iRacing’s 2024 Season 2 Update Adds Rain, Four Cars, Three Tracks

Earlier this month iRacing released their season two update for their service, adding four new cars, three new tracks, adding four existing tracks to the base package, splitting the road license in two, improving damage effects on multiple vehicles, adding AI to 11 new track configurations and, most notably of all, bring wet weather to the product for the first time. It really is a fantastic game-changing update for the developer.

Back in 2010 when I left iRacing to go and work at Image Space Incorporated I was shown their wet weather technology in their Ann Arbor, Michigan office. I couldn’t have imagined that it would take iRacing more than 12 years (rFactor 2 was publicly released in 2012) to release wet surfaces and a dynamic drying line, and I don’t think the community really expected that either. While some folks at iRacing went on record stating that what rFactor 2 were showing wasn’t even possible (suggesting it was faked), we all now know it was real, and I admit to being a little frustrated that the genre seemingly stood still in-between Geoff Crammond’s Grand Prix 3/4 until rFactor 2, then the community largely ignored other titles that did deliver on such an important feature multiple times over the years. The reception to rain in iRacing feels eerily similar to each time iPhone users celebrate receiving features Android has had for years. We’re far too quick to write-off some good simulations to stay in our tribal boundaries…

In any case, it’s such a welcome update from iRacing. As usual, the company has a great update profile page up with more details.

The four new cars are:

Super Formula Lights
SRX
Dirt Micro Sprint
Dirt Micro Sprint (non-winged)

The new tracks:

Algarve, Portugal
Misano, Italy
Millbridge, NC, USA

The four tracks added to the base package:

Circuit de Ledenon
Oschersleben
Winton Motor Raceway
Snetterton

Build notes:

iRACING:

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Tempest Weather System & Rain

Time to keep an umbrella within arm’s reach of your iRacing SIM rig, rain is finally here!

The Tempest weather system has completely replaced the original weather system in all aspects.

Tempest in the iRacing Application:

– – Rainy weather may only be enabled at Sessions on asphalt Road tracks.

– – Rainy weather may only be enabled during Sessions that include rain-ready cars with either updated tires or a newly developed rain tire compound available for use.

– – – – With this initial release of Tempest, the Rain-ready cars are:

– – – – – – The IMSA GT3 Class stable of cars (Audi R8 LMS EVO II GT3, BMW M4 GT3, Ferrari 296 GT3, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO, Mercedes-AMG GT3 2020, and Porsche 911 GT3 R (992))

– – – – – – The GTP Class stable of cars (Acura ARX-06 GTP, BMW M Hybrid V8, Cadillac V-Series.R GTP, and Porsche 963 GTP)

– – – – – – Toyota GR86

– – – – – – Dallara P217

– – – – – – FIA F4

– – – – – – Super Formula Lights

– – There are three methods to choose from for weather generation with Tempest: Static, Forecasted, and Timeline.

– – – – Static Weather: Select a few parameters, including cloud cover, track moisture, and temperature. Then, the weather in the Session will not change as time passes. When track moisture is set high enough, rain effects will appear and the cloud cover will be made overcast. However, the rain does not accumulate, drain, or impact the track state in any way – the track remains identical lap after lap.

– – – – Forecasted Weather: Select from a set of guidelines to build a forecast for the session, which predicts the likely weather that will be experienced in the event. Manually select parameters and iRacing’s Tempest system will run with them, including rain. Or you may select to use “Auto” Mode where iRacing will use historic weather data sourced directly from the selected track to craft a realistic day for you. Finally, you can mix and match, preview your results, and even randomly regenerate the whole thing if it’s not what you want.

– – – – Timeline Weather: Become a God of Weather and command the full power of Tempest! Craft a bespoke weather experience using customizable blocks of time throughout your event. Want it to start raining 30 minutes into your endurance race? You can do that. Want to re-enact a historic race’s weather down to the moment? You can do that, too! And so much more.

A new “View Forecast” button is now available for all Sessions that use Forecasted Weather.

– – This button allows you to view the expected weather information for any Session and provides details about which Weather Mode was used to create the session and if rain is possible.

– – – – Remember, for Forecasted Weather, this is a weather forecast and is not a guarantee – meteorology is not an exact science and the longer the Session is, the more opportunity Mother Nature has to shift the winds. However, the Session will respect specific options, such as setting chance of rain to be none. All the other options are hints as to what sort of forecast Tempest will build.

Road License Type Split

We are splitting the Road License Type into two new license types: Sports Car and Formula!

To encourage participation in both forms of racing and better reflect driver skill levels in each while matchmaking, iRacing will split its Road license type into two new licenses – Sports Car and Formula – with the 2024 Season 2 build. When the build deploys on Tuesday, March 5, all users will see the new license types displayed along their existing Oval, Dirt Oval, and Dirt Road licenses, while the Road license type will be retired.

– – When the license type split occurs, all iRacers’ current Road license iRating, Safety Rating, and MPR (progress towards promotion) values will be copied to your new Sports Car and Formula license types. All iRacers’ historical Road license data, such as stats, replays, awards, and other historical information, will be retained after the split with the Road (Retired) license label.

– – While iRating and Safety Rating will carry over from the retired Road license type to get things started, the following data will be collected from a fresh start under the new Sports Car and Formula license types: Race results and statistics (i.e., starts, wins, top 5s, etc.), Awards, Time Trial Rating (ttRating).

– – Due to the nature of the split, all league and hosted sessions scheduled for after the 2024 Season 2 build that use cars currently set for the Road license will be deleted and will need to be rebuilt. Sessions that fail to launch or are otherwise canceled are never charged to the users who create them.

– – The new license types will not affect how iRating and Safety Rating are calculated or what license requirements are for Official Series. There are currently no plans to split any other iRacing license types.

