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Hold onto your helmets, iRacers! Season 1 2024 roars to life on December 12th, packed with fresh content, exciting features, and a whole lot of asphalt to conquer. 🔥🏎️💨

Get ready to:

• Tame the beast: Master the Audi R8 LMS EVO II GT3, a sleek new machine ready to tear up the grid. 🐎
• Explore uncharted territory: Conquer the iconic Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello (Grand Prix & Short) and the adrenaline-pumping Slinger Speedway (Oval & Figure Eight). 🌎
• Relive a classic: Experience the fan-favorite Okayama International Circuit (Full & Short) reborn with stunning 2023 data. 🏎️💨

But that’s not all! Buckle up for:

• Grippier ovals: Phase 1 of the Oval Refresh Project brings realistic track grip changes based on surface temperature. Get ready for dynamic racing! 🌡️
• Feel every bump: Pioneering 3D curb technology at Mugello and Okayama delivers the most realistic track-edge experience ever. Every curb matters! 🤯
• Mother Nature joins the party: Bask in the beauty of 3D foliage systems at Lime Rock Park, Okayama, and Virginia International Raceway. 🌳🌳🌳
• Damage unleashed: 18 car models get the New Damage Model treatment, including NASCAR Cup Series beasts and nearly every Asphalt Oval car! 💥
• AI takes the wheel: Challenge the Audi R8 LMS EVO II GT3 and HPD ARX-01c on 8 new track configurations. Let the robot wars begin! 🤖🏎️💨

And for the tech wizards:

• Browse & manage on the go: iRacing Web lets you manage sessions, shop the store, and more directly from your browser. 🌐
• Smoother visuals, sharper details: Enjoy enhanced graphics, realistic NASCAR hood flaps, and more. 💪
• Deeper VR immersion: Dive into the action with the latest OpenXR loader update. 🥽

Don’t forget:

• Hundreds of setups: Get your car dialed in with professionally crafted setups for all new content. 🛠️
• Updated rules: Stay informed with revised regulations on automated driving inputs and cheating. ⚖️
• Quick mute: Toggle your voice chat on and off with ease. 🎙️

Key Highlights of iRacing’s 2024 Season 1 Release:

• Audi R8 LMS EVO II GT3
• Pending Final Partner Approvals for Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello (Grand Prix, and Short) and Slinger Speedway (Oval, and Figure Eight)
• Complete update of Okayama International Circuit (Full Course, and Short) based on 2023 data
• Phase 1 of the Oval Refresh Project
• Introduction of 3D Curbs at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello and Okayama International Circuit
• Implementation of 3D Foliage at Lime Rock Park, Okayama International Circuit, and Virginia International Raceway
• New Damage Model for 18 vehicle models including Audi R8 LMS EVO II GT3, Dirt Modified (Big Block and 358), HPD ARX-01c, and more
• AI Racing for Audi R8 LMS EVO II GT3 and HPD ARX-01c
• AI Racing at 8 track configurations including Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, Homestead Miami Speedway, Silverstone Circuit, and Slinger Speedway
• Introduction of numerous professionally crafted iRacing vehicle setups

Additionally, delve into the full details of the 2024 Season 1 Release encompassing various improvements and enhancements across iRacing’s platform, including login upgrades, refined race creation processes, improved AI racing setup, and the integration of iRacing Web functionalities. Please note changes to the Legacy Membersite as part of transitioning to a new anti-cheat system. For detailed information, explore the complete release notes provided here.

SIMULATION IMPROVEMENTS:

Optimization:

• Enhanced rendering performance for complex scenes during gridding sequences.

Updater:

• Added several pieces of Rookie content to the REQUIRED downloads list for an upcoming short new player onboarding experience within 2024 Season 1.
  • Formula Vee
  • Street Stock
  • Lime Rock Park
  • USA International Speedway

Physics:

• Introduction of a new 3D curbs system at select tracks, offering a more realistic experience with fully modeled curbing for better tire interaction.
  • Tracks utilizing the new 3D curbs system: Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, Okayama International Circuit
• Improved simulation of porous surfaces’ depth effects on rolling drag for increased realism.
• Enhanced feeling of surface displacement for grass, dirt, sand, and gravel.

