Blake McCandless

Last updated

Blake McCandless
Born
Blake Russell McCandless

(1996-05-18) May 18, 1996 (age 29)
Raleigh, North Carolina, US
Alma mater Gardner-Webb University
OccupationsPlay-by-play and color announcing, pit reporter, sim racer
Years active2016–present

Blake Russell McCandless (born May 18, 1996) [1] is an American sportscaster and esports driver. He last raced for JR Motorsports in the 2025 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series.

Contents

Career

McCandless' first foray into sportscasting came in 2016 with play-by-play broadcasting iRacing private events. [2] In 2020, McCandless was named a color analyst for broadcasts of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series. [1] [3] After receiving praise from Dale Earnhardt, Jr., McCandless secured roles as track announcer for Ace Speedway and pit spotting for NBC Sports. [1] [4] In 2023, McCandless was named co-commentator for the CARS Tour on FloRacing. [3] McCandless made his national television debut in 2025 pit reporting for FOX Sports for the CARS Tour race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. [5]

McCandless attempted to qualify for the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series as early as 2020. [6] McCandless qualified for the series in 2025 and signed with JR Motorsports. [1] During the season, he received a one-race suspension for intentionally crashing during a race, [7] but was later appealed and overturned. [8] McCandless finished 32nd in points with one top-10 finish. [9]

McCandless made two starts racing limited late model cars at Hickory Motor Speedway with a best finish of sixth. [4] [10]

Personal life

McCandless was born on May 18, 1996 in Raleigh, North Carolina. [2] McCandless graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a Master of Business Administration in 2020. [4] [6]

McCandless is the grandson of drag racer Herb McCandless. He has an identical twin brother named Phillip. [6]

Racing record

Complete eNASCAR iRacing Coca-Cola Series results

(key) (Bold – Pole position. * – Most laps led.)

YearTeamNo.123456789101112131415161718RankPoints
2025 JR Motorsports 8 DAY
27		 LVS
18		 BRA
27		 RCH
19		 ROC
11		 TAL
35		 CLT
20		 NSH
39		 KAN
26		 IOW
23		 DOV
22		 CSC
27		 IND
36		 POC
32		 MCH
27		 TEX
8		 PHO
28		 HOM
38		32nd208

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Blake McCandless - JR Motorsports". JR Motorsports. Archived from the original on February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  2. 1 2 Eggert, Seth (June 7, 2022). "'Sim 2 Reality' Not Just for Drivers: Blake McCandless". Kickin' the Tires. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  3. 1 2 "Meet The 2023 CARS Tour Announcers". FloRacing. March 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 "GWU Alumnus Gets Boost in his Career from NASCAR Hall-of-Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr". Gardner-Webb University. July 6, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  5. ↑ Evans, Zach (April 1, 2025). "FS1 to Televise zMAX CARS Tour Race at North Wilkesboro on May 16". TobyChristie.com. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  6. 1 2 3 Melillo, Justin (March 10, 2020). "2020 iRacing Road To Pro preview – Part three – 'Fast Firsts', Q&A, and what to watch for". The Racing Experts. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  7. ↑ Nicholson, Jonno (June 6, 2025). "eNASCAR driver suspended for alleged intentional crashing". Esports Insider. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  8. ↑ NASCAR Gaming and Esports [@ENASCARGG] (June 9, 2025). "Official appeal update on Blake McCandless" (Tweet). Retrieved February 2, 2026– via Twitter.
  9. ↑ "eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series History". iRacing Esports. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Official Hickory Motor Speedway Results". Hickory Daily Record. June 7, 2022. p. B2.
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