– – For additional information and recommendations, please see the iRacing Customer Support article here: Site faviconRoad License Type Split

New Racer Onboarding

A new feature has been added to iRacing specifically designed to give brand new users a ramp-up directly into iRacing with a guided first on-track experience. This feature allows users to select a preferred starting experience using either Oval or Road content, helps them setup and calibrate their controls, and walks them through a Practice and a Race experience using AI Drivers. It ends by directing the user to more information on the plethora of iRacing features available and a “getting started” guide for each!

Experiencing this new feature is defaulted to “ON” for all newly created iRacing accounts. This feature defaults to “OFF” for all existing iRacing accounts.

– – If you would like to experience this feature for any reason, perhaps you want some help with the basics, or you want to provide a great introduction to someone using your rig, a new toggle is now available in the Settings > User Preferences menu titled: New Racer Onboarding. Toggle this ON, and the next time you login, the experience will start for you!

Part of this feature also includes a new public-facing web page with introductory explanations and guides for using so much of what iRacing has to offer, including Test Drive, Time Attack, Spectating, Ghost Racing, Time Trial, AI Racing, and Official Racing. This guide also includes a New Racer Checklist with suggested activities that provide a progression for slowly increasing the difficulty and complexity of using iRacing.

– – If you would like to visit this page, please use this link: <<>>

General

A new styling and format have been applied throughout the core pages of iRacing!

– – This styling provides a more focused approach to possible activities, with nested levels on the left side. Your license class information is now in a vertical bar on the right.

– – Some modal windows, such as the Profile, have been converted to pages.

The iRacing application now uses a native Windows application title bar.

– – This enables all functionality granted by this feature, including window snapping and other quick Windows actions.

Fixed an issue with duplicate error toast notifications when a user gets disconnected. This fix also makes this error toast notification non-dismissable, but replaces it with a Success toast notification once the user is reconnected.

Dashboard

Fixed an issue where the SR value for the 30-Day Performance boxes was rounded to two decimal places.

Official Series

Fixed an issue where drivers with 0 championship points in a series could be displayed as having “NULL” points.

Team Racing

Acceptance of a team invite or application has been updated so the new team members are added to the list of people who may join the team in sessions for which that team is already registered. Before this change, new team members could not join the team in the session.

– – If a session uses the Declare Drivers feature, the new team members can only register as Crew.

– – If a session is not using that feature, then the new team members may be able to register as Drivers if they meet all eligibility criteria for the event.

Modified the appearance and language of the confirmation modal displayed when the user is informed they will be disqualified if the number of required team drivers is not declared.

Leagues

Fixed an issue with League Search where using an arrow button to navigate to additional pages would add a blank line at the top of the modal window when clicked.

Results & Stats

When an Official Series Session is run, the License Type used within the Session is recorded for statistical purposes instead of the License Type of the Official Series. For example, when an Official NASCAR Series goes to a Road track for the week, these Sessions will be cataloged as Sports Car License Type events for racing stats purposes.

For the Search function, the filter for “Season & Week” has been adjusted to filter for “Year & Season”.

Fixed an issue with the Results screen where the Back button only closed the window.

Paint Shop

A new sponsor, CONSPIT, has been added to the Paint Shop!

Fixed an issue where new customers could have their randomly assigned color pallet override the fixed paint schemes of some vehicles.

Fixed an issue where some car textures were being compressed even if the Graphics Options for shader level was set to High.

Profile

A new Certificates tab has been added to the Profile menu.

– – This tab features a data table displaying your earned certificates. A search field is also available for precise browsing. Each entry displays the date awarded and the results from the Session may be viewed. Finally, a button is available with each certificate to view and download the earned accolade.

Awards

Fixed an issue where a driver’s First Win Award was always displayed as an Oval Racing win.

Brand new Awards and Certificates have been added for the two new license types, Sports Car and Formula!

Unearned Road Awards have been retired and are now hidden.

Errors

Fixed an issue where the “Copy” button on Error Modal Windows did not copy anything to a user’s clipboard.

SIMULATION:

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Tempest Weather System & Rain

The weather system used by iRacing has been completely reimagined and reengineered from the ground up. Original weather is no more – the Tempest weather system is now the only method for governing weather within the iRacing universe.

Tempest in the iRacing Simulation:

– – A new Weather Tab is now available in the Simulator, which provides current and forecasted weather information, including a Doppler radar map.

– – – – The INFO tab under TRACK CONDITIONS and the WEATHER tab have information on the current wetness level of the track.

– – A new F11 Weather Black Box has been added. This box provides some basic weather details and features a Weather Report button that will trigger your Spotter to give you the latest weather report details.

Rain Tires:

– – Tire interactions with wet surfaces and standing water have been engineered for realism. This includes lifting water from the track, channeling water through tire treads, casting off the water at various tire speeds and recollecting water in car body work, generating spray clouds, hydroplaning, and adjusting grip based on track surface roughness and wetness.

– – Not all cars are ready and equipped to handle the challenges a wet racing surface provides. Each vehicle and tire set is being developed independently for optimal performance and realism for rain driving. This includes cars that do not switch tires for rain driving.

– – The Ray FF 1600 is equipped with tires ready for rain driving straight out of the pit lane.

– – The following cars have a new set of rain tires available for use. They may be applied as any other tire compound change and follow the same rules:

– – – – The IMSA GT3 Class stable of cars (Audi R8 LMS EVO II GT3, BMW M4 GT3, Ferrari 296 GT3, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO, Mercedes-AMG GT3 2020, and Porsche 911 GT3 R (992))

– – – – The GTP Class stable of cars (Acura ARX-06 GTP, BMW M Hybrid V8, Cadillac V-Series.R GTP, and Porsche 963 GTP)

– – – – Toyota GR86

– – – – Dallara P217

– – – – FIA F4

– – – – Super Formula Lights

Dynamic Track Experience:

– – The Dynamic Track system operates with water and moisture levels on the track surface. As water accumulates, track surface properties will change and racing behaviors should change as a result. This includes a wet driving line, puddle formation, moving water with tires and aerodynamic forces, track polish, and drying surfaces. Water can also leave the track surface entirely due to evaporation and drainage systems mapped to their real-world positions at all asphalt road courses. Be prepared for a vastly different driving experience!

