Image credit: iRacing
As iRacing enters Season 3 of 2023, sim racers can look forward to a substantial update to the service: New content, countless under-the-hood changes and a few small adjustments to improve quality of life are inbound - here are the highlights of the new season's build.
Leading up to the update, the spotlight has been on the new content: Not only does iRacing get two new tracks in Willow Springs and Motorland Aragón, but three new cars are set to expand the service's roster even further: Prototype fans can now get behind the wheel of the Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh car and the smaller Ligier JS P320 LMP3 car, and GT3 drivers will likely look forward to the new Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) being added.
The arrival of the latter means that its older 991 version is moving over to the legacy roster of content. Should you recently have bought the previous Porsche, there is no need to be disappointed, though: As of June 5th, anyone who has bought the car within the previous 180 days will receive a full refund. If your purchase was made between 180 and 360 days before that date, you will be reimbursed 50% of the price, and should you have bought the vehicle more than 360 days ago, 25% of its price will be refunded to you. The refunds will be made in iRacing Credits.
As the evolution of a track is a key part of racing on dirt, numerous factors that influence these changes have been taken into account and improved as well to create a more realisitic experience, such as dirt height variance, the displacement of dirt by the tires, and the wetness of the racing surface. To achieve this, iRacing has worked with vehicle dynamicists, developers and testers.
Trackside vegetation is set too look much more authentic in the future, thanks to the 3D Foliage System. Image credit: iRacing
The system comes with several levels of detail so performance does not necessarily have to take a hit - it can also be disabled entirely to keep lower-spec PCs from losing performance to the point of the system impacting the driving.
Especially for racers without a triple-screen or ultrawide setup, this option could make a big difference regarding their visibility from the cockpit. Modern prototypes like the newly-added Cadillac or Ligier often have their a-pillars obstruct the view from the driver's seat considerably if a sim racer's screen setup does not allow them to see out the side windows.
The brand-new Ligier JS P320 should be just one of the cars that profit from the option to hide cockpit obstructions. Image credit: iRacing
Full Article
As iRacing enters Season 3 of 2023, sim racers can look forward to a substantial update to the service: New content, countless under-the-hood changes and a few small adjustments to improve quality of life are inbound - here are the highlights of the new season's build.
Leading up to the update, the spotlight has been on the new content: Not only does iRacing get two new tracks in Willow Springs and Motorland Aragón, but three new cars are set to expand the service's roster even further: Prototype fans can now get behind the wheel of the Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh car and the smaller Ligier JS P320 LMP3 car, and GT3 drivers will likely look forward to the new Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) being added.
The arrival of the latter means that its older 991 version is moving over to the legacy roster of content. Should you recently have bought the previous Porsche, there is no need to be disappointed, though: As of June 5th, anyone who has bought the car within the previous 180 days will receive a full refund. If your purchase was made between 180 and 360 days before that date, you will be reimbursed 50% of the price, and should you have bought the vehicle more than 360 days ago, 25% of its price will be refunded to you. The refunds will be made in iRacing Credits.
Dirt Refresh Project
iRacing's dirt racing scene should be delighted that loose surfaces have received special attention for the new update: All dirt tracks have been updated regarding their progression of dynamic track data, and all dirt racing tires have seen substantial improvements as well.As the evolution of a track is a key part of racing on dirt, numerous factors that influence these changes have been taken into account and improved as well to create a more realisitic experience, such as dirt height variance, the displacement of dirt by the tires, and the wetness of the racing surface. To achieve this, iRacing has worked with vehicle dynamicists, developers and testers.
Trackside vegetation is set too look much more authentic in the future, thanks to the 3D Foliage System. Image credit: iRacing
3D Foliage System
While not a groundbreaking addition connected to the driving itself, the new 3D Foliage System helps immersion by automatically creating location-appropriate trackside vegetation. The system has been showcased using screenshots of Willow Springs, which will be the only circuit to use the system for the time being - but more are to come.The system comes with several levels of detail so performance does not necessarily have to take a hit - it can also be disabled entirely to keep lower-spec PCs from losing performance to the point of the system impacting the driving.
Less Cockpit Obstructions
One of the smaller features to be added, the option to hide cockpit obstructions could potentially make the lives of many sim racers easier. Should the graphics option be enabled, car elements like the central halo pillar, a-pillars or rock screens will no longer be blocking your view.Especially for racers without a triple-screen or ultrawide setup, this option could make a big difference regarding their visibility from the cockpit. Modern prototypes like the newly-added Cadillac or Ligier often have their a-pillars obstruct the view from the driver's seat considerably if a sim racer's screen setup does not allow them to see out the side windows.
The brand-new Ligier JS P320 should be just one of the cars that profit from the option to hide cockpit obstructions. Image credit: iRacing
Adieu, Windows 8.1
A potentially overlooked but important point in the patch notes is the abandonement of Windows 8.1. As Microsoft has ceased to support the operating system, iRacing will no longer be compatible with it. As a result, the sim will not launch anymore on PCs that run Windows 8.1 - should you still be using the OS, you will have to upgrade your PC to at least Windows 10 to continue running iRacing.Continue Reading
Season 3 2023 Release NotesFull Article
Your Thoughts
With a changelog this long, there are many points that should make sim racers happy - others may not meet as much approval. What is your favorite addition, change or adjustment for iRacing's 2023 Season 3? Which piece of new content are you going to try first? Let us know your personal highlight of the update in the comments below!- Next page: Season 3 2023 Release Notes
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