Oval Racing:

• Released Phase 1 of the Asphalt Oval Refresh Project, focusing on enhanced surface grip levels for a more dynamic racing experience.
• Adjusted SR adjustments for all Oval track configurations to ensure fairness between small and large ovals.

AI Racing:

• Expanded AI Racing availability to new cars and track configurations, including AI Drivers’ completion of specialized courses for improved vehicle handling and racing strategies.
• Addressed various logic bugs within the AI Driver program to enhance their racing behavior.

New Damage Model:

• Enabled the New Damage Model for specific vehicle models and improved the visual appearance of suspension damage for several cars.

Graphics:

• Improved Graphics Autoconfig process for better memory utilization.
• Removed Memory Sliders from the Graphics Options screen.

3D Foliage System:

• Expanded 3D Foliage to additional tracks for a more immersive visual experience.

Virtual Reality:

• Updated OpenXR loader to the latest version for improved VR functionality.

Audio:

• Various fixes and adjustments to engine sounds and low-frequency effects for a smoother audio experience.

Spotter:

• Adjusted incident thresholds and messages for a more accurate and informative spotter communication.

Pits:

• Updated war wagons and visual settings for pit crew members for better visibility and performance.

Sporting Code:

• Updated rules, penalties, and administration sections for clearer guidelines and fairer rulings.

Controls:

• Added new features and fixes for voice chat, joystick smoothing, and specific hardware support.

Results:

• Fixed issues with the right-click popup menu on the Results tab for better user interaction

 

CAR UPDATES:

GT3 Series Cars:

• Increased traction control (TC) system calculation speed.
• Updated ABS parameters and TC/ABS tables.
• Tire parameters updated.
• Fine-tuned Class Balance of Performance.
• IMSA Series cars’ headlight color adjusted for a warmer appearance.
• iRacing setups updated.

GTP Series Cars:

• Increased TC system calculation speed.
• Tire parameters updated.
• Improved headlight colors to mimic LEDs.
• Class Balance of Performance fine-tuned.
• iRacing setups updated.

NASCAR Cup Series Cars (Gen 6):

• New Damage Model enabled.

NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Cars:

• New Damage Model tuning pass completed.
• Lowered break limits for nose, front fenders, and rear.
• Increased break limits and lowered stiffness for rear hood mounts.
• Fixed issue with disappearing car parts based on camera distances.
• iRacing setups updated.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Cars:

• Collision shapes updated for the New Damage Model.
• Interface model shaders updated.
• iRacing setups updated.

[Legacy] NASCAR Cup Series Cars (Gen 4):

• New Damage Model enabled.

Acura ARX-06 GTP:

• Updated vehicle parameters, including a slight increase in engine torque and downforce.
• HPD logo replaced with HRC logo on paint scheme patterns.

Aston Martin Vantage GT4:

• Paddle shift animations added.

Audi R8 LMS EVO II GT3:

• NEW CAR!
• Major upgrades include a new aerodynamics package, improved engine intake system, and adjustable dampers.
• AI Racing available.
• New Damage Model enabled.

BMW M4 GT3:

• Adjusted camber, rear toe, and removed caster adjustment.
• New Damage Model improvements.
• Separate high beam headlights.
• Driver paddle shift animation added.

BMW M8 GTE:

• Fixed crash issue during caution at night with headlights on.

BMW M Hybrid V8:

• Updated vehicle parameters, including reduced downforce and increased mass.
• Fixed artwork issue for tires with the old damage model.

Cadillac V-Series.R GTP:

• Updated vehicle parameters, including reduced downforce, increased drag, and mass.

Dirt Sprint Car:

• Fixed wing visual flickering issue.

