iRacing 2025 Season 1 Release Notes Highlights

iRacing 2025 Season 1 Build Summary

This build includes five new cars:

  1. NSX GT3 EVO 22
  2. BMW M2 CSR (FREE content)
  3. Ferrari 499P
  4. Supercars Chevrolet Camaro Gen 3
  5. Supercars Ford Mustang Gen 3

The build also includes two new tracks:

  1. Huset’s Speedway
  2. Thruxton Circuit

The historic New Hampshire Motor Speedway has undergone a complete overhaul, transforming it to meet modern standards.

The Test Drive Service has been seamlessly integrated into the iRacing application and is now called Demo Drive.

The debris system has been enhanced to include mud and gravel for a more realistic experience.

The netcode system has been upgraded, significantly reducing issues related to lag.

Additional Improvements

A new violation, “Unsafe Rejoin,” has been added to the Protest Violations list.

The Spotter can now provide more detailed updates about your car’s damage and how it may affect performance. Here’s what’s new:

  • Engine Damage: Notifications about power loss levels, from slight to severe or total failure.
  • Aerodynamic Damage: Alerts about top speed reduction, downforce loss, and handling impacts like oversteer or understeer.
  • Wheel Damage: Information on grip reduction and wheel alignment issues.

These updates are included in new spotter calls and enhancements to existing ones:

  • New messages will only be heard if Spotter Chattiness is set to “High.”
  • Some existing damage-related messages have been shifted from “High” to “Medium” Chattiness.
  • Damage reports now include these new insights when requested.

New Content

Gen 3 Supercars

Two exciting new cars have been introduced, forming the all-new Supercars – Gen 3 class: the Supercars Chevrolet Camaro Gen 3 and the Supercars Ford Mustang Gen 3.

Acura NSX GT3 EVO 22

Building on the success of the original NSX GT3, which debuted in 2017 and claimed numerous wins and an IMSA GTD championship, the Acura NSX GT3 EVO 22 made its mark during the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. Its debut season concluded with a victory at the Petit Le Mans for Gradient Racing, following its first IMSA podium at Long Beach earlier that year. The EVO 22 also secured multiple wins and championships across other racing series worldwide.

This upgraded model refines its predecessor with enhancements such as re-tuned suspension geometry, improved intercoolers, and revised wheel systems. Powered by Acura’s formidable 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the car delivers an impressive 520 horsepower.

As a GT3-class vehicle, the NSX GT3 EVO 22 offers adjustable features including traction control, anti-roll bars, and rear wing settings, providing drivers with the tools to optimize performance on the track.

iracing-Acura-NSX-GT3

BMW M2 CSR

BMW’s modern racing heritage spans all levels of the sports car racing world, not just the top tiers. Its dedication to supporting track-day enthusiasts and rising amateurs is exemplified by the M2 CSR, a car homologated for TCX class racing and showcased in its own M2 CS Racing Cup series.

Developed through a collaboration between BMW Motorsport and BMW M, the M2 CSR benefits from lessons learned during the creation of the M4 GT4, offering an ideal entry point for aspiring racers. Weighing 3,405 pounds and powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 365 horsepower in its Cup variant, the M2 CSR strikes a perfect balance for those seeking something faster than typical entry-level vehicles but not as intense as a GT4 car.

Key features include a fully FIA-approved roll cage, a racing rear wing, a front splitter, and a specially tuned ABS system, making it a powerful and safe platform for developing future racing stars.

iracing-bmw-m2-csr

Huset’s Speedway

Named after farmer and businessman Til Huset, Huset’s Speedway was built in 1953 on former farmland—a soybean field—and opened the following year. Like many of America’s premier dirt ovals, it quickly became a hub for top-tier motorsport, hosting renowned national series such as the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series.

In the mid-2010s, the track briefly operated as Badlands Motor Speedway before closing. In 2020, Tod Quiring stepped in to rescue the historic venue, swiftly restoring it as a premier destination for top-level sprint car racing.

