The iRacing Daytona 24 Hours is fast approaching this weekend. Many will be taking part in this, their first Special Event in iRacing. So here is everything you need to know for a smooth and fun race.
Image credit: iRacing.com
The Daytona 24 Hours traditionally kicks off the motorsport calendar every year and 2024 is no different. But before the real event, iRacing will host its own event with the same cars on the same track.
The iRacing Daytona 24 Hours takes place this weekend, 19-21 January, and sees the online racing service also begin its year of racing. With plenty of sports car releases over the past 12 months, this year’s edition will be incomparable to last year’s running. With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about preparing for the 2024 iRacing Daytona 24 Hours.
Fortunately, the solution appeared to work with very few complaints of registration and server concerns in 2023. In 2024, iRacing is looking to force all players to use the new UI. As a result, the member site will no longer provide access to the sim in itself from 16 January. So one would assume that server issues will be a thing of the past for this great race.
If you are yet to confirm your choice for a GTP car at Daytona, make sure to check out our LMDh buyer’s guide. In addition to this guide, a unique Balance of Performance released for the event. Whilst not game-changing, it does aim to equalise power and fuel usage across the class.
The slowest class in the Rolex enduro is GTD, or GT3. Much like GTP, this category has seen some new additions, namely the Audi R8 GT3 Evo II in the most recent season. Much like the GTP category, GTD gets its own BoP for the event. But in the meantime, we compiled a quick look at the characteristics of each car so you don’t have to.
In addition to being a narrow stretch of track, the infield section of Daytona is very slow, combining a string of hairpins. At these speeds, the differential between GT and Prototype is far less than other turns. With that in mind, late-braking sends are a bad idea. Instead, take it gently on entry and optimise your exit. A better run out of the turn will both help save fuel and ensure your safety.
Poster for the iRacing Daytona 24 Hours. Image credit: iRacing.com
For slower classes, there is one crucial piece of information to know for the iRacing Daytona 24. Whilst an unwritten rule, it is generally accepted that GT cars hold the lower line on the banking. This allows the faster prototypes to safely predict where to place themselves. Obviously however, GT cars can go side-by-side on the banking to race. In this case, prototypes must revert to patience.
Across the weekend, a total of four time slots will be available to race. The most popular running is sure to start on Saturday at 12pm GMT, coming in tandem with a top class live stream. But here is the full list of 2024 iRacing Daytona 24 timeslots:
Are you competing in the iRacing Daytona 24 Hours this year? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
Image credit: iRacing.com
The Daytona 24 Hours traditionally kicks off the motorsport calendar every year and 2024 is no different. But before the real event, iRacing will host its own event with the same cars on the same track.
The iRacing Daytona 24 Hours takes place this weekend, 19-21 January, and sees the online racing service also begin its year of racing. With plenty of sports car releases over the past 12 months, this year’s edition will be incomparable to last year’s running. With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about preparing for the 2024 iRacing Daytona 24 Hours.
iRacing Daytona 24 Signup Procedure
Most previous edition of this prestigious event have seen the iRacing servers struggle under the load of thousands of entries. Last year, the sim’s developers took extra measure to prevent server issues. Rather than combining team registrations from both the new UI and old-school browser launcher, teams will only be able to register through the UI.Fortunately, the solution appeared to work with very few complaints of registration and server concerns in 2023. In 2024, iRacing is looking to force all players to use the new UI. As a result, the member site will no longer provide access to the sim in itself from 16 January. So one would assume that server issues will be a thing of the past for this great race.
Daytona 24 Car List
As aforementioned, many new releases since January 2023 mean the car list is barely recognisable from last year’s event. Whilst the 2023 Daytona 24 Hours on iRacing saw a single-car top class, this year makes the most of a full GTP selection. The BMW from last year joins the Cadillac V-Series.R, Acura ARX-06 and Porsche 963.If you are yet to confirm your choice for a GTP car at Daytona, make sure to check out our LMDh buyer’s guide. In addition to this guide, a unique Balance of Performance released for the event. Whilst not game-changing, it does aim to equalise power and fuel usage across the class.
- Acura ARX-06 GTP: -2% Fuel, -2% Power, +10kg
- BMW M Hybrid V8
- Cadillac V-Series.R GTP: -1% Fuel, -.75% Power
- Porsche 963 GTP: -3% Fuel, -2% Power
The slowest class in the Rolex enduro is GTD, or GT3. Much like GTP, this category has seen some new additions, namely the Audi R8 GT3 Evo II in the most recent season. Much like the GTP category, GTD gets its own BoP for the event. But in the meantime, we compiled a quick look at the characteristics of each car so you don’t have to.
- Audi R8 LMS EVO II GT3: -1% Fuel, -1.5% Power
- BMW M4 GT3: -1.25% Power
- Ferrari 296 GT3
- Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO: -1% Fuel, -1.5% Power
- Mercedes-AMG GT3 2020: -1% Fuel, -1.5% Power
- Porsche 911 GT3 R (992): -1% Fuel, -1.5% Power
Watch Out For Traffic
In endurance racing, making one’s way through traffic is a major key to a successful run. That is even more true for Daytona. Its layout may appear to provide simple passing opportunities. But a tight infield means patience is crucial.In addition to being a narrow stretch of track, the infield section of Daytona is very slow, combining a string of hairpins. At these speeds, the differential between GT and Prototype is far less than other turns. With that in mind, late-braking sends are a bad idea. Instead, take it gently on entry and optimise your exit. A better run out of the turn will both help save fuel and ensure your safety.
Poster for the iRacing Daytona 24 Hours. Image credit: iRacing.com
For slower classes, there is one crucial piece of information to know for the iRacing Daytona 24. Whilst an unwritten rule, it is generally accepted that GT cars hold the lower line on the banking. This allows the faster prototypes to safely predict where to place themselves. Obviously however, GT cars can go side-by-side on the banking to race. In this case, prototypes must revert to patience.
When is iRacing Daytona 24?
In 2024, the iRacing Daytona 24 Hours holds its typical slot on the calendar, 19-21 January. In fact, the virtual 24-hours will take place on the same weekend as the real-life Roar Before the 24 practice weekend. Last week saw iRacing host its own Roar event, using LMP3, GT4 and TCR machinery.Across the weekend, a total of four time slots will be available to race. The most popular running is sure to start on Saturday at 12pm GMT, coming in tandem with a top class live stream. But here is the full list of 2024 iRacing Daytona 24 timeslots:
- Timeslot #1 – Friday 22:00 GMT
- Timeslot #2 – Saturday 07:00 GMT
- Timeslot #3 – Saturday 12:00 GMT
- Timeslot #4 – Saturday 16:00 GMT
Are you competing in the iRacing Daytona 24 Hours this year? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
