The iRacing Sebring 12-hour race is just over a week away. Whilst the GTP and LMP2 cars will be popular, the biggest class has to be GT3. Here are the best GT3 cars to race in the iRacing Sebring 12H.
Image credit: iRacing.com
Endurance racing fans will recognise the middle of March as the time to sit in front of the TV for hours on end. Super Sebring is upon us, a weekend where both the World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar race at the Floridian airfield. That also means it’s time for iRacers to jump on the sim and prepare for the iRacing Sebring 12 Hours.
The event combines the newly-released BMW GTP car, the Dallara LMP2 model and the GT3 class. Whilst the two prototype classes are single-make categories, GT3 is made up of many different cars. Before hitting the practice sessions, teams must choose their weapons. To help you out, here’s our guide to the best GT3 cars for the iRacing Sebring 12 Hours.
Lamborghini Huracán: Best iRacing GT3 car?
In the run up to the Daytona 24 hour race, the Lamborghini appeared to be strong. Providing a decent balance on all types of corner and with a tuneful V10 with plenty of go, it was certainly a favourite.
Well, it seems the same can be said for Sebring. The car is still just as easy to control both at qualifying speed and on longer runs. It also has good top speed and acceleration to race with the more powerful models in the GT3 class.
It looks like the wider iRacing community has caught on to this car’s dominance as VRS GT Sprint races are often won by the Huracan GT3, especially this week at Sebring.
Since the last special event, iRacing has improved its ABS system on GT3 machinery. This means what was once the Raging Bull’s downside, its braking, is now much improved. This car will keep you safe throughout the race, all while remaining competitive.
Mercedes showing improvements
For the past few iRacing seasons, the Mercedes AMG GT3 has languished at the back of the pack. Previously unloved for its almost overly stable balance and lack of raw speed, it received a helping hand in January. Now, it appears to once again be fighting at the top.
iRacing GT3 servers are seeing more and more of the Silver Arrow at the front of the pack. For the Sebring 12 hours, this Mercedes GT3 car may be a good shout. According to report, it is still a very stable vehicle meaning drivers will almost struggle to lose to the rear end. With Sebring’s bumpy track surface constantly looking to end races, a fast but safe car will surely be popular.
A pack of iRacing GT3 cars
Behind the top two cars in-class, a pack of various GT3 cars seems inseparable. Each of the four remaining models provides its own distinct quality, but they all struggle to find the outright pace of the top cars. That being said, these are excellent choices for those drivers that enjoy a particular driving style or balance.
Similarly to the top two cars, the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo is a very stable and driveable car. It produces plenty of useable downforce without the car pitching in an uncontrollable way.
Unfortunately, the overall pace of the Ferrari simply isn’t quite able to match the Mercedes and Lamborghini. Looking through race results from recent GT3 events at Sebring in iRacing, drivers racing the 488 can’t quite reach the front of the field.
For the iRacing Sebring 12 hours though, that might just make it one of the best GT3 cars to choose. Whilst the faster models will give you more positions early on, one can argue that a safe car will ensure you get to the end of the race. Furthermore, by dropping back a bit, you’re less likely to get caught up in mid-race incidents.
Next is the Audi R8 LMS GT3, which is a challenging car to drive. It may have the ability to rival the fast models, but with a pitchy, unpredictable turn-in, many drivers despise the four-ringed GT3 car. At Sebring, a car the suddenly spins out without warning may not be the way to go.
In typical Porsche 911 style, the GT3 R is a fantastic model for off-corner acceleration. Getting the power down out of turns like the hairpin and Tower bend at Sebring is a brilliant experience in the Porsche.
But when it comes to turning and braking at the same time, like one does at Turn 16, Sunset and Turn 1, the pendulum effect of the rear-engine vehicle rears its head. If you can manage this nature of the car, it can be fast. But over the course of 12 hours, you’re sure to lose it at least once.
Last but not least, the BMW M4 GT3. Upon its iRacing debut, it was a dominant machine, having great straight line speed and manoeuvrability. But now, it seems to lack performance in the corners. Sure, you’ll still rocket down the straight, but when it comes to the many twisty section of the Sebring layout, this GT3 car may not fit the bill for the 12 hours.
Class changes in GT3
As part of the most reason Season 2 update, iRacing overhauled the way its ABS works on GT3 cars. Whereas one used to avoid engaging the system at all costs, the braking phase is now much more realistic. Or at least, it gets closer to the experience Assetto Corsa Competizione provides.
Now, one can jump on the brakes with all the force in the world. Max out the brake pedal and let the ABS do its job. Don’t worry, you stop in time and the rear end won’t try to overtake you, unless you’re really going overboard. This will certainly be of help when it comes to the tricky braking zone of sunset bend during the iRacing Sebring 12 hour race.
Which GT3 car will you drive in the iRacing Sebring 12 Hours? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
