iRacing: 5 Years of Racing for an MS Cure
Putting the Wheels in Motion
The Society launched its partnership with iRacing in 2021 in an effort to grow its Stream to End MS series program, which started the year before. And until then, Varner says the Society never held a charity racing event like it before. Since the green flag dropped for the inaugural race, Varner says the event has raised more than $200,000. And, she adds, the spread of MS awareness because of the event has been invaluable.“This event has opened the door to an entirely new audience — people who may not have known much about MS or the Society before are now showing up, fundraising, and becoming part of our movement,” Varner says. “It’s a powerful example of how innovation can drive both awareness and connection.”The Race for the Cure is one of the many races on iRacing’s Special Events calendar for 2025. Each year, iRacing officials select the race name, track, time limit and style of car for the yearly MS race. This year, drivers will be behind the wheel of Cup Grand Touring cars (GT3) navigating the ‘deceptively simple” track of Lime Rock Park for 2.5 hours. From the broadcast quality to hearing heartfelt mission stories, Varner says participants and viewers are in for an unforgettable and moving experience.“Before being directly connected, I didn’t realize how widespread MS truly is,” Knaus says. “It's something that doesn’t just impact the person diagnosed — it touches their family, friends and entire support system.”Even though bragging rights are the only thing up for grabs during the race, Varner says racers can earn prizes for fundraising certain amounts. Viewers and participants will also have the chance to donate to the Society during the event.