The Race Control Experience:

– – The Race Control system is now aware of the saturation level of the track and will adjust reference lines and race rules accordingly.

– – The Pace Car is now aware of wet corners during pace laps and will slow appropriately.

– – The Qualifying Scrutiny System now tests against wet-aware speeds and adjusts expectations accordingly.

– – The Relative Black Box delta times are now adjusted for saturation levels.

– – The Fuel-to-End Black Box calculations now adjust for saturation levels.

– – Distance calculations for Blue Flags are now aware of wet area speeds.

– – Distance thresholds for slow car Yellow Flags are now aware of wet area speeds.

– – The telemetry value, “CarIdxEstTime” now uses a wet-adjusted lap time estimate.

– – The gain-time checkpoint, time yield, and course-cut penalty systems are all now aware of wet area speeds.

– – – – These three systems also scale correctly in sessions where dry laps have been set, and it then becomes wet, or visa-versa. The session pace scaling factors in condition variables as conditions change throughout an event.

AI Driver Experience:

– – AI Drivers are fully capable of driving in the rain and have received special training to prepare them for this day.

– – – – AI Drivers are ready for rain racing with all rain-ready vehicles!

Rain Visual Experience:

– – Rain visual effects include raindrops, wetness shaders, puddles and pooling, aerospray and splashing, vortex effects, mist, windshield and visor droplets, water reflections and ripples, lighting, and so much more.

Rain Auditory Experience:

– – A wide sampling of ambient rain and environmental sounds for rainy weather have been added, and their levels have been optimized.

– – A new audio level slider for rain effects has been added to the Options Screen.

Rain Telemetry variables and data have been added!

– – Live var ‘WeatherType’ extended to pass back a new irsdk_WeatherDynamics define rather than just constant/dynamic.

– – New live var ‘WeatherVersion’ that passes back a new irsdk_WeatherVersion define.

– – New live var ‘Precipitation’ that returns the amount of precipitation seen at the start/finish line.

– – Session string WeekendInfo:TrackWeatherType: extended to cover dynamic weather.

– – Session string WeekendInfo:TrackSkies: extended to cover dynamic weather.

– – New Session string WeekendInfo:TrackPrecipitation: that returns initial precipitation at start/finish line at start of session.

– – Session string WeekendInfo:WeekendOptions:WeatherType: extended to cover dynamic weather.

– – Session string WeekendInfo:WeekendOptions:Skies: extended to cover dynamic weather.

For setup-builders and testing, please note: weather seed generation for Static Weather mode always generates the exact same weather seed when all adjustable parameters are identical between any two Sessions at the same track. This allows for perfectly repeatable and predictable Session conditions to be run at the same track when using the exact same Static Weather parameters.

Anti-Cheat Software

The Anti-Cheat Software used by iRacing has been adjusted from EasyAntiCheat to Epic Online Services.

Updater

Adjusted some processes for the Updater which should now prevent an issue where the updater could fail to launch if it was run a second time immediately after having just completed an update.

Simulation

Some optimization work for data hashing has been completed, reducing visual stutters that could occur whenever another player joins a Session you are in.

Fixed an issue where the Simulation closed on Alt+F4 key-release instead of key-press. This could unexpectedly close the Simulation if it gained focus immediately after another program that Alt+F4 ended on key-press.

Fixed a Simulator crash issue that could occur during Cooldown in Hosted Sessions if the purchased time had already expired by that stage.

Connectivity

iRacing is now participating in evolving networking standards that are designed to allow latency-sensitive applications to identify their network traffic as such. iRacing joins other organizations like Google, Apple, NVIDIA, Valve, and Comcast (among others) in this standard. L4S (Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable-throughput) uses an underlying network standard known as ECN (Explicit Congestion Notification) to request preferred treatment on the network for real-time applications (like Voice over IP, and gaming). Network traffic adhering to this standard can benefit from reduced latency and jitter from queueing delays, and reduced packet loss during congestion.

A new Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) meter, or “E Meter,” is now displayed in the Simulator.

– – The “numeric” version of the E Meter displays a green “OK” when we’re not responding to congestion. The graphical E Meter remains empty when things are normal, just like the Q Meter is when there’s no packet loss.

– – While the congestion response is active, the corresponding side of the E Meter will show a red “CE”, or a full red bar (left side for download, right side for upload).

– – – – If upload congestion is present, others will get your car positions less frequently. If download congestion is present, you’ll receive others’ car locations less frequently, and if there are lots of people in the session, you might end up seeing fewer opponent cars – just as if you had your account’s “Connection type” set to a lower bandwidth amount.

Voice chat is also subverted during an Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) congestion response.

– – During a CE response on the Sim’s upload path to the server, we will now disable recording/sending voice chat. When Push-to-Talk is activated, the notification will indicate that you can’t send voice chat due to CE. No notification of your attempt to talk is saved to the Replay.

– – During a CE response on the Sim’s download path from the server, the server will inform you that someone is speaking but will not send the actual voice data to you. The notification that someone is speaking is altered to replace the speaker’s name with a message indicating that they are muted due to CE. The notification is saved to the Replay, and is shown when playing-back the Replay with the “Voice Chat Review” option enabled.

Cars

The starter motor torque curve has been improved for 3-cylinder cars.

– – This should help with issues where some of these cars fail to start at high altitudes.

The starter motor will now continue cranking while the ignition delay is counting down.

