold prediction
Malik Ray is considered one of the best superspeedway racers on iRacing. I think it’s only a matter of time until he earns a Coca-Cola iRacing Series victory at Daytona or Talladega.
It’s tough to guess what Vicente Salas will do in his rookie season. Hopefully he’ll keep the car on the ground, unlike his time racing iRacing Rallycross. I’ll say he’s a top-20 lock with potential upside for playoff contention. (Make no mistake, Salas is an exceptional talent, but the Coca-Cola iRacing Series is a stout field.)
Oh, and one more bold prediction: nobody — nobody — beats SSG’s team reveal video. Just imagine what’ll happen when Ray or Salas win a race.
🥤SHAKE ‘N BAKE BABY 👶
Welcome @MalikRayTTV and@vicente_salas14 to SSG as our
2021 eNASCAR Coca-Cola @iRacing
series drivers 🏎 pic.twitter.com/OmruiDHWSV— Spacestation Gaming (@SpacestationGG) January 28, 2021