Dirt Street Stock:

• Updated suspension damage model for the New Damage Model.

Dirt Modified:

• New Damage Model enabled.
• iRacing setups updated.

Ford GT GT2 / GT3:

• Traction Control ON/OFF switch removed, utilizing the 5-second “TC Disable” function.
• Aerodynamic drag reduced.
• Differential locking increased.
• Camber and rear toe adjustment range limits updated.
• Caster adjustment removed.

HPD ARX-01c:

• New Damage Model enabled.
• AI Racing available.
• iRacing setups updated.

Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO:

• Various updates, including aerodynamics, suspension, steering, and mass.
• Decreased engine braking.
• More locking on power for the differential.
• Inverted throttle pedal mapping.
• Garage rearranged for better visibility.
• Anti-roll bar size options phased out.

Lotus 49, Lotus 79:

• New Damage Model enabled.
• Increased front and rear spring rate range maximum.

Lucas Oil Off Road Pro 2 Lite, Lucas Oil Off Road Pro Trucks:

• New Damage Model enabled.

McLaren MP4-12C GT3:

• Various updates, including reduced engine torque, drag, and increased downforce.
• Camber and rear toe adjustment range limits updated.
• Driver animations updated.

Mercedes-AMG GT3 2020:

• Camber and rear toe adjustment range limits updated.
• Driver animations updated.

Mercedes-AMG W12 E Performance, W13 E Performance:

• Increased floor friction for the New Damage Model.
• iRacing setups updated.

Porsche 911 GT3 R (992):

• Rear toe adjustment range limits updated.

Porsche 963 GTP:

• Updated vehicle parameters, including a slight increase in downforce.

SCCA Spec Racer Ford:

• New Damage Model textures updated.
• Fixed transparent tire tread issue.

Skip Barber Formula 2000:

• Improved tire sounds.

Super Late Model:

• New Damage Model enabled.
• iRacing setups updated.

Toyota GR86:

• Reduced engine braking.
• Fixed pit lane rolling issue.

[Legacy] NASCAR Cup Chevrolet Impala COT – 2009:

• New Damage Model activated.
• Blowover arithmetic updated.
• iRacing setups refreshed.

[Legacy] NASCAR Truck Chevrolet Silverado – 2008:

• New Damage Model enabled.
• Updated nose and rear bumper parameters for enhanced bump drafting.
• Interface model updated for this truck.

[Legacy] Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (991):

• New Damage Model enabled.
• iRacing setups updated.

 

TRACK UPDATES:

Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello:

• New track available for purchase.
• Hosts various racing events, including the Italian motorcycle Grand Prix.
• Includes Grand Prix & Short layouts.
• Curbs now fully modeled in 3D for realism.
• AI Drivers trained for both layouts.

Homestead Miami Speedway:

• AI Racing now available on Road Course A & B.
• Starting Grids expanded to accommodate 60 cars.

Hungaroring Circuit:

• Rectified graphical issues with walls in Turns 3 and 10.

Iowa Speedway:

• Updated object materials for improved lighting and shading.

Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway:

• Renamed to reflect its new real-world track name.

Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park:

• Renamed to match its current real-world name.

Michigan International Speedway:

• Added red and white lines to the restart zone.

Mobility Resort Motegi:

• Renamed to reflect its current real-world name.

Okayama International Circuit:

• Completely rebuilt using the latest track building tools.
• Reconstructed from 2023 laser scan data.
• Curbs now fully modeled in 3D for realism.
• 3D Foliage System introduced.

Silverstone Circuit:

• AI Racing now accessible on International & National layouts.
• Removed four pit stalls from the National configuration.

Slinger Speedway:

• New asphalt oval track available.
• Known for its high-banked corners and fast laps.
• Offers Oval & Figure Eight configurations.
• Ready for night racing.
• AI Drivers trained for both configurations

 

See you in the next race!

P.S. Share your excitement in the comments below! What are you most looking forward to in Season 1? 👇