Fixed an issue that could occur where the Traction Control (TC) system was intervening incorrectly for some cars with certain engine braking throttles.

Removed an ancient legacy piece of code that provided roughly a 1 in 1,000,000 chance of catastrophic engine failure at any time for no reason.

Fixed a calculation issue that could occur with oil pressure values that could approach zero but never actually hit zero.

Tires

Grass slipperiness has been increased slightly for both dry and wet situations.

Off-track rolling drag forces have been updated, especially when a car is also under braking.

A tire’s off-track surface depth detection has been updated. As a tire gets farther from a racing surface, the effects of the off-track surface will be stronger as the sand or dirt becomes looser and deeper.

Dynamic Track

Improved the accuracy of the Current Track Temperature readout in the Info panel.

Race Control

As part of the 2024 Season 2 Release, our Race Control developers put together a special training curriculum designed for iRacing’s long-time pace car driver. We felt it was time to impart on him some of the lessons learned from developing so many successful seasons of AI Racing School. As a bonus tidbit, and as a result of the class registration process, we finally learned the name of our long-time mysterious pace car driver: Fred!

– – Fred has completed a pair of classes focusing on how to pace smoothly, especially for tight corners, chicanes, and for leading a 2-wide pace field. Fred is now aware of tight corners and will slow gradually into them and accelerate at a reasonable rate out of them in order to accommodate the field. Fred is now also aware if he is leading a 2-wide pace field or if it is a large field in general, and will adjust the pacing speed to accommodate.

– – Fred completed mandatory training on what is and what is not the pit lane. Fred sometimes forgot he was already out of the pits and on the race track, but continued to obey the pit speed limit.

– – Fred was also selected to complete a course focusing on collecting the pace field in difficult situations. Fred can now pick up the pace field if a Caution comes out when the race leader is very close to the Start/Finish Line or pit entry/exit. He has now kicked his old habit of tearing out unreasonably quickly, or doing a full hot lap, before settling in to lead the pack.

Fixed an issue where the penalty value displayed for gain-time checkpoints could be incorrect.

Team Racing

Fuel usage data is now copied when changing drivers. If the previous driver has useful data and the new driver does not, the new driver will receive the previous driver’s fuel data. This should also fix cases where teammates cannot toggle the Auto-Fuel checkbox for the new driver.

Dirt Racing

Some racing dirt surface parameters have been adjusted which should provide both a more grounded feel for tires on dirt, and slightly slow down racing in the slick.

Rallycross Racing

Fuel tanks for Rallycross cars have been adjusted to 80 liters.

AI Racing

iRacing’s AI Racing School led a double curriculum for Winter 23’ – 24’ where much of the time was focused on driving in wet conditions. Let the AI Drivers be the first to tell you that driving in the rain is tough! But they have persevered and have earned their first stripes for rain-driving capability.

– – This season’s racing curriculum literature included:

– – – – The True Tire Temperature Test: Tepid to Torrid

– – – – Dealing with the Loss of a Loved Wheel

– – – – Racing Speed Mathmatimancy – Level 8

– – – – Choose Your Own Racing Adventure: Downforce and Gear Selections

– – – – Ankle Strength Training for Maximum Throttle Control

– – This season’s specialized wet racing curriculum literature included:

– – – – Rain Tires (2nd Edition) by Nigel “Welly” Saunders

– – – – Where Exactly is it “Slippery When Wet”?

– – – – Earth & Water – An Elementalists Perspective at the Track

– – – – Looks Like a Storm is Rolling In & Other Scary Stories to Tell in the Pits

– – – – Wet Strategies for Beginners and Professionals

– – – – 1001 Wet Racing Lines – A Picture Book

– – – – The International Survival Guide To: Puddles

– – Unfortunately for you, this training documentation is unavailable in a human-readable format.

AI Drivers are ready to compete with the following new cars:

– – Super Formula Lights

AI Racing is now available at the following additional track configurations:

– – Autódromo Internacional do Algarve – Grand Prix, Grand Prix w/chicane, Moto, and Moto w/chicane

– – Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari – Moto

– – Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli – Club, Grand Prix, Grand Prix – 2007, Grand Prix – Historic, and Truck

– – Sebring International Raceway – Modified

AI Drivers have improved their driving capabilities with the following vehicles:

– – GT3 Class Cars

– – GTP Class Cars

– – Dallara P217

– – FIA F4

– – Ray FF1600

– – Toyota GR86

AI Drivers have improved their racing lines at the following track configurations:

– – Sebring International Raceway – International & Club

– – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Graphics

Depth resolve buffer format has been optimized. This change impacts SSR, SSAO, heat haze, SMAA, and DOF to process faster.

Screen Space Reflections (SSR) rendering methodology has been updated. Note that this feature defaults to OFF. For rain, it is worth exploring how this feature performs on your machine across its two settings: Low and High. This can be set independently for Drive and Replay, which gives you the ability to customize the graphics vs. performance impact based on the scenario.

Particle effects may now be down-sampled to half or one-quarter resolution based on the performance needs of the system. This provides a potentially massive improvement to processing speed without entirely sacrificing appearance.

– – Quarter resolution particles are always enabled at a minimum.

Improved the rendering look and performance of the Dynamic Track Surface for rain.

A variety of additional background characters should now have their undivided attention drawn to the player car and/or focus object.

Headlight intensity has been increased overall, in both wet and dry conditions. This helps significantly in wet conditions, as everything is generally darkened, and improved exposure intensity for night racing.

Trees populated via the SpeedTree system (those at newer tracks) have had some of their lighting and shadow properties adjusted.

Tire skid mark generation strength has been adjusted.

Fog rendering effects have been updated.

PopcornFX has been updated to a newer version.

Memory allocation for PopcornFX has been updated.

