Welcome to the Preliminary Version of the iRacing 2023 Season 3 Release Notes. Please note that this version is subject to change. Any forthcoming updates will be posted here.
The iRacing Dirt Taskforce has successfully concluded its work on the Dirt Refresh Project, which was shared with the community in February. Now we, the community, will be able to see the results of their hard work and to experience the benefits firsthand. The Spotter System has undergone a series of updates and new calls that are specifically focused on Race Control. These enhancements will inject more excitement into your races and provide you with better track and race information.
Exciting new challengers are on the horizon! You now have the ability to include AI Opponent Rosters in your Hosted Sessions, featuring the thrilling Heat Racing format. Prepare yourself for intense competition from artificial intelligence opponents.
In ongoing efforts to save you time, iRacing has invested in optimizing loading times. This Season Release includes the initial phase of loading optimizations, ensuring that you can get behind the wheel just a little bit faster.
Willow Springs International Raceway takes pride in pioneering a revolutionary 3D Foliage System. This system automatically populates the environment with a variety of grasses, shrubs, and other natural elements, creating a more immersive racing experience.
iRacing now fully supports USB Audio Hot Swapping, allowing you to seamlessly switch between headsets and speakers for all your audio needs.
Additionally, iRacing has introduced a new Graphics Option that controls the display of all cockpit obstructions. This option is not specific to car setups, providing you with greater control over your visual preferences.
The New Damage Model has now been implemented on eleven more cars, further enhancing the realism and immersion of your racing experience. AI Drivers have achieved mastery in eight additional cars and have conquered twenty-four new track configurations.
Major Highlights For 2023 Season 3
- Dirt Racing Refresh Project
- Cadillac V-Series.R GTP
- Ligier JS P320
- Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)
- MotorLand Aragón (7 configs)
- Willow Springs International Raceway
- New Track Configuration: Chicago Street Course – 2023 Cup
- New Spotter Calls and Updates for Race Control
- Hosted Session AI Heat Racing
- Phase 1 of Loading Time Improvements
- 3D Foliage System
- USB Audio Device Hot Swapping
- Cockpit Obstruction Removal Option
- We are pleased to introduce the highly anticipated New Damage Model, now available for eleven vehicles in iRacing. The vehicles that have received this immersive and realistic damage simulation are:
- Cadillac V-Series.R GTP
- Dirt Late Model (all variants)
- Ligier JS P320
- NASCAR Truck Series Trucks
- Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992)
- Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)
- Renault Clio R.S. V
With the New Damage Model implemented on these vehicles, prepare for an even more authentic and dynamic racing experience. Explore the enhanced realism and the impact of your driving decisions on these incredible machines.
- Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled experience as iRacing unveils AI Racing for eight more cars. The AI Drivers have now mastered these formidable machines, allowing you to compete against them in intense races. The cars included in the AI Racing lineup are:
- Aston Martin DBR9 GT1
- Cadillac CTS-V Racecar
- Cadillac V-Series.R GTP
- Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT1
- Ford GT GT2
- Ligier JS P320
- Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)
- Radical SR10
Challenge yourself against these AI opponents and test your skills on the track. Whether you’re seeking fierce competition or aiming to improve your racing techniques, AI Racing adds a new dimension to your iRacing experience.
- Prepare for exhilarating AI Racing action across 24 different track configurations in iRacing.The track configurations available for AI Racing are:
- Autodromo Nazionale Monza – GP without first chicane, Junior, and GP without chicanes
- Chicago Street Course – 2023 Cup and Prototype
- Circuit of the Americas – East and West
- Irwindale Speedway – ALL FIVE Configurations
- MotorLand Aragón – ALL SEVEN Configurations
- Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway – Mini
- New Smyrna Speedway
- Twin Ring Motegi – East and Oval
- Willow Springs International Raceway
Immerse yourself in intense races across these diverse and challenging tracks.
- A vast collection of new and optimized official iRacing vehicle setups.
More Details
Dynamic Tracks
iRacing has announced significant improvements in the calculation of the dynamic track algorithm, specifically focusing on the surfaces along the outside edges of the track. These enhancements ensure a more accurate representation of the track conditions, providing a heightened level of realism and immersion.
Furthermore, iRacing has addressed an issue that affected the visual display of dynamic track data on certain track segments. Specifically, the display of dirt, marbles, and rubber was not functioning correctly. With the necessary fixes implemented, you can now expect a more consistent and accurate representation of these track elements throughout your racing experience.
These improvements enhance the overall integrity of the dynamic track system, allowing you to better adapt your racing strategy based on the evolving conditions on the track. Prepare yourself for an even more realistic and engaging dirt racing experience as you navigate the intricacies of the dynamic track in iRacing.
Dirt Racing
iRacing announced a range of updates and enhancements as part of the Dirt Refresh Project. This comprehensive initiative involved a dedicated team of developers, vehicle dynamicists, and testers who delved deep into every aspect of our Dirt Racing experience. Their efforts have resulted in sweeping improvements and updates that elevate the quality and realism of our dirt tracks.