Measuring 1/3 mile with high banks, Huset’s Speedway is a thrilling bullring that runs weekly and national-level events through Labor Day weekend. Highlighting its schedule are prestigious races like the Huset’s High Bank Nationals and the Huset’s Hustle, which offer six-figure payouts to sprint car winners, and the Silver Dollar Nationals, awarding $75,000 to the victor in late model competition.

Quiring’s dedication to the track’s legacy extends beyond its events—he proudly showcases the Huset’s brand on his Big Game Motorsports 410 Sprint Car, which competes in the World of Outlaws national tour. Partnering with driver David Gravel, the team has celebrated dozens of victories in recent seasons, solidifying Huset’s Speedway as a cornerstone of American dirt racing.

Husets-Speedway-iRacing

Thruxton Circuit

Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire, England, has roots dating back to 1950 when the former RAF Thruxton airfield, a key base for Allied operations during World War II, was repurposed for motorcycle racing. The main circuit was established in 1968, following the perimeter roads of the airfield, and has since become a staple of British motorsport.

Known as “The Fastest Circuit in the UK,” Thruxton hosts major events each summer, including the British Touring Car Championship, the British Superbike Championship, the F4 British Championship, and TCR UK. Its 3.793 km (2.356 mile) layout features 12 sweeping turns, favoring high-speed precision over sharp braking zones.

While most races see lap times exceeding a minute, the circuit’s design allows for incredible speeds in higher-class vehicles. The unofficial track record, set by Damon Hill in 1993, stands at a blistering 57.6 seconds in a Williams FW15C Formula 1 car, with an average speed of over 147 mph. Thruxton remains a thrilling venue where history and high-speed racing converge.

iracing thruxton circuit

This is a big update, and I’m really excited about some of the new content and improvements—I’m sure you are too! Be sure to join me after the build release for a new content video on the OSR YouTube Channel.

Thank You All Veterans

Thank You Veterans

Today, I stand in deep gratitude for the millions of veterans who have selflessly served this incredible nation.

Your sacrifices echo in every moment spent away from your families and loved ones. The weight of leaving behind the comfort of home, especially small children, to stand on the frontlines is a courage few can fathom.

Thank you for venturing into unfamiliar territories, fighting battles that secure our safety and freedom. Your dedication allows any American to voice dissent against the government without fear of repercussion. Compare that to places like North Korea, where such liberties are unimaginable.

To your families, who bear the weight of uncertainty each day, praying for your safety while enduring their own sacrifices – thank you for your resilience and unwavering support.

Your choice to volunteer, to make these immense sacrifices, speaks volumes. In a nation without a military draft for many years, you stepped forward to serve, and our gratitude knows no bounds. America stands in salute to your valor, your commitment, and your immeasurable contributions. Thank you.

Port Royal Speedway: The Ultimate Test for Dirt Track Racers

Dave Blaney, Port Royal Speedway, 1984

Nestled in the heart of Juniata County Pennsylvania, a half-mile oval track pulses with history. Known affectionately as “The Speed Palace,” Port Royal Speedway has been a legendary force in American dirt track racing for nearly a century.

The speedway’s story begins in 1938 when visionary racing enthusiasts transformed a forgotten fairground into a quarter-mile dirt track. In those pioneering days, the thunder of midget cars shook the farmland, sending clouds of dust soaring as they captivated crowds in makeshift stands.

Dave Blaney, Port Royal Speedway, 1984
Dave Blaney at Port Royal Speedway in 1984

World War II silenced the roar of engines, but the post-war boom ignited a passion for motorsports. In 1949, Port Royal Speedway expanded to its current half-mile configuration, setting the stage for a new era of thrilling speed and fierce competition.

The 1950s and 1960s were a golden era for the track. Local legends clashed with regional titans, drawing massive crowds from across the state. The roar of stock car V8 engines echoed through the air, captivating fans and creating a truly electric atmosphere.

As the sport soared to new heights, so did Port Royal Speedway. The 1970s ushered in the era of sprint car racing, and the track’s high-banked turns and long straightaways were a perfect match for these daring drivers and their powerful, winged machines. Port Royal quickly earned a reputation as one of the fastest and most dangerous dirt tracks in the country. Legends like Mitch Smith, Smokey Snellbaker, Lynn Paxton, Todd Shafer, and Keith Kauffman forever etched their names into the history of Port Royal.