Fixed an issue where the graphics Auto-Config did not properly save the chosen display device to the “settings.ini” file. This fixes an issue for users with multiple monitors using full-screen mode.

Audio

Some general PA commentary has been added to Japanese tracks.

A new undertray scrape sound has been added to some cars.

Pit Stop

Auto-Fuel now re-enables itself on pit exit if “autoFuelDefaultEnable=1” even when “autoResetPitBox=0”.

Auto-Fuel is now disabled and grayed-out when you are no longer being scored, such as when the Race is over, or you have been Disqualified.

Spotter

Spotter messages concerning weather conditions, rain, track moisture state, and rain tires have been added.

A new spotter message has been added for Rallycross Racing, reminding the driver to take the Joker Lap if the race is about to end and the driver has not taken it yet.

A new spotter message has been added that lets the driver know Race Control and Scoring have ended. Time to burn it down!

A new spotter message has been added that reminds the driver that the car is out of fuel if the car is out of gas and cranking or trying to start.

Incident messages involving car contact will now specify which car was contacted. For example, the chat window will now display, “Car #5 Contact…” instead of only “Car Contact…”.

The default Spotter and Crew Chief volume level has been reduced.

Fixed an issue where the Spotter would inform you that the car ahead of you had gone off-track, and then after you passed the car, he would inform you again that the car behind had gone off-track. The Spotter now knows this is in fact, the same car.

Fixed an issue where the Spotter could deliver an incorrect damage assessment to team members when towing begins.

Fixed an issue where the Spotter would tell you how many tire sets you had left in Sessions that did not have tire change limits.

Fixed an issue where the Spotter would call out how far away your pit box was while you were being towed.

Options

The “Network:” tooltip has been updated to include a description of the new “E Meter” for Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN).

A new option to enable the high-contrast mouse cursor has been added to the Options screen, and the high-contrast mouse cursor appearance has been updated.

Controls

A new slider has been added to the Options screen that lets you limit the brake output range.

– – This allows users to long calibrate their brake pedal without editing the “joyCalib.yaml” file.

A new dual-clutch bite-point feature has been added.

– – Users may now set the maximum range of the clutch pedal at launch time to some value below 100% and then use a separate button or analog paddle to hold the clutch at 100% until it is time to launch. Finally, using the primary clutch, users can then roll off the clutch as usual but with more precision. This opens up dual-clutch style launches to all players, even ones with only a single clutch pedal, and helps level the playing field.

– – – – This feature does not automate a launch for you – you still have to roll the clutch off manually. However, it will help you set the initial bite point during launch for more precision.

Improved default force values for Asetek brand racing wheels have been implemented.

The Fanatec API has been updated.

Support has been added for Simmagic P-HPR haptic pedal reactors.

Fixed an issue where warning messages could be generated about unknown wheels.

Active Reset

The saving and loading of the track state when Active Reset is triggered has been disabled.

Fixed an issue where the screen would change camera views to a track-side camera for a tick whenever Active Reset was triggered. Now, the camera view remains in the cockpit, and no visual flickering should occur.

Sporting Code

The Sporting Code has been updated to reflect the Road License Type split into Sports Car and Formula.

A new section, 6.11.1. has been added to document proper Rain Racing procedures.

New Glossary entries have been added for: Formula, Full Course Caution, Local Caution, Rain Race, Restart, Sports Car, and Tire Compound.

Fixed an issue with the incident penalty tables in section 3.5.

Find the latest version of the iRacing Official Sporting Code here: iRacing Official Sporting Code – iRacing.com

CARS:

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GT3 Class Cars

All cars in the IMSA Series stable are now rain-racing-ready!

– – Audi R8 LMS EVO II GT3

– – BMW M4 GT3

– – Ferrari 296 GT3

– – Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO

– – Mercedes-AMG GT3 2020

– – Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)

iRacing setups have been updated.

GTE Class Cars

All cars in this class now feature the New Damage Model!

– – BMW M8 GTE

– – Chevrolet Corvette C8.R GTE

– – Ferrari 488 GTE

– – Ford GTE

– – Porsche 911 RSR

GTP Class Cars

All cars in this class are now rain-racing-ready!

– – Acura ARX-06 GTP

– – BMW M Hybrid V8

– – Cadillac V-Series.R GTP

– – Porsche 963 GTP

Ambient occlusion mapping for cockpit areas has been improved.

LMP1 Class Cars

All cars in this class now feature the New Damage Model!

– – Audi R18

– – Porsche 919

NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Cars

Gear ratios and limits have been updated per track to align with NASCAR rules.

Fixed an issue where some wall contact could cause a temporary over-rev.

For the New Damage Model, fixed an issue where certain damage values could cause the hood to sink down through the engine block.

Specular texture maps have been updated for an improved vinyl wrap.

Ambient occlusion mapping for tires has been updated so the inside of tires is darker than the outside.

Rollbar camera position has been shifted slightly.

iRacing setups have been updated.

NASCAR Legends 1987 Class Cars

iRacing setups have been updated.

NASCAR Truck Class Trucks

Contingency decals have been updated for the 2024 NASCAR Season.

iRacing setups have been updated.

NASCAR Xfinity Class Cars

For the New Damage Model, yield and break limits for rear panel mounts have been increased.

Contingency decals have been updated for the 2024 NASCAR Season.

Rear windshields have been updated to match 2024 series rules.

iRacing setups have been updated.

Rallycross Series Class Cars

iRacing setups have been updated.

Stock Car Pro Series Class Cars

iRacing setups have been updated.

TCR Class Cars

The cars and the class itself, formerly the Touring Cars, have been officially appended with TCR and renamed the TCR Class, thanks to a licensing agreement signed between iRacing and the TCR Series!

– – These cars include the Audi RS3 LMS TCR, Honda Civic Type R TCR, Hyundai Elantra N TCR, and Hyundai Veloster N TCR.

