If you ever played Papyrus’ seminal Grand Prix Legends then you’ve read his name. Rich began working as a tester on NASCAR Racing (1994) and was with Papyrus at the end. In this interview, published in 2022, we discuss his time at the legendary studio and the design of Grand Prix Legends, including initial feelings of hurt at not being asked to join iRacing.
Asobo, known today as the Microsoft Flight Simulator developer, created groundbreaking technology for large scale maps that was intended to be used in a high quality rally raid title. It was never released and ended up as FUEL, a post-apocalyptic open-world racing game. What happened?
iRacing yesterday released an update for their simulation service that among other changes includes an updated laser scan and build of Virginia International Raceway. Along with Lime Rock Park, VIR was one of the earliest tracks in the title and I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with it because of how much precision it required sometimes to not dump a wheel on the grass and lose the cars. The updated track looks great, as shown in the images below.
They have, unfortunately, killed off the old version entirely.
Build notes:
SIMULATION:
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Race Control
For Start Zones, the leeway for determining a “Passed the Leader” black flag has been expanded slightly. It’s still risky business!
AI Racing
AI Racing is now available at ALL configs for Virginia International Raceway!
AI Drivers have improved their racing skills with the Toyota GR86.
Fixed an issue where the Simulator would crash to desktop if the host of a multiplayer Hosted AI Session exited the Session, and then attempted to rejoin the Session.
– – Remember, If the host of a multiplayer Hosted AI Session disconnects from the event, all AI Opponents will disappear. They will reappear on the track in the same place when the host reconnects.
Active Reset
Fixed an issue where the car could explode if an Active Reset was run where the car would warp directly through walls, bridges, or track surfaces in order to travel back to its starting location.
Fixed an issue where damage to the left-front wheel was getting applied to all wheels when Active Reset was run. The other three tires are no longer empathetic.
Fixed an issue where explosive forces could be applied if the car was in the process of crashing into objects when Active Reset was run.
New Damage Model
Fixed an issue where wheels on some cars were never getting fixed. This was especially noticeable when using the Healing Damage system with these cars, as the damage would immediately occur again after it was healed, leading to an endless cycle of self destruction. The cars repaired with this fix include the following:
– – Dallara iR-01
– – Formula Renault 2.0
– – Mercedes-AMG W12 E Performance
– – Mercedes-AMG W13 E Performance
Fixed an issue where break limits could be inverted after sustaining incremental damage. This could have explosive side-effects.
Graphics
Fixed an issue where night shadow maps could appear too dark or dim.
Visual Effects
Intensity of particle effects at night has been reduced.
CARS:
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GT3 Cars For the New Damage Model, substantially lowered break limits for all mounts.
BMW M4 GT3
For the New Damage Model, the nose piece will no longer detach, which could leave drivers without headlights. Hood mounts have been strengthened slightly.
BMW M Hybrid V8
For the New Damage Model, wheel tethers have been weakened to prevent them from spinning the car after high speed wrecks.
Dallara IR18
Fixed an issue where some car surfaces still appeared to have severe scrape damage without having damaged the car.
iRacing setups have been updated.
Dallara P217
For the New Damage Model, wheel tethers have been weakened to prevent them from spinning the car after high speed wrecks.
Fixed an issue where the rear brake light glow remained active even with the rear brake lights removed from damage.
Ford Mustang FR500S
Fixed an issue with mirror priority order.
Porsche 911 GT3 R
iRacing setups have been updated.
Toyota GR86
Tire compounds have been adjusted to address an undesirable “bicycling” behavior, especially at cooler temperatures.
Front ride height limits have been adjusted for lower ride height setups.
iRacing setups have been updated.
VW Jetta TDI Cup
The default car paint pattern has been updated to be pattern 0.
[Legacy] Dallara IR-05
This car has been renamed to “[Legacy] Dallara IR-05” from “[Legacy] IndyCar Dallara – 2009”.
TRACKS:
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Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
Fixed an issue where the cubemap was below the track, which could cause reflections and ambient lighting to appear extra white on many objects at this track.
Homestead Miami Speedway
A track config has been renamed to: “Open Wheel Oval” from: “IndyCar Oval”.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
A pair of track configs have been renamed to: “Open Wheel Oval” and “Open Wheel Oval – 2009” from: “IndyCar Oval” and “IndyCar Oval – 2009” respectively.
Lucas Oil Speedway
Night lighting has been enabled on this track!
Sebring International Raceway
Removed a landmine from the track surface.
Fixed an issue with some missing concrete section in the final corner.
Sonoma Raceway
Three track configs have been renamed to: “Open Wheel 2012-2018”, “Open Wheel 2008-2011”, and “Open Wheel pre-2008” from: “IndyCar 2012-2018”, “IndyCar 2008-2011”, and “IndyCar pre-2008” respectively.
Virginia International Raceway
NEWLY REBUILT TRACK!
Virginia International Raceway is entirely brand new, with 2022 laser scan data and has been fully rebuilt with new artwork to bring this track into the modern age.
– – This track includes five configurations: Full Course, Grand Course, North Course, South Course, and Patriot Course.
This new track is included as part of the Base Content for iRacing, meaning it is 100% FREE for all iRacing Members!
AI Racing is available at all configs for this track!
The pre-existing version of Virginia International Raceway has been retired. It is no longer accessible or usable in any way on iRacing. It will enjoy its golden years under the shade of a great oak tree.
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