The 1980s and 1990s were a turbulent time. While the racing continued to thrill, changing economic landscapes and shifting demographics posed a threat to many small-town speedways. Yet, Port Royal defied the odds, its survival secured by a passionate fan base and committed local leadership.

The dawn of a new millennium marked a turning point for The Speed Palace. Recognizing the need to adapt to the times while preserving its storied past, track officials embarked on a series of upgrades. State-of-the-art safety features and enhanced fan amenities paved the way for the major renovations of the past decade.

Justin Whittall, Port Royal Speedway, 2024
Justin Whittall at Port Royal Speedway in 2024

Today, Port Royal Speedway continues to reign as a testament to the enduring power of grassroots racing. Its calendar is a thrilling mix of weekly racing and high-profile national events, drawing top drivers from across the nation. The World of Outlaws, All-Star Circuit of Champions, and USAC National Midget Series make annual pilgrimages to the track, cementing its place among the elite dirt tracks in the country.

The speedway’s influence reaches far beyond its clay oval. For generations, it has been a beloved community gathering place, where families gather on summer evenings to cheer on their favorite drivers. Local businesses flourish on the influx of race fans, and many young people find their first opportunities at the track.

Port Royal has been a cradle for racing dreams. Numerous drivers who honed their skills on its challenging surface have gone on to triumph in NASCAR, IndyCar, and other professional series. This legacy continues today, with young talents striving for greatness each weekend, hoping to write their own chapter in the track’s storied history.

As Port Royal Speedway approaches its centennial, it stands poised to shape the future of motorsports. Recent renovations have modernized the track, while its unwavering commitment to grassroots racing ensures its timeless appeal.

From the humble beginnings of midget cars to the thunderous roar of modern sprint cars, Port Royal Speedway has defied the passage of time. It’s a living monument to American motorsports, where the echoes of history blend seamlessly with the pulse of present-day competition.

As fans flood through the gates each race night, they’re not just witnessing a sporting event. They’re participating in a time-honored ritual, a celebration of speed, skill, and community spirit that has defined Port Royal Speedway for over eight decades.

Thrilling Three-Way Championship Battle to Conclude World of Outlaws Late Model Season at World Finals

World of Outlaws Late Models at The Dirt Track at Charlotte

World of Outlaws Late Models at The Dirt Track at Charlotte

The 2024 World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models season reaches its pinnacle at the World of Outlaws World Finals.

This four-day event at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, running from Nov. 6-9, will bring an epic season to a close with a thrilling championship showdown. Three contenders—Brandon Sheppard, Bobby Pierce, and Nick Hoffman—are within 50 points of each other in the battle for the title, marking the 20th anniversary of the tour’s revival with a race fans won’t want to miss.

On-track action kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 6, with Sea Foam Qualifying Night, setting the stage for Thursday and Friday’s racing programs, featuring 35-lap races with a $15,000 winner’s prize.

The high-stakes “every-lap matters” points format will be in effect Thursday and Friday to secure spots for the top 16 points earners in Saturday’s finale—a 50-lap showdown offering a $25,000 payout at the 4/10-mile dirt track.

The World of Outlaws Late Models will race alongside the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds each night of the event.

Here are some of the top storylines to watch:

Drive for Five: Four-time World of Outlaws champion Brandon Sheppard from New Berlin, IL, has focused on consistency throughout the season, which has paid off as he enters the World Finals as the Series points leader. He’s held the top spot since June, boosted by wins at Thunderhill Raceway, Ponderosa Speedway, and Deer Creek Speedway.

Although Sheppard has two wins at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, he hasn’t cracked the top 10 there since his third-place finish in his 2021 title campaign. With Bobby Pierce just 44 points behind and Nick Hoffman only 50 points back, Sheppard will need to build momentum from the start to defend his lead.