For the New Damage Model, mount stiffness has been reduced to decrease rebound after breaking.

Acura ARX-06 GTP

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

Shift lights for 6th and 7th gear have been updated.

Final drive ratios have been updated slightly, shortening the overall gear ratios slightly on both stacks.

Engine braking has been upgraded.

The boost curve, engine cooling, and fuel consumption have been updated.

Boost gain has been significantly increased to reduce lag at low RPM in low gears.

Onboard engine sounds have been improved.

ARCA Menards Chevy / Gen 4 Cup

(BOTH) – iRacing setups have been updated.

Audi R18

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

Audi R8 LMS EVO II GT3

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

BMW M4 GT3

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

Driver animation for paddle shifting has been made more responsive.

Fixed body panels that were not placed correctly at certain levels of detail.

Fixed an issue where the brake lights acted transparent when not illuminated.

BMW M4 GT4

iRacing setups have been updated.

BMW M8 GTE

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

iRacing setups have been updated.

BMW M Hybrid V8

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

Fixed an issue with cockpit dashboard buttons not illuminating correctly.

iRacing setups have been updated.

Cadillac CTS-V Racecar

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

iRacing setups have been updated.

Cadillac V-Series.R GTP

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT1

iRacing setups have been updated.

Chevrolet Corvette C8.R GTE

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

Dallara F3

iRacing setups have been updated.

Dallara iR-01

Fixed an issue with repair bindings, which could cause this car to get stuck in the pits.

iRacing setups have been updated.

Dallara IR18

Car model has been updated to match the rules from the end of the 2023 season.

Fixed an issue with laziness where opponents’ pit crew members could be seen sitting on the awnings of their war wagons.

iRacing setups have been updated.

Dallara P217

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

Onboard engine sounds have been improved.

iRacing setups have been updated.

Dirt Late Model

Fixed an issue where this car could bounce unrealistically upon arriving in the pits after a tow.

Fixed a small texture issue on the rollbar.

Dirt Sprint Car

(ALL) – Aerodynamic model has been improved with additional research data.

(ALL) – Aerodynamic penalties suffered from taking vehicle damage have been updated.

(ALL) – Rear axle artwork has been updated.

Dirt Sprint Car Non-Winged

(ALL) – Aerodynamic penalties suffered from taking vehicle damage have been updated.

(ALL) – Rear axle artwork has been updated.

Dirt Micro Sprint Car

NEW CAR!

– – The Dirt Micro Sprint Car, a new Dirt Oval car, is now available for testing and racing on this environment!

– – Want to get your start on the dirt racing ladder? The Micro Sprint is your first step. One of the fastest-growing small car classes in America, don’t be surprised if you see many of the drivers competing in these small yet nimble machines become the future stars of pro racing. Whether it’s in a weekly racing series, traveling championships that run across America, or major events like the Tulsa Shootout, they’re a fun, affordable way to get out on track and have some fun! Micro Sprints mostly race on small tracks, such as the quarter-mile Millbridge Speedway in North Carolina. Equipped with a 600cc engine that produces more than 160 horsepower, they’ve got enough power for young racers to learn the skills they need to step up, but are approachable enough not to overwhelm them. Micro Sprints can be run both with and without a wing, and on iRacing, you’ll have the opportunity to try both!

– – This car has two models available, Winged and Non-Winged.

This car has been added to the iRacing Base Content, and has been granted to all Members for FREE!

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

Dirt Midget

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

Ferrari 296 GT3

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

Ferrari 488 GTE

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

FIA F4

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

For the New Damage Model, adjusted the suspension, diffuser, and spring damper damage properties. This also fixes an occasional failure that could occur in Sessions using the Healing Damage mode.

iRacing setups have been updated.

Ford GTE

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

Formula Vee

iRacing setups have been updated.

Global Mazda MX-5 Cup

iRacing setups have been updated.

Honda Civic Type R

iRacing setups have been updated.

HPD ARX-01c

iRacing setups have been updated.

Indy Pro 2000 PM-18

iRacing setups have been updated.

Kia Optima

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

The “low fuel pressure” has been changed to “low fuel warning”.

Late Model Stock

iRacing setups have been updated.

Legends Ford ’34 Coupe

iRacing setups have been updated.

Legends Ford ’34 Coupe – Rookie

iRacing setups have been updated.

Ligier JS P320

Aerodynamic drag parameters have been updated.

Ride height limits have been updated.

Fixed an issue with gear-dependent hardware shift lights.

Lotus 49

iRacing setups have been updated.

Lotus 79

iRacing setups have been updated.

Lucas Oil Off Road Pro 2 Lite

Tire tread pattern has been updated.

Aerodynamic model has been updated slightly.

Lucas Oil Off Road Pro Trucks

(BOTH) – Tire tread pattern has been updated.

(BOTH) – Aerodynamic model has been updated slightly.

Mercedes-AMG GT3 2020

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

For the New Damage Model, fixed an issue where some detached car pieces duplicated themselves when removed. This is not where baby car parts naturally come from – ask your parents.

Mercedes-AMG W13 E Performance

iRacing setups have been updated.

Modified – SK / NASCAR Whelen Tour Modified

(BOTH) – iRacing setups have been updated.

NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Fixed an ambient occlusion mapping issue with the rocker panel whenever it was detached.

NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Ford Mustang

Vehicle texture and decals have been updated to reflect the latest real-world 2024 NASCAR Season changes.

NASCAR Truck Ford F150

Identity Package has been updated for the 2024 Season.

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992)

For the New Damage Model, the nose and rear of the car have been realigned and stiffened to improve bumping, and the yield and break limits for the nose have been reduced.

Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

Vehicle texture shaders have been updated.

Porsche 911 RSR

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

Porsche 919

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

Porsche 963 GTP

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

Porsche Mission R

Aerodynamic properties have been updated based on vehicle damage.

