iRacing Updating Phoenix Raceway, Killing Old Replays

I don’t often openly disagree with a developer decision, but I think I will here.

iRacing today announced that they will be not only releasing a new version of Phoenix, but that they will be removing the old one from their service (will not have a legacy version) and therefore will be killing all your old replays from the old 2012 version.

I can’t say I agree with this move, I think it’s a huge shame. My reason for creating this site back in 2019 was to try to preserve the history of sim racing in my own way, and I think it’s a huge disappointment that people won’t even be able to watch replays of their races at a track that will function right up until the new track is released.

Whatever they need to do to work around whatever is causing this, they should do it. I know they’ll have tried, but if it’s because the licensing is for “ISM Raceway” and there’s no contingency for a rebrand in the license? That’s a disappointment.

New Version of Phoenix Raceway:

This fully updated version of Phoenix Raceway will REPLACE the current version of Phoenix Raceway, which was scanned in 2012. This replacement will cause the older track version to be RETIRED from the iRacing service.
When Phoenix Raceway is retired, it will no longer be accessible for use, nor will Replays at this track be usable after the new version is released.
We suggest if any users have any Replays at the 2012 version of Phoenix Raceway they would like to keep, they should capture video footage of them as soon as possible!
Finally, since this will be a fully updated replacement track, all current owners of the 2012 version of Phoenix Raceway will automatically be granted ownership of the new 2021 version of Phoenix Raceway for free. Members who do not own Phoenix Raceway may purchase it after release.
This post will be updated with an exact release date when we have one available.

[Legacy] Phoenix Raceway – 2008:

This release will have no effect on the [Legacy] Phoenix Raceway – 2008 track. That track will remain available, will remain part of the iRacing Base Content, will remain free for all users, and Replays will continue to work there.