Smooth Comeback: Bobby Pierce has powered his way back into contention for a second straight title, amassing 12 Series wins, 25 top-five finishes, and 26 top-10s in 35 races. The Oakwood, IL, native had a career-defining year in his No.32 Low Voltage Solutions car, winning 36 Super Late Model races in 2024, including crown jewels like the NAPA Gopher 50, Prairie Dirt Classic, USA Nationals, World 100, Late Model Knoxville Nationals, and the Dirt Track World Championship.

Trailing Sheppard by 44 points, Pierce is looking to bring his winning momentum to the World Finals. If the “Smooth Operator” clinches the title, he’ll join Billy Moyer and Josh Richards as the only drivers to win their first two World of Outlaws titles back-to-back.

Here to Stay: Nick Hoffman has proven he’s a strong contender for a dirt Late Model title as the driver of the Tye Twarog Racing No. 9, trailing by just 50 points in the championship race.

The Mooresville, NC, racer had a breakout season in 2024, capturing five Series wins and challenging Sheppard and Pierce throughout his sophomore year with the “Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet.” Hoffman brings significant experience to the Concord, NC track, with five World Short Track Championship Feature wins in his No. 2 DIRTcar UMP Modified, and he secured a seventh-place finish in the 2023 World Finals finale.

One Last Chance: While all eyes are on Sheppard, Pierce, and Hoffman in the championship race, intense points battles within the top 10 could still shake up the standings by Saturday night.

Ryan Gustin of Marshalltown, IA, moved into fourth place in Series points for the first time this season after his September Bayou Classic win at Boothill Speedway. However, he has three drivers within striking distance—Kyle Bronson from Brandon, FL, Cade Dillard from Robeline, LA, and Brian Shirley from Chatham, IL, who trails by only 62 points. Shirley enters the World Finals as the driver on the hottest streak, with five Series wins and 14 top-10 finishes in his last 15 races.

With a $50,000 difference in the points fund between fourth and seventh, these battles could have a big impact on the final standings.

World Finals Outlanders: Following last year’s massive turnout of over 70 drivers, top talent in Super Late Model racing returns to challenge the World of Outlaws at Charlotte.

Ricky Thornton Jr., fresh off his first national Super Late Model title, is aiming for a three-peat after winning the last two Features at The Dirt Track at Charlotte. Despite limited experience on this track, he’s proven he can dominate here. Thornton will also pull double duty, racing with the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars as well.

Hunt The Front Super Dirt Series champion Brandon Overton, who earned his first World Finals win in 2020, is back to add another victory to his title-winning season.

Other past Charlotte winners joining the field include 2018 World of Outlaws champion Mike Marlar, six-time Charlotte victor Jonathan Davenport—reuniting with Kevin Rumley in the No. 6 Late Model—six-time World Finals winner Jimmy Owens, two-time event winner Chris Madden, and 2024 DIRTcar UMP Modified World Short Track Champion Kyle Strickler.

The Dirt Track at Charlotte is a 4/10-mile semi-banked oval located in Concord, North Carolina. The track record is 14.183 seconds, set by Kyle Larson on November 5, 2020.

CARS Tour Unveils 2025 Schedule with Exciting New Changes

Cars Late Model Tour

The zMAX CARS Tour unveiled its 2025 schedule on Monday afternoon, featuring a thrilling 15-race lineup with exciting new changes. As the Southeast’s premier Late Model Stock Car and Pro Late Model series, the season will kick off on Saturday, March 1, and wrap up seven months later on Saturday, October 18.

**Exciting News for the 2025 Season:**
– *New Driver Announced*: Nelson Motorsports introduces its new driver for the 2025 season.
– *Driver Plans for 2025*: Kade Brown shares his intentions for the CARS Tour.
– *Fan Voting Open*: Cast your vote for the 2024 CARS Tour Most Popular Drivers.

The CARS Tour’s 11th season will begin at Jacksonville, North Carolina’s abrasive d-shaped New River All-American Speedway. Past races at this track have delivered thrilling finishes, with drivers like Connor Hall, Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, and three-time champion Bobby McCarty battling it out for victory. This season opener will mark the first time the Pro Late Model division races at New River.