Radical SR10

iRacing setups have been updated.

Ray FF1600

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – This car’s tires have been redeveloped to support both dry and wet conditions.

Dirt textures should no longer appear on the side walls of spinning tires.

iRacing setups have been updated.

Renault Clio R.S. V

iRacing setups have been updated.

Silver Crown

iRacing setups have been updated.

SRX

NEW CAR!

– – The SRX, an asphalt and dirt Oval car, is now available for purchase and racing!

Legendary racers Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham turned the world on its head when they announced the creation of the Superstar Racing Experience in July 2020. The concept married elements of past all-star racing series with senior tour golf and weekly short track racing: six straight weeks of action in the summer on a mix of paved and dirt ovals, featuring an eclectic mix of racing champions, rising young stars, and even some local heroes who earned their way onto the grid for one shot at glory with the pros. Designed from the ground up by Evernham and built by Fury Race Cars, the SRX car is a stock car unlike any other. Equipped with 700 horsepower Ilmor V8s and a high spoiler straight out of the 1970s, these cars were built for lots of power and low downforce, making them a challenge to drive. Like in the real world, iRacing’s SRX car is equipped with paved and dirt tires, so you can race it on whichever ovals you’d like!

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

Street Stock

iRacing setups have been updated.

Super Formula Lights

NEW CAR!

– – The Super Formula Lights, a new Formula car, is now available for purchase and racing!

Super Formula Lights is the final step that drivers face on the Super Formula ladder before heading into the top-level series. With a history of taking its basis from global Formula 3 regulations, for 2024, the series will feature Dallara’s latest addition to one of the most impressive portfolios of open-wheel cars in racing history. Known as the Dallara 324, the current Super Formula Lights car is a successor to the 320 model that the series featured over the previous four years. Aside from chassis and aerodynamic upgrades, the new car sees a big departure from years past as it moves to the first spec engine in series history. It features a turbocharged, three-cylinder, 1.6-liter Toyota TGE33 engine developed by TOM’S, capable of producing roughly 275 horsepower. This is the same caliber of machinery that most of the world’s top young open-wheel racers to go through as they climb to the highest level, so don’t underestimate it!

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are available for selection and use on this car!

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

AI Drivers are ready to compete with this car!

Super Formula SF23

iRacing setups have been updated.

Super Late Model

Fixed an issue with a missing collider on the car’s rear.

iRacing setups have been updated.

Toyota GR86

This car is rain-racing-ready!

– – Rain tires are now available for selection and use on this car!

USF 2000

Fixed a critical issue where some pit crew members’ heads were detached from their bodies and were simply floating nearby. No reports of long-term damage from this harrowing experience have been reported yet.

iRacing setups have been updated.

VW Jetta TDI Cup

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

[Legacy] BMW Z4 GT3

iRacing setups have been updated.

[Legacy] Dallara DW12

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

[Legacy] Dallara IR-05

The New Damage Model is enabled for this car!

[Legacy] Mazda MX-5 Cup & Roadster – 2010

Fixed an issue with the New Damage Model where dangerous wheel damage was not being flagged appropriately, and the car was allowed to leave the pits.

[Legacy] NASCAR Cup Chevrolet Impala COT – 2009

Spring parameters have been adjusted for running on Superspeedway tracks.

iRacing setups have been updated.

Producer | iRacing

Tagged: Staffrelease notes

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Alex Gustafson

Alex Gustafson Posts: 286

March 4 10:13PM edited March 4 10:15PM 71.254.104.8

TRACKS:

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Algarve International Circuit

NEW TRACK!

– – Algarve International Circuit, an Asphalt Road track with 4 configs, is now available for purchase and racing!

Commonly known as Portimão for the city in which it’s based, Algarve International Circuit is one of Portugal’s premier racing facilities. Breaking ground in early 2008 and opening later that year, it has boasted a full calendar of global and national events ever since. Twice the home of the Portuguese Grand Prix, the track has also hosted the 6 Hours of Portimão, numerous TCR events, and various other motorcycle, open wheel, and sports car races in that time. A lap of Portimão is marked by heavy elevation changes throughout its 4.653 km (2.891 mile) layout. These big slopes mix with a varied selection of tight and sweeping turns to produce one of the most old-school feeling laps out of any circuit built in the 2000s. You’ll have the chance to sample all of its variations through both its Grand Prix and Moto configurations, each of which are available both with and without chicanes.

AI Racing is available at all four track configurations at this track!

Atlanta Motor Speedway

(Rallycross Long & Short) – Starting grid size has been increased to 16 cars.

Auto Club Speedway

Updated some object rendering distance thresholds to reduce visual popping.

Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari

AI Racing is now available at the Moto track configuration!

Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello

Sweetgum tree branch textures have been optimized for improved performance.

Chili Bowl

Fixed a bug that caused the track to crash during loading.

Circuit de Lédenon

FREE TRACK!

– – This track has been added to the iRacing Base Content, and has been granted to all current iRacing Members for FREE!

Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours

Some missing tire bundles have been added in Turn 4 and Turn 10.

Some wild flying tire bundles have been grounded.

Eldora Speedway

Fixed a visual issue with some ATV tires.

Fuji International Speedway

3D curbs have been added to this track!

– – This track now features fully modeled physical 3D curbing! This will adjust how these areas of the track feel and race, changing the optimal racing line. Be prepared to experiment with your lines.

Hickory Motor Speedway

Track surface grip rate has been increased slightly.

Hungaroring Circuit

Fixed a handful of environment artwork errors.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

(Open Wheel Oval) – Track surface parameters have been updated slightly.

(Open Wheel Oval) – Guardrails and SAFER Barrier textures have been updated.

Irwindale Speedway

(Outer) – Track surface properties have been updated slightly.

