Simracers have been waiting a long time for iRacing to add rain to its service. In a recent development update, the team announced rain is just around the corner. Several other exciting updates feature in the blog post.
Image Credit: iRacing.com
The simracing community was first told about rain joining iRacing over a year and a half ago. Wet weather is such an integral part of motorsport, everyone was obviously very excited about the project. Since then, information has been very scarce.
Only once every six months or so has iRacing released any more screenshots or bits of information about we weather. However, in a recent development update detailing many upcoming additions to the game was the exciting news that a 2023 release is looking possible.
“As most of you know, a massive project has been underway to add rain,” The post says. “We are very excited about how it is all coming together. The plan for that is also to release it this year, and we are really pushing to do that.”
According to the post, this is promising not only for iRacing rain itself, but also as it will introduce new tyre dynamics. “The tires themselves are also being worked on constantly which will improve all forms of racing.” It seems the introduction of rain tyres, something already being added to the game in recent hotfixes, is pushing the development team to rework its tyre model as a whole.
Several New Tracks Joining the Service
In recent season updates, iRacing has been pushing international circuits. Fuji Speedway, Oschersleben, Magny-Cours. These certainly step away from the US-based tracks we typically see dominate the game. According to the development update, it seems this push for international representation isn’t ending any time soon.
The team detailed several high-profile circuits set to join the service in the not-so distant future. Portugal’s Algarve circuit, Aragon and Jerez from Spain, the Italian location of Misano, French iconic venue of Lédenon and soon to be lost to history, Pukekohe in New Zealand are all being created for the sim. Although exciting to know we will soon be driving around these legendary tracks, the team stressed that “development efforts will span many seasons.”
The end of the post also teases an additional paved short track and dirt oval currently being scanned in California. A bountiful state for circuits, these could be two of many. Though Redwood Acres Raceway and Lakeport Speedway both had ties to NASCAR in a previous life, so would make the most sense.
Finally, it appears Zandvoort is the next existing track on the surface to get an update. The high-banks built specially for the Dutch Grand Prix in 2021 are currently being scanned by the iRacing team.
Much needed Oval and Dirt Racing updates
To road racers, oval racing can be somewhat alien. However, with close pack racing, a totally different driving style and safety cars, it sure is a fun challenge. Both oval racing and dirt oval racing have recently been getting more and more criticism. In fact, with new tyre model updates, the surface models simply aren’t up to scratch any more.
In the same blog post, the developers announced they are working hard to improve the surfaces for both dirt oval and oval tracks. This refreshing change, which is reportedly due to release either in Season 2 or 3 of this year, should help fans fall back in love with these aspects of iRacing.
Which addition are you most looking forward to in iRacing? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
