SMASH HQ Opens iRacing Daytona Night Practice Session Ahead of Truck Series Opener

By SMASH HQ — March 14, 2026

With the SMASH HQ Truck Series season opener scheduled for March 20, the league is giving drivers an opportunity to prepare under race conditions with a set of open practice sessions today at Daytona International Speedway.

These sessions are designed to replicate the exact environment drivers will face when the trucks take the green flag next Friday night. From the drafting packs to the nighttime lighting conditions, everything about the hosted server is configured to match race night as closely as possible.

Superspeedway racing demands trust, awareness, and precision — and Daytona is known for producing some of the most intense pack racing in all of iRacing.

SMASH HQ wants drivers to be ready.

Practice Session Schedule

Two hosted sessions will be available today, allowing drivers multiple opportunities to jump into the draft and get comfortable with the truck.

Session One - 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET

Session Two - 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM ET

Drivers can find the server under Hosted Sessions in iRacing.

Session Name: SMASH HQ Truck Series Practice

Both sessions will run under night racing conditions, matching the environment drivers will experience during the official race next Friday.

Practice Server Settings

To ensure the most realistic preparation possible, the hosted session will mirror the league’s race configuration.

Car: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Track: Daytona International Speedway

Setup: Fixed

Track Time: Night racing conditions

Fuel Usage: Enabled

Tire Wear: Enabled

Damage: Enabled

Track State: Moderate usage with natural rubber progression

These settings allow drivers to experience how the trucks behave in traffic, how the draft develops, and how the track evolves during a race-length run.

Open Session – Recruiting Drivers

Today’s hosted session is also open to drivers interested in joining the league before the season officially begins.

SMASH HQ has spent the past several weeks preparing for the upcoming season, building out the infrastructure for a competitive and professionally run weekend racing league. Recent updates include:

• League schedule finalized

• Website updates at smashhq.gg

• Driver profile and statistics tracking

• Broadcast partnerships for select events

• Race countdown and league standings systems

  
  

Drivers who join the practice session today will be able to meet current competitors and experience the style of racing the league aims to deliver every weekend.

The Road to Opening Night

The SMASH HQ Truck Series officially begins March 20, launching a new season of competitive racing designed for drivers who want serious league competition without the chaos that often comes with open sessions.

SMASH HQ is focused on creating a structured, respectful racing environment where drivers can compete hard while still enjoying the community aspect that makes sim racing great.

Daytona practice is just the beginning.

Final Word

Pack racing under the lights at Daytona leaves no room for hesitation. One bad push can end a race — but the right move at the right time can send a truck straight to victory lane.

Before the green flag drops on the season opener, SMASH HQ is giving drivers the opportunity to learn the draft, find their rhythm, and prepare for the battles ahead.

The trucks are warming up.

Opening night is one week away.

And the road to the SMASH HQ championship starts now.

Join the community

Discord: discord.gg/smashhq