Cars Late Model Tour

The series will then travel to Wake County Speedway in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday, March 29, for a Late Model Stock Car race at the high-energy quarter-mile bullring. The Pro Late Models will return to action on Saturday, April 26, at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, North Carolina.

Other highlights include:
– *Ace Speedway, Altamahaw, NC* – A thrilling race on Friday, May 2, featuring both divisions.
– *North Wilkesboro Speedway* – Both divisions will compete on Wednesday, May 14, to kick off NASCAR’s All-Star Race weekend.
– *Langley Speedway, VA* – On Saturday, May 31, both divisions will compete at the historic track where Connor Hall clinched the closest finish in CARS Tour history in 2024.

The 2025 schedule promises action-packed events across some of the Southeast’s most iconic tracks, with each race poised to deliver unforgettable moments.

The CARS Tour heads to Virginia’s Dominion Raceway on Saturday, June 14, home of the tour’s second-closest finish in LMSC history. This unforgettable moment came in 2023 when Bobby McCarty edged out Brenden Queen by a mere nine one-thousandths of a second. This year will also mark the first appearance of the CARS Tour Pro Late Models at Dominion, making it one of the season’s most anticipated nights.

After a short break, both divisions return on Wednesday, July 2, at Caraway Speedway in Sophia, North Carolina. In 2023, Brent Crews claimed victory in an unforgettable Late Model race, while Tristan McKee took the win in the Pro Late Model division.

Following a month-long summer break, the series resumes at the legendary Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 2. The summer race at Hickory, a CARS Tour tradition since 2017, remains a fan favorite.

On August 16, the tour will revisit Anderson Motor Speedway in South Carolina for the first time since 2017. Claremont’s Landon Huffman, the only active driver from that night, finished 13th, while Josh Berry took the win. This will also be Anderson’s first Pro Late Model race, adding to the excitement.

The CARS Tour will remain in South Carolina for a Friday night race at Florence Motor Speedway, where Ryan Millington broke his four-year winless streak in the LMSC feature in 2024, while Spencer Davis took the Pro Late Model win.

With only three races left, the tour heads back to Virginia’s South Boston Speedway on September 13, where Carson Kvapil claimed the LMSC victory and Davis won the Pro Late Model race in 2024.

On October 4, the penultimate race will be held at Tri-County Speedway in Granite Falls, North Carolina. After two visits in 2024, this year Tri-County will host just one race. Brenden Queen took the spring LMSC win, while Connor Jones won a thrilling fall race. Jake Bollman secured the Pro Late Model victory in May, while Kaden Honeycutt claimed the fall win.

The 2025 season will close on October 18 under the historic lights of North Wilkesboro Speedway, where champions will be crowned for the second consecutive season.

Check out the full 2025 zMAX CARS Tour schedule below:

2025 zMAX CARS Tour Schedule

Date

Track

Location

Divisions

March 1

New River All American Speedway

Jacksonville, North Carolina

LMSC / PLM

March 29

Wake County Speedway

Raleigh, North Carolina

LMSC

April 12

TBA

TBA

LMSC / PLM

April 26

Orange County Speedway

Rougemont, North Carolina

LMSC / PLM

May 2

Ace Speedway

Altamahaw, North Carolina

LMSC / PLM

May 14

North Wilkesboro Speedway

North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

LMSC / PLM

May 31

Langley Speedway

Hampton, Virginia

LMSC

June 14

Dominion Raceway

Woodford, Virginia

LMSC / PLM

July 2

Caraway Speedway

Sophia, North Carolina

LMSC / PLM

August 2

Hickory Motor Speedway

Hickory, North Carolina

LMSC / PLM

August 16

Anderson Motor Speedway

Williamston, South Carolina

LMSC / PLM

August 29

Florence Motor Speedway

Florence, South Carolina

LMSC / PLM

September 13

South Boston Speedway

South Boston, Virginia

LMSC / PLM

October 4

Tri-County Speedway

Granite Falls, North Carolina

LMSC / PLM

October 18

North Wilkesboro Speedway

North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

LMSC / PLM