Summary
Introducing Tempest, iRacing’s groundbreaking weather system, now live and fully functional, revolutionizing the racing experience with dynamic rain racing. The Road License Type has undergone a transformation, splitting into Sports Car License Type and Formula License Type, enhancing competition pathways for drivers and optimizing participation, competitiveness, and matchmaking.
Embark on an exciting journey with the New Driver Onboarding Experience, designed to swiftly guide all newcomers onto the track. From configuring controls to racing alongside AI Drivers, comprehensive instructions and guides ensure a seamless transition into the world of iRacing.
Additionally, iRacing has revamped the user interface, providing a sleek and intuitive navigation experience for all users. Get ready to dive into the thrill of virtual racing like never before with Tempest and our enhanced features!
iRacing’s ever-expanding lineup welcomes three new cars into the paddock: the Dirt Micro Sprint (available in two models), SRX, and Super Formula Lights. Alongside these thrilling additions, three new tracks have been meticulously crafted for your racing pleasure: Algarve International Circuit (offering four configurations), Millbridge Speedway, and Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli (presenting five configurations).
But the excitement doesn’t end there! Experience the thrill of new racing lines with the addition of a fresh configuration to Kokomo Speedway (Tires Out). Plus, Lime Rock Park welcomes a new configuration (School) as part of an immersive educational initiative.
And that’s not all! Several pieces of content have been generously added to the iRacing base package, now available for FREE to all iRacing members. Dive into the action with Dirt Micro Sprint, Circuit de Lédenon, Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, Snetterton Circuit, and Winton Motor Raceway, enriching your racing experience like never before.
The latest iRacing update brings exciting enhancements to the driving experience. The New Damage Model is now seamlessly integrated into all three new cars, as well as fifteen additional existing models, including all GTE Class and LMP1 Class cars. This overhaul ensures a more realistic and immersive racing experience right from the start.
Our dedicated AI training team has achieved a remarkable feat, conditioning AI Drivers to confidently navigate wet conditions. This means all rain-enabled vehicles now boast fully tuned AI compatibility, allowing for thrilling races regardless of the weather.
Moreover, AI Drivers have mastered the intricacies of driving the Super Formula Lights, Algarve International Circuit (across all configurations), Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli (across all configurations), Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari – Moto, and Sebring International Raceway – Modified.
To further elevate your racing experience, our vehicle dynamics team has meticulously crafted hundreds of optimized vehicle setups, including specialized setups tailored for rain-ready cars. So gear up, adjust your visor, and prepare for an immersive journey as iRacing 2024 Season 2 makes a splash!
New Racer Onboarding
iRacing introduces a user-friendly feature tailored to newcomers, ensuring a smooth transition into the world of virtual racing. This feature guides new users through their first on-track experience, offering a choice between Oval or Road content and assisting with control setup and calibration. Users are then led through Practice and Race sessions with AI Drivers, culminating in a directed exploration of iRacing’s wealth of features and a comprehensive “getting started” guide.
By default, this feature is activated for all newly created iRacing accounts, providing an accessible entry point for beginners. For existing accounts wishing to benefit from this assistance, a new toggle in the Settings > User Preferences menu, titled “New Racer Onboarding,” allows activation. Simply toggle this option on, and upon your next login, the guided experience will commence.
Furthermore, as part of this feature, a new public-facing web page has been launched, offering introductory explanations and guides on various aspects of iRacing, including Test Drive, Time Attack, Spectating, Ghost Racing, Time Trial, AI Racing, and Official Racing. This comprehensive guide also includes a New Racer Checklist, suggesting activities for gradually increasing familiarity and proficiency with iRacing.
General/Miscellaneous
Adjustments have been made to certain dirt surface parameters in racing, aiming to enhance the tactile sensation of tires on dirt and slightly reduce the speed of racing on slick surfaces. These modifications aim to provide a more realistic and immersive experience for drivers navigating dirt tracks.
New iRacing Cars
Dirt Micro Sprint Car
Introducing the Dirt Micro Sprint Car, a thrilling addition to iRacing’s Dirt Oval lineup, now ready for testing and racing in this unique environment!
Looking to kickstart your journey on the dirt racing circuit? The Micro Sprint serves as your perfect entry point. Embraced as one of America’s fastest-growing small car classes, these nimble machines often groom future pro racing stars. Whether it’s weekly series, national championships, or prestigious events like the Tulsa Shootout, Micro Sprints offer an affordable and exhilarating path onto the track.
Frequently found tearing up small tracks like the quarter-mile Millbridge Speedway in North Carolina, Micro Sprints pack a punch with their 600cc engine, churning out over 160 horsepower. Perfectly balancing power and approachability, they provide young racers with ample opportunity to hone their skills without feeling overwhelmed. And on iRacing, you’ll have the chance to experience both winged and non-winged configurations, adding to the excitement!
This versatile car comes in two models: Winged and Non-Winged, offering diverse racing experiences. Best of all, it’s included in the iRacing Base Content, available to all Members for FREE! Plus, with the New Damage Model enabled, prepare for a truly immersive and realistic racing encounter with the Dirt Micro Sprint Car.
Introducing the SRX, an asphalt and dirt Oval car, now available for purchase and racing!
Legendary racers Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham shook up the racing world with the creation of the Superstar Racing Experience in July 2020. This groundbreaking concept combined elements from past all-star racing series with the excitement of senior tour golf and the grit of weekly short track racing. Featuring six weeks of intense action during the summer on a mix of paved and dirt ovals, the SRX showcased a diverse lineup of racing champions, emerging talents, and even local heroes earning their shot at glory alongside the pros.
Crafted from scratch by Evernham and meticulously built by Fury Race Cars, the SRX car stands apart as a stock car like no other. Powered by 700 horsepower Ilmor V8s and sporting a high spoiler reminiscent of the 1970s, these machines prioritize raw power over downforce, presenting drivers with a thrilling challenge on the track. In iRacing, the SRX car mirrors its real-world counterpart with both paved and dirt tires, offering versatility across various ovals.
And just like in real life, the SRX car in iRacing features the New Damage Model, delivering a heightened level of realism and immersion to your racing experience. Get ready to unleash the power and conquer the track with the SRX!
New iRacing Tracks
Millbridge Speedway
Introducing Millbridge Speedway, a thrilling Dirt Oval track now available for purchase and racing!
If you’ve ever wondered where your favorite NASCAR driver hones their dirt racing skills in between Cup Series weekends, look no further than Millbridge Speedway. Situated just half an hour from Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, this iconic venue has become a hotspot for dirt racing enthusiasts, especially those with aspiring young racers in tow.
From midgets to micro sprints and box stocks, the midweek races at Millbridge draw packed entry lists brimming with talent. Owned and operated by the Burnett family, who took the reins in 2011, Millbridge Speedway has undergone a remarkable transformation from nearly fading into obscurity to achieving cult status among those in the know.
For an authentic Millbridge experience, take the Dirt Micro Sprint for a spin on this quarter-mile bullring. Feel the rush of the track as you navigate its tight turns and exhilarating straights, and discover firsthand why Millbridge Speedway holds a special place in the hearts of its dedicated regulars. Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill of racing at Millbridge Speedway!