The updates encompass various aspects of dirt track parameters, including:
- Refinements to racing dirt properties across different levels of wear and wetness.
- Adjustments to dirt height variance, depth, and hardpan behavior.
- Enhancements to track wear parameters, tire rubber accumulation, and dirt displacement caused by tires.
- Improvements in the formation of track roughness and perturbation.
- Updates to the progression of dynamic track data for all dirt tracks.
In addition to these track-related updates, all Dirt Racing tires have undergone significant improvements. These enhancements include:
- Introduction of new wear rates that factor in the hardness and wetness of the dirt racing surface.
- Fine-tuning of dirt displacement parameters specific to tire behavior.
- Improved calculation of tire contact on undulating dirt surfaces, resulting in more realistic interactions.
With these updates, you can expect a more immersive and engaging dirt racing experience.
Graphics
A new Graphics Option is included
in iRacing: the Hide Cockpit Obstructions feature. With this addition, you now have greater control over your visual preferences during races.
The Hide Cockpit Obstructions option allows you to toggle the display of all cockpit obstructions within the game. Instead of these obstructions being specific to each car’s setup, you can now choose to hide them altogether. This gives you a clear and unobstructed view of the track and surroundings, enhancing your situational awareness and immersion.
Whether you prefer a minimalistic cockpit view or want to focus solely on the racing action, the Hide Cockpit Obstructions option empowers you to customize your experience.
Cars
New Car: Cadillac V-Series.R GTP
The Cadillac V-Series.R represents General Motors’ latest pinnacle-level prototype entry designed for global sports car competitions. This cutting-edge vehicle is constructed according to the universal Le Mans Daytona h regulations, which were introduced for the 2023 season. The V-Series.R has made its debut in two prominent racing championships: the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with entries from Chip Ganassi Racing and Action Express Racing, and in international competitions through a team also managed by Ganassi.
Taking the baton from its predecessor, the Cadillac DPi-V.R, which achieved an impressive five consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona between 2017 and 2021, the Cadillac V-Series.R continues to push boundaries. Equipped with a robust 5.5-liter V8 engine, it boasts the largest powerplant among all the cars competing in the GTP class.
Demonstrating its capabilities, the V-Series.R secured its inaugural IMSA win at the prestigious 2023 12 Hours of Sebring. Alexander Sims, Pipo Derani, and Jack Aitken, skillfully maneuvering the vehicle, overcame an early incident and successfully navigated through a challenging and attrition-filled race in the fiercely contested GTP class.
With its formidable performance and remarkable achievements, the Cadillac V-Series.R showcases General Motors’ commitment to excellence in sports car racing on a global scale.
Dirt Late Model
The highly anticipated New Damage Model is now fully enabled for all of the Dirt Late Model cars.
As part of the comprehensive Dirt Refresh Initiative, a significant overhaul of vehicle parameters has been undertaken, encompassing vehicle physics, collision shapes, tire properties, and tire stagger. These improvements ensure a more authentic and dynamic representation of each car’s performance on dirt tracks.
In addition, updates have been made to the rear droop chain options and max deck height garage ranges, providing enhanced customization options and optimizing performance for all cars.
To complement these improvements, iRacing has also updated the interface images for each car, offering a more visually appealing and engaging experience.
Furthermore, iRacing setups have been meticulously updated across the board, offering optimized configurations for each car, allowing you to extract the best performance and handling characteristics.
Dirt Midget
The iRacing Dirt Refresh Initiative has brough about an overhaul of vehicle parameters including tire stagger, collision geometry, vehicle physics, tire properties, and brake balance.
Dirt Modified
Same as above.
Dirt Sprint Car
Same as above plus: gear ratios and engine sounds have been updated and improved.
Dirt Non-Winged Sprint Car
Same as above.
Dirt Street Stock
The iRacing Dirt Refresh Initiative has brough about an overhaul of vehicle parameters including tire stagger, collision geometry, vehicle physics, tire properties, and brake balance.
Dirt UMP Modified
Same as above.
New Car: Ligier JS P320
Introduced in the summer of 2019, the Ligier JS P320 is the latest design from Ligier, purpose-built to compete in accordance with the global LMP3 regulations. It represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, the JS P3, which enjoyed remarkable success since 2015, securing numerous victories and championships across international and global series.
The Ligier JS P320 introduces substantial changes in bodywork and suspension, marking a notable advancement in design and performance. As part of the new generation of LMP3 regulations, it incorporates advanced features such as traction control and a more powerful Nissan V8 engine, elevating its capabilities on the race track.
In its initial two seasons in the prestigious IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the Ligier JS P320 dominated the LMP3 class. Riley Motorsports achieved a remarkable first-place finish and third-place position in the standings in 2021, with driver’s champion Gar Robinson leading the charge. The CORE Autosport duo of Colin Braun and Jon Bennett secured a second-place finish in the inaugural season, subsequently clinching the championship title in 2022.
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, the Ligier JS P320 and all other LMP3 vehicles will exclusively compete in the highly competitive IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. As the faster car in multi-class racing, it will share the track exclusively with GT4 cars, adding an exhilarating dynamic to the racing experience.
With its advanced design, remarkable performance, and track record of success, the Ligier JS P320 solidifies its position as a top contender in the world of sports car racing, promising thrilling competitions and unforgettable moments on the race track.
New Car: Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)
Continuing the legacy of Porsche 911s designed for sports car racing, the latest iteration of the 911 GT3 R comes in the form of the 992-spec edition. Following the footsteps of its predecessor, the 991-based GT3 R introduced in 2019, the 992-spec GT3 R showcases Porsche’s commitment to excellence on the race track. It joins the ranks of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, which made its debut in 2021, as another remarkable racing vehicle based on the 992 generation.
In its debut season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the 992-based 911 GT3 R has made its mark with five teams: Pfaff Motorsports, MDK Motorsports, Wright Motorsports, AO Racing Team, and Kelly-Moss with Riley. These teams have brought at least one 992 to the grid, competing across the GTD and GTD Pro divisions.
Under the hood, the 911 GT3 R (992) boasts a 4.2-liter Porsche flat-six engine, offering increased displacement compared to its predecessor’s 4.0-liter unit. This upgrade enhances the car’s performance and power on the track.
The 911 GT3 R (992) celebrated its first IMSA victory at the prestigious 2023 12 Hours of Sebring, thanks to the impressive driving skills of Pfaff’s GTD Pro team comprising Klaus Bachler, Patrick Pilet, and Laurens Vanthoor. Bachler and Pilet continued their success by securing a third-place finish on the challenging streets of Long Beach the following month. Additionally, Kelly-Moss with Riley secured the car’s first GTD podium at Sebring with Alec Udell, Julien Andlauer, and David Brule.
The 992-based Porsche 911 GT3 R exemplifies Porsche’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance and achievements on the race track. With its advanced features, powerful engine, and a growing list of accolades, the 911 GT3 R (992) demonstrates Porsche’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of sports car racing.
iRacing members who purchased the Porsche 911 GT3 R within the past 180 days receive a full refund in iRacing Credits. Members who purchased the Porsche 911 GT3 R within the past 180 to 360 days receive a 50% refund in iRacing Credits. Members who purchased the Porsche 911 GT3 R more than 360 days ago receive a 25% refund in iRacing Credits.
Tracks
New Track: MotorLand Aragón
MotorLand Aragón offers an impressive selection of SEVEN track configurations, providing a diverse and thrilling racing experience.
MotorLand Aragón, one of Spain’s modern racing circuits, began its construction in the winter of 2005 and welcomed its first events almost four years later. Designed by renowned architect Hermann Tilke, MotorLand Aragón offers a wide range of racing experiences, hosting both national and international competitions for cars and motorcycles. This versatile track accommodates various racing disciplines, including touring cars, GT cars, and open-wheel divisions.
The Grand Prix circuit at Aragón spans 3.321 miles and features an exhilarating layout of 18 turns. It boasts two significant straightaways, with one serving as the start-finish line and the other following the 90-degree Turn 15. The length of the latter straightaway varies depending on the track configuration. For cars, it leads to a sharp hairpin turn (Turn 16), while the motorcycle layout bypasses this section, offering a more sweeping Turn 16 that seamlessly merges into the frontstretch.
In addition to the Grand Prix circuit, MotorLand Aragón offers a smaller National layout. This configuration veers into the infield after Turn 2, creating an exciting twist in the track that takes racers through to the backstretch.
With its diverse track layouts and thrilling features, MotorLand Aragón stands as a premier racing destination, attracting both competitors and motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. Prepare to witness breathtaking racing action and immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of this exceptional racing venue.
New Track: Willow Springs International Raceway
Nestled in Rosamond, California, Willow Springs International Motorsports Park stands as one of the hidden treasures for road racers in the United States. This expansive facility encompasses a collection of diverse and exhilarating courses that cater to the racing enthusiasts. Leading the pack is the renowned 2.5-mile track known as “Big Willow,” which has held its place since November 1953, making it the oldest permanent road course in America. Recognized for its historical significance, it was designated a California Point of Historical Interest in 1996.
Each course at Willow Springs International Motorsports Park possesses its own unique character, yet all share common elements of challenging elevation changes, technical corners, and breathtaking natural backdrops that add to the allure of the circuit. Over the years, the track has hosted a wide range of racing events, spanning from the NASCAR Cup Series in the 1950s to present-day budget-level endurance races. Among the amateur racing community, Big Willow holds a special place as it consistently delivers thrilling racing action with a layout that strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and enjoyment.
Whether you are a seasoned racer or an enthusiastic spectator, Willow Springs International Motorsports Park promises an unforgettable experience. With its rich history, diverse course offerings, and captivating surroundings, it continues to captivate the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts who seek excitement and adventure on the track. Prepare to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of Willow Springs and witness the passion and skill of drivers as they navigate its challenging turns and push the limits of their machines.