A Star-Studded Cast of Professional NASCAR Drivers and Gamers will Compete for Bragging Rights and the Illustrious Live & Unleashed Trophy

Heading into the second show of the second season of "Live & Unleashed with the Dingo," the highly successful show will break new ground expanding into the world of NASCAR.

This episode of "Live & Unleashed," titled "Let's Go Racing," is set to feature some of the most high-profile Monster Energy athletes in the sport: Former NASCAR Cup Champion the veteran Kurt Busch , truck series driver and social media phenomenon Hailie Deegan , and two top racers from the Xfinity series: Riley Herbst , and the hottest young driver in the sport – both for winning and his rubbin'-is-racin' style on the track – Ty Gibbs , grandson of team owner and the legendary former Super Bowl-winning coach, Joe "Coach" Gibbs.

"We're excited to see how the world's best NASCAR drivers can do in a driving simulation competition and hear their hot takes on the current state of racing," said Monster Energy's CMO Dan McHugh. "We've always been intrigued to see if the skills of being a professional driver can carry over to gaming, so we're putting the virtual rubber to the road to see how it unfolds."

Instead of playing a traditional video game, the virtual racing will take place on a full "SIM" machine. It's like a video game on steroids – instead of creating a make-believe world, this iRacing, highly-sophisticated piece of equipment simulates real world racing. It functions as a training tool for pro drivers between races and getting back in shape for each specific track after an injury.  All the competitors will be racing on the same driving simulators that the professional drivers practiced on during COVID.

The format will find four racers playing in a round-robin, head-to-head, bracket-format to see who the best "virtual" race car driver is. While two drivers will compete against each other, the other two will be "on the couch" being interviewed by Dingo, revealing the distinct personality of each racer while also bringing to light how special it is to see this kind of virtual racing from real professional racers.

Joining the group will be Monster Girl Pam Rebora. A staple of "Live & Unleashed" and self-proclaimed hard-core gamer, her massive fan base on Twitch and social media will be tuning in to see if she can hold her own against the pros.

Also making a guest appearance is the two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip . Waltrip, who has been on-record expressing his opposition to "SIM" racing due to virtual, no consequences basis, is sure to be a catalyst for some passionate debates during the livestream.

As always, the competitor who has the most fun and brings the best attitude, as determined by Dingo, will win the coveted Live & Unleashed trophy!

The episode streams at 9AM PST / 12PM EST October 6th on Twitch via https://www.twitch.tv/MonsterEnergy . For more information about Monster Energy, visit www.monsterenergy.com and follow Monster Energy on YouTube , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .

Based in Corona, California , Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com

This new Twitch series hosted by Monster Energy and produced by TAUBLIEB Films pits Monster's professional athletes against Monster's professional gamers in a battle of video game prowess… with major bragging rights as the top prize. If you want to see the world's top fighters and drivers, skaters and skiers, boarders and bikers, take on the globe's greatest gamers – with plenty of sh*t talking in between – there's only one way to do it: LIVE & UNLEASHED!

The Dingo is a one-of-a-Kind personality whose fun-loving spirit and contagious energy has made him a mainstay on television for years. The former pro snowboarder is a leading voice of the action sports world & beyond, where he has done everything from announcing high profile sporting events, The MTV music awards to starring in 5 seasons of fuel TV's "The Adventures Of Danny & The Dingo". Once you've met him, you'll agree – there's only 1 Dingo. A true social chameleon - The Dingo's ability to find common ground with anyone and adapt to any social situation makes him the perfect role model for kindness and acceptance among today's youth.

Contact: Monster Energy, info@monsterenergy.com

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SOURCE Monster Energy