Kansas Speedway

Fixed a minor visual defect with the casino.

Track logo has been updated.

Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway

(Dirt Mini Oval) – Fixed an issue where the pit lane could not be used without receiving a black flag.

Kokomo Speedway

A new track config, Tires Out, has been added to Kokomo Speedway!

– – This config has the inside lane tires pushed out further towards the outside edge of the track, making it narrower and forcing a wider circle.

– – This new config is part of the Kokomo Speedway package; no additional purchase is necessary.

– – The original track config has been named “Tires In” to reflect the change in lane markers.

Limaland Motorsports Park

Checkpoints for cutting corners have been updated.

Additional cones have been added near the pit entry and exit to route traffic correctly.

Lime Rock Park

A new track config, School, has been added to Lime Rock Park!

– – This config features a bounty of cones placed in important locations, such as brake markers and corner apexes, for learning racecraft around this track.

– – This new config is part of the Lime Rock Park package; no additional purchase is necessary.

Millbridge Speedway

NEW TRACK!

– – Millbridge Speedway, a Dirt Oval track, is now available for purchase and racing!

If your favorite NASCAR driver lives in North Carolina and likes turning laps on dirt for fun between Cup Series weekends, you’ve probably seen Millbridge Speedway. If they’ve got a kid who wants to race, too, you’ve definitely seen it. Whether it’s midgets, micro sprints, or box stocks, the midweek entry lists are typically packed with talent at the miniature dirt oval just half an hour from Charlotte Motor Speedway. Millbridge is owned and operated by the Burnett factory, who first became involved with the track in 2011. Their efforts have taken the quarter-mile bullring from nearly becoming a “lost speedway” to cult status among those who know it well. For the authentic Millbridge experience, take the Dirt Micro Sprint out for a spin, and you’ll see why it’s such a beloved track among its regulars.

The Milwaukee Mile

Track surface parameters have been updated slightly.

Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli

NEW TRACK!

– – Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, an Asphalt Road track with 5 configs, is now available for purchase and racing!

Over the past 50-plus years, Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli has established itself as one of Italy’s most fun racing circuits. Opened in 1972, it has seen a handful of reconfigurations in its half-century of operation, most recently settling on its current 4.226 km (2.626 mile) Grand Prix layout in 2008. In 2012, the track was given its current name to honor late motorcycle racer Marco Simoncelli, who grew up in the area and ascended to the top levels of the sport. The current Misano layout hosts everything from Grand Prix motorcycle racing to Formula 4 and numerous sports car championships. Here on iRacing, you’ll sample five different layouts, ranging from the current Grand Prix and Truck layouts to two historic GP configurations and even a short Club circuit.

AI Racing is available at all five track configurations at this track!

MotorLand Aragón

Fixed an issue where some of the listed track lengths were incorrect.

Fixed an issue where some distant buildings were buried in the ground.

Motorsport Arena Oschersleben

FREE TRACK!

– – This track has been added to the iRacing Base Content and has been granted to all current iRacing Members for FREE!

Nashville Superspeedway

Track surface parameters have been updated for the Oval Refresh Project.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

(Road Course with South Oval) – Pit merge checkpoints have been updated.

North Wilkesboro Speedway

Some track surface parameters have been adjusted.

Okayama International Circuit

Fixed some visual popping issues on some objects as the camera changed distances from them.

Sebring International Raceway

3D curbs have been added to this track!

– – This track now features fully modeled physical 3D curbing! This will adjust how these areas of the track feel and race, changing the optimal racing line. Be prepared to experiment with your lines.

AI Racing is now available at the Modified track configuration!

Slinger Speedway

Sweetgum trees have been updated.

Fixed an issue with an invisible collider on the left-side of the pit entry.

Snetterton Circuit

FREE TRACK!

– – This track has been added to the iRacing Base Content and has been granted to all current iRacing Members for FREE!

Sonoma Raceway

The track configurations formerly known as “Cup” and “Cup Historic” have been renamed to “NASCAR Long” and “NASCAR Short” respectively.

(Rallycross) – Joker Lap checkpoints have been updated and a tirewall has been added to prevent taking the jump and landing in the Joker Lap exit area.

South Boston Speedway

Track logo has been updated.

Talladega Superspeedway

Track logo has been updated.

USA International Speedway

(Dirt) – Fixed a minor issue with some track surface textures.

Winton Motor Raceway

FREE TRACK!

– – This track has been added to the iRacing Base Content and granted to all current iRacing Members for FREE!

A hotfix was also released:

SIMULATION:

————————————————————–

Race Servers

Fixed a critical issue where drivers would crash out of the Simulation when transitioning from a Practice Server to a Race Server if a rain-ready car was in use.

Cars

Fixed a critical issue where rain-ready cars were not allowed to change tire compounds during Fixed Setup events.

Fixed an issue where some opponent cars could appear to wheelie as the downforce acting on them changed.

Tires

Fixed an issue with tire compound checkboxes not matching the correct status during a pitstop.

Fixed an issue where tire compounds would not appear correct after a driver change.

Graphics

Fixed a display issue with some types of trees when SSR was enabled.

CARS:

————————————————————–

Dallara F3

iRacing setups have been updated.

Dallara iR-01

iRacing setups have been updated.

Super Formula Lights

iRacing setups have been updated.

Super Formula SF23

iRacing setups have been updated.

TRACKS:

————————————————————–

Algarve International Circuit

Fixed a visual issue with tirewraps.

Lanier National Speedway

(Asphalt) – Track surface parameters have been updated slightly.

Millbridge Speedway

Entrance fence banners have been added.

Oran Park Raceway

(South) – Fixed a surface type issue with pit lane, fixed a track surface bump at Turn 7, and track marshals have appeared to continue to monitor the situation.

Slinger Speedway

Fixed an issue where some light poles would disappear at low detail levels.