LaPradd Turns Heads in eNASCAR Debut
By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer
The newest driver for JR Motorsports, Briar LaPradd, made waves during the eNASCAR Clash at the Coliseum.
The eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series rookie takes over the virtual No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE from Brad Davies. The longtime driver of the No. 88 for JR Motorsports was relegated in the 2021 eNASCAR Road to Pro Contender iRacing Series. The opportunity and legacy that LaPradd is continuing is not lost on Manchester, TN native.
“I’m honored and excited to represent JR Motorsports and the 88 machine,” explained LaPradd. “Obviously, Brad Davies was the driver before me. Big shoes to fill. He’s a great guy. I haven’t personally spoken to him but racing on track with him. I absolutely respect the guy who’s been in the series for a long time. Just got big shoes to fill and I hope to represent the 88 the same way he did.”
LaPradd started the first heat at the virtual Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum within the top-four transfer spots. However, he got moved out of the way and slipped down the running order. The JR Motorsports driver finished the Heat just outside of the transfer and was forced into the consolation race. There, he led the majority of the race until Dylan Duval snuck by for the win. LaPradd finished in a transfer spot and started the feature in 18th.
By keeping his nose clean, LaPradd climbed up the running order. Both his speed and wreck avoidance skills were on full display throughout the entire feature race. LaPradd ultimately was the hard charger of the race, finishing third.
“Just a little bit (of pressure), just a tiny bit after that third place finished,” admitted LaPradd. “Dale texted me and told me great finish a great interview. So, it’s cool. It’s cool to look at my phone after that race and I get a text from him. But yeah, I’d say a little bit of pressure.
“I just go out there and do my thing you know just keep doing what I’ve been doing. The entire time I’ve been sim racing and just, try and make the car look good. We got sponsors to represent and we got people to make happy and you know driving for JR Motorsports. A lot of big names within that organization, so you know just a little bit of pressure, but we’re still out there trying to do our best thing go. Get some good results.”
Now, LaPradd is set to make his points debut in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series in the season opener at the virtual Daytona International Speedway. He is one of nine rookies competing in the series during the 2022 season.
Last season, JR Motorsports driver and past champion Michael Conti made the eNASCAR Playoffs and the eChampionship 4. 2021 eNASCAR Rookie of the Year Mitchell deJong also